Long Long Ago When I Went to Jamaica

I am way behind on posting about my fabulous trip but someone took awhile to send me her pictures, and then life got busy.  But back in September I spent a week in Jamaica with my best friend Kristen.  We had been planning a trip for a couple months and one day Jamaica just came to us.  We both had never been there, and we both loved the show "Cool Runnings" (kidding) so we decided to book a trip.  People always ask why I didn't go with Neil.  I would have loved to(not taking anything away from Kristen here) but having a child with special medical needs makes it hard to get away.  Only Neil and I know how to care for all his needs so both of us leaving the country is out of the question, at least for now.  Besides, Kristen is always up for an adventure and I think she would have preferred my company over Neil's!  

We left SLC at midnight on a Thursday night.  We flew to Charlotte and arrived about 3 am SL time.  I sure hoped to be able to sleep on the plane and again in the airport but then I remembered that I can't sleep anywhere except a bed.  

Once we got to Charlotte we discovered that we were VERY undressed for the temperature of the airport lobby.  We both had shorts on with long sleeves.  I had randomly thrown one of Jackson's blankets in my backpack and Kristen had a pair of wool socks in her bag.  We pulled them out and tried to warm up.  I actually managed to catch a few minutes of sleep on the floor of the Charlotte airport.  Classy, but true.  Desperate times call for desperate measures.

 We spent about 5 hours in the Charlotte airport and then finally we were on our way to Jamaica.  Once again, I couldn't fall asleep on the plane.
Once we finally landed in Jamaica we no longer needed our 2 jackets, blankets and socks.  It was beautiful there!  The airport was tiny and a bit trashy but we found a very willing taxi driver to take us 90 minutes up the coast to our hotel.

I don't have any pictures of us in the taxi for very good reasons.  The driving in Jamaica is bad enough to make a grown woman cry.  You pass on hills and curves, you go as fast as possible, and you tailgate like it's nobody's business.  When you are ready to pass someone on a hill, going 65 mph, you just give a honk with your horn and swerve around.  Luckily, if someone is coming, they are nice enough to pull to the shoulder to let you by.  There were times I had to stop looking.  I decided to enjoy the beautiful scenery instead of the atrocious driving.

Kristen and I really did our homework before this trip.  We both ordered a thick book all about Jamaica.  One thing it said was to be sure and sample all the wonderful, local fruit.  We passed several roadside fruit stands and so we asked our driver to pull over so we could buy some local fruit.

 There were lots of little stands like this one off the busy, busy highway.  Our driver just pulled over, yelled to the owners and then their young child walked across the busy highway to deliver our fruit.

Here is Kristen holding our first Jamaican experience.  Naseberries.  We were told that they were similar to a peach.  Wrong.  They were not good.  In fact, we didn't enjoy any of the local fruit.  The names and looks of them were great but very, very different tasting from American fruit.  But you have to give us credit, we tried every kind available.  Some kinds we tried were naseberry, jackfruit, ackee,guinep, passion fruit, soursop, and star apple.  We arrived at our beautiful hotel about 1:30 local time.

Here is the view from our hotel balcony.  We flew into Montego Bay, Jamaica but our resort was 2 hours away in Ocho Rio.  The first thing I noticed about Jamaica was their wonderful accents.  And yes, they really do say, "No problem maan."  In fact, they say it all the time.  I found it a little weird that they even said it to girls but I eventually got use to it.  Their accents were great and completely understandable.  Until they talked from one Jamaican to another.  Then they used their own dialect and we couldn't understand a word they said.  It did not sound one thing like English, even though technically it was.

Now onto the Jamaican food.  I ate my fair share.  And bless Kristen's heart for keeping up with me.  When we went, Kristen was about 11 weeks pregnant.  Luckily her morning sickness didn't really keep her down and she was able to handle the change in food.

 Here is some traditional Jamaican Jerk chicken.  It was quite delicious.  There are 2 different kinds of sauces, one very sweet and one quite spicy.  I could tolerate a little of both.  The Jerk Pork was my favorite however.  All the food was buffet style and it was good.  It did get old after a week of eating buffet style food but it was good nonetheless.

Here is a view of our modest room.  2 beds, a TV and a bathroom.  What more could we need?

A view from the resort.  We were steps away from the ocean and it was beautiful.  September is suppose to be their rainy season but we got lucky and it only rained the morning we left, for about 20 minutes.

Our first excursion away from the resort was to the famous Dunn River Falls.  It was so much fun and a great experience.  It is their most popular tourist destination.  Let me just say though that what we did would never be allowed in the United States.  We climbed natural waterfalls, with no safety gear, and without signing a waiver!
                                     
Right before we left on our climb!  I obviously had gotten a taste of the Jamaican sun the day before.

                                           
This is a picture of part of the falls that we climbed.  It was never super steep or seemed dangerous at all.  We had 2 guides who told us exactly where to step and it was a blast.

Our first time getting in the actual falls.  It wasn't cold but it certainly wasn't as warm as the Caribbean Ocean.  It actually felt nice in the warm weather.

 Self portrait.  Kristen and I were first in our group which made me nervous at first but it all worked out.

 Kristen relaxing in one of the areas.  The guides were very insistent on taking pictures for you and making sure you got pictures.

 Kristen and I doing our "I love Jamaica" chant.  The guides were also videotaping us (to later try and sell) and so they always wanted us to dance and sing.  You all know how much I love singing and dancing, especially on camera (NOT).  Kristen looks like she's done her fair share of Karaoke....

 Here is the rest of our group climbing.  We were with mostly American tourists.  Which was fun because it seemed like we were some of the very few Americans at the resort.  There were tons of British people and Portuguese people but I ran into very few Americans.

 These were our awesome tour guides.  They went barefoot up the falls and you could tell that they probably rarely wore shoes, by the looks of their gnarled feet.  They were very lively and made sure to let us know that they expected a tip.

As we left