A perfect moment
Evolving over the years
My first born daughter
Friday, July 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
A Day at the Theatre
Saturday 25th June, 2011
The day started as usual, but it would be anything but usual. It would be incredible!
Act One
The morning came and went as usual then, after lunch, we walked over to my nan's house. Once we knew she was ready, we ordered a taxi to take us to the Palace Theatre in Watford. When we arrived, we looked around the entrance lobby at the photos and prints on display, before buying a programme and heading to our seats. Our seats were in the second row, almost dead centre, so we had a perfect view of the show. The show began on time, at 14:45 and we sat back to watch the Rare Productions Youth Theatre Groups 'Disney's Camp Rock: The Musical'. Now I know I keep saying that I don't like musicals, but Alysha was one of the Principal Dancers, and I always try to see her shows. (Usually the matinee, so we can take my nan.) Anyway, having seen quite a few musicals recently, (Hello Mister Capello & Company), I am getting quite used to them. Well, Alysha was brilliant as usual, which made up for the odd mistake made by other cast members, getting the odd line wrong. Granted Alysha wasn't perfect but she was by far the best. There were a few other dancers that stood out, such as Leanne Flannigan as Axel and Klara Gashi. Natasha Chambers and Seb Kainth as Mitchie and Shane, I thought were exceptional. At the interval Emma and I bought ice cream for us all before the second act. Once Act Two was over, we made our way to the theatre lobby, to await Alysha. It didn't take her long to find us milling around with the other parents and friends. We didn't talk for long as Alysha was anxious to go to Nando's for lunch with some of the cast members, so we said our goodbyes and ordered a taxi to take us back to nan's. Once nan was safely back at home, Emma and I headed home to get a quick bite to eat and await the arrival of Len and Em-J.
Act Two
Em-J and Len arrived at about 18:30ish and we made our way to Rickmansworth. Em-J drove and we parked in the car park just off the High Street, outside The Coach & Horses, as it was free and particularly empty. We then took a short stroll down the High Street towards Watersmeet Theatre, where we were going to watch the PHEOS MUSICAL Players presentation of 'Fiddler on the Roof.' It turns out that Len had never been to the Theatre before, so this was to be a real treat for him. Once inside the theatre we bought a drink and made our way to our seats, which were front row to the right of the stage. Before the lights were extinguished, I looked around the theatre and spotted a few people I knew from the hospital. Pretty soon the theatre was full and the lights dimmed and the play began. (Now, I don't normally get goosebumps when watching stage shows, but seeing Steve Brown in his costume and beard (real) in the role of 'Tevye', a role that he had always dreamt of playing, I was filled with enormous pride for him.) Well, the next hour and forty minutes were enthralling! Steve played the character to a tee and his voice was perfect. The walk and demeanour that the Steve brought to the character were spot-on. Not once did it seem that Steve was imitating the greats. Somehow, he had managed to bring a little of himself to a very iconic role and truly made it his own. (Before you start thinking that I am just saying this to because Steve is my friend, you are WRONG. Steve knows me well enough, as do many others, that if I thought his performance was wanting, I would tell him.) Surfice it to say that that first act was one of the best I have ever seen on stage. There was a 20 minute interval before the second act, so we disappeared to the bar and bought another drink. Len seemed really impressed, apart from his back was going stiff (old age) from the theatre chairs. Once Len had limbered up we headed back inside for the second act. The second act, although shorter than the first, was just as enthralling and was quite moving in some scenes, which were played to perfection. As the show finished and the cast took their bows, the applause began to rise. Then, with Steve the last actor on stage, I saw a few people rise to their feet and give a standing ovation. It was truly an incredible play. After the show we waited in the downstairs lobby, to greet the man himself. After the congratulations and hand-shaking, hugs and kisses, Steve posed for a photo with the four of us. We then went back upto the bar to have a drink with him, before heading home. A mention has to made of Sue Reynolds (Golde) who was brilliant as the wife. Her voice was incredible and hit every note. Also, Jessica Bergman (Chava) and Tamsyn Wheatley (Hodel) played the roles of the daughters who go about things differently were brilliant. Alice Ingham (Tzeital) gave an almost perfect performance. Brad Hatton (Motel), Les Broude (Perchik) and Martyn Jackson(Fyedka) were simply great to watch. Julian Ardouin (Lazar Wolf) gave a quite reserved, but powerful, performance as the Butcher. The set design was brilliant and the music top-notch, but the entire show belonged to Steve as Tevye. This was the first PHEOS production I had seen having missed 'Follies' and'Oklahoma!', their last two productions, but I would see them again, even if Steve isn't in the show!
Now, until the review comes out, this is what people have said of the show.
Chantal - Steve was phenomenal!
Andy Milne - Absolutely Cracking!
Annalise - What a part, What a voice, what a man!
Ray - A well deserved success!
Annette - Steve was fantastic!
Gary - Amazing!
Emma - A great performance by Steve!
Jane - Steve was Incredible. What a voice!
Tom - A first class performance. Legendary!
Em-J - Very proud of him. Awesome!
Len - Brilliant!
Daryl - All of the above... and more!
The day started as usual, but it would be anything but usual. It would be incredible!
