Day 3 - Sunset in Negril

Day 3 – Negril!

We started off the morning with a traditional breakfast of ackee (fresh from the tree in the backyard) and saltfish, plaintains, breadfruit and bammy. And yes, I did get a picture this time…after my cousin Andrea yelled –uh – reminded me to do it. :-) 

 

After breakfast we put on our swimsuits, got ready, and headed out for a sunny day of lounging on the beach, right? Wrong! Jamaica had been experiencing a drought for several months, but the rain everyone had prayed for finally arrived as we made our way down the coast. No worries, though. Even in the rain, Jamaica is still beautiful and we had a great time singing along to Beres Hammond’s soulful hits as we drove. Here's a sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj-E-YnyLK4

One of my favorite parts of this road trip was going through Holland Bamboo in Saint Elizabeth’s Parish. Tall bamboo trees stretch out above from both sides of the road, creating a beautiful tunnel that will leave you in awe.

Holland Bamboo

The rain stopped by the time we got to Negril and that little resort town was alive with activity. People were milling about, shopping, eating, or just "liming." Of course we had to go to the famous Rick’s Café, where the brave dive off of tall cliffs into deep blue water and you can watch one of the most breathtaking sunsets while being serenaded by a reggae band.

Andrea and me at Rick's Cafe

Aaaahhh!

 

 

Sunset in Negril

A couple of hours later and we were back in Mandeville, tired but feeling good. I was anxious for the next day – a trip to Montego Bay to see Rose Hall, once home to one of the most notorious women in

Jamaican history – Annie Palmer!