JAMAICA

Dinner at Canoe

2011-05-05T22:39:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite places is consistently fantastic with it's food and it's character. Canoe is on the road without even room to pull over between the front door and the road. It's mere feet from the water.

One of the attributes of Canoe that makes it feel so welcoming is Georgia. She is always great. We were laughing at how I TOWER over her. I think the conversation began with her making sure I wasn't going to hit my head on the beam if the porch ceiling. If you notice in the upper right hand portion of the menu they actually have "Poutine" on the menu. This, for those who know, is a Canadian thing, as evidenced by the great number of Canadian references from maple leafs to flags and other such things. The owner or his wife happen to be Canadian, thus the reason for it. Even with this Canadian aspect, it doesn't loose any of it's Jamaican feel.

The food is great. We started out with jerk shrimp and an order of home cut fries. These are far and away the best fries in Negril. Hands down.... Stop your searching.... They are right here!

For Dinner I had the grilled Kingfish. It's a meaty steak like fish that is a must have.

Jerry had mahi mahi, again it was great. Each dish came with a pasta salad, some grilled vegetables and fruit.

Gayle cracked us up as she ordered the seafood pasta without the seafood.

Sitting outside, with the glow of the lights from inside, it was a great way to spend the evening chilling to the sound of the water.

- May 4th, 2011
Posted from my iPad

Location:Canoe, Negril JA

Life is hard.....

2011-05-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

For those back home, I wish you could see this place in person. Again the water, it's unbelievable. I now understand how some can let "sand gravity" grab a hold of them and have them never stepping foot off the beach.

A view up 7 mile beach showing the low key and not to busy daytime activity.

On a daily basis, Norman "The patty man", can be seen walking the beach with his hot box on the beach. He wells beef, chicken, pumpkin, and other varieties of patties and coco bread. For a few bucks you can have a tasty lunch or afternoon snack.

I never tire of looking out at the local boats. They are colorful and each unique. Whether it's a fishing boat or a glass bottom boat, they look cool against the backdrop of the water they float on.

Another very cool thing is to watch the local fisherman come to shore on their canoes, bringing in their catch of the day and watching as others come by to look and buy their catch. The people above us were among those buying fish, as they were going to have dinner prepared in their room for them by a local friend.

Later in the afternoon Tyrone came by. We chatted about some places we want to go. We are talking about several ideas, but who is to say which things we will pick and for which days. We know that mountain biking seems to be out, but next time i will bring mine for certain.

- May 4th, 2011
Posted from my iPad

Location:Norman Manley Blvd,,Jamaica

Breakfast at Coco LaPalm

2011-05-05T07:50:00.000-07:00

After rising to a cup of Blue Mountain coffee that I had made, I went and sat down at a table here at Chill Awhile. We had later decided to walk next door to Coco LaPalm for breakfast, but we still wanted to start off our morning with some coffee as we waited for our chairs to be ready.

A familiar face was seen on the beach... It was Tony, the guy I would buy juice from during our previous trips. It still amazes me how he too remembers me. Today I bought some sour sop juice with vanilla, milk, and nutmeg. It was good.

Coco LaPalm is always good for breakfast. They had Ackee which Jerry loved having, and they also have some fantastic banana bread.

Gayle devoured her breakfast of cereal and then had to have my oatmeal as well. She now loves drizzling sweetened condensed milk into her oatmeal .

It was a good way to start off the day :)

- May 5th, 2011
Posted from my iPad

Location:Negril, JA

A little tropical rain....

2011-05-04T03:56:00.000-07:00

Even though this is the "Off" season, and rain is to be expected, it isn't like what we are accustomed to in Seattle. Here so far the rain comes in the late afternoon and maybe for 25 minutes. Ok, so yes when it rains it pours, and I mean buckets, but it's pretty cool. It's also very welcomed after some blazing heat.

Here we are out side Angelas restaurant on the beach as we held our own after running for cover. We hunkered down there for a bit before moving on to Kuyaba.

- May 4th, 2011
Posted from my iPad

Location:Norman Manley Blvd,,Jamaica

Feeding the fish off the beach......

2011-05-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

This afternoon we took in some more swimming. We can't get enough of this water or the feeding of the fish every day. We are going to have slot of time here, and I know we have some non-beach days ahead of us. To give you an idea of the temperature, it's 86, with a "real feel" temperature of 105. And later in the week it's supposed to go up. That's damn hot and plenty reason enough to be in, near, on, or in the general vicinity of water in my book!

Gayle, as I mentioned before, is a fish... A.k.a. ". She is fearless with diving into schools of fish all day long. The fish seem to follow me. After bringing out bread for them they come to me like a cat goes to a can opener.