Act One
The morning came and went as usual then, after lunch, we walked over to my nan's house. Once we knew she was ready, we ordered a taxi to take us to the Palace Theatre in Watford. When we arrived, we looked around the entrance lobby at the photos and prints on display, before buying a programme and heading to our seats. Our seats were in the second row, almost dead centre, so we had a perfect view of the show. The show began on time, at 14:45 and we sat back to watch the Rare Productions Youth Theatre Groups 'Disney's Camp Rock: The Musical'. Now I know I keep saying that I don't like musicals, but Alysha was one of the Principal Dancers, and I always try to see her shows. (Usually the matinee, so we can take my nan.) Anyway, having seen quite a few musicals recently, (Hello Mister Capello & Company), I am getting quite used to them. Well, Alysha was brilliant as usual, which made up for the odd mistake made by other cast members, getting the odd line wrong. Granted Alysha wasn't perfect but she was by far the best. There were a few other dancers that stood out, such as Leanne Flannigan as Axel and Klara Gashi. Natasha Chambers and Seb Kainth as Mitchie and Shane, I thought were exceptional. At the interval Emma and I bought ice cream for us all before the second act. Once Act Two was over, we made our way to the theatre lobby, to await Alysha. It didn't take her long to find us milling around with the other parents and friends. We didn't talk for long as Alysha was anxious to go to Nando's for lunch with some of the cast members, so we said our goodbyes and ordered a taxi to take us back to nan's. Once nan was safely back at home, Emma and I headed home to get a quick bite to eat and await the arrival of Len and Em-J.
Act Two
Em-J and Len arrived at about 18:30ish and we made our way to Rickmansworth. Em-J drove and we parked in the car park just off the High Street, outside The Coach & Horses, as it was free and particularly empty. We then took a short stroll down the High Street towards Watersmeet Theatre, where we were going to watch the PHEOS MUSICAL Players presentation of 'Fiddler on the Roof.' It turns out that Len had never been to the Theatre before, so this was to be a real treat for him. Once inside the theatre we bought a drink and made our way to our seats, which were front row to the right of the stage. Before the lights were extinguished, I looked around the theatre and spotted a few people I knew from the hospital. Pretty soon the theatre was full and the lights dimmed and the play began. (Now, I don't normally get goosebumps when watching stage shows, but seeing Steve Brown in his costume and beard (real) in the role of 'Tevye', a role that he had always dreamt of playing, I was filled with enormous pride for him.) Well, the next hour and forty minutes were enthralling! Steve played the character to a tee and his voice was perfect. The walk and demeanour that the Steve brought to the character were spot-on. Not once did it seem that Steve was imitating the greats. Somehow, he had managed to bring a little of himself to a very iconic role and truly made it his own. (Before you start thinking that I am just saying this to because Steve is my friend, you are WRONG. Steve knows me well enough, as do many others, that if I thought his performance was wanting, I would tell him.) Surfice it to say that that first act was one of the best I have ever seen on stage. There was a 20 minute interval before the second act, so we disappeared to the bar and bought another drink. Len seemed really impressed, apart from his back was going stiff (old age) from the theatre chairs. Once Len had limbered up we headed back inside for the second act. The second act, although shorter than the first, was just as enthralling and was quite moving in some scenes, which were played to perfection. As the show finished and the cast took their bows, the applause began to rise. Then, with Steve the last actor on stage, I saw a few people rise to their feet and give a standing ovation. It was truly an incredible play. After the show we waited in the downstairs lobby, to greet the man himself. After the congratulations and hand-shaking, hugs and kisses, Steve posed for a photo with the four of us. We then went back upto the bar to have a drink with him, before heading home. A mention has to made of Sue Reynolds (Golde) who was brilliant as the wife. Her voice was incredible and hit every note. Also, Jessica Bergman (Chava) and Tamsyn Wheatley (Hodel) played the roles of the daughters who go about things differently were brilliant. Alice Ingham (Tzeital) gave an almost perfect performance. Brad Hatton (Motel), Les Broude (Perchik) and Martyn Jackson(Fyedka) were simply great to watch. Julian Ardouin (Lazar Wolf) gave a quite reserved, but powerful, performance as the Butcher. The set design was brilliant and the music top-notch, but the entire show belonged to Steve as Tevye. This was the first PHEOS production I had seen having missed 'Follies' and'Oklahoma!', their last two productions, but I would see them again, even if Steve isn't in the show!
Now, until the review comes out, this is what people have said of the show.
Chantal - Steve was phenomenal!
Andy Milne - Absolutely Cracking!
Annalise - What a part, What a voice, what a man!
Ray - A well deserved success!
Annette - Steve was fantastic!
Gary - Amazing!
Emma - A great performance by Steve!
Jane - Steve was Incredible. What a voice!
Tom - A first class performance. Legendary!
Em-J - Very proud of him. Awesome!
Len - Brilliant!
Daryl - All of the above... and more!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Len and Emma Jayne's Wedding
Saturday 28th May, 2011
Wedding Day
Len was the first to rise and had been to the shop and back before anyone else arose. Then Emma and myself got up, followed soon after by Alysha. After a quick coffee I went for a shower and got myself dressed (Black suit with blue shirt, no tie). Then Emma had a shower, then Alysha and then Len. While I was downstairs, I heard Len come out of the bathroom complaining that his hair wasn’t right. I then heard Alysha ask him if he needed help with it, which made me chuckle. Len said he would be fine and disappeared back into the bathroom. What seemed like an eternity later, Len came out of the bathroom, finally satisfied with his hair. Once we were all ready, Swany arrived. He had shaved his head completely and wore a black suit with a red shirt beneath. (He looked a bit like Harry Hill) Another coffee and then we made our way into Watford. After a quick trip to Primark to buy Alysha some new shoes, we headed onto Watford Market for a quick bite to eat. When we had each finished our lunch we made our way towards the Escourt Tavern for a quick drink and to meet some of Len’s friends. After a quick drink (or two) we made our way to the Registry Office, to meet up with the rest of Len and Emma’s family and friends. Once we were all introduced, Len and myself went into the Registry Office to speak with the Chief Registrar. I told him the track listing on the CD that Emma Jayne had asked me to make, before Len entered his details in the register. Then we both went back outside only to find out that Emma Jayne had arrived, so we all made our way to our seats. The music began with ‘U2’s Beautiful Day’, then ‘Eternal Flame’ by ‘The Bangles’, followed by 'Nat King Cole's Unforgettable'. Then Emma Jayne made her way down the aisle (or runway, as she kept calling it) to the sound of ‘Etta James’ singing ‘At Last’. All this time Len kept facing forward and I was thankful that Shanel was at the front to catch the moment on film (well, pixels actually.) The entire ceremony went without a hitch, apart from a slight mistake by Len, (unlawful instead of lawful), before they were pronounced Husband and Wife. After a few kisses they turned and moved behind the desk to sign the register. Then a few of us that had been chosen as witnesses, signed the register and had our photos taken with Mr and Mrs Erdwin. Once these were taken, we headed back to our seats, to watch the happy couple walk up the aisle (runway). The registrar handed the marriage certificate to Emma and then they made their way out of the office and on into the garden, to the sound of ‘Elvis Presley’ singing 'Can't help falling in love'. Once we had all gathered in the garden, Shanel got to work taking the photos of the happy couple. Then the happy couple with their families, then with friends, then acquaintances, etc. Finally, Shanel got us together for the big group photo and the final ‘confetti’ shot. After this it was a case of saying ‘goodbye’ to those who weren’t able to make the reception, while giving directions to those that could. We then made our way back to the Escourt Tavern until it was time to head for the reception.
