At last it was 3:00am, May 16, the time we decided we would leave for the drive to Newark Airport. Paul & I had debated what time we should leave, me thinking that it was too early for a 7:30 flight and he arguing that "you never know what may go wrong". "We've made this trip a few times before" I reminded him. "Yes, but always from the back of a limousine" he replied. I had to agree with the logic. We had decided to not spend money on that luxury this time because we wanted to fly TimAir from Montego Bay to Negril on our first trip and couldn't afford to do both.

All went well and we arrived at the airport without a hitch until we tried to find "long term parking". The signs offered "valet parking", "economy parking" or "budget parking". Now I ask you, what on earth is the difference between "budget" and "economy"? The answer, driving around for about an hour and a half to parts of the airport I guarantee no other passenger has ever seen. After many stops to ask directions of every person we saw, none of whom spoke English, we finally spotted a police officer who not only spoke the language but was able to direct us to the proper parking lot, which turned out to be "Lot G" in "economy". (Lesson so noted).

The shuttle bus appeared promptly and delivered us to terminal "B". From there we carted our bags up to the Air Jamaica desk where a smiling agent checked our paperwork and baggage and gave us directions to our departure gate. I turned to Paul and said "well, that was simple enough, let's hope the rest of the trip goes this smoothly". We enjoyed a cup of coffee and then meandered to the windows to watch our colorful Air Jamaica Jet being loaded and ready for boarding. Finally, we heard the announcement for boarding. Our seats were in row "G" and so we were called last. At the time, I thought "gee, this is great, we get off first". We boarded, found our assigned window seats, which from the way they were positioned, were useless to see out of, fastened our seat belts and prepared for take off. We taxied to the runway, paying attention to the usual safety demonstrations by the flight attendants. We then began to gather speed and lift off effortlessly into a clear blue morning sky, straining to catch a glimpse of Newark shrinking into a miniature metropolis. The "fasten seat belt sign" was turned off and we were now free to move about the cabin.

For awhile, we tried to sleep but were too excited from the anticipation of finally arriving at our destination. It didn't help at all, that we could see the screen ahead of us showing our flight's painfully slow progress over the eastern part of the US. I realize that we had to be moving but I would swear at the time, that time and progress stood still. After a time, the flight attendants began serving breakfast and I suddenly realized that I was famished. I chose pancakes and sausage and Paul had the omelette. We both chose the champagne! After all, it was called a "champagne flight". After the meals were cleared away, we were given headphones that plugged into the armrests allowing us to choose between radio channels. We both relaxed and kept our eyes glued to the "progress" screen.

What's this? The "fasten seat belt" light came on and we heard the pilot's announcement that we were ready to land. I couldn't believe my eyes, that little plane on the screen showed that we had arrived. We managed a glance out the window to see Montego Bay and the runway coming into view. We gently touched down and we waited anxiously for the plane to roll to a stop. Finally, we get our belongings from the overhead compartments and wait in line for our turn to de-plane. We step out into the bright sunlight, descend the steps and at long last, are standing on the tarmac in Jamaica!

We had read and been warned that we would immediately be assailed by the heat and humidity. I was quite surprised that we honestly did not feel it. I had thought that being among the first passengers off the plane was a good thing. Was I wrong! Obviously the people behind us had never heard of how slowly everything and everyone in Jamaica moved. We had no choice but to keep up the pace through the obstacle course or risk being overtaken by a stampede of people.

We were hearded into the terminal with great efficiency and were grateful to find it was air conditioned. We passed through immigration and customs easily and went to retrive our luggage. Again, everything went quickly and with no problems. I breathed a sigh of relief and off we went to find our TimAir representative.

We asked an official looking type where to go and he smiled broadly and personally escorted us to the proper counter which was next to the Air Jamaica shuttle desk. There was no agent at our counter. The Air Jamaica rep. asked if we had made reservations and we replied that we had. He told us "no problem, someone will be here soon". Paul & I took the opportunity of going outside for a much needed cigarette, taking turns, so as not to miss our representative.(me first of course) By the time Paul returned, our Rep. was there. He led us to another counter, where we completed all of the paperwork. We followed as our luggage was put into a van and we were driven to where our plane awaited.

