Jamaica 12/17 - Day 2

December 9, 2017

After falling asleep to the sound of the waterfall awakened to the sound of the rooster. This is such a peaceful place. It’s nice to get away from all the stresses of life and take a few moments to try and decompress.

The host call to tell me that breakfast being with you very soon and I can join whenever I’m ready. I did decide to get up and start my day. The shower and very cold water which was not a big surprise to me so I started cleaning up about five minutes and it soon after the water started to warm and even though never hot was warmer than cold.

Even though it had been raining hard the breaks in the rain did provide a bit of sunshine down into the valley. Did you out my windows was just breathtaking.

I went down to breakfast by the water and had some scrambled eggs toast with jelly, and a little salad. It was quite tasty.

After breakfast I walked around the grounds and explored the deck at the natural pool and how long the rushing water coming from the waterfall. Many, many different types of flowers were in bloom and lush green vegetation. It was like a little piece heaven in such a remote place.

I returned to the restaurant gazebo and did a bit of writing, and photo editing waiting for Jason to show up. He was going to take me on a hike to a waterfall. Sheryl had mentioned that it was the Sabbath for the Rasta at camp on the opposite mountain so I asked about going by there instead. He was up for it and it was an hour and a half hike each way, so he said. We headed out.

The hike from Irishtown to the Rasta camp on the opposing mountain was very very difficult. I believe it was more difficult than my last hike, in October, at Machu Picchu. The trail was very steep 90% of the way and with rocks and dirt path being primary way were traveling, I had to stop quite frequently and take a break. Since the trip to Peru I have not been very active due to stress in my life so today’s hike was made even more difficult. That did not matter to me as I want to this challenge and the struggle would be good for me, so I persevered. We stopped halfway at a water hose and turned on the tap to get a drink of water. It tasted very fresh.

Reaching the Rasta camp, Jason and I walked to advantage point where we could see the valley and Kingston and the harbor beyond. There were several guys they’re having a little smoke, smiling and laughing.

Two young ladies approached and the older gentleman who is having his smoke said something that I did not understand. His accent was thick and he was missing some teeth and I could not understand. He spoke in Padua to Jason. I was so uncertain what the presentation of one of the ladies, to me, was that I thought for a moment she was being offered for sex. It took a minute but Jason explained that she West to show me around the village and answer any questions that I had. She explained about the fee to enter the village, but I already knew about the $5.charge. She looked the bill over and asked me for another one as she said the bank would not take it. She pointed out a tiny tear, very very tiny, and that the bank would think you have been washed. I told her that I did not have another five dollar bill and that all of my money was wet from the sweat of claiming to her camp.

They were having service and I was invited to attend. I took off my shoes and socks and entered their place of worship. I kind older man motioned for me to come sit by him and I did so. I sat and listened to the speaker who was talking to the crowd about many different subjects actually. The one most vivid in my memory is that he asked one man what would happen if he committed adultery. His response was forgiven us but the speaker said no, if you committed adultery he would be stoned to death. The man seem surprised by this. At one point they all cited a prayer which Annettte st his response was forgiven us but the speaker said no, if you committed adultery you would be stoned to death. The man seem surprised by this. At one point they all cited a prayer which in its structure and rhythm seem to be similar to the Lords prayer.

I left and have a brief rest on I warn wooden plank bench until the young girl came back for me to show me the shop where they have goods for sale supposedly made by the locals. The little room where there goods were on display, Was filled with ear rings, and bags some carvings, and soaps. Honestly I saw nothing there that I felt was locally made as it all seemed like mass production goods. I did ask about one bar of soap that was made with oats. She told me that it was 1500 and mistakenly I thought that was about $1.75. The cost was actually 10 times that and I put it back and said thank you but I’m not interested.

Jason and I began our hike back to the lodge and very shortly after leaving the camp the rain started. First it was light but very quickly if it came heavy and then heavier and heavier. The rocks became quite slippery and I had to slow down. And two points I slipped on the rocks and came down hard. The rain seem to be at it’s hardest at these points, wouldn’t you know.

We reached the lodge in what seem to be a shorter time than it took to get to the camp. I was very happy to get back and headed straight to my cottage to take my wet clothes off and have a hot shower sure I hope shower. Jason knocked on my door and asked for a tip and I told him that I planned on giving him a tip but I have no small bills to offer at the moment. He seem disturbed by this but I promised him that I would get in the tip and appreciated his guidance today.

I had some cold water and took my shirt off and laid in the Hammock he seem disturbed by this but I promised him that I would get in the tip and appreciated his guidance today.

I got some cold water and took my shirt off and laid in the Hammock with its amazing view, is sun shining, and tried to relax. This wasn’t easy to do as I continued to have work emails sent to me. Grrr

Has a nice dinner of veggie balls (made of beets)with a spicy tomato sauce, rice and pease with a hint of lavender, and a small salad. For dessert, a slide of bread pudding with rum sauce. I was treated like a king as everyone has been so friendly.

I relaxed the rest of the and watched movies. The rain continued and quite hard at times...it’s why everything is so green, so I can’t complain.