Virtual Jamaica: Portland and The Palace Hotel

 

Today, our virtual trek takes us to Portland Parish.

Over the weekend I had the time to research the area hotels...and although there were many...the one name that topped the list repeatedly was

The Palace 

Opulent, nestled in the Jamaican greenery, all inclusive, reasonable at 200 USD per night, and nearby sights.

Timeless class.

https://www.expedia.com/Port-Antonio-Hotels-Jamaica-Palace-Hotel.h596970.Hotel-Information?locale=en_US&siteid=1&sl=ppp&semcid=US.UB.BING.PT-c-EN.HOTEL&semdtl=a1414680014.b11318315815412245.g1kwd-82395468258822%3Aloc-190.e1c.m1fe84f71875021fc76e3f9ec117793747.r141d148cfbe5aed4eb80f80764346639643c1c5ebbe9825c64135d1bc14c4954a.c1.j149426.k1142396.d182394955970291.h1e.i18177767248960.l1.n1.o1.p1.q1.s1.t1.x1.f1.u1.v1.w1&msclkid=fe84f71875021fc76e3f9ec117793747&pwaThumbnailDialog=thumbnail-gallery

Check it out for yourself.

  https://youtu.be/TH-LOARWepo?si=zwtJ3CsEmtFTaQJ_

And a little bit about Portland...before we start exploring this week.

https://youtu.be/HGkNgHqGjXg?si=DnywgpIbtL7ploPS

 

Come along on the adventure!

 

Morels...Splashdown...John and More...

 

But first morels...

Enjoyed the first grays this week.

Okay...actually I've eaten a half a pound already.  

Shipped directly to my door...1 day arrival...amazing stuff.

And every year when I fix the first skillet full and take that first-of-the-season bite, I am reminded that nothing...absolutely nothing...tastes better than fresh morels in real butter.

Not steak.

Not tiramisu.

Not even chocolate cake.

NOTHING.

This is last meal worthy!

 

 John and I watched the launch through the splashdown together!

What a time to be alive!

Incredible photos of both the moon and the Earth, sent back.
 

John is finally back home after his hospitalizations, surgeries, and subsequent rehab...a little rough around the edges...but recovering.

...we weren't sure this time...it scared both of us...

Spring is definitely underway here...rain...green...70 degree days...birds...and the mowing crew...which has the back looking like a golf course!

James is getting ready to drop the new stadium album...which I have been privileged to hear some of...and it is very good.

Lennon let all the Spring Breakers live. His patience cannot be understated.

Chris and Don and Lachlan will be here, soon, for our Spring Brunch together...where we get to spoil the grandbaby and catch up.

NFL draft is coming up (23rd) and The Raiders are already eyeballing Mendoza.

 

This season will be lit.

Have a great weekend! 

 

Update:

 

Chris, Tina and Lachlan visited last night.

It was wonderful...we caught up on life and I finally realized who the baby reminds me of with his wild ringlet hair compliments of Grandpa Brian...the heavy lidded eyes and chubby cheeks. 

A cherub from a Botticelli painting!

 

See?

 

John is doing better...eating better...and last night we watch the 1977 classic

together until late in the night.

Killer Car...like Christine...but without the great backstory.

...lol...

 

Virtual Jamaica: St. Mary's Catholic Church

 

Today, will be our last day in the tiny parish of St. Mary's.

Tour

https://youtu.be/BqRGYCLVKVk?si=udbppw2VL08blkC-

And we will end with the old Roman Catholic Church...surrounded by a cemetery that holds the graves of Jamaicans that died in WWI.

The church, unfortunately, is not open today...so we are unable to see the inside.  We know that the rules remain similar to other Catholic churches and that women cannot enter without head-coverings (scarf is fine) and that there is a font with holy water upon entrance.

Beyond this...we've no clue.

Aside from the roof, which has obviously been replaced, the exterior looks like it has seen centuries.

The clock no longer works on the tower.

Located near the ocean you can hear lapping waves. The setting is quite peaceful.

 

Monday, we will begin Portland, Jamaica! 

My coconut shell bracelet/necklace arrived from Jamaica today.

A lovely souvenir of our time here...I'll wear it on these travels!
 

Virtual Jamaica: St. Mary~ Banana Plantation and Samples

 

Today we explore a Banana Plantation...

Aerial Tour

https://youtu.be/S_kRrD78fKs?si=h_smSnf5N433Wq9s

Bananas

https://youtu.be/_jnU4E95XrM?si=23M3bNVI6fRvbbrP

https://youtube.com/shorts/DNFwfvtzhs4?si=O4Pujdu9XBTkDC8S

The above-mentioned banana plantation has literally miles and miles of bananas being grown...planted...tended to...or harvested.

