I was really adopted

by Kathy
(Virginia, US)

In May 2010, my two wonderful daughters took me on a trip of a lifetime to Negril, Jamaica!

This was my Christmas present from them both and they wanted to take me somewhere as I had always wished to go. Knowing how much I love the ocean, this was an awesome trip!

I had just closed on my house on Friday and boarded a plane to Mobay on Saturday. I had jumped through so many hoops about the house I hadn't gotten a chance to get excited about my trip.

Landing in Mobay was awesome. We followed the tourist like cattle to customs and then to our taxi bound for "The Grand Pineapple Resort".
A beautiful, colorful resort that is totally awesome.

Anyway, we saw the most beautiful countryside and the people along the road took my heart. I was taken back by it all and truly sad to see this poverty.

We arrived at the Pineapple and never touched our luggage except to pack and unpack. I saw my daughters at breakfast lunch and dinner and an occasional party on the beach.

We had big plans to see this and see that, but I found myself sitting in a beach chair at the waters edge that our dear sweet security guard "Ralston" had reserved and prepared for us everyday we were there.

I just sat and watched the hustlers on the beach. Never afraid to venture off the property. The guard always knew who we all were and to get our room numbers if we left so in case we did not return, they would search for us.

Beautiful music, beautiful dancing, crafts, hair braids, you name it. One particular guy who entertained us was "Gilbert". He danced from one end of the "7 mile beach" to the other. He gave the guards a run for their money. It was comical at times I have to admit. You can watch Gilbert on U-Tube.

We met a huge group of people from Chicago who were a blast. The adopted us and we went everywhere with them. We exchanged e-mails and addresses. We will visit each other soon I know. We met the coolest couple from Germany. Totally wild.

We always went off the property. The "real" Jamaica lies there. I have fallen in love with Jamaica. I tell my friends that I was adopted by a white family in the States and that I am really Jamaican. I have met some of the most wonderful people on this website and now when I return to Jamaica, I visit with people whom I have met that live there.

I have become very close with some. I have traveled to Jamaica going on my fourth time since May. Customs is starting to question me-haha.

I have thought about visiting other places, but unless my Jamaican friend wants to go with me, I'll just vacation right in JA. I was told to watch "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" when I returned from JA in May, well, some might say I now have a Winston-lol.

I believe that Jamaica is GOD's home. The beauty and people there are spectacular.

Oh, and you "MUST" jump off the Cliffs at Rick's Cafe. Crazy crazy crazy.....

-Kathy

More Jamaican Travel Stories here.