Sorry about the delay in creating posts, it's been eventful and uneventful. Some of the eventful times was heading to Negril for Thanksgiving.....
Rick's Cafe' A big tourist spot in Negril where you can cliff jump (at your own risk...) and blend in
I have to say that Negril is my favorite spot on the island so far. The pluses are beautiful beaches, nice American style restaurants, cheap (and nice) hotels and some of my favorite people on the island. After a long bus trip my road companion and I were greeted to 2 for 1 rum punches at a cool little bar on the ocean, the fall weather was perfect warm without much humidity and a small reunion of volunteers made the night special. I met some new friends, a cool visitor from the states as well as a really nice British ex pat who's family owns a couple shops in town. We migrated to his bar and enjoyed a couple of Jamaica's finest. I made it an early night and went to my hotel which was this great and affordable place on the ocean. LTU is very Peace Corps friendly offering a discount and a great staff. Their eatery offers an ocean view and GREAT food. The room was great and the hot water and A/C a treat!
The next day we went over to the couple hosting the Thanksgiving dinner who by the way are probably everybody's favorite people on the island. B&E are really some of the finest people I have ever met, and made this volunteer feel welcome and with family. The day was spent preparing for the dinner, purchasing, chopping, BBQing and baking, and the group of us then settled in for a classic turkey day experience with all the trimmings. Everyone gave their thanks in a circle for a toast and I really felt that I was so lucky and thankful to have this Peace Corps family. With my fellow volunteer's support (plus support from back home!) I feel I'm going to make it these two years and make some difference.
That night we went to Rick's Cafe' and some people did the Cliff diving, "at your own risk" should have been bigger because I think a couple people came out of it with some bruises... The next day was a lazy day and I was able to explore a really beautiful beach called Half Moon Bay which reminded me of home. Overall this was the best time I have had here in Jamaica and solidified many friendships here.
Christmas Festivities.........
The town's "Christmas Treat" is a yearly event sponsored by the Business Association that I have become involved with. 300 or so children under the age of 7 gathered at one of the town's churches for food, music, small gifts and Santa!
I live in a city where many major agriculture industries have left within the last 10 years or so and it has decimated the place. Ramshackle houses line the side streets and desperately poor people fight to make a living. The Christmas Treat for many of these kids was their ownly chance for a little holiday cheer. I was so glad that I could be apart of the organization and implementation. My co-volunteer Jessica and I recruited some additional man/woman-power so thanks again to Amy, Bill & Gail! The Jamaican corporations Grace Kennedy and National both provided free food and costumed characters for our event. There was a paraide down the main road with these folks, a bunch of balloon carying kids and Santa out the sun-roof of a SUV. This led into a really nice party, where after Santa left the kids kept asking me if I was Santa. I would reply "Ho Ho Ho" and their faces would light up! Being mobed by 50 or so little kids was quite the experience and at one point I felt like the Beatles, running away with them chasing me! The party was a complete success and the president of the Association should be proud. Pam looks out for us and always hooks us up with treats at her shop along with a word of encouragement.
The Tree Lighting.......
A couple weeks later the first annual town Christmas Tree lighting occurred in our fair city. Sorry about not having any pictures, but it happened at night and nothing came out. This event was far less planned but I think even more successful. After worries that the tree's ornaments and lights would be stolen by the town folk, the project pressed on and we were donated a 15' tree by the member of Parliament. All of the area churches were invited to participate lending their congregations for entertainment. So the day of the event, we decorated the tree, backed up a flatbed truck for a stage, and prepared the town square for an evening of carols, and distinguished guests including the member of Parliament, the parish Mayor and the Custos. (The representative of the Governor General of Jamaica) Around 250 community members came to sing and see the show, and I'm happy to report that almost two weeks later, all the decorations are still on the tree!
Christmas Eve....
Today is Christmas Eve and I will be heading off to spend time with some of my fellow PCVs and then tomorrow go to a church service (first time in how many years??????) and spend Christmas Day with a Jamaican family. I'm thankful for my friends here and at back home and especially my family who I will miss dearly. It's weird that and old man like me is having his first Christmas away from home and it certainly feels strange, but you will be in my heart.