The reception was held at the newly built ‘Ex-serviceman’s Club’ on St Albans Road, and was perfect for the amount of people invited. The room was pretty much square, with tables along both sides and in-between the bar and dance floor, where there was also a stage, on which the DJ (Paul Baz) had setup and was playing a mix of 70s and 80s music. Food had also been prepared and was laid out on some tables, to the right of the stage. Once everyone was settled, Mr and Mrs Erdwin took to the dance floor, for their first dance as Husband and Wife. (Check out the video on my movies page.) They then proceeded to cut the cake and pose for more photos. Once the cake had been cut, the kids were put to work building the cardboard cake boxes, while Emma (my Emma) cut the cake into box-sized pieces. After that, the drinks flowed and people mingled. Debbie got up and made a speech and she was followed by Len, who ended his speech with, “Thank you. Thank you, very much.” Beer flowed, food disappeared, Len danced (doing the splits three times!!!), photos and videos were taken and everyone had a great night. All too soon, the night came to a close. Handshakes, hugs and kisses were given to friends old and new, before Mr and Mrs Erdwin made their way home to start their married life together.
And they lived happily ever after.
Track Listing for the big day:
While the guests are waiting for Emma Jayne to arrive,
1. U2 - Beautiful Day
2. Bangles - Eternal Flame
3. Nat King Cole - Unforgettable
4. Elvis Presley - Wonder of You
For Emma to walk down the runway,
5. Etta James - At Last
While signing the register
6. Adele - Make you feel my love
7. Shania Twain - From this moment
For the walk up the runway as Mr & Mrs Erdwin
8. Elvis Presley - Can't help falling in love
Wedding Day
Len was the first to rise and had been to the shop and back before anyone else arose. Then Emma and myself got up, followed soon after by Alysha. After a quick coffee I went for a shower and got myself dressed (Black suit with blue shirt, no tie). Then Emma had a shower, then Alysha and then Len. While I was downstairs, I heard Len come out of the bathroom complaining that his hair wasn’t right. I then heard Alysha ask him if he needed help with it, which made me chuckle. Len said he would be fine and disappeared back into the bathroom. What seemed like an eternity later, Len came out of the bathroom, finally satisfied with his hair. Once we were all ready, Swany arrived. He had shaved his head completely and wore a black suit with a red shirt beneath. (He looked a bit like Harry Hill) Another coffee and then we made our way into Watford. After a quick trip to Primark to buy Alysha some new shoes, we headed onto Watford Market for a quick bite to eat. When we had each finished our lunch we made our way towards the Escourt Tavern for a quick drink and to meet some of Len’s friends. After a quick drink (or two) we made our way to the Registry Office, to meet up with the rest of Len and Emma’s family and friends. Once we were all introduced, Len and myself went into the Registry Office to speak with the Chief Registrar. I told him the track listing on the CD that Emma Jayne had asked me to make, before Len entered his details in the register. Then we both went back outside only to find out that Emma Jayne had arrived, so we all made our way to our seats. The music began with ‘U2’s Beautiful Day’, then ‘Eternal Flame’ by ‘The Bangles’, followed by 'Nat King Cole's Unforgettable'. Then Emma Jayne made her way down the aisle (or runway, as she kept calling it) to the sound of ‘Etta James’ singing ‘At Last’. All this time Len kept facing forward and I was thankful that Shanel was at the front to catch the moment on film (well, pixels actually.) The entire ceremony went without a hitch, apart from a slight mistake by Len, (unlawful instead of lawful), before they were pronounced Husband and Wife. After a few kisses they turned and moved behind the desk to sign the register. Then a few of us that had been chosen as witnesses, signed the register and had our photos taken with Mr and Mrs Erdwin. Once these were taken, we headed back to our seats, to watch the happy couple walk up the aisle (runway). The registrar handed the marriage certificate to Emma and then they made their way out of the office and on into the garden, to the sound of ‘Elvis Presley’ singing 'Can't help falling in love'. Once we had all gathered in the garden, Shanel got to work taking the photos of the happy couple. Then the happy couple with their families, then with friends, then acquaintances, etc. Finally, Shanel got us together for the big group photo and the final ‘confetti’ shot. After this it was a case of saying ‘goodbye’ to those who weren’t able to make the reception, while giving directions to those that could. We then made our way back to the Escourt Tavern until it was time to head for the reception.