It was a mighty small plane! I think Paul may have been a bit apprehensive but I was absolutely thrilled by the thought of actually flying in it. Our pilot helped me into the co-pilot's seat, (which really had me grinning from ear to ear) and Paul was seated in the back. All settled in, I sneaked a sidelong glance at our pilot - "my God, he's no more than a kid" I thought. "He must have done this a thousand times" I reassured myself. We rolled down the runway and lifted off into the bright blue Caribbean sky. The view was breathtaking! We followed the shoreline, with Paul filming from the back. There are not enough words to accurately describe all the different hues of blue that stretched for miles, beneath us. Our pilot, (sorry, I never did get his name) was constantly making jokes so when he asked if I would like to fly the plane, I just laughed - until he removed his hands from the controls and suggested that I had better take over! I grabbed hold of the steering control and nothing happened. He suggested that I bank to the left - I did. "Whoa, too much, straighten out" he says. "Whew, this isn't easy" I said. He says "take her up a bit". "How"? I ask. "Pull back" I do! Again - "Whoa, I'll take it from here" he says. So much for my flying lessons but at least I can always say that "I flew a plane". He finally points out the landing strip coming into view. Down we go for a perfectly smooth landing. What an experience the flight was. We climb out, shake hands and hope we get the same pilot on the way back.

As we were escorted through the gate from the tarmac I instantly saw about six taxi drivers eyeing us hungrily. I said to Paul,"not to worry, we've learned enough from the "boardies" that we can handle it. Bargaining is the key". Feeling fairly self assured, we were approached by a driver who asked "where to"? "Crystal Waters, how much?" He replies "$20US". To which I replied, "surely you can do better than that, how about $10?" His answer was "can't do for that, but I'll take you for $18". I quickly scan the other drivers but have a feeling that they are all in this together, so why bother? After a very short ride, no more than 10 minutes, we arrive at Crystal Waters Villas, where we make a quick stop at the office so our driver can find out which villa we have. Turns out to be Villa #2. I'm immediately impressed with the beauty of the place. Paul pays the the driver as he unloads our luggage. We thank him and he departs $22 richer.

I think we must have stood there for a good 10 minutes, finally allowing ourselves to believe that we were really here - we were finally in Negril - the place we had heard so much about for 7 long months. We both awoke from our mutual trance and walked inside to survey what would become our home for two whole weeks. Large & airy were my first thoughts. Fresh flowers on the coffee and dining room tables were beautifully exotic. We walked into the kitchen, which was fully equipped and even had a microwave oven. There we met Miss Elaine, who would be taking care of us for the next two weeks.(She also quickly became a member of our family). After getting acquainted, we went to the bedroom which was also a very pleasant surprise. It was quite large, with high ceilings that made it appear even larger. It had a queen size bed with nightstands and on the far end of the room was a full size bed which immediately became the repository for our suitcases. (We never did manage to fully unpack). There was a foyer with two very large closets, a lock box, an ironing board & iron (which I did use once). The bathroom was equipped with a full size bathtub and the sink was modern with a very large vanity area and a built-in blow dryer. Again, there were fresh flowers. The bedroom was air conditioned. Both the bedroom and living/dining areas had ceiling fans as well. We also had satellite TV and an am/fm clock radio. Needless to say, we were more than satisfied with our "home away from home".

We decided that since it was only about 12:00, we'd change into our bathing suits and walk down the beach to our very first "Board Meeting Daze" which was being held from 12:00 - 2:00 at Venon's Fun Holiday Seafood Restaurant As we had no clue as to where this was located, we asked our security guard. (who we learned later, was Orville) He pointed left and told us it was about a 15 - 20 minute walk. Now, let me tell you, for someone who is not used to walking, 15 - 20 minutes seemed like an impossible task. That plus the fact that we had not had any sleep for almost 36 hours, I should have known that there was no way these skinny legs were going to make it "all the way down there"! I was right! We made it as far as "Dr. Bills" and we both decided that this was something we had to slowly work up to. We did however, enjoy our first "Red Stripe Lights" with lime, while there. We then headed back to "our beach" to relax.

The hours without sleep, quickly took their toll and even though we didn't want to leave the beach, we decided we were not going to last much longer without some serious sleep. We didn't even bother to remove our suits. We simply melted into the cool sheets and quickly drifted into sleep. "Knock, knock" on the bedroom door! I was startled awake! "Miss Diana, the fish man is here". I jump out of bed. "huh? fishman, what fishman"? "You want fish for tomorrow's dinner"? "Uh, sure, fish will be fine". "What kind of fish you want"? "Uh, I don't care - anything that doesn't taste like fish". (Strange look) "I don't understand". "Just get any kind, I'll trust your cooking". I crawl back under the covers. "Knock, knock" "Yes"? "I need money for the fish". "Just a minute". "Paul - PAUL!" "Huh"? "You've got to get some money out of the safe". "Now"? "Yes, now". "What for - can't it wait till tomorrow"? "No! I need it for Miss Elaine to give to the fishman and don't ask, just get it, please". After clumsily fumbling around, he comes back & hands me $20. "Will this do"? "Yes, thank you". Handed money to Miss Elaine, crawled back under the covers, fell asleep and so ended our long day's journey.


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