A Deep Loss that Took Us Back Home to Jamaica

     A loss of a loved one is never easy and although my mother-in law would've recently turned 90, it doesn't make it any less painful realizing that she is no longer here. Nonetheless, I do take solace knowing that she lived a long and full life and was deeply loved. We affectionately referred to her as Grandma Birdie, always sporting a twinkle in her eyes with the most contagious giggle/laughter. Grandma Birdie has touched countless lives and will always be remembered in the fondest of ways. I especially am grateful of the time we shared and that she was able to bless of the children's lives with her presence.  Though she lived in the United States, it was her wish and there was never any doubt that she would be laid to rest amongst her ancestors and other  family members in her beloved home district of Trelawny, Jamaica. Hence, the bit of quiet here on the blog as we prepared for travel to Jamaica with the children. 

   She received the most wonderful send off, very deserving of  the amazing matriarch and community servant that she was. I know she must've been beaming with pride. Whilst this was undoubtedly a bittersweet trip, Jamaica and its beauty has a way of salvaging ones wounds and we embraced that with open arms. It was the children's very first time here and observing them enjoying the beauty of Jamaica, one would think they were born here. They were right at home.  Here are some pics from our trip.  These were all snapped with an Iphone.

In the country where we spent a bit of our time

a visit to Devon House was a must-the kids absolutely loved it there

We spent a few days in Portland too and it was the best! Everything was so lush and beautiful there!

Portland, Jamaica

A resort in Ocho Rios

hanging at Miss T's kitchen in Ocho Rios

stalls at the Blue Lagoon

the most beautiful blue at the Blue Lagoon

Negril, Jamaica

Ricks cafe never disappoints

Since we've returned,  the boys have been talking about Jamaica nonstop. They are already anticipating and talking about returning. xx

Negril, Jamaica and Counting down…

I am counting down the days to Summer break! It’s the end of the school year and between End of year Exams, grading papers and a ton of paperwork; i think i deserve a vacation to The Caves in Negril, Jamaica(pic above) I will visit everyone and things will be back to some type of normalcy when i am officially on Summer Break. Also, stay tuned for a great giveaway coming up later this evening! Happy Thursday my wonderful friends! XX

{image}

Escape to Jamaica: The Golden Eye Resort.

via

Over the weekend, I was reading the December issue of InStyle magazine and saw a feature of Joy Bryant showing her being photographed at the famous Goldeneye Hotel and Resort in Oracabessa, Jamaica. I immediately went off into dreamland where I mentally whisked myself away from the icebox that was NC and propped myself at this tropically divine location(and in my native country too!) The Goldeneye Hotel &Resort, former home of James Bond creator Ian Fleming, recently  reopened in Jamaica.

 The founder of Island Records, Chris Blackwell, has owned the home and 15 surrounding acres since 1976, and recently reopened the resort after a two year long renovation. The Resort now features a 52-acre resort with 22 units, each with an outdoor shower and touch-screen sound system loaded with Island Records-produced music. Two new restaurants serve local cuisine, including ackee and saltfish for breakfast.  Over-lagoon suites start at $536. One of its new features is the FieldSpa, set on a lagoon(as shown above), where guests can enjoy therapeutic treatments.

Joy is obviously having a great time soaking up the sun at this dreamy locale.

My last vacation to Jamaica was about three years ago. We stayed at the Grand Lido(now known as Breezes Grand Resort and Spa) in Negril which is another superb hotel with outstanding amenities. However of late, I’ve been itching to take a vacation and escape to island bliss in Jamaica. Also, it’s not cold there!  I think Baby Z would love to visit Mommy and Daddy’s native country too. Thanks to Jude of Food and Life for spreading some island cheer in her tropical post yesterday! Two more days to go until Christmas! Yeah baby! Have a lovely Thursday everyone. XX

{2, others}