The reception was held at the newly built ‘Ex-serviceman’s Club’ on St Albans Road, and was perfect for the amount of people invited. The room was pretty much square, with tables along both sides and in-between the bar and dance floor, where there was also a stage, on which the DJ (Paul Baz) had setup and was playing a mix of 70s and 80s music. Food had also been prepared and was laid out on some tables, to the right of the stage. Once everyone was settled, Mr and Mrs Erdwin took to the dance floor, for their first dance as Husband and Wife. (Check out the video on my movies page.) They then proceeded to cut the cake and pose for more photos. Once the cake had been cut, the kids were put to work building the cardboard cake boxes, while Emma (my Emma) cut the cake into box-sized pieces. After that, the drinks flowed and people mingled. Debbie got up and made a speech and she was followed by Len, who ended his speech with, “Thank you. Thank you, very much.” Beer flowed, food disappeared, Len danced (doing the splits three times!!!), photos and videos were taken and everyone had a great night. All too soon, the night came to a close. Handshakes, hugs and kisses were given to friends old and new, before Mr and Mrs Erdwin made their way home to start their married life together.
And they lived happily ever after.
Track Listing for the big day:
While the guests are waiting for Emma Jayne to arrive,
1. U2 - Beautiful Day
2. Bangles - Eternal Flame
3. Nat King Cole - Unforgettable
4. Elvis Presley - Wonder of You
For Emma to walk down the runway,
5. Etta James - At Last
While signing the register
6. Adele - Make you feel my love
7. Shania Twain - From this moment
For the walk up the runway as Mr & Mrs Erdwin
8. Elvis Presley - Can't help falling in love
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Jamaica, part 5
Friday 29th April, 2011.
As today was to be our last full day in Jamaica, we decided to make the most of it. Breakfast and then a walk along the beach, while Alysha went to see Kiah, before a little bit of lying on a chaise and a spot of paddling. Emma and I then moved towards the pool, where various drinking games were being played. Haveron was his usual happy self and, while Emma went for lunch, he made me a cocktail. It was made with different rums and liqueurs and tasted delicious. Some Scottish people that were by the pool saw Haveron’s cocktail and decided that they would try it, too. The next thing I know, I am caught up in a cocktail drink-off! Luckily, Emma soon returned from lunch and things calmed down. (Although the damage had been done!) A few photos of us with Haveron and we made our way back to the beach. It was as I stood on the beach, watching the sunset with Emma, that my legs started to get drunk. It is a really weird feeling getting drunk from the toes upward. It was soon decided, by Emma, (not that I complained) that we should go back to room to change and have a break from the sun. Replenish our energy, basically. This sounded good to me, so I tried to make my drunken legs walk in a reasonably straight line towards the lift lobby. Once in our room, I asked Emma to wake me for dinner, before falling onto the bed. Sleep came quickly. I awoke at just after half-seven. Dreams of rum cocktails still swirled on the screen in my head, as I scanned the room. Emma was in the asleep and so was Alysha. The sun was pouring in through the balcony and I had to check my watch, again. It was definitely 07:30. I had been asleep for 12 hours! How? Then it hit me. Haveron! Haveron and his cocktails had made me miss dinner! Then I thought about it… and then I blamed the Scots! Then I thought about it some more and decided… it was time for breakfast. Once we were all up, we headed down for our final breakfast in Jamaica (well, this trip at least.) Then, after a second coffee, we walked along the beach before returning to our room. Everything had been pretty much packed, so it was only the last minute checks of drawers, closets, etc. We checked out of our room with main reception, just after 11:00 and headed back towards the beach. We walked the length of the beaches, before heading toward the Wedding gazebo with the manicured lawns. We saw geckos and countless birds and wildlife. We then walked around the water park and I had a game of pool with Alysha at the Teen Centre. Alysha stayed at the Teen Centre with some friends, while Emma and I went to the pool bar to find Haveron. After some photos, Emma and I met up with Alysha and had our final lunch in Jamaica (until next year?) After lunch was finished we took a look around the market stalls and made our way to the reception area, where we awaited our coach. Once the bags were loaded, we climbed aboard and waited for the journey to the Airport. As the route back to the airport has to go around the entire Montego Bay, we kept getting glimpses of the resort until our view was obscured by the mountains and buildings. A few moments later and we were looking down on Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay. One of the things that I always remembered about Montego Bay Airport, from my first visit in 1991, was how small and compact it was. Now, looking down on it 20 years later, you could see the expansion that had taken place. New terminal buildings and departure lounges surrounded the old departure terminal, which was now used as one of the security checkpoints. I won’t go into what it was like at the airport, suffice it to say, we were sorry to be leaving. Alysha was already promising to bring her friends here, when she turns 18. Emma had really taken to the place, and wanted to return as soon as possible. While I felt like I had 20 years before... Hoping that it wouldn’t be another 20 years before I returned. As we taxied along the runway, I noticed that we weren’t picking up enough speed and started to wonder what was going on. All became clear a few seconds later. Air traffic control had changed the direction of take-off. Brilliant! This meant that we would get one more glance of the Sunset Beach Resort. And we did. The flight took-off on time, and our flying time was slightly less than our previous flight. We all found it difficult to sleep, so I watched ‘The King’s Speech’, ‘R.E.D.S.’ and various other programmes. We landed exactly on time and sailed through baggage reclaim, customs and passport control and headed for the Arrivals Lounge, where EmJ was waiting for us.
There is only one way to end this blog and that is by paraphrasing Captain Kirk:
‘Of all the Souls I have encountered in my travels, Jamaicans are the most friendly.’
Until next time…
May it be IRIE with you.