Jerry Ann had a blast going out with the fish, however she seemed to manage smacking into fish at every turn. Ok, yes, I am laughing even as I type this!

As for me.... Sometimes I'd go in with a mask, most often not though. I liked swimming out to the bout line and beyond. Here's is a view from my point of view.

- Posted from my iPad

Location:Seven Mile Beach, Negril Jamaica

"Chances" for pizza....

2011-05-03T13:04:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm the first to admit "what? PIZZA?....... In Jamaica? Why not a patty or Jerk, etc....?". Well the answer is simple.... I'm having plenty of everything TWICE, and sometimes the thought of seeing what another counties version of pizza is all about.

We went to Chances, which I think recently had their name changed, but for this entrys sake, I will call it "Chances" because that's what it was called last year. Pizza for the most part isn't something available prior to 3pm at most places. Sure may restaurants might have pizza on their menu, but I'm talking specifically about pizza places. Oh and forget about asking route taxis for their opinion without taking into consideration that many are invented to bring people to places that pay them to. Thats not saying they won't give you their opinion, it just means if I were you, I would ask several people and develop some friendships if you can.

We went to Chances and had a cheese pizza as well as a sausage and pepperoni with pineapple pizza. It was pretty close to a Red Baron frozen pizza, but hey, I didnt set my expectation bar too high on this one.

Now back home I love a cold root beer with pizza, but here, I love Ting soda. For those who haven't had it, it's a Jamaican grapefruit soda.

It was tasty enough to have for lunch but for those craving GOOD pizza, we will keep our ears open and perhaps give another place a shot. We already have some place we've gone to for other foods which we plan on revisiting..

- May 3rd, 2011
Posted from my iPad

Location:Chances pizza, Norman Manley Blvd,,Jamaica

After a night of rum.....

2011-05-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up early and walked to the water. The staff wasn't even up yet, only Aaron the security guy. Last night I had a fun evening of trying to convince Needles that I could come up with a drink that was worthy of being on their menu. I had some fresh squeezed sour sop juice, which many say is like a cross in flavor between a banana and a pineapple with just a little sourness to it. I think it's a unique enough flavor on it's own.

So here I am, going back to my kitchen where I grab my sour sop juice with some sugar to sweeten it and lime to ..... Well... um... Add lime I guess. Then I asked Jennie if she could blend that with some fresh pineapple and then add some.... Yep that's right........ Coconut rum! This was one nice ass drink. Funny thing is, that the combination almost entirely neutralized the sense that there was ANY alcohol in it whatsoever. When Needles came back he saw me sipping away with a pitcher of this tropical concoction on the bar. He himself had some and swore it tasted like there was no alcohol in it either. Wow were we wrong. All I know is that the night grew funnier, I became worse at Dominos, my English went down hill, and my understanding of Patois was getting better.

So after a brutal beating at Dominos, I put my baseball cap on, ran along the sandy beach (in the dark mind you), when all of the sudden I almost knock myself out by running into a low hanging portion of a tree. I can laugh now. But DAMN, where did that tree come from? The rest of the night may as well be described as just wanting to kick back in the hammock and chill with Jerry Ann and my rambunctious little 9 year old who asked if she could sleep in her bikini so that she would have a jump start on getting ready in the morning. Lol that made me smile.

We decided, after swimming all morning, to go for a walk down Norman Manley Blvd, the main drag so to speak in Negril. We passed up some colorful little joints along our walk and were talking about what we should do for lunch when one of the local cab drivers pulled up just as it started to rain. We went down the road a couple hundred feet and we ran down a little alley way of sorts until we reached a building with a covered open bar and hunkered down until the rain stopped. Jerry Ann and myself were watching the clouds trying to predict when the rain would stop based on what we saw on the horizon, its angle of approach, and speed. I snapped a few photos of us and the rain.

I found this artwork on the walls to be pretty cool and wanted to capture details such as this for others to see.

- May 3rd, 2011
Posted from my iPad

Location:Idle Awhile, Negril JA

Our first morning of many on 7 mile beach

2011-05-02T16:40:00.000-07:00

So... If there are a few things that have become morning rituals of sorts, one of them is waking up to have a cup of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee with sweet cream. Maybe it's the fact that I seldom drink coffee this way except for when I'm in Jamaica...... or maybe it has something to do with being a stones throw from the azure blue water.... Either way it DOES make the coffee taste better!

Before breakfast I can always count on Jerry Ann scrambling to grab her camera and see what sites are awaiting her. Sometimes it's a hummingbird species not often seen, or at other times there may be a sting ray, but rest assured if it's there to be seen, she'll find it through her cameras eye.

