Day 4 – Wednesday, May 26

Port of Call: Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Ring . . .Ring went the telephone.

“Hello?” May I speak to Pepper?
”May I ask who is calling”
”This is Reggie (from Kansas City). Get up! It’s time to go to Jamaica Mon”
”Reggie, What time is it?
“8:00 a.m.”
“Reggie, please give me the name of your next-of-kin. I need to call them”

No need to set the phone for a wake up call. Reggie was on task once again!

 

The captain announced we had arrived in Jamaica. He reminded us that if we didn’t know what day it was, which many of us did not, all we had to do was get on the elevator because the crew changed the sign on the floor as a daily reminder.

It was 89 degrees, sunny and hot mon! Taxi cabs and vans awaited us on the island to take us anywhere we wanted to go. Some of us went shopping, others went on island excursions. The first place you come to when you arrive in Ocho Rios is a duty-free liquor store. They had about fifteen different kinds of rum for you to taste in all flavors including coconut, banana, pineapple and more. Many of us took advantage of the free samples that were given to the tourists.

Joi (Atlanta, GA) went snorkeling and reported that the waters contained an abundance of beautiful fish and it was an experience that she will never forget. Other’s went parasailing, riding on the Jet Ski’s or to Dunn’s River Falls, a 600 ft. water fall where tourists can climb the rocks and bathe in the cool flowing stream.

My posse (Pepper and Tanya) and I headed to the shops and spent a lot of money. The shopping in Jamaica was a lot better than Haiti. Not much hassle. There were a lot of gold and diamonds for sale at good prices when compared to the prices in the states. Later, we stopped for a bite of that famous Jamaican Jerk chicken and were immediately hooked.

Wanda (Suitland, MD) took an excursion that featured Dunns River Falls and a swim with the dolphins. This tour included dolphins engaging in water activities where the guests could participate along with them, getting up close and personal and later partake in a dolphin show.

The tour to end all tours was the Bob Marley tour. The drive through the neighborhoods showed a part of the island where the housing conditions were quite poor and in dilapidated condition. The homes were extremely small, not much room for a family larger than two. I’m sure that there are parts of Jamaica where the income level is higher but that was not seen on this tour. There were a few things that reminded us of home: Gas was $3.00 per gallon for regular octane fuel and there was a KFC on the corner.

Overall, the Jamaicans seemed to be very laid back and mellow. The Bob Marley Tour showed why their most popular saying is “No Problem Mon!”. Even though MJ is not legal in Jamaica, some of the locals tend to partake in the activity. Lamont (New Jersey) went on the tour with a few other skaters. He reported back that during the tour, the tour director had a few fat ones rolled up and freely offered to anyone who wanted to try it. Of course our skaters turned it down (according to their side of the story : ) but there were others on the tour who felt they had the right stuff to handle it. Well, one guy didn’t make it. He thought he was the man and passed out! One tip for you if you ever take a trip to Jamaica - watch what you are offered and don’t take everything someone gives you.

One . . . Two . . . Knock-Out RUM Punch

James and Janet Kirk (Columbus, OH) were not only cruising to skate but to celebrate their third wedding anniversary. The Kirks were married in a ceremony on wheels. The couple, guests and even the preacher was wearing skates. The cruise was their delayed honeymoon for them. While touring the island, they wanted to know what was the best drink to try in Jamaica and based on a recommendation, they decided on Rum Punch. Well, a punch is what they got. After one drink, they were down for the count. We didn’t see them any more that day. They both went back to the ship and passed out, sound asleep, not waking up until morning.

Around four thirty, or five o’clock, it started to rain. It really didn’t matter because it was time to get on the ship. Most people chose to take taxi back to port. We wanted to walk. There is nothing like a tropical rain falling on you in the warm climate of the Caribbean. Who needs an umbrella, just let it rain.

Back on the Ship – Time to Party

The cruise line hosted a Pool Party on Deck 11. There was a Caribbean band that played music with local flavor. The emcee and her crew started the party with line dances, some we had never done before but were easy to learn, if you were not intoxicated by now. On deck was Wanda, Joi, Shelly, and Cynthia to name a few. They partied, partied and partied more. There was also a buffet that extended about ¼ of the deck. Sherri (Indianapolis) stood by watching the ice sculptors produce a beautiful display in a manner of minutes. The party continued through the evening until again, it was time to go to the club!