Where was I? Right, Tuesday evening in Montego Bay. Mimi & I ate at our regular spot again and I ate some stuff for the first time in my life. Stuff I never heard of before even. Everyone that knows me well, knows that I’m a foodie. So of course I can’t just keep eating the things I know. No sir, I travel not just to sniff up cultures and expand my horizons, I also travel to try new foods all over the world. So I dipped into the Ackee & Codfish, a typical Jamaican national dish. My brain couldn’t comprehend the taste, its not comparable to anything. I’m still not sure whether I like it or not. Still Switzerland on it. I probably have to eat it some more to take a liking or disliking to it.

The following day, Mimi flew back to New York. I dropped her off at the airport and late afternoon, Donahue & I were on our way to Kingston. This roadtrip was crazy. The drive was a part along the north coast of Jamaica and then going down south through the country, going around and over mountains, to Kingston. Donahue first had to stop at his favorite chicken spot again, Scotchie’s. Yep, definitely the best jerk chicken I ever had. And trust me, I had alot while I was in Jamaica lol. I also ate breadfruit for the first time. Strange, its a fruit but it tastes like bread. Guess that’s “strange fruit”. Again though, ya gotta try new foods when you travel to places never been.

The people in Jamaica are crazy drivers, but Donahue definitely topped them all. Mind you, in Jamaica they drive on the left side of the road. Donahue’s car is American so as a passenger, I’m sitting on the right side of the car. Meaning all the cars from the opposite direction are racing by past my side of the car. Lord did I hold my heart a few times in the mountains with the curves, especially in the dark. The roads have no lane separations so I saw cars coming right at me. I definitely felt like I had a few near death experiences on this trip lol.

We arrive in Kingston around 8 pm. Donahue’s hotel, the Altamont Court Hotel, is lovely. At the hotel I finally meet up with Vic. It was great to finally see him again. I also get to meet a lot of other people, amongst which is Cat Coore from Third World. Vic and I end up going to the Harmony House where Leon is recording. I had no idea Leon was going to be in Jamaica while I was there so that was a nice surprise seeing him again as well. Harmony House is the studio from Beres Hammond. Now I really didn’t expect to meet Beres Hammond while in Jamaica, let alone be in his studio! That was pretty fresh.

The next day Vic & I walk from the apartment complex of his friend that we stayed at, through the streets of Kingston, to the hotel. Vic & the band are flying to Montego Bay, I am driving back with Donahue & Cat. Oh boy did I have FUN on this drive back. Cat is hilarious! It was also very impressive to see how everybody in Jamaica knows Cat. Everywhere we stopped, people would call his name or say “Third World!” We did stop at a few places on the way back cause the scenery is so beautiful. I never knew Fern Gully really existed and then I drive through it. lol. Ocho Rios must be one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever seen. Very lovely! It looks like a village from a fairy tale or something ha. Right by Ocho Rios there are the Dunns River Falls, three waterfalls that come together.

Honestly, I have better pictures on my photo camera but forgot to bring the cable to upload them. So for now, the pictures from my blackberry will do I guess. After we stopped at the falls, it becomes dark already. Its still a good 2 hours before we get to Montego Bay. We arrive at The Rosehall Resort around 8 pm. Now this resort is ridiculously luxurious. Its a Hilton resort. I had no idea I was going to stay at a resort like that with the band and all. Its all-inclusive. Meaning, the whole time we’re there, its free drinks, free food, free snacks, all day, every day! Now being the pig that I am, this is heaven of course! Man, you just eat and drink more than you usually do, cause you can. The resort has 2 pools, a waterslide, 3 jacuzzi’s, a spa, a club, pool tables, bars, 3 restaurants, etc etc. I felt like I was one of the artists, VIP or some shit ha.

I had to room with Jo Wheeler (last name included lol), she works with Vic. I didn’t know her from a hole in the wall but I could not have wished for a better roomie. Jo is one of the funniest and coolest people I’ve ever met! And she is so easy going. I felt instantly comfortable around her. We ended up spending a lot of time hanging out at the resort and pigging out (she loves food as much as I do!). Besides that, we were tag teaming at the Jazz & Blues Festival as well.

The room we were in had two double beds that were huge and sooooo comfortable. Once you laid down in it, you were knocked out. I wanted to pack the bed in my suitcase and bring it home lol. The restaurants and bars at the resort were pretty awesome as well. The “Fresh Restaurant” had a buffet with all kinds of good stuff. Basically, all you can eat. I must have gained weight since I stayed there a few days. And that’s a good thing for me lol. I also overdosed on the fresh blended Pina Colada’s over there. Goodness I couldn’t get enough of those. At least a few every day. I miss the drinks! So yes, this resort is absolutely amazing. Definitely recommendable for people who would wanna go to Jamaica, but then again, the resort has everything in it, so you wouldn’t need to leave it and then you don’t get to see the real country and the local restaurants, bars, shops and all. That’s really Jamaica. Not some Hilton resort. Nonetheless, check it out if anything, www.rosehallresort.com. I definitely felt very peaceful there. Spent most of the time with Jo, Pat McKay (from Sirius), Pat’s son and Marlene, Vic’s better half. Breakfast, beach/pool, lunch, beach/pool, dinner, Jazz & Blues Festival. I will write about that one in the next part.

Peace & Blessings. <3