Jamaica Chronicles: Day Six Adventures

An Apology for the Boozy Babbling of Yesterday

Apologies, dear readers, for the hazy recounting of yesterday’s escapades. It seems the potent elixirs aboard the cruise ship had quite the persuasive power over my faculties. Blame it on the empty stomach, blame it on the allure of the sea breeze – either way, yours truly was a tad… shall we say, discombobulated. ?

Diving into Dunns River Falls

Our adventure began with a jaunt to the famed Dunns River Falls, setting sail from Ochos Rios on a charming catamaran. Amidst the azure expanse, we indulged in a spot of scuba diving – a venture only dared by David and yours truly. As we delved into the depths, I found myself in the company of vibrant yellow fish, each no larger than a handful. Beneath us, a natural reef teemed with aquatic life, a testament to Mother Nature’s artistry.

Celebrity Haunts and Aquatic Antics

Cruising along the coastline, we passed the iconic aluminium docks, immortalised in the annals of cinematic history by the suave James Bond himself. A fleeting glimpse of an estate adorned with a cascading waterfall caught our eye – once the domain of tennis titan Arthur Ash, later graced by Mick Jagger’s presence, and now nestled under the stewardship of the illustrious Sandals hotel chain.

Docking at the falls, we were greeted by our guides, poised to lead us on our ascent. Whilst cousin Julie opted for the ‘chicken run’ – a dry alternative to the watery climb – David, Bev, Michele and I embraced the challenge of scaling the falls. It was a sight to behold, though Julie may have had the right idea in hindsight. As we returned to the catamaran, our guides eagerly awaited their gratuities, a customary dance and drink session ensued, dutifully documented for posterity.

From Fine Dining to Damp Disappointments

Our evening unfolded with a decadent French feast, a symphony of culinary delights to tantalise the taste buds. Alas, our reverie was dampened by a sudden downpour – a quintessentially Jamaican conclusion to the night’s festivities.

Rainy Ruminations and Football Frustrations

Today dawned with a drizzle, prompting the cancellation of our planned shopping excursion. Our taxi driver, ever solicitous, voiced his concern over our change of plans. Meanwhile, David and I sought solace in the televised spectacle of football, only to witness our beloved United falter against Tottenham. Fergie’s halftime pep talk sparked a brief resurgence, but alas, victory eluded us.

Relaxation, Rain, and Farewells

As the rain subsided, the beach beckoned to our companions, while David and the girls indulged in a blissful massage. Yours truly opted for a more leisurely pursuit, savouring the tranquillity by the poolside with a trusty Kindle in hand. Despite the overcast skies, the warmth of the Jamaican air enveloped us as we whiled away the afternoon.

Tonight, we anticipate an evening of Italian indulgence, whilst tomorrow heralds Julie’s departure for the Windy City. Farewells loom on the horizon, but fear not, dear readers, for reunions are but a heartbeat away.