Greetings from one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been, Negril, Jamaica!
Where the sky is blue, the water is even bluer, and the mojitos pour free. ;)
Ben and I have only been here for a full day and a half (at the time of this typing!) but have already fallen into somewhat of an island routine. :)
We lazily sleep in, then check out the scene at the pool.
Pass through the lobby to smell the fresh flowers.
(I wish I knew what kind of flowers these are! They’re so beautiful and exotic!)
Then head out for a long walk on the beach.
Our hotel sits at the end of a long cove so we walk about 10 feet into the crystal clear water which is warmer than BATH WATER, and head all the way towards the other end of the cove before turning around and coming back.
The marine life we’ve come across on our walks is a hoot. I bought an underwater camera so I’ll share the pics when I get them developed.
We see all kinds of fish though – short and fat, long and skinny, plus starfish, and even sea urchins!
Once we make it back from our walk, it’s usually time for cocktail hour(s)!!! Ben and I are staying at an all inclusive resort, which means all our meals, and drinks are included in the price of the hotel.
This comes in handy for Ben’s fondness for red stripe, and my obsession with mojitos. ;) Actually, it seems I ran the resort out of fresh mint on the first day, so I had to sample a few margaritas on the second day. Whoops!
The food here is fresh, and plentiful. We’ve eaten everything from seafood, to the BEST jerk chicken,
braised oxtail (which I actually loved!)
and tons of exotic and unknown fruits. I still haven’t figured out what this avocado/oyster looking fruit is…
but jack fruit is my new favorite thing on earth!
Apparently it’s as big as a watermelon, and covered with these hedge hog looking spikes on the outside.
The inside is pitted with almond-looking pits that you pop out, then eat the flesh that peels back in layers like an artichoke. It’s WILD, and tastes like a mix between a banana, coconut, and pineapple. Mmmm, so yummy. :)
Well, back to the sun and fun I go! We’ve got an island excursion planned for tomorrow, and today we’re heading towards the famous 7 mile beach to watch and, fingers crossed, participate in some cliff jumping! Whee!
Hope you’re having a great week! :)
gorgeous–lucky you! i think the flowers might be bromeliads…have fun!
Okay, Jamaica is now on my bucket list. I’m not even a beach girl. I prefer Europe… so way to go on “selling” it to me, even though you weren’t even trying! ;-)
Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Cheers~
I’ve been to Jamaica and LOVED it! I can’t wait to go back one day. I think those flowers are a version of a bird of paradise.
The mystery fruit is a durian!
I also found your site on pinterest and I am so happy I did. I have used a number of your recipes and actually look forward to your e-mail every night to see what you have to say! Thanks for taking the time out during your vacation to still post!
We stayed at there for our 10th anniversary… 10 years ago, feels like yesterday! Your pictures brought it back! Ask the bartender for a hummingbird, you’ll love it!
What gorgeous photos! Okay I need to save up money so I can make a trip out there. It’s either that or winning the lottery. Then I’ll just buy a beachfront house there :)
Looks like you’re having a wonderful time, Kristin and Ben! Hope you keep having a good vacation :)
This looks so fantastic! Thanks for taking us on a virtual vacation, Kristin, and have a blast with the cliff jumping! :)
Was just in Negril myself a month ago and loved it! Its so beautiful! If you can, record the sound of the waves on the shore at night or even during the day. I did on my iPod … So magical now to listen to the serenity of it. Enjoy! And thank you for the pics!
Jamaica looks gorgeous and the food looks delicious! fresh jackfruit is one my favorite fruits :)
My boyfriend and I are headed to Negril in September. I just got an all-inclusive quote for the RIU. Please let us know specifically which resort you are with. Have a good time.
Wow, looks great! That water looks amazing. Sounds like you are having a great time. Ben looks so much healthier now than he did a few months ago. Can’t wait to see the underwater pics.