Still Celebrating My Birth

This past week I was fortunate enough to spend a week in Negril, Jamaica. It was my first time in Jamaica, and while I had plans to explore the many islands of the Caribbean within the next few years for my annual birthday trip, I am already planning my trip back to Negril. Upon arrival at the airport we were greeted by smiling faces, once we made it through customs and retrieved our luggage, we waited  on the shuttle bus at an outdoor bar sipping beautiful concoctions and soaking up the scenery, weather and the gorgeous people. I live to people watch, and there was an abundance of attractive men and women floating around the airport, granted confidence is a key factor in beauty, but even that will only score so many points in the beauty book. Jamaica's people, culture, and country is truly divine. 

I was not oblivious to the fact that Jamaica is a poor country who depends heavily upon tourism, however this realization became evident as I noticed the houses on our ride to Negril. Some structures were barely holding on for life, and others were so small I could only hope it provided shelter for just one person. What surprised me the most, was that not even a stone’s throw distance from these small cabins were multi story houses upon hills with foreign cars nestled in the driveway. In America oftentimes those who are far removed from poverty live miles away from those who aren’t, in the best neighborhoods avoiding those who are not on their level. However, these communities felt like communities, people from all walks of life living together. I could be wrong, but that’s what I took away from this experience. 

I stayed at the Negril Treetop resort, and God showed favor on me and my mustard seeds worth of patience by allowing all the travelers on the shuttle bus to be in this same resort, which meant no unnecessary stopping. This was a black owned resort, which carried a lot of weight with me because oftentimes it’s hard for me to give my hard earned vacation dollars directly to a black hotel proprietor.  Gail, the owner, was warm, friendly, courteous and deserving of my business, and I highly recommend others visiting Negril to seek her out. The Tree Top exceeded my lodging expectations. The rooms were spacious, clean and the grounds were breathtakingly beautiful. Outside of each room was personal  patio furniture and a hanging swing; hammocks cradled between tropical trees were in abundance providing shade or the perfect setting for afternoon reading; staff were always available and eager to assist and make our vacation memorable. Although the Tree Top isn’t an all-inclusive resort, the complimentary American & Jamaican breakfast served was a great start to the day and the outdoor pit headed by Chef Aaron kept my palate craving jerk inspired dishes. Also, as I wasn’t inclined to eat only at my resort, I had the pleasure of experiencing various restaurants on the Seven Mile Beach. Several nights my BFF and I indulged in two for one lobster dinners with jerk shrimp and every other type of seafood and tropical delicacy one could imagine.  

My only desire regarding activities was for a massage, and when I got a glimpse that they were given directly on the beach I immediately signed up. I also mustered up enough courage to mount a horse, and take a ride through the hills of Negril. As a full bodied woman, I did a bit of praying during this activity and was relieved that I wasn't forced to ride a small donkey (rumor has it the larger your weight the smaller the horse, as the little ones are stronger, who'd of thunk it), however I never fully become one with the beautiful white stallion I rode. My BFF and I also participated in the one love bus bar crawl, Lenbert our driver was professional and full of life, showing us seven authentic Jamaican bars most tourist would of never been able to experience on their own. We also made friends with some Canadians and some transplant locals.  I did a bit of water play, but as I'm not a swimmer I decided to opt out of the water activities, I also figured it best to save something for my return trip.

For me the beauty of traveling is the experiences gained that otherwise would of never been possible. I experienced a beautiful sunset with a beautiful new friend, met some locals who invited us briefly into their world, bonded with my friend of fifteen years who discovered that I hold full conversations while sleeping,  shopped with locals, and felt like the true Princess Beyonce Ross Franklin(my alter ego) because Jamaican men flirt with a sincerity I have yet to see elsewhere. I cannot wait to attempt to top this trip.

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