As today was to be our last full day in Jamaica, we decided to make the most of it. Breakfast and then a walk along the beach, while Alysha went to see Kiah, before a little bit of lying on a chaise and a spot of paddling. Emma and I then moved towards the pool, where various drinking games were being played. Haveron was his usual happy self and, while Emma went for lunch, he made me a cocktail. It was made with different rums and liqueurs and tasted delicious. Some Scottish people that were by the pool saw Haveron’s cocktail and decided that they would try it, too. The next thing I know, I am caught up in a cocktail drink-off! Luckily, Emma soon returned from lunch and things calmed down. (Although the damage had been done!) A few photos of us with Haveron and we made our way back to the beach. It was as I stood on the beach, watching the sunset with Emma, that my legs started to get drunk. It is a really weird feeling getting drunk from the toes upward. It was soon decided, by Emma, (not that I complained) that we should go back to room to change and have a break from the sun. Replenish our energy, basically. This sounded good to me, so I tried to make my drunken legs walk in a reasonably straight line towards the lift lobby. Once in our room, I asked Emma to wake me for dinner, before falling onto the bed. Sleep came quickly. I awoke at just after half-seven. Dreams of rum cocktails still swirled on the screen in my head, as I scanned the room. Emma was in the asleep and so was Alysha. The sun was pouring in through the balcony and I had to check my watch, again. It was definitely 07:30. I had been asleep for 12 hours! How? Then it hit me. Haveron! Haveron and his cocktails had made me miss dinner! Then I thought about it… and then I blamed the Scots! Then I thought about it some more and decided… it was time for breakfast. Once we were all up, we headed down for our final breakfast in Jamaica (well, this trip at least.) Then, after a second coffee, we walked along the beach before returning to our room. Everything had been pretty much packed, so it was only the last minute checks of drawers, closets, etc. We checked out of our room with main reception, just after 11:00 and headed back towards the beach. We walked the length of the beaches, before heading toward the Wedding gazebo with the manicured lawns. We saw geckos and countless birds and wildlife. We then walked around the water park and I had a game of pool with Alysha at the Teen Centre. Alysha stayed at the Teen Centre with some friends, while Emma and I went to the pool bar to find Haveron. After some photos, Emma and I met up with Alysha and had our final lunch in Jamaica (until next year?) After lunch was finished we took a look around the market stalls and made our way to the reception area, where we awaited our coach. Once the bags were loaded, we climbed aboard and waited for the journey to the Airport. As the route back to the airport has to go around the entire Montego Bay, we kept getting glimpses of the resort until our view was obscured by the mountains and buildings. A few moments later and we were looking down on Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay. One of the things that I always remembered about Montego Bay Airport, from my first visit in 1991, was how small and compact it was. Now, looking down on it 20 years later, you could see the expansion that had taken place. New terminal buildings and departure lounges surrounded the old departure terminal, which was now used as one of the security checkpoints. I won’t go into what it was like at the airport, suffice it to say, we were sorry to be leaving. Alysha was already promising to bring her friends here, when she turns 18. Emma had really taken to the place, and wanted to return as soon as possible. While I felt like I had 20 years before... Hoping that it wouldn’t be another 20 years before I returned. As we taxied along the runway, I noticed that we weren’t picking up enough speed and started to wonder what was going on. All became clear a few seconds later. Air traffic control had changed the direction of take-off. Brilliant! This meant that we would get one more glance of the Sunset Beach Resort. And we did. The flight took-off on time, and our flying time was slightly less than our previous flight. We all found it difficult to sleep, so I watched ‘The King’s Speech’, ‘R.E.D.S.’ and various other programmes. We landed exactly on time and sailed through baggage reclaim, customs and passport control and headed for the Arrivals Lounge, where EmJ was waiting for us.
There is only one way to end this blog and that is by paraphrasing Captain Kirk:
‘Of all the Souls I have encountered in my travels, Jamaicans are the most friendly.’
Until next time…
May it be IRIE with you.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Jamaica, part 4
Thursday 28th April, 2011.
Today, we had a bit of a lie-in, before heading down for breakfast. After breakfast Emma and I went to use the ATM, which is situated outside the main entrance of the resort. (We needed to use the ATM as we had transferred most of our money into Jamaican Dollars, only to realise that the shops in the resort and most of the people we had dealings with, preferred US Dollars.) We then had another coffee and a gentle stroll along the beach, while we waited for our minibus, to take us to the ‘Hip Strip’ in Montego Bay and the craft market. Peter, our driver, arrived on-time and Alysha, Emma, me and three American passengers were off into Montego Bay. The journey time was only ten minutes and the roads have improved considerably, since my last visit. There has been a lot of construction and infrastructure has been improved in Jamaica’s second city. Peter dropped us at some shops on the ‘hip strip’ and we were given about 20 minutes to look around and purchase items and souvenirs. We managed to find a few presents and Alysha was quite happy looking at bracelets and things, while trying to decide what to buy. Once we were happy, Peter drove us a little further into the City, where we stopped at a shop that sold jewellery and duty-free items. Although we looked, there was nothing really that we liked the look of, so we crossed the parking lot and went into a different shop. After another look around, we headed back to the bus and were transported to more shops, before heading off to the craft market. The craft market is set into the side of a hill and is made up of over a hundred wooden sheds, all painted in bright colours. It is here that Alysha managed to find the exact bracelets that she had been searching for, all morning. Now, the only problem with the craft market is you begin to feel pressured into buying things. As you look at each stall, you are constantly approached by other sellers, asking you to come and see their wares. Then, if you do want to buy things, you have to haggle. The prices start ridiculously high and you have to keep your wits about you, so that you don’t lose out. And most of them only accept US Dollars, so we constantly trying to work out the exchange rate in our head. (Roughly it worked out as £7.50 = $1000 Jamaican or $12 US.) With the heat rising to 35C, Alysha and I made our way back to the minibus to wait for Emma, who was quite happy to keep looking around. Once we were all back on the bus, Peter drove us toward the Freeport. This has moved, from where it was 20 years ago, to a new facility with more shops and offerings. A few of the Americans went to look inside, but most of us stayed on the bus. When everyone was sure that they had got everything that they wanted, Peter drove us back to the resort. The round trip of two-hours-or-so had been a nice way to spend the morning. Once we had disembarked the minibus, tipping Peter with the last of the Jamaican Dollars, we made our way to the restaurant for lunch. Alysha then disappeared off, to find her friends, while Emma and I chillaxed with a cold drink. As the afternoon drew on, clouds moved up from the South and the sky behind the resort started to darken. Alysha had already been back to the room to get changed, so Emma and I headed back to get changed for dinner. When we were ready we headed out onto the balcony in time to see the clouds roll down the bay. The sky went through a whole spectrum of colours, before settling on a deep purple. It was then that the deluge began. It lasted a good ten minutes before passing overhead and out to sea. After dinner, Emma and I headed off to our spot by the now closed pool bar and watched the lightning storm that was happening out over the Caribbean. The rest of the evening we spent wandering along the beach or sitting on the rocks, before heading to the Lounge Bar, to watch the evening’s entertainment.
