Day 83 Dunns River Falls.

It was along day yesterday.  The thought of almost three hours drive was not great.  We were off at 8am to Dunns River Falls.

The journey ends up being not too bad.  It was also ' so ' worth it!  A day to remember!

We climb over 900ft up this fast flowing fall.  We make a human chain and climb as a group. Clive 'decided' to join me - he loved it.  He threw himself backwards into the lake and slid over the falls -not me!  What ever they said to try, he did.  It was fantastic.  I think we were the oldest ones climbing, but we did good man!  See getting into the Jamaican way!

There was also a fab beach, so after the climb we went on the beach and Clive stood under the falls for ages -  he really enjoyed the day, and so did I !

We get back about 6pm.  Tired but feeling really pleased with myself!  You need to push yourself, it makes you feel so alive!

Thanks Clive for a wonderful day!

The Beach at Beaches

Day 82. Black River Safari and the Pelican Bar

We awoke early.  'Lets go on the beach' I say!  We walk in the sea at 6.30am.  Warm and so blue!.
This is paradise!

We grab a quick breakfast and our driver comes.  Off to The Black River we go.  It's a great trip.  We go onto this river in a large covered Catamaran. We go up the river and see crocodile's!  It's surreal!  They call them and throw in chicken and they come swimming up.  The guide actually hold the croc on the snout - glad its not me having to touch the croc.  We also see some lovely birds - white and blue crane.

We then go to YS Falls.  These are stunning and the gardens so lovely and natural. Clive swims in the natural pool - we have no extra clothes!  What a great place.

Last, but certainly not least. We go to The Pelican Bar.  ( google it!). It's a wooden hut built in the sea. You have to go by boat to get there.  You probably can imagine,  we are in the sea, in Jamaica!  No cops around here!  So you can buy a beer and of course ,Ganja!  We stay for about half an hour.  I think it's more of a surprise to Clive than me.  I guessed they would be smoking out there when I driver said ' have a good time', with a smile.  He was laughing when we got back.

He's a young guy called Dwain.  He's a good driver.

What a great day!  Clive has done good again.

Day 81. JAMAICA!

We wake this morning in Jamaica!  Ocho Rios -  the sun is shining and the Caribbean Sea so blue!
We have immigration at 7.30 am, so early start.  All goes well.  Clive has booked one last tour from the cruise ship.  Off we go - its River Rafting at Martha Brae Falls, it sounds like great fun!

It is.  We arrive at a fast rapid area.  There are bamboo rafts with a seat on, and a barefoot Jamaican with a bamboo pole ( bit like a Gondolier - only in some cases a Rasta Man).    We have to wear life jackets, and onboard we clamber.  It's brilliant!  We set off down the Falls, quite fast at first, then settling into a lovely relaxing river ride.  A young guy throws a model of the raft to us.  He says $5, of course I buy it.   He meets us further down and swims out to get his money - it's crazy! Our rafter chats away to Clive - the Jamaican Patwa gets going, and I can hardly understand them.  Clive loves the reminiscing!  It's such a lovely trip.



Back to the ship, collect our things and say goodbye to lots of people - we had a great time.  Our taxi meets us and off we go to Negril - almost 3 hours.

We arrive at the hotel only to be told its closed and we are transferred to Sandals - Beaches Hotel. We were disappointed but as its turned out, our Hotel is fab and the staff are probably the best I have ever had in an hotel!  (Everything happens for a reason!)

We are tired, so have dinner and get some much needed rest.  Dunns River Falls tomorrow - I'm going to climb them. Clive not so sure yet. We will see!!!

Day 80. Last day at sea!

Only one day and then Jamaica!

We both feel quite sad the cruise is almost over.  We both also look forward to our arriving in Jamaica.  We cannot believe my 89 days are almost over!  We almost feel the ships cabin is home and the crew call us part of the crew.  They have been great and we have made some good friends.

Lots of packing and sorting out to do.  Not sure I will get all my things home!

Sad day but also ready for my new adventure in Jamaica!

Cartagena

Day 79. Cartagena Colombia!

What delight has Clive booked for today!  I still don't know what tour I'm going on each day -I've really enjoyed the surprise every trip.  He chosen some great tours.

Wow!  This is going to be a good one!  The Party Tour Bus!  An open sided bus with a band and alcohol!  Clive had said I would really enjoy this one!

We get on board - four in a row.  1 bottle of white rum, one bottle of coke and a bucket of ice per row!  When you finish any of them, you just pass it forward and it's replaced -  it's going to fun I know!  The band start to play and we have to sing and get up and dance - it's great fun.   We also see some of the sights there.  We get off and dance in the street.  I had bought some Maracas from a street vendor, whilst we were on the bus.  Clive had thought it a mad idea, but when the bus stopped and we were dancing in the street, he wanted to get them out of my bag and play them - he had so much fun.  Other people started to buy them from street vendors - it was just crazy!  We drank so much and made so much noise.

When we got back to the ship, I didn't really remember walking to our room!  I felt so ill!   That will teach me - Clive had drunk the same as me and was fine!  He was very kind but I think it amused him!

Great day - if a little crazy!