On deck before 7:00 AM catching the start of another beautiful Jamaican morning. The nights are so quiet here, beyond the rattle of palms and songs of peepers. Just starting to put together a normal sleep… And it’s time to turn around. Last full day here and great weather again. Clarence noted yesterday that rain early in the morning and clearing through the day is a common pattern. We’d seen no precipitation until yesterday and it was all over by 8:00 AM at that! Regardless of the weather, we’ve all been up by the time the horses are walked up from the stables down the lane. I think Janie has it in her head that the parade each morning is for her (and she always loves a parade you know)!
Monica and Janie took over breakfast duties this morning, while Eileen and I sat in our respective seats on the veranda. It’s quiet, and although we’ve seen several other groups come and go from the other villas most folks here keep to themselves. Gonna be another tough St Paddy’s Day 🍀 on the road (really can’t remember the last one we spent in NS). Not sure if I can switch in Red Stripe for Guinness or not? We got away with tequila and cervesa with lime last year so I’m sure we can improvise. Maybe a walk to the closest bar is in order!
So we have maybe one or two more swims left… It’s been a real highlight of the trip for us, and I’m somehow regretful we didn’t do more of it during our prior visits south. Beyond interesting, it’s super healthy and has me researching the species we’ve seen online. I can see where this could get to be a habit! Anyway… Got eyes on this fella today. There were sparkles of all kinds of colours… Red, blue, green. But hard to ID until we went to the camera and actually got the shape of the head. Say hello to Mr Parrotfish!
Marcia is here and on deck today! We’ve been staying in the water and exercising as much as possible… Good thing cause the food is too good! We were wondering what we might scrounge for lunch in the kitchen when she magically appeared with a gorgeous salad and some home made fritters. It was just perfect… And there was a from scratch salad dressing (reminded me of a spicy Catalina) that brought everything together. Oh my… So nice here!
After some afternoon quiet, we decided to strap on our inner St Patrick’s and find the closest drinking establishment. That was 2 minutes away, the funky little Chukka Bar. Service invisible… Which suited us fine. Just bringing special Irish Red Stripes and Chukka Rum Punch. Monica kept good ol’ Cass company with some strategic scratching while enjoying an ice cream (Drumstick). Almost absolutely alone in the middle of a polo field. Too funny!
By the time we departed, we had the run of the neighborhood. We even had a take home package of Red Stripes and mix for our bottle of Appleton that was presented as part of a welcome gift. When we arrived back Marcia had departed but arranged on the stove some serious supper time grub! Too early for eating, the rest of the afternoon saw us relaxing on the deck… Even had some reggae on the Spotify for a more authentic background groove. Not done yet… Pre-supper saw the girls headed for the cove for one last leap from the rocks. By the time all were back supper was heated and ready to serve.
Last night at Tikal (Moksha) saw us delightfully partaking in a huge Fried Chicken meal. Complete with Salad, Rice & Beans, spicy bokchoy, sauce and fried plantains, we had been left a feast by Marcia. It was one of the best meals to date! We had said our goodbyes to Marcia in the afternoon, as we really didn’t expect to see her Sunday morning before departure. Like some sort of spirit, she was in the home but never quite here… We somehow wish we had gotten to know her better. The pleasure, I think, was all ours.
So as the sun set on our last evening in Jamaica we have lots to be thankful for. Firstly, seven full days in the Caribbean to enjoy each other’s company. I know for myself that I’m returning in a relaxed frame of mind. During our short stay we got a glimpse at the landscape, weather, plants and animals that sustain this tiny island. We’re glad to have met so many helpful and caring people along the way… Those who added something special to our stay here at Tikal (Moksha) Villa.