Negril, Jamaica March 6-15, 2010

Wow, is it really that time??? Time to say goodbye to Asia? So sad, but so happy at the same time! As we were planning the last course of our journey my little sister Shannon emailed me with a suggestion. . . " Why don't you finish the trip in Jamaica?" My sister and her amazing husband Adam were going there for their vacation and suggested that we join them. . .OK, but, Jamaica?

Jamaica is certainly a different pace and completely different price bracket that we have become accustomed to, but we thought, what the hell? It wasn't long after we received confirmation that my Mother Cindy and her beaux Dwayne would be joining us. Now this should be a party!!!!!

After six long months abroad, there is nothing better than seeing your family's smiling faces. It was the most surreal experience when I was reunited with my Mom and sister. . . in Jamaica!!! How awesome is that?! "Come to Jamaica and feel alright"

 

This was a new experience for Brad and myself. We have never been to an "All Inclusive" resort. We were just so excited that we would be sleeping somewhere that didn't have bed bugs, cockroaches, filthy linen, leaking or not working toilets, hot showers, and we would be able to stay in the same place for 7 days. The "All Inclusive" part was just an added bonus. A bonus our liver will always hate us for, but a bonus nonetheless. When we arrived at The RIU Tropical Bay in Negril we were shown our alluring ocean view room, a room that came fully stocked with it's own self- dispensing bar! Are you kidding me??? This is when I realized that this could get crazy. . .and crazy is exactly what it got!!

Mommy, Brad Shanskies, and me!! Soaking up the warm Jamaican sun :) What an amazing first day we had!

Our first night we deemed gift night. While on our trip we tried to purchase little gifts for all of  or friends and family and we were itching to give them to everyone. The slippers we bought Adam in Laos were the hit of the night!

 View of The RIU

 It seems that everyone in the world knows that you need to wear sunscreen on the first day of your holiday, but. . . no one ever really thinks they will get burned. Oh, you will burn my friends, you will burn. Just take a look at Adam's back if you need any evidence.

 Ouchy Mcoucherson and the Ouch Hounds!

 One of our favorite cultural treats in Jamaica. . . The Steel Drum. These locals were having a blast while entertaining all of us overfed tourists!

 Pool time!

 Mommy and Dwayne :)

Let's get wet, tipsy, and try to remember NOT to pee in the pool!
According to the boys, who were somehow always hungry ( I wonder why. . . oh, wait this is Jamaica), there is nothing better than a huge disgusting looking burger after a hard day of boozing and relaxing. . . I'll take a veggie burger please. This reminds me of a sick Carl's Jr. commercial.

If you can't fit it in. . . force it! ( I'm talking about burgers here people, get your minds out of the gutter!)

 Soooo cute!

 Pappa Dwayne was lovely enough to treat us to a day of climbing Dunn's River Falls and ATV riding in Ochos Rios. At the sight of the perfidious falls I was ready to climb, but thought, there is no way that my mother is going to climb this! See, I thought I was being coy by evading the annoying attempts of the local people claiming that I must rent water shoes, but in the end, I suffered. It was slippery and treacherous at times but completely rewarding when we ALL finished the climb in tact. What a blast! My sister charged it!!! Go Shanskies! After the falls it was off to the ATV riding park.

 Me and my Baby

 Shanskies

  Wow, Mommy is sure being brave. I wonder if Dwayne has anything to do with it? he he

At the end of the ATV trip we had the option of jumping off the cliffs. . . you know we were in!!!! I'm coming! Look out below!!!

Go Brad Go!!!

Our gracious tour guides :)

As everyone can see. . .my sister is gorgeous, and the local men were sure to take notice. Well local men and . . . babies. he he he This guys name is Gerber!

Tan time!

 One foot left stomp?

Hanky and Ducky. Friends forever.

Ok Mon, just stop calling me Bumble Clot!

Ducky and Hanky went out for a few cocktails and this is what we saw when he came home. I'm scared. Ducky, is that you? Why do you look like one of those creepy Mexican Wrestlers?? Luche Libre style. Oh, I almost forgot, Ducky would like to give a "shot out" to his buddy "The El Salvadorian Chorizo"!

Me, Mommy and Dwayne on their last night in Negril. They could only stay for a few days. Bon Voyage! We will miss you!

Every trip to Negril must include a visit to Rick's Cafe. It claims to be the most famous bar in the world, but I would have to disagree. Trader Todd's in Chicago is way more popular!!
However, it is known for the astounding cliffs and the insane people who leap off of them. There are three different levels to jump from. 10 ft, 35 ft, and 80 ft. Yeahhhhh,. . . NO. I would gladly bounce off a cliff at 35 ft, but 80ft???? Are you crazy?? It's rather entertaining and you get served cocktails while you watch!

Just please don't have any orgies in the cabanas. . .OK?

Let's get decked out and have a sisterly beer drinking competition. Yeah, sounds classy huh. Shannon won. She claims "I do that shit like it's my job". No wonder why she won??!!

 My husband shaved off his beard and only left the mustache. He looked like a 70's Porn Star (not that I would know what a porn star looks like, of course).

Juicy!!!

After Mommy and Dwayne left, it got a lil' out of control. Well, while the cat's are away. . . the mice will play!!!!!

After several days on the wagon it can be hard to get that first drink down. Brad and Adam were struggling so we made them order Cadillac Margarita's to get them going! They were super strong and I think there was some gagging involved.

Shannon and I trying to look sexy. . . OK, OK, I said trying!!!!

 We saw this catamaran with the waterslide pull up to the beach and we knew it was a sign. . . We must get on that boat!!!!! I used my bargaining skills, a few winks, and we were on!!! Only there was a catch. . . all four of us had to hide in the bathroom while we drove past the marina, so the boss wouldn't see us!! Hehehehe. . We are so sneaky! Shannon and Adam liked the bathroom so much they stayed in there even longer than necessary. . .um no funny business, this is a family boat!!! I kid, I kid. . .

 Once we were in the clear we jumped on deck, grabbed a rum punch, and set sail for the caves!

 Who's who?

Dr. J, Adam, and Brad living it up! Thanks for sneaking us on Dr. J, it was sensational!

 Just taking it all in and trying not to remember that we only have one day left.

 Words really can't describe. . .

After the boat we went back to the room to "freshen up" and get ready for a night out on the town. By town, I mean a nightclub called "The Jungle". Just follow these simple rules and you're in!

These guys didn't seem to care about the rules.

Last day!!!

We had a magnificent time in Jamaica with our family! Thank you so much for making it the perfect ending to the perfect trip. You guys rock. Only, this isn't really the end is it? Those of you that know us realize that we truly are nomads. . .that being said, stay tuned for our road trip to Chicago! Next posting will be in a few days. Stopping first in Grand Canyon, then we will be in Aspen, Colorado in a week!

 FPK (Fist Pumping Kitty), Ducky, and a few Jamaican Dollars.
FPK is very special. He has traveled with us since Thailand and will continue to be part of the ever-growing Savvy Nomad Family!
Love from the Bumble Clot capital of the world, SammyJoe, Brad (Dirk Diggler), FPK, and Ducky