To be concluded…
Today, we had a bit of a lie-in, before heading down for breakfast. After breakfast Emma and I went to use the ATM, which is situated outside the main entrance of the resort. (We needed to use the ATM as we had transferred most of our money into Jamaican Dollars, only to realise that the shops in the resort and most of the people we had dealings with, preferred US Dollars.) We then had another coffee and a gentle stroll along the beach, while we waited for our minibus, to take us to the ‘Hip Strip’ in Montego Bay and the craft market. Peter, our driver, arrived on-time and Alysha, Emma, me and three American passengers were off into Montego Bay. The journey time was only ten minutes and the roads have improved considerably, since my last visit. There has been a lot of construction and infrastructure has been improved in Jamaica’s second city. Peter dropped us at some shops on the ‘hip strip’ and we were given about 20 minutes to look around and purchase items and souvenirs. We managed to find a few presents and Alysha was quite happy looking at bracelets and things, while trying to decide what to buy. Once we were happy, Peter drove us a little further into the City, where we stopped at a shop that sold jewellery and duty-free items. Although we looked, there was nothing really that we liked the look of, so we crossed the parking lot and went into a different shop. After another look around, we headed back to the bus and were transported to more shops, before heading off to the craft market. The craft market is set into the side of a hill and is made up of over a hundred wooden sheds, all painted in bright colours. It is here that Alysha managed to find the exact bracelets that she had been searching for, all morning. Now, the only problem with the craft market is you begin to feel pressured into buying things. As you look at each stall, you are constantly approached by other sellers, asking you to come and see their wares. Then, if you do want to buy things, you have to haggle. The prices start ridiculously high and you have to keep your wits about you, so that you don’t lose out. And most of them only accept US Dollars, so we constantly trying to work out the exchange rate in our head. (Roughly it worked out as £7.50 = $1000 Jamaican or $12 US.) With the heat rising to 35C, Alysha and I made our way back to the minibus to wait for Emma, who was quite happy to keep looking around. Once we were all back on the bus, Peter drove us toward the Freeport. This has moved, from where it was 20 years ago, to a new facility with more shops and offerings. A few of the Americans went to look inside, but most of us stayed on the bus. When everyone was sure that they had got everything that they wanted, Peter drove us back to the resort. The round trip of two-hours-or-so had been a nice way to spend the morning. Once we had disembarked the minibus, tipping Peter with the last of the Jamaican Dollars, we made our way to the restaurant for lunch. Alysha then disappeared off, to find her friends, while Emma and I chillaxed with a cold drink. As the afternoon drew on, clouds moved up from the South and the sky behind the resort started to darken. Alysha had already been back to the room to get changed, so Emma and I headed back to get changed for dinner. When we were ready we headed out onto the balcony in time to see the clouds roll down the bay. The sky went through a whole spectrum of colours, before settling on a deep purple. It was then that the deluge began. It lasted a good ten minutes before passing overhead and out to sea. After dinner, Emma and I headed off to our spot by the now closed pool bar and watched the lightning storm that was happening out over the Caribbean. The rest of the evening we spent wandering along the beach or sitting on the rocks, before heading to the Lounge Bar, to watch the evening’s entertainment.
To be concluded…
Friday, May 13, 2011
Jamaica, part 3
Monday 25th April, 2011.
We made an early start again so that we could have breakfast and find some chaise to lie on, on the West beach. The West beach is a lot shorter than the East beach, but it affords more shade, is quieter and is closer to the two main pools and the pool bar. Bonus! Once we had settled, Alysha, Emma and I went snorkelling, again. The rocks that stretched out into the Caribbean, from this beach, were full of a myriad variety of fish that we hadn’t seen from the other beach. Lots of photographs were taken and I spent all morning snorkelling and diving to see what else I could see. We ate lunch in the restaurant and then returned to the beach. As I was quite happily taking photos, one of the bar staff came along collecting glasses. His name was Haveron and he would look after us at the pool bar for the rest of the week. Alysha had met a young girl in the water park and they were becoming close friends, so it wasn’t a surprise that she started to spend more time with friends than with us. Throughout the rest of the day, the sun shone, the waves lapped and the drinks flowed. Sunset occurred around about 18:30 and it was after this that we normally went for dinner.
Tuesday 26th April, 2011.
Today we decided to get up very early and nab some chaise by the pool, next to the bar. Towels were laid out and then it was a walk along the beach until breakfast. By the time we had finished breakfast, most of the other chaise by the pool were taken, too. Alysha had asked for some money to get her hair braided and had disappeared off to the spa with her new friend, Kiah, while Emma and I lay in the sun or swam up to the pool to be served by Dennis or Haveron. As the other holidaymakers showed themselves up in various pool or drinking games, we just chillaxed. Alysha soon returned with her hair braided, which looked really cool, before she disappeared off again. The rest of the day was a proper relaxed affair and was much needed.
Wednesday 27th April, 2011.