And they even showed you how to begin your own plant at home.

https://youtube.com/shorts/tCXxmnMfMvg?si=tL7GYl9bjVj4guJj

https://youtube.com/shorts/q4iDPV9HeA4?si=fRZ3kF02aw1EI3Ve

And samples

The ones shipped are still quite green.

Also St. Mary's Banana Chips

https://youtu.be/If9U6ME3ycQ?si=Fp66_4pQqKjfWJLt 

 

 https://www.amazon.com/Marys-Banana-Chips-1-06-Ounce/dp/B00GLG0D1I/ref=asc_df_B00GLG0D1I?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80676876081673&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=95&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584276351805365&psc=1&msclkid=0ff5d64096331ed38210bf967d90c43e

Available on Amazon 24 one ounce packs for $22 USD.

https://youtu.be/4DHjU2OpnV4?si=J6DINvmtf1nPRutt

 

Lastly, on Friday, we will check out the Old Catholic Church.

 

See you there... 

 

 

Virtual Jamaica: St. Mary's~ Old Spanish Bridge and Fern Gully

 

And today we are (virtually) back...

 

A relic remaining from the 17th century when the Spanish arrived and colonized this island.

https://youtu.be/VZI5L7cZte0?si=YXHIqKtf5H1soXDj

Now, basically a tourist attraction complete with rope swings so you can cool off in the hot Jamaican sun.

And surprisingly...people are encouraged to carve their initials in its rocky face.

Nearby is Fern Gully...

A long drive into the rain forest that boasts an assortment of beautiful ferns and other natural botanicals.

 

A brief, but beautiful, excursion.

Wednesday, we will tour a Banana Plantation, and sample their wares!
 

Easter Weekend...Update on John...Football...and New Stuff..

 Raining like S.E Asia outside...the little ones may need snorkels and masks to dive for Easter Eggs!

 

Easter Weekend...and to be honest, I'm exhausted. Seeing a hot bubble bath...some good food and a nap or three in my future.

John's week has been rough...on everyone.

Especially John.

Full of therapy...inability to eat more than a minimum...pain...difficulty sleeping...and knowing that Sunday is his 10th day.

Faced with the decision of 14 more days in rehabilitation or leaving on Monday.

Realizing he was weak...tired and had lost another 8 pounds...bringing him down to 160 pounds.

...absolutely skeletal... 

 As of last night...he has decided to go home...to his food...his bed...his cat.

Our friend, Jan, has an 1100 kcal. smoothie she wants him to try.

Our friend, Kathy, promises milkshakes.

We are so hopeful.

He just says he is so tired.

I'm just sad and scared. 

We're taking it one day at a time...isn't that all any of us have, anyway? 

...tears...

The football season is going to be interesting...after all the coach firings and replacements.

Also us signing Indiana Jones for 2 more years...Tua going to The Falcons...Minnesota taking Wentz back...Kansas releasing Pachenko...and more.

In-trading has been like musical chairs...I've never seen it like this before...and the draft hasn't even started.

We shall see.

 

The new stuff...

The best is that MY Dunkin' Donuts opens soon!!!!

 

And MORELS are back!

I'm getting mine next week. 

 And I've now tried the new Big Arch Burger from McDonald's.

 It was very good.  Kind of a Big Mac on steroids.  A full 1/2 pound of fresh beef. All and all worth the price.

...and it is a bit pricey for a burger...think 5 Guys prices...

 

Have a Wonderful Holiday Weekend!

 

 

 

 

Virtual Jamaica: St. Mary~ GoldenEye Resort

 Welcome to Ian Fleming's Paradise...

 

Now a luxury resort.

https://youtu.be/BiOl0XOqmcc?si=6Bi7dKJde5-auJXL 

With all-inclusive villas...cottages...lagoon side and beach side rooms...spas...kayaks...outdoor work out areas...3 pools...several beaches...restaurants...bars and live music...there is something for everyone!

https://youtu.be/kyd9CZIZKgE?si=S_7sDNtckRaBzVHt

Although the beach-side with its sugar white sand is inviting...I am thinking the lagoon villa will be perfect for our time in St. Mary's.

 

Including a claw-foot tub and an outdoor shower!

 Which, of course, were MY selling features.

I can see starting each day in this shower and finishing each night in a deep candle-lit bubble bath.

Right now, though, I just want to enjoy the seclusion of this hidden gem with an ice cold fruit/rum drink from my private deck overlooking the lagoon.

 

It just doesn't get much better than this.

 Until Monday...