Another morning ritual has been seeing how Erik and Aaron take such good care of us. I asked them when we got here if they wouldn't mind setting up 3 chairs for us next to the small palm plant. Every morning, after Erik has raked the sand, and Aaron has come out with fresh towels for the day, they set up chairs with a table and an umbrella so that Jerry Ann and Gayle can have some shade after being in the hot Jamaican sun. Eric would then stop down by the waters edge to throw some bread into the water to see if there were any fish big enough to net. These guys are among the nicest people. They make coming here feel like a place that wants us back as much as we want to get back here. What a great way to start every day.

Before sitting down to breakfast we spotted a sting ray and managed to capture it on film. Little did we know that this guy makes it's way up and down the beach every morning and then back up around 11:30 am. Just like clockwork. Somehow when I'm 200 feet from shore, having a morning swim, when I see fingers pointing and people leaving the water, I have thoughts of Steve Erwin running through my head. It is always a cool sight though.

- May 2nd, 2011
Posted from my iPad

Location:Idle Awhile, Negril JA

First meal at Chill Awhile in 14 months...

2011-05-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

After settling in, walking the beach, and socializing (which I am told I TEND to do without any concept of time.), we decided to have dinner at "Chill Awhile".

Jerry Ann had the blackened Mahi Mahi with a pineapple chutney. Okay, she is
consistent in ordering great meals. Perhaps you have by now realized that I'm trying ever ones dishes and not just mine!

I ordered the steamed snapper in coconut sauce. Some people refer to it as a I ordered a snapper in a coconut sauce, often called a "rundown" sauce. While they are all rooted in the same basic core ingredients, there are some that stand out as my favorites over others.

This dish was actually on the menu as "shrimp rundown" however I asked for snapper instead, which for those of you who know me, it's no surprise to you that I may from time to time order something that's not EXACTLY on the menu. But hey..... Some of the greatest meals come from asking the chef to take some culinary, dare I say "artistic" license in preparing the meal.

Our first breakfast at Chill Awhile, after a restful night sleep, was at the edge of the sand overlooking the water. Jerry Ann opted for corn pourage, Gayle and I sharred the oatmeal and toast. Their oatmeal was great and had the flavor of nutmeg in it.

Oatmeal Pourage, toast, and coffee...

Corn pourage.

Okay, now it's time to get the sun block on and get ready to go take Gayle out in the water.

- May 2nd, 2011
Posted from my iPad

Location:Chill Awhile

Tensing Pen Snorkeling & Bridge Jumping

2011-05-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks for your patience, all two of you who are following this blog, one of them being ME. lol Apparently because of the song i used in the last video, i was, because of copyright laws, unable to play the video in the US and Germany. Go figure.... Anyway, i took the opportunity to make a tweak or two. bare with me its the first video ive made and posted, but i think it will portray a bit of our time at Tensing Pen pretty nicely. Even though im at Idle Awhile currently, i do plan on taking my friend Steve to Tensing Pen so that i can push his ass off the bridge... Oh i mean "encourage" him!

We are proud of Gayle for how she has taken to the water like a fish. Everywhere we go people have commented on here, her smile, spirit, and maturity for only being 9 years old.
well, here is the video...... enjoy :)

- May 5th, 2011
Posted from my iPad

Goodbye TP, Hello Idle Awhile

2011-05-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

It is time to say goodbye to Tensing Pen, to Razor, Owen, to Bruce, and the dogs, Tensing and Sugar. Afree breakfast and packing, we made our way to the lobby, called Tyrone, and then took some final photos before heading out.

Tyrone came to pick us up and take us to Idle Awhile. While we do love Tensing Pen, Idle Awhile is our favorite place in Negril to stay and it's where we will be for the next 2 weeks.

As you would expect from a 9 year old little girl, Gayle had to bring her doll, with matching luggage, along with her on her Jamaican adventure.

Upon entering Idle Awhile we were greeted with "Dan & Jerry, welcome home.".

Walking down the path to "Chill Awhile" cafe, as we waited for our room to be ready, Gayle was excited to lead the way. It's been 14 months since we were last here. In some ways it seems like only yesterday, but here, in the Springtime, we are again back to where it all began :)

When we walked up to the bar we were shocked to see how everyone remembered us, even our names. With warm hugs and being told "welcome home", we could see other guests starring and wondering who we were. As much as they left quite an impression with us we didn't expect to have more than a smile with the vague look of familiarity on their faces. We were shocked. Jennie, Needles (Carlton), Aaron, Jermain, and later on Kingsly, they were all there and each called us by name.

Walking into our room was a great feeling. We could finally unpack for the weeks ahead of us. Jerry called me from the other room to show me that we were left a "welcome back" gift unlike last time. It brought smiles to our faces as we read the card. Ironically enough Jerry wasn't able to find her beach bag before our trip. Not only were we given one as a part of our gift, but it was much nicer and all the more special now.