Every day at the Sunset Beach Resort, just outside the restaurant, there is a chalkboard that has a list of all the events that are taking place that day and evening. This includes: Patois lessons, Soca dancing, hair braiding, craft lessons, crab racing, talent shows, karaoke, live music, beach volleyball, pool volleyball and much, much more. Alysha immediately decided to put her name down to dance in the talent show, before going off to take out a pedalo with her friend. Today, Emma and I decided to sit on the beach between the East and West beaches, beneath a tree that afforded great shade and was close to the restaurant and restaurant bar. Double Bonus!! It was while we were sitting here that we got talking to two American ladies. Naturally, they asked whereabouts in England we were from, so we told them and to our surprise one of the ladies told us that her daughter-in-law lived in St. Albans, which is only a few miles from where we live. It’s a very small world. By this time, Alysha was out in the Sea on the pedalo and I managed to get some shots of her, before I went for my daily swim and snorkel. After lunch, Emma and I went for a walk along the beach and decided to have a little exploratory of the resort. We saw the wedding gazebo, the Italian restaurant, saw some banana trees, coconut and mango trees. We then walked all around the water park and saw the sign for the nurses station. On seeing the sign, we decided that we better get a photo of Emma pointing to the sign. Click. Done. We then wandered through the water park to the main pool and into the lounge and stage area, where we stopped for a drink. After a couple of drinks we walked out back onto the beach, into glorious sunshine. We then headed up toward the stage area and lounge bar to watch the talent show. After a couple of resort staff had done their turn, Alysha appeared on stage. I switched my camera to video, while Emma videoed with Alysha’s camera. Two-and-a-half minutes of pure dancing brilliance then followed. The cheers from the crowd were the loudest that any of the performers had received. If it had been a talent contest, Alysha would have won hands down! (Check out the video of Alysha’s Jamaican debut on my video page.)
To be continued...
We made an early start again so that we could have breakfast and find some chaise to lie on, on the West beach. The West beach is a lot shorter than the East beach, but it affords more shade, is quieter and is closer to the two main pools and the pool bar. Bonus! Once we had settled, Alysha, Emma and I went snorkelling, again. The rocks that stretched out into the Caribbean, from this beach, were full of a myriad variety of fish that we hadn’t seen from the other beach. Lots of photographs were taken and I spent all morning snorkelling and diving to see what else I could see. We ate lunch in the restaurant and then returned to the beach. As I was quite happily taking photos, one of the bar staff came along collecting glasses. His name was Haveron and he would look after us at the pool bar for the rest of the week. Alysha had met a young girl in the water park and they were becoming close friends, so it wasn’t a surprise that she started to spend more time with friends than with us. Throughout the rest of the day, the sun shone, the waves lapped and the drinks flowed. Sunset occurred around about 18:30 and it was after this that we normally went for dinner.
Tuesday 26th April, 2011.
Today we decided to get up very early and nab some chaise by the pool, next to the bar. Towels were laid out and then it was a walk along the beach until breakfast. By the time we had finished breakfast, most of the other chaise by the pool were taken, too. Alysha had asked for some money to get her hair braided and had disappeared off to the spa with her new friend, Kiah, while Emma and I lay in the sun or swam up to the pool to be served by Dennis or Haveron. As the other holidaymakers showed themselves up in various pool or drinking games, we just chillaxed. Alysha soon returned with her hair braided, which looked really cool, before she disappeared off again. The rest of the day was a proper relaxed affair and was much needed.
Wednesday 27th April, 2011.
Every day at the Sunset Beach Resort, just outside the restaurant, there is a chalkboard that has a list of all the events that are taking place that day and evening. This includes: Patois lessons, Soca dancing, hair braiding, craft lessons, crab racing, talent shows, karaoke, live music, beach volleyball, pool volleyball and much, much more. Alysha immediately decided to put her name down to dance in the talent show, before going off to take out a pedalo with her friend. Today, Emma and I decided to sit on the beach between the East and West beaches, beneath a tree that afforded great shade and was close to the restaurant and restaurant bar. Double Bonus!! It was while we were sitting here that we got talking to two American ladies. Naturally, they asked whereabouts in England we were from, so we told them and to our surprise one of the ladies told us that her daughter-in-law lived in St. Albans, which is only a few miles from where we live. It’s a very small world. By this time, Alysha was out in the Sea on the pedalo and I managed to get some shots of her, before I went for my daily swim and snorkel. After lunch, Emma and I went for a walk along the beach and decided to have a little exploratory of the resort. We saw the wedding gazebo, the Italian restaurant, saw some banana trees, coconut and mango trees. We then walked all around the water park and saw the sign for the nurses station. On seeing the sign, we decided that we better get a photo of Emma pointing to the sign. Click. Done. We then wandered through the water park to the main pool and into the lounge and stage area, where we stopped for a drink. After a couple of drinks we walked out back onto the beach, into glorious sunshine. We then headed up toward the stage area and lounge bar to watch the talent show. After a couple of resort staff had done their turn, Alysha appeared on stage. I switched my camera to video, while Emma videoed with Alysha’s camera. Two-and-a-half minutes of pure dancing brilliance then followed. The cheers from the crowd were the loudest that any of the performers had received. If it had been a talent contest, Alysha would have won hands down! (Check out the video of Alysha’s Jamaican debut on my video page.)
To be continued...
Monday, May 09, 2011
Jamaica, part 2
Sunday April, 24th, 2011
For our first morning in Jamaica, we were all up before 06:00. This wasn’t planned, it just happened. After the kettle was filled and put on to boil, we all went out onto the balcony, where we found that the sun was about to rise. I quickly grabbed my camera, as Alysha grabbed hers, and we watched the sun rise above the mountains and gradually begin to illuminate Montego Bay. As it rose, so did the temperature. By 06:30 it was close to 26c. Once we were ready, we headed downstairs for breakfast. Although breakfast was predominantly a buffet style affair, there were chefs on hand cooking fresh omelettes, pancakes, etc. The choice from the buffet was incredible. It catered for all nationalities and tasted superb. We all filled up our plates and sat at a table by the window, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The waiting staff came and filled our glasses with iced water and poured our tea or coffee. They were always smiling and cheerful and couldn’t wait to be of service. After we had finished breakfast, we made our way out down to the beach, which had been freshly raked and cleared of rubbish, early that morning. For our first full day, in Jamaica, we decided to try out the East beach. We made our way along its full length and decided that this spot was perfect. As far from the beach volleyball court and water-park, so that we weren’t disturbed, but right in front of a small beach hut bar, so that drinks were never a problem. We spent the entire morning snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing. As lunchtime drew close, we left our towels on the chaise and headed back to the restaurant. Once again the food was exceptional. Again, although still a buffet, chefs were carving fresh meat at the deli counter and making fresh hamburgers at the grill. I tried everything that week. From foods that I had heard of but never tried to foods that I couldn’t even pronounce. All of it was delicious! (Except for the aubergines and the yellow courgettes!) After lunch we headed back to our spot on the beach where Alysha and Emma continued to relax and I decided to do some more snorkelling. I had walked out to where the sea came to just above my waist, and I could see lots off small fish swimming around my legs. So I put my head into the water to get a closer look. That’s when I saw it. A barracuda. It was just hanging in the sea in front of me and was between two and three feet long. I motioned to Alysha, who was still on the beach, to pass my camera and her and Emma came down to see what I had found. Once they were masked up we all put our heads under the water and looked for the barracuda. Now, barracuda are coloured in such a way that they can easily blend into the sandy seabed and the rays of sun streaming through the sea, also help them to camouflage. It only took a few seconds for our eyes to adjust before we all saw it. Still just hanging there, with its mouth slightly open, showing us its razor-sharp teeth. After hanging around for a bit, so that I could get a few pictures, it swam away. Soon after this we headed back to our room, to get ready for dinner. Before we went to dinner, we first went to the beach and watched the sunset. Once the sun had dipped below the horizon we headed off to the restaurant for dinner. Dinner was just as good as the breakfast and lunch had been, if not better. The choices on offer were myriad and the taste of each dish was incredible. Once we were finished with dinner, and dessert for Emma and Alysha, we walked along the path and onto the West beach. We then walked the length of both beaches, taking in the fresh air and serenity of the resort. Considering the amount of people staying at the resort, and the music coming from the lounge/stage area, it was remarkably quiet. We then returned to the lounge bar to grab a drink and relax and watch the evening’s entertainment. Pretty soon we were tired and headed back up to our room. All in all our first day in Jamaica had been pretty awesome and I couldn’t wait to see what the rest of the week would bring.
To be continued…
For our first morning in Jamaica, we were all up before 06:00. This wasn’t planned, it just happened. After the kettle was filled and put on to boil, we all went out onto the balcony, where we found that the sun was about to rise. I quickly grabbed my camera, as Alysha grabbed hers, and we watched the sun rise above the mountains and gradually begin to illuminate Montego Bay. As it rose, so did the temperature. By 06:30 it was close to 26c. Once we were ready, we headed downstairs for breakfast. Although breakfast was predominantly a buffet style affair, there were chefs on hand cooking fresh omelettes, pancakes, etc. The choice from the buffet was incredible. It catered for all nationalities and tasted superb. We all filled up our plates and sat at a table by the window, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The waiting staff came and filled our glasses with iced water and poured our tea or coffee. They were always smiling and cheerful and couldn’t wait to be of service. After we had finished breakfast, we made our way out down to the beach, which had been freshly raked and cleared of rubbish, early that morning. For our first full day, in Jamaica, we decided to try out the East beach. We made our way along its full length and decided that this spot was perfect. As far from the beach volleyball court and water-park, so that we weren’t disturbed, but right in front of a small beach hut bar, so that drinks were never a problem. We spent the entire morning snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing. As lunchtime drew close, we left our towels on the chaise and headed back to the restaurant. Once again the food was exceptional. Again, although still a buffet, chefs were carving fresh meat at the deli counter and making fresh hamburgers at the grill. I tried everything that week. From foods that I had heard of but never tried to foods that I couldn’t even pronounce. All of it was delicious! (Except for the aubergines and the yellow courgettes!) After lunch we headed back to our spot on the beach where Alysha and Emma continued to relax and I decided to do some more snorkelling. I had walked out to where the sea came to just above my waist, and I could see lots off small fish swimming around my legs. So I put my head into the water to get a closer look. That’s when I saw it. A barracuda. It was just hanging in the sea in front of me and was between two and three feet long. I motioned to Alysha, who was still on the beach, to pass my camera and her and Emma came down to see what I had found. Once they were masked up we all put our heads under the water and looked for the barracuda. Now, barracuda are coloured in such a way that they can easily blend into the sandy seabed and the rays of sun streaming through the sea, also help them to camouflage. It only took a few seconds for our eyes to adjust before we all saw it. Still just hanging there, with its mouth slightly open, showing us its razor-sharp teeth. After hanging around for a bit, so that I could get a few pictures, it swam away. Soon after this we headed back to our room, to get ready for dinner. Before we went to dinner, we first went to the beach and watched the sunset. Once the sun had dipped below the horizon we headed off to the restaurant for dinner. Dinner was just as good as the breakfast and lunch had been, if not better. The choices on offer were myriad and the taste of each dish was incredible. Once we were finished with dinner, and dessert for Emma and Alysha, we walked along the path and onto the West beach. We then walked the length of both beaches, taking in the fresh air and serenity of the resort. Considering the amount of people staying at the resort, and the music coming from the lounge/stage area, it was remarkably quiet. We then returned to the lounge bar to grab a drink and relax and watch the evening’s entertainment. Pretty soon we were tired and headed back up to our room. All in all our first day in Jamaica had been pretty awesome and I couldn’t wait to see what the rest of the week would bring.
To be continued…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
-
Saturday 28th May, 2011 Wedding Day Len was the first to rise and had been to the shop and back before anyone else arose. Then Emma and ...
-
Watford District Cottage Hospital Address: 45-47 Vicarage Road, Watford, Herts, WD18 0DE Medical Dates: 1886-1925 Built in 1885, the Watford...
-
I have been reading novels and books for as long as I can remember, but until Monday (2nd), I had never heard of the Gunning FOG Index . So,...
