Well… The Leafs won (along with Doug Ford), the clock went ahead an hour, and we were up and at it early (5:30AM) to make our morning flight from Moncton to Montego Bay! It was a quick trek across the city, just a couple of minute drive to the airport from our overnight lodging, the Four Points Sheraton in Moncton. I’m glad we arrived a bit early at the airport, as the parking lot was almost at capacity (it was the end of March Break in New Brunswick). We nabbed a pretty decent spot and were quickly inside. Monica timed us, and we cleared baggage check and security in approximately 15 minutes. That’s even after I was random selected for a security check.
Once post-security at Romeo LeBlanc International we relaxed and even met up with Margaret and Steven from Antigonish. Had a great gab. The plane departed 1 1/2 hrs late… But the time went quickly on the ground. I also got the opportunity to connect with folks at home and emailed Ms Vaz to advise we were not on time. Then up and away for the 4:45 hour flight. We arrived two hours late, a little weary, and hoping our driver got the message we were running behind schedule.
Very smooth flight… And after 40 minutes in Jamaica Customs & Immigration line, we broke free. Sunwing didn’t have the immigration papers on the flight (that’s a dropped ball) so we filled those out on the ground, slowing down the entire process. However, we were met by our driver Dermaine as soon as we saw daylight and were quickly chauffeured into the abyss that is Jamaica. After adjusting to the driver being on the right, and acknowledging the liberties taken by motorists on island highways, we settled for the trip. We had an excellent 1:45 minute tour along the north coast, including a short visit to Falmouth, that we used to ask our fill of questions about Jamaica.
Of note, we did have the chance to discuss the recent tourist alerts and troubles in St James Parish (prompted by a road side security check in Trelawny). Dermaine was also concerned, describing how the violence in the area could impact an economy that is all about tourism. His take on the government response, in essence sending in troops, was that the military was going to help in efforts to rectify the gang / drug related issues, but they waited too long to do so, making the job even bigger. We’ve read the safety tips / travel alerts before arrival, and have determined that common sense in regards to location / time should avoid any difficulties.
So… Holy accommodations! In January we spent a week digging into rentals looking for a space in Jamaica that suited us. Well that piece of work paid off! We said our goodbyes to Dermaine and hello to Marcia, with cold rose water towels and drinks in hand, as we stepped into the doorway at Tikal Villa. Of note… When we started rental, it was called Moksha Villa, but while there the website was pulled down and by the time we got home and looked back on VRBO it had been renamed Tikal Luxury Villa with new ownership! Wild! As pictured, this little piece of heaven suited us just fine. Open concept living, indoors and right through to the veranda. All the comforts included. Marcia gave us the tour and reviewed the do’s and dont’s. Everything was incredibly organized. She had even set up a bottle of red and had prepared a chicken dinner, complete with beans and rice and a garden salad (sorry Mike… No pic as we were so hungry and it was so good no one thought of it).
After supper, and with daylight waning, we boogied across the highway to the LFA Country Store for groceries. Fun… Always interesting to see the products, prices (in Jamaican dollars – $1 CAN = $100 JA) and speak with those we meet. We definitely stocked the larder, leaving with about $250 Can worth of supplies, some of which will last the week. Marcia gave us a few tips on purchases, supported by the friendly folks at the store. Looking forward to the contents of the Sangster Rum Cream in Monday morning’s coffee!
The evening concluded at the pool with a glass of wine, listening to the din of waves washing into the shoreline and the orchestra of crickets and peepers singing their song. First day was awesome, with no major scrapes and a week of relaxation in our sights.