The fresh cut tropical flowers that were scattered throughout the room were great to see. Just another reminder of the fact that were in fact in a tropical location.

There are cheaper places to stay but we love the small boutique size of this property. It's not a mega complex of hundreds of rooms, instead there are only 14 rooms here. It has a very high percentage of repeat guests, some who book two years in advance to ensure they get the room they want at the time they want. It's neat to see how others come here not only because of the location but also to reconnect with the friends they made years ago when previously here. I'm sure we will see people we've met before and meet new people in the coming days and weeks. In any event, this is our home away from home....

- May 1st, 2011
Posted from my iPad

Location:Negril JA

Images from Tensing Pen

2011-05-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

Tensing pen is a magnificent place. It's no wonder it's always a top pic for those who seek an ideal spot to get married.

The bridge, seen from many photos, was something I walked over both day and night. I had taken picture from one end to the other and jumped from it on many occasions.

Whether it's the memories of countless jumps I've made, or the sight of others taking the leap, it's hard not get caught up in the views and the desire to leap into the azure blue water below.

From the moment we arrived they had greeted us with a welcome drink, a cool moist face towel that was scented in floral water, and had made us feel welcomed from the start.

The random artwork and carvings were so detailed and everywhere to be found.

Upon entering our cottage we saw the fresh flowers on the bed. The view from our cottage was simply amazing.

There are times in life when pictures don't do justice to the real thing. This is one of those times. Yes, the sights and sounds are more amazing than these photos can capture no matter how we tried.

The view from the cliffs edge to the water below was something I've seen many times before taking that leap into the water below.

Friendly staff like Razor (Sheldon) the bartender, with his off key voice when randomly singing, and his witty comments, made for some fun evenings.

Lounging in the hammock hut was both relaxing and surreal. "I'm actually IN paradise!". This was a thought that frequently ran through my mind.

Tensing pen has a charm and an eclectic feel to it unique to itself.

Location:Tensing Pen, Negril JA

Tensing Pen Snorkeling & Bridge Jump

2011-05-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

The video I had here was removed due to an issue that needed fixing. That just gives me a chance to make an improvement to it as well. In the next day or so I will have the video up of our adventures thus far in the water.

Original post:

Jerry and Gayle spent a lot of time in the water. While my initial attempt at jumping from the bridge resulted in the camera coming loose and busting my lip open, I was determined to not let it deter me. We had a lot of fun over the days spent on the cliffs playing in the water.

-April 29th-30th, 2011
Posted from my iPad.

Last breakfast at TP

2011-05-01T06:07:00.000-07:00

When we got up we decided to grab some breakfast before packing our things. Gayle ordered the French toast with banana syrup. Ok, THIS was good!

Jerry Ann had fruit, toast, juice, and coffee. Sounds simple enough but TRUST me, their dense bread smeared with guava jelly, along with blue mountain coffee, the best orange juice you've ever had, and fruit that is teehee and more vibrant in flavor than any tropical fruit that we can have back home.

Today I asked the cook if she could make Ackee and bacon. I know the national dish is Ackee and salt fish, but that doesn't do it for me. Ackee is actually a fruit that looks like scrambled eggs. It's a fruit that must ripen before being prepared, otherwise it is poisonous and get you sick. You would never know this was a fruit if you weren't already acquainted with it.
Cooked with bacon, onions, and peppers, served with fried plantains and accompanied with traditional jonny cakes, this was GREAT. I'd definately have this again!

- May 1st, 2011
Posted from my iPad

Location:Tensing Pen, Negril JA

Hanging out with Bruce

2011-05-01T04:57:00.000-07:00

I have been the last one on the grounds to go to sleep and the first one up in the morning. I it's vacation but what can I say, I can't sleep when there are things I want to do. Besides what better time than the wee hours of the morning to get these blog posts in.

Every night Bruce, the security guard, and I would chat. He explained that the luminary candles up and down the west end road were put there in memory of a loved one who died. It's custom to do such a thing on the anniversary of a person who died. In this case it was a boy who drove recklessly on a motorcycle, an all to common occurrence here.

Bruce also told me of his dream to go to the US to continue his studies in agriculture. He is 26, and lives on his grandmothers land where he is slowly building his own house. He lives an hours drive from here and once here his shift is 11 hours long. It is surreal to think how for me this is paradise that I can't wait to come to yet for others it's just a job.

Bruce is a really nice guy who kept referring to me as "Mr. Dan" and when surprised at something would always say "Oh gosh". Every morning he would put on a pot of coffee and invite me to have some while Tensing and Sugar, the dogs on the property, would follow him around. I told him I'd have to stop by before leaving town as I want to show my friend Steve this place.

