Travel Eat Drink Like a Local

Nirvana has the best beach on the 7-mile stretch. You don't feel like you are in a crowded beach. There's plenty of shade. It's the most family friendly and safe out there. The staff cares about you like you are family. We love it there and will return again and again. At least one year ahead reservation is required if you want the owner's bungalow -it's that popular! The garden is well kept and clean. Steps away from the ocean Back garden Sapota Even though we made some of our meals, we would walk down the beach sometimes for breakfast. Calalloo omlet When hungry we would cross the street to Best in the West for Jerk. Hands down, best jerk in the area! Half Chicken Jerk - Perfection! If we are going to the town we would place an order for patties at Miss Sonia's and it's ready to be picked up on our way back. These are not the whole-sale kind. They are not greasy, hand made to order and a meal by itself. Miss S...

From Negril's 7-mile beach you can sea a small lush island. Between the beach and this island Booby Cay you get the most awesome shallow water snorkeling opportunities. The underwater water world is so rich, colorful and is like living in a dream you don't want to wake up from. Note to self: buy an underwater camera. We had watched how these guys operate for few days now and thought they were good. They didn't disappoint us. Perfect snorkeling for beginners Booby Cay Booby Cay shores After snorkeling you can have the boat drop you off at the island to spend some time there. You can tell them the pickup time. Yum! Lobster traps There is a lady who sells cold Redstripes and a man who would grill the lobster you chose from his trap in the water. While your lunch is being prepared you can take a small hike through a under brush to the other side of the island. Lobster for lunch The other side of the island Sea Urchin  Boat owner an...

The boys decided to jet ski to say goodbye to 2013. I believe what we paid was $50 per person. They had so much fun.  Just being nice to the local operators can mean extra fun in anywhere in Jamaica. That's all I can say. Ready! Let's say hello to 2104. January 1st 2014 adventure - parasailing for the first time ever. It was $60 per person. Boys had the most exciting experience ever. Tipping ahead can mean VIP treatment. Just saying...  My view from the beach Two little monkeys Memories were sure made

End to a beautiful vacation is upon us. Seas are little rough today and the sky's little cloudy. May be we are seeing things like the  fox in 'fox and the sour grapes' story. We decided to go to a new place for breakfast. Extremely nice Jamaican lady with somewhat of a polished British accent runs the show. The menu is small and reasonably priced. The above two pictures: Poached Eggs on a bed of calloloo Regular Pancakes with Molasses Continental Breakfast 5:00US$ A bunch of sides: The sausage was deep fried!!! The Breezie the driver was on time for our hour and 15 minute trip to Montego Bay. The Airport trip cost 120US$ for 4. The check-in at the airport is semi-self-service and pretty uneventful. Once you are through the security gates, there are good number of shops inside and eateries too. The view from the departure terminal Good bye, beautiful Jamaica. Until next time... I want to add a note about the property we stayed: Nirvan...

Last day in Negril. Must use the warm clear clam waters to the max. Talk to as many people as possible and give away the rest of the stuff we brought to the most deserving. Who are we to judge the need of another person? Yet it feels right when you think it's the right person to receive. Ocean in the morning local pastries for breakfast The seas were rough and rain was evident late afternoon. Boys wanted jerk pork from the Jerk Pork Guy. By now they have befriended the man. They had been talking about Indian Cooking. Goat curry and Dhal over rice. The man: Dean happens to be of Asian Indian origin and belonging to one of the 2 biggest Indian families in Jamaica. He apparently told the boys his nose is similar to the noses of the boys. lol. Now this vendor IS different from the rest. He is very clean, educated and breezes through the beach in a flash and all his goods gone in a flash. Dean the Jerk Pork Guy One of the things one must try before they die! No ...