Jamaica: A Vibrant Caribbean Island

Part of the crew on the way to Montego Bay.

How did this happen? I wasn’t exactly sure how this trip happened. What I recalled and remembered was that sometime in May I was floating as a nurse in 2B (my former unit), when Tia (a Patient Care Tech) said to Diana something to this effect: “I wan’t to come to your Filipino party sometime. It seems fun.” Diana, one of the night nurses, responded also to this effect, “I wan’t to experience Jamaican party too.” I thought I overheard they are going to Jamaica so I said, “I want to go too.” This discussion was about two minutes to huddle, so everyone must have heard it, and everyone expressed that they want to join the fun as well. Fast forward to eight weeks later, all nine of us (unfortunately, Tia, who was the brain of the idea going to Jamaica, wasn’t able to come) met at the airport to catch our noon flight to Montego Bay.

It was a smooth 2.5 hour flight from Orlando to Montego Bay and a 5 minute drive from airport to hotel; the trip was short and very convenient. After we checked in (we have four different areas of the hotel) and have ourselves refreshed, we headed to St. James.

Stacy and I at the. bamboo raft; behind us was Abheena. We were taking a break and buying our lunch.

Bamboo River Raft. It took us about forty five minutes to get to St James. Abheena pre-arranged everything from someone she knew in the island about our excursion so by the time we got there- we just hopped on the raft and had fun. We stopped at a store after a short raft and tried an authentic Jamaican food- I got my first authentic oxtail.🤣

By the time we were done eating it was dark. We rafted for another short distance, stopped for a few, and decided to head back- mosquitos were attacking all of us. When we got back to the hotel it was past nine, we almost didn’t make it to the buffet, we were the last of the few to eat before the restaurant closed.

Day 2.

I woke up early. Diana and Justin whom I shared room with were still asleep. I didn’t bother to wake them up so I enjoyed my solo morning walk and enjoying slight breeze of salt air. while taking photos of the Caribbean. I crossed property lines; and walked pass by three more hotel resorts as I admire the beauty of the turquoise ater. By the time i decided to return to our resort, it was broad daylight. I saw Jella, and wevdecided to go to breakfast as Pauline and the rest of the crew joined us not too long. after.

I never realized the challenge of a nine-member trip until we were deciding what activity to do. All has different ideas and all had different things they want to experience. We have not finalized any excursion the night before, so after breakfast we all went to the concierge to find activity/ies that best suit us.

Jam West2 Catamaran. After a lot of banter, we settled for a sunset cruise. The drive to our starting point was 1.5hrs since the catamaran we’re riding is in Negril. I wasn’t a big fan of the drive since the experience last night was bumpy- and gave me some headache; thank God the van is a lot better and comfortable- and since its daytime, there’s a lot to see outside.

We arrived at Jamwest Beach. While waiting to board, the host of the restaurant we were all held up, played some quiz game. For the warm up, it was a general information questions. We didn’t win the first round even though I pretty much got some questions about geography, but one thing I learned from the game was Usain Bolt’s (olympic world record for the fastest man in 100m who is hailed from Jamaica) middle name- St Leo. The second round was about music- Toya and Pauline were nailing each and every song titles. This time we won.

By the time the game finished, boarding on the catamaran just started. To my surprise ( or maybe everyones’), we have to walk waist deep water and carry our bags overhead to get on the boat. I heard my colleagues laughing behind me as I struggled carrying my bags of clothes and camera. This is different from the catamaran cruise Bob and I have done in St Johns, USVI.

About an hour on the boat, we stopped. We have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the Caribbean Sea. I was hesitant at first; but with so much peer pressure, I managed to swim and have an experience the turquoise water. Last In First Out is always been my rule; so after a few swimming with my friends, I went back to the boat and just enjoyed watching them savoring the warm water.

After an hour of swimming and snorkeling; we headed to the famous Rick’s Cafe. A staple must visit place in Negril (or in Jamaica). I wasn’t really sure what to expect but, I went along for the ride.

Top: Some of us swimming at the Caribbean Sea..
Bottom: On top the Rick’s Cafe Cliffside Bar; Enjoying the sun on the Catamaran

On the way the blue sky turned grey; then it rained. When I thought it has ruined the fun, to my surprise everyone I saw as we dock were still having fun. The Catamaran stopped distant from the offloading boardwalk. We have to transfer to a smaller boat so we can go and check out the place.

The Rick’s Cafe Experience. I was clueless as why we were so eager to go to a cafe in the middle of a downpour when we can actually just turn back and head home. After all, I didn’t think we have the shots to see the sunset while sailing since the sky is now covered of thick, grey, nimbus clouds. But we still proceeded. When we got off the board walk, I immediately realized why we needed to see this place. Rick’s is a popular cliffside bar in Negril. Famous for cliff jumping which I enjoyed watching as many tourists were having a great time plunging in the warm water. They can jump at various heights- at their own risks. Our own Charisma braved the highest jump and gave It a try. While waiting for the rain to stop, we were entertained by live music. Jamaicans know how to party, and you really can feel that reggae is their main jam. By the time the downpour stopped, it was also time for us to go back to the catamaran.

Caribbean Sunset. After we loaded back to the catamaran, we sailed again. I had never expected to see the sunset; after all the sky still covered with grey clouds. I can see some clearing from the horizon but doubted that the sky will open. But never say never. For some reason, the horizon we’re approaching slowly showing shades of blue. The clouds were dissipating. By the time we were in the middle of no where; the sky put up a magnificent show. In all the sunset cruises I have been, I think this by far is the most beautiful sunset I have ever witnessed on a boat. The Caribbean sunset is truly wonderful! Pink orange, yellow orange, bright golden rays… I don’t know how to describe it. I was just in awe. We all enjoyed it while it lasted. By the time it was almost dusk, we also reached our destination. Our DJ said, “ all the things come to an end.” And this was how we ended our day.

After an hour and a half ride to our hotel, we had dinner and called the night.

Day 3 was Our Day of Recovery. Our last full day we agreed to not have any excursion. We dedicated this as day of recovery and relaxation. We started slow trying to recuperate from the tiring yet outstanding trip we had the previous day. We took time with our breakfast buffet. Followed by swimming at the beach alternating with the pool while drinking cocktails infinitely. I attempted to play pool volley but my shoulder remains sore; so I stopped right away. Day went by fast when drinking; around 4PM we all headed up to our rooms to rest and refresh for our dinner at the Italian restaurant.

We all cleaned up good. By 630PM we were all queued to have a nice dinner. I was really happy that I get to spend a rarity of an event like this with my colleagues. This one will go down memory lane.

This was the fun part, after dinner some of us (including myself was still craving for food, so we headed to the buffet line🤣). After that, we joined the others for the entertainment night- we played Kahootz and watched some musical performances showcased by the locals. I must say that I was impressed by the activities Riu Hotel- an all inclusive place- put together.

A couple more drinks and we called the night.

The following day was another relaxing day. Since this was our travel day, we chose to just hang out after Breakfast. Pauline and Jella and I went for another swim at the beach for one last time. After that it was time. For us to get ready.