-April 30th, 2011
Posted from my iPad

Location:Tensing Pen, Negril JA

Dinner at Ivans

2011-04-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

I had seen some online reviews of Ivans, which is just next door to Tensing Pen.we had wanted to make sure and try a new spot for dinner that night as tomorrow we would be leaving to head to Idle Awhile.

Jerry Ann and Gayle got to see their first fire flies at dinner, which I didn't realize were even in Jamaica. It brought back memories of growing up in the Midwest.

We had shrimp wrapped in plantains. Jerry loved these.

Gayle had shrimp in coconut sauce that was served in a papaya boat. It was pretty good. Of course she had fries with it as any 9 year old would. Again, I'm just glad she isn't ordering chicken fingers, which every place has for kids who want a familiar food while their parents savor the different foods. She is an adventurous eater for a 9 year old.

Jerry Ann had, AGAIN, a great dish. It was snapper in a fruit sauce topped with small chunks of pineapple. While it typically comes with rice and peas, the mention of fries sounded good to Jerry too. Lol

As for me, I too enjoy the snapper here in Jamaica. I had it prepared in a coconut pimento sauce. Pimento is what they call allspice, the prominent spice found in jerk sauce.

-April 30th, 2011
Posted from my iPad

Location:Catch a Falling Star, Negril JA

Waterlogged

2011-04-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

Gayle should have gills! She has been in that infinity pool every second she can, and when she isn't in it she is ASKING when it is that she could go back in.

We went snorkeling and Gayle did great. Jerry Ann had a blast, and for someone who has a fear of the water, she surprised herself and I with how much she wanted to be in the water. Now that I think of it it was I who was in the water the least, and I was in it a lot!

Jerry, after I snapped this photo, was out on the water by herself following schools of fish. Her desire to capture picture was not limited to land alone. This trip was much better for snorkeling. There aren't a mass amount of jellyfish like last year, which was due to a storm last year, and Gayle is older and more confident in the water.

Now when im in Jamaica im not one for pools. Id rather swim in the warm clear ocean, but the view from the infinity pool IS pretty wild. So every day we would look out from the pool to take in the sights of the catamarans and fishing boats as they passed by.

- April 30th, 2011
Posted from my iPad

Location:Tensing Pen, Negril JA

Friday, April 29th, in the wee hours of the morning...

2011-04-30T01:17:00.000-07:00

It was dark when I got up this morning. 4:49am, at least a good hour before sunrise, but a perfect time to enjoy a different side to Tensing Pen.

Walking down the path I stopped to snap a photo. Then I walked through the dining area and up to the open air lobby area where I sat down with my iPad in hand and loaded the pictures from the previous day. It's quiet at this early hour.

The only one awake are Tensing & Sugar, the dogs on the property. The security guy was also kicking back and he very shortly after seeing me asked if I'd like to join him for some coffee. The people are so friendly here. Jerry and Gayle will probably be sleeping for a few more hours, so this is a good time to get the blog entry in before I stroll the grounds, watch the sun rise up, and then later go get the two of them so that we can have breakfast. The camera just doesn't capture the sights of these early hours. Suffice it to say, it's a great time to wake up and to sit, stroll, and listen. Like I said, it's a different side to this place, equally cool on it's own right and definitely cool.

- Posted from my iPad

Location:Tensing Pen, Negril JA

Our last dinner at TP

2011-04-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

We rarely have meals twice in a row, especially on vacation where trying new things is what it's all about.

I had to have that snapper with pumpkin sauce that Jerry had the other night. Snapper poached in coconut cream with pumpkin, served with coconut rice.... Ya Mon!

Jerry had the Jerk Shrimp, which was amazingly great. I think I will just have her order for me from now on because she's been picking some winners.

Gayle, a.k.a. "Gayle Wind", as Owen refers to her, ordered the Jamaican jerk pasta which was a good choice for kids who like noodles. It wasn't something I'd get for myself, but hey, liked it.

After dinner Tyrone came by to say hello and have a beer with me. He, I, and Gayle played Dominos. Let's just say that being beat by a 9 year old repeatedly had both Tyrone and I backing away quietly.

-April 29th, 2011.
Posted from my iPad

Location:Tensing Pen, Negril JA

Our first full day continues....

2011-04-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

Everything I'm writing about this trip has been done on my iPad. It's great to not have to tow around a laptop like previous years.

After breakfast that morning we decided to snap a few photos of Tensing Pen before we took advantage of some time spent in the water.

Our middle pillar is situated right off I little cove about 30" up from the water below. Every night the sound of the water lulls us to sleep as the cool wind passes through the louvered shutters.

I never tire of walking across the bridge that I will jump from later this morning. This one is newly built as the one I walked last year was destroyed by a tropical storm.

One thing I never get over is just how many brilliantly colored flowers there are EVERYWHERE. Countless times I would see birds going from flower to flower. It's not just the climate or the water that defines the Caribbean, but everything about this place leaves you in awe.

I think if I had to pick one favorite view I would have a seriously difficult time. I do love looking out at the hammock hut. Today it's being set up for a couple who was married here just a few days ago.

I've jumped from this cliff every time I've been her. How can one NOT jump? It's the Caribbean! Part thrill, part right of passage of sorts, but all just plane fun when plunging into the water below.

- Posted from my iPad

Location:Tensing Pen, Negril JA

To the Rock house for lunch

2011-04-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

Well Gayle was happy to find coconut shrimp, as she has never had a typical child's palate. No chicken fingers for this little girl.

We also ordered the conch fritters. These were better than others ive had before, something worth trying while here, but not a particular favorite.

I had the coconut chicken with pineapple salsa, which was damn tasty.

And of course no meal would be complete without the staple food around here of rice and beans made with coconut milk.

Jerry Ann had grilled snapper. They were all great in their own right. I am convinced however that you can't loose if you have something crusted in coconut and accompanied by a fried plantain!

- Posted from my iPad

Location:Rock house, Negril JA

Ras Rody's Organic Food

2011-04-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

After walking to the Rock House we walked the west end road, stopping off so that Jerry could buy a colorful wrap. We stopped by some familiar places. One such place, Ras Rody's Organic Foods, is a favorite of Jerrys. It's strictly vegan, which means SAFE for Jerry and her egg allergy concerns.

Like many stands, he and his family prepare great food. He actually takes great pride in the food he prepares and serves. It's a big hit for many of those who come to Tensing Pen as a Yoga retreat. Pumpkin soup, potatoes, callaloo, tofu and squash stew, it's all very fresh and flavorful. Jerry actually ate this for lunch the following day but hey, gimme a break, I'm actually blogging this time, so be thankful!

This stand may seat about 5-6 people. It's small and it's a favorite of many. The last time we were here, on our second trip, Ras Rody's was where we had our first meal. It surprised me not only with it's flavor and the respect the man has for preparing healthy food, but also for how it felt very nourishing. For those who would pass up such places out of fear of trying something new, you should check it out. We are very glad we did, and it became a place that Jerry Ann looked very forward to eating at on this trip.

-April 29th, 2011.
Posted from my iPad

Location:Tensing Pen, Negril JA

Walking the West End

2011-04-29T09:35:00.000-07:00

On the side of the road there are little shacks and bars offering food, drink, massages, bike rentals, etc....

If there was one sight that had me doing a double take It had to be this beer garden along the side of the road. It looked like a drummer exploded next to this tree. Lol

The foliage and critters around TP are a site. Birds of all type landing on branches, lizards on the walls, and even the occasional hermit crab can be found along the pathways.

Upon returning to TP, we stopped off at the lobby area and decided that we would kick back and get some time in to chat with other guests that evening.

- Posted from my iPad

Location:Tensing Pen, Negril JA

Dinner at TP

2011-04-28T21:30:00.000-07:00

After a day of recharging our batteries, we had dinner here at Tensing Pen. Jerry had the Snapper in a coconut and pumpkin sauce. Ok, DAMN was that good!

I opted for the cashew nut crusted Grouper with mango sauce. This was great as well. Both fish dishes were far better than most fish dishes back home. They are firm fish, and the snapper is a warm water variety, not to be mistaken for the snapper back home on the west coast.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Tensing Pen, Negril JA

We arrive at Tensing Pen.....

2011-04-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

This time, being our 3rd time here, we were greeted the same way we have been just like our other times here. A friendly smile, a cold damp towel with what smells like some floral water, used to freshen up and wipe your brow after a long trip, followed up with a fresh ice cold glass of punch. What better way to immerse yourself into vacation mode than to stand there in the open air lobby taking in the view as you let everyday life back home fade away and the cool island song of the water, the birds, and yes, the reggae, consume you.

On this trip we decided to stay in the Middle Pillar. A treehouse style cottage, it overlooks the bridge below and has a very cool outside stone shower.

After a quick stop off at the Cambio to exchange some money, we went to our room and were eager to get outside and see the water. Somewhere here there is a couple, Dave & Cindy, from the TripAdvisor forums, who told me how they too would be staying here and to come to the bar to have a drink. I will keep a lookout for them.

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Location:Negril, JA

We are here!

2011-04-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

After a long, long ass flight with two re-routes and over 10 hours of flying all together, we got through customs and walked out to see Tyrone waving to us. There was his blue and white van, the one that I swear everyone on the island knows.

It's weird, no matter where we go, even hours away from MoBay or Negril, there is always someone who waves and talks with Tyrone.

Former high school soccer champ, ex chef from Massachusetts (where he worked for a few years before going home), Tyrone is one cool guy who always goes out if his way to show us local spits that even some locals don't know of. So for those who want to get away from the tourist traps and see the real Jamaica..... Rastafarian Tyrone is the man to take you around!

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Location:Negril, JA

What's that yellow orb in the sky?

2011-04-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

As many know, Seattle gets a raw deal with it's reputation for bad weather. I like Seattle, a lot even, and I agree that the weather stories are greatly exaggerated. That bein said DAMN what is it with this crazy weather. On April 20th it was 32 degrees and just this morning on the 28th, I heard that snow had come down. And don't get me started on the rain because I think I saw my neighbor building a large wooden structure and filling it with two of every imaginable animal he could find. Just saying that the grey clouds, the dense growth of moss where grass once lived, steady rain Allllllllll day long, followed by overflowing gutters........ Those who know what I'm talking about let me warn you now. Proceed at your own risk because the images you are about to see are real! These are actual events and I cannot be held responsible or held liable for any damage you cause your computer once you throw it out the window. I can however rub it in and hold up my cool cool drink and toast all of you back home who are wet and cold wishing you were somewhere else. Lol

This is what I like to say is my favorite color......... "Not Grey".

The view from 20,000 feet is fantastic, and for those who think the end of April and beginning of May is a bad time to go to Jamaica ....... iTS JAMAICA!!! He'll don't take my word for it.... Just look over my shoulder and out the window of the plane :)

See! would I lie?

again for those of you in Seattle right now, my "External" voice may sound something like "yeah the flight was okay, hope the weather is good for you guys back home...... See you soon."

But my "Internal" voice sounds more like ........ "Suckers!!!! I hope it's pissing down rain right now. You and your 43 degree days. Oh and I was told that it snowed a bit yesterday. Seeeeeeee ya!"

Oh yes, get upset, get mad, and/or get jealous. As for me, I'm gonna get tan while you all rust. As for Steve.... Just 7 days left bro, and you'll be here so the folks back home can here us rub it in, in Stereo! Did I mention that I Love Jamaica :)

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Location:Montage Bay, JA

Prepare for takeoff

2011-04-28T06:04:00.000-07:00

It's that time again, the time when that island vibe is calling my name. 7 months in the making. We booked our stay, our plane tickets, asked Steve to come, and patiently waited. Okay, I'm not a patient man, and for those that know me, that isn't a big shocker. I have been looking so forward to this trip, #3. I've been looking forward to stay g over half a month on the island...... Looking forward to using my brand new passport holder..... Looking forward to seeing familiar faces ..... To island fruit, warm water, and the sounds of Reggae. "Ya Mon!"

After a long flight from Seattle, that had the pilot charting a new route to avoid some wicked lightning storms, we arrived in Charlotte NC. it was almost 7am and where else do responsible dads take their 9 year old daughter for a quick breakfast? Why to the "Bacardi Rum Bar" of course! :)

After a quick bite of food and a change of clothes, we boarded the plane and we were the very first ones on. I pulled Gayle aside and suggested she go and see if she could say hi to the pilot and maybe even have a chance to peak inside. Well, not only did she get to peak inside, but they raised the co-pilots seat up nice and high so that she could see out the window.

She was glowing and sooooooo happy that I encouraged her to talk to the pilot. Now if you are short, and I mean Hobbit short, then you may need a phonebook or two just to see out the window! hey, pictures don't lie !

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Location:Charlotte NC

Cant Sleep...

2011-04-27T01:30:00.000-07:00

This is our 3nd trip to the Island. Our first plane doesn't take off until 10:30 pm, which gives us all day to finish packing, find a last minute item or two, and wait. As i've said before, I feel like a kid the night before Christmas. Part of the reason im not done packing is probably because I keep playing with all of my gadgets and gizmos. Configuring the mini laptop is what my wife is doing in these last few moments as I instead plan on using my iPad to blog and be semi available for any dire work needs. oh and I DO mean dire! as in someone better be on the verge or mortal danger with no way out before resorting to contact me for anything with the word "work" in the sentence!

How am I getting THAT back?

2011-02-17T02:00:00.000-08:00

For those who want to see the ridiculous level of interest i had last year in bringing back rum, i thought id post pics of my preparation to bring back .....um.... A FEW bottles. Its safe to say that this was a one time deal. First of all somewhere along the way several bottles of rum were "liberated" (thats stolen, to you and me, so lesson learned. Bring back a few bottles, as defined by what normal people would call "A few", and not MY idea of a few bottles. Lol. Hey, it was still pretty cool, and yes, those are my clay pirate rum containers I use when I infuse my own batches of rum at home. The he'll with Captain Morgan.... Captain Dan is a much better magic elixir. I'm not tootin my horn, ok perhaps a little, but after tasting it a friend of mine who is a bartender in California, has asked that I ship him a bottle because the owners of his establishment are interested in possibly even carrying this special infusion in their bar. Pretty cool.

So here I am at 3:27am the morning of February 17th. Im looking across a dinning room table filled with things to still pack and playing mental tetris with how to pack the things I want to bring. Oh this isnt a matter of how to toss clothes in a suitcase. Far from it. This is our second trip to Negril and with this comes a smarter version of my former self. Jerry Ann and Gayle are both outfitted with snorkel equipment. We are talking masks with purges, true dry snorkels, fins, an underwater digital camera, we've got the goods!

While many people pack their own snorkel equipment I know that this isnt unusual. We have also planned ahead in terms of those prized items that we plan on bringing back with us. I know we arent the first to come up with the idea of packing one suitcase inside of another in or

der to ensure more room for bringing back items. The items we relished last year were the Blue Mountain coffee beans. With an almost delicate tea like quality this coffee is pretty remarkable. This isnt your fathers folgers! Its also prized and ranked amongst the top

coffees in the world, fetching prices upwards of $50 per pound. That being said we are planning on returning with enough coffee to keep us content for many months. Again, bringing back coffee beans isnt unusual either, I understand that.

The other two items I brought back last year, that I loved so much, was a

specific Coconut Rum by Wray & Nephew, called Coco Mania. I learned after returning home last year that there is nowhere in the US to buy this rum and that I would have to wait to go back. That turned into a summer of rum infusing where to this day I have jugs of earthenware, in traditional pirate fashion, filled with different rum infusions. This is an entirely different story that I will get to later. The other item that I loved bringing back was the authentic Jamaican Jerk sauce that was made for me by the chef at "Chill Awhile Cafe". All summer our parties and BBQ's had this amazing sauce that I knew upon going back that I would need to get more of this jerk sauce as well as more rum.

I plan on bringing back atleast 10 bottles of rum, 15 pounds of coffee beans, and 5 quarts of sauce from some of my favorite establishments. And as you sit there, laughing or shaking your head, thinking of all the broken glass and the dripping wet suitcases held up at baggage claim, let me tell you that I have thought this out quite well :)

Here are the quart sized food grade containers with blank labels that I have ready for the trip where I will be able to bring back enough Jerk sauce for many many gatherings.

The foam container to the right is a special alcohol transport container. I ordered some of these so that we can transport them in our luggage without fear of damage. Fear of weigh perhaps, but not breakage.

Beyond the containers I found these bottle protectors call "Wine Skins". conforming to the shape of 750ml bottles they are filled with bubble wrap and prevent leaking if any damage occurs. Pretty cool idea, and as you can see I bought a few of these too.

All told I have a few containers, boxes, and protective skins, that I will have a fun time bringing back these highly prized items. The picture below shows a portion of what I have. Yes, I said a portion. As in, YES, I have more :)

This is going to be a fun trip to say in the least. Hello Jamaica. Hello coconut Rum. Hello Reggae. Im coming home :)

Rather chillax than blog

2009-05-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

So due to my lack of dedication to all things "Blog" I simply have to say that Jamaica is my kinda place. Cool vibe, friendly people, epic beauty, and as the saying goes.... "Once you go, you'll know!" Ya Mon.
I started out on this trip with the thought of having a once in a lifetime vacation. I brought my parents, and we celebrated both our wedding anniversary as well as my fathers 60th birthday. It was truly fantastic. 9 days of fantastic times and memories that I found so impactful that before leaving I had already decided that I would be back, and SOON. For those who like to experience Sand Gravity at its finest, Jamaica is just great. Me however, even though I love kicking back on the beach, I ache to get out and explore the area. Whether taking a local taxi to some local spot off the beat and path, or going up river, hiking through rivers, I simply love to see all that this island has to offer. Like many, I have had various fruits before.... Banana, Mango, Papaya, however there is something almost mystic about the fruit I thought I was familiar with. Infused with a vibrant flavor, I have found nothing compares to the fruits of the Caribbean when eaten IN the Caribbean. Us westerners become so used to what is available at our local stores. We have rows of food back home label as the "Ethnic" section, and it would lead you to believe that what is available is a good cross section of what is to be found across the world. It wasnt until going to Jamaica that I discovered fruits that were so foreign to me. Fruits like Sour Sop, which is a must try for any would be traveler who has yet to experience it. Flesh that is white and succulent, with a flavor that is like a cross between banana and pineapple. It has become a personal favorite. Well there isnt much more to say that to tell you that Im not sure if I will finish this blog of our first trip any time soon, or If I will simply start up again when our second trip is planned, because Oh YES, there WILL be a second trip, and im already thinking of Next Year! Mark my words :)