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you!"
Charlotte Watkins' Trip Report
Dear Prem:
There's so much to tell that I find myself at a loss for words! AND we know me...... that's almost impossible! To start with, what comes to mind is "totally and completely awesome!!" This was the most wonderfully relaxing vacation we have had the opportunity to take!
Planning a vacation can be VERY stressful. Shopping for a place to stay on the Net - site unseen - can add to it even MORE. This was our first experience to plan a trip this way and I'll freely admit I was VERY skeptical. You and the staff at CCV (Angela, Sasha, Bridget) have done a MORE than great job in making sure everything was all that it was meant to be ........ and then some. After viewing the pictures on the Web Site for so many months before the trip, I felt like we already knew everyone and it was like going home! To anyone who is a little hesitant I would tell them "NO PROBLEM, MON!" Come to Silver Sands and CCV and "feel all right!"
We're already making plans to go next year! I can't begin to say enough about The Orchid House, the food, the staff - Una, Margaret, Carol & Belvitt were the greatest and treated us like Royalty. We felt a little funny with them working so hard for us. By the end of the trip, we felt like they were a part of us. Belvitt brought his new baby boy for us to see the day before we left and we look forward to meeting other members of their family when we return.
The town of Duncans, Fisherman's Beach, the people, etc; a real sense of community and area with warmth and charm. I'll admit, Fisherman's Beach took a little getting used to, but in a short while it was "No Problem" and we were treated with "respect" just as we treated them! Such TALENT!! I was truly amazed how talented they are!! The bar on the beach - Archie felt like he was in an Ernest Hemmingway novel!
The visit to the local Kingdom Hall was priceless! Meeting and sharing with others of the same faith in another part of the world draws you closer to one another. Being there was a truly humbling experience. Isn't it what it's all about? No matter where we are or who we are . . . . . . we're just PEOPLE. We can't wait to get back and get more into the real Jamaica! We've learned what we want to do again and what we don't. How to manage our money, where to buy, etc.
The beach is lovely and the constant sound of the ocean is soooo relaxing! Errol took us out snorkeling and then, he and Charles (Rum Jetty) took us to the private beach. We fished on the way & snorkeled more there, too! Charles showed us some local plants and special things there on the beach. He spoke of "sea cats" and Nasberries. Simple, but one of my favorite times spent. There were trees that had the most WONDERFUL aroma!! - just like when the lilacs are in bloom ,in Spring, around here!!
We had lots of fun getting to know the staff and some of the local folks. Gabriel became a dear friend. He is a very talented, thoughtful and kind young man! On the next trip we plan on taking shoe polish and carving tools for the men at F.B., clothing for anyone who needs it, and fishing items for the fishermen. I'm sure we'll think of other things. Some things for the Ladies at F.B., too!
The Jerk was out of this world!! I think we could eat it EVERY day!! I'll think of that word in a whole other way from here on out! (Smile!)
Mosquitoes were a big worry of mine, but the bugs were really "NO problem!" We just used Skin So Soft. It kept the bugs off & our skin soft!! Also, NO SMELL!!
The folks at Braco Stables were the greatest! We went on the Beach Ride. They took us through back roads where there were fields of sugarcane, vegetable gardens and grazing cattle. The landscape was scattered with homes and there were friendly people who waved and smiled as we passed by. THEN when we got to the beach, they unsaddled some of the horses and we got to ride bareback in the water. What an awesome feeling when the horse started to swim! Then they took each one of us to the shallower water and helped us to stand up on the back of the horse. We all came back knowing our money had been WELL spent!!
We drove down the road and I looked at the beautiful "All Inclusive Hotels" and thought of the people inside. I wondered if they really knew just what they were truly missing! I was SO thankful for our choice and that we found this wonderful jewel.
I KNOW there's more, but for now I've got to stop! If anyone ever has ANY questions, I'll be more than happy to answer!! For those who haven't been there yet or have yet to decide......go and enjoy........ I envy you ..... and to those who have been there ........don't hesitate...... make plans to go again!!!
Again, Prem, we thank you, thank you, thank you for everything. We look forward to many happy years of vacationing with CCV in the future. We hope to see YOU again! Best wishes and "one love"
Charlotte (& Archie) Watkins
Dalton, Ohio, USA
(You may email Charlotte Watkins with your questions at
charwatkin@yahoo.com )
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