I got back from 2 weeks in Jamaica just under a week ago, and as you all seem to understand - it sucks being home!

After "bragging" on the "What are you doing this weekend" thread that my weekend (May 14th) was the start of my trip to Jamaica, I think I jinxed it! I was feeling pretty happy that I had booked my flight out of Seattle vs. Vancouver, thus saving about $300. Well, that quickly went to costing me about $700 more! And I will not fly out of Seattle again (a warning for you JamCan)!

I got to the airport in plenty of time (about 3 1/2 hours before my flight). I checked in, went through security and sat at the departure gate reading my book for 3 hours before my flight boarded. I get to the gate at boarding time, and I am told that I have to go back through security for "additional screening". By now it is 9:55 pm Sunday night, and the plane departs at 10:20. Nobody offers to help me find where I am supposed to go, and eventually I find security, but they send me somewhere else because I'm not supposed to go through where I was. Finally I found someone who was willing to rush me through security, I race back to the gate, getting there at 10:18 and the guy informs me "Oh, yeah, the plane left."

I was very frustrated and upset, and of course the airline wasn't taking any responsibility because it was a "security issue". What I don't really understand is if I am such a security risk that I have to go through additional screening, why is it okay that my luggage is on the plane without me!?

Anyway, I won't get into all the frustrating points from that night, but I ended up having to cancel my flight (and I now have a credit that I have to use within a year) and buying a whole new flight for the next night! It delayed my arrivial in Jamaica by a whole day, and I had already prepaid my first night's hotel in Montego Bay.

After this initial start though, everything was wonderful! And leaving was very difficult.

We spent the first night in Montego Bay. We didn't do that much there - just walked around the town for a while.

The next day we headed for Negril and we went through George's Plain along the way to meet my friend's family and friends there. It was a beautiful drive, but I have to say that I can't imagine myself ever driving in Jamaica!

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We got to our hotel in Negril in the early evening. We stayed at Traveller's Beach Resort, and it was very nice there. We were in a cabin there, and I probably wouldn't stay in one of those again, but I would stay in one of the rooms in the main building. It was really nice because Sean's family was able to come visit us there without any problem or question, and I have heard that isn't always the case.

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I definitely wouldn't do an all-inclusive there because there is too much to see and do away from the beach and the resorts and I always feel tied to an all-inclusive.

We took a day to go to the Royal Palm Reserve, which was about 30 minutes away from Negril. It is really beautiful there. There is a 1/2 mile long boardwalk that you can take, with signs giving information on the different plants you find there.

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We also took a day and went to Mayfield Falls. Certainly not as spectacular as Dunn's River Falls, but it was a lot of fun, and the water was quite cool! And the drive to get there was a lot of fun. As much as the beach in Negril is very nice, I'm not one to hang out at the beach all day, and I enjoyed seeing the countryside much more.

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My second to last day in Jamaica we drove to Ocho Rios. The drive along the coast line is very nice, but Sean's brother drives very quickly and doesn't like to stop! So there weren't many picture taking opportunities along the way. But once we were there I was able to take a few pictures in Fern Gulley.

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There were so many things I loved about Jamaica. The people I met were all so wonderful. Sean's family was all very welcoming and helpful and they made me feel like I was part of the family while I was there. There is such a variety of things to do while there - from a day at the beach to exploring the countryside.

We ate at Margaritaville a couple of times, but the best meals we had by far were the ones at the local restaurants, and particularly the ones we bought from the street vendors. That was some of the best jerk chicken I have ever had!

The weather was great - we had a couple of rain storms, and it was awesome! Where I live it is one of the driest places in Canada, and so it was nice to sit on our verandah and watch the rain come down.

One thing I didn't like was the mosquitoes! They seemed to love me, and I came home looking like I caught the chicken pox there! Oh, and "After Bite" is absolutely useless!

I am sad because I don't know when I will get to go back - paying for an extra ticket sure messed with my finances! I am jealous of those of you that live in states with the cheap flights! But I am hoping to get back in November for Sean's birthday.

JamCan - when are you planning on going??

Sean picking up shells for me for my scrapbook!

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Some sky/sunset pictures, but not as spectacular as some of the ones I have seen on here!

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Sorry, I don't know how to make the pictures show in the message!

whoa i can't believe you had to go through all that extra hassle at the airport. that woulda made me cry! thanks for sharing your pics though.

I am very sorry you had such a bad time at Seattle. Loved your pics and narrative. Tell us more Blue Eyes. I love Fern Gulley.

Yes, I also enjoyed your pictures and story. Thanks

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Merry meet, Merry part and Merry meet again

Wow Blue I'm soooo sorry you went through that mess!!! Thanks for the BIG heads up, I don't think I'll be doing that EVER!!! I love your pics and if you have more take your time. It seems you were traumatized enough! LOL.

I'm not sure when I'm going next. I was hoping Oct-Nov, or not til spring. Depends on my home situation by then. Also $$$$.

And I concur!!!! That's the only advice I give anyone going to JA .....eat local food!

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Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.

My favorite is to catch it yourself and then have a local cook it. Crab is soooooooo much better when you stab it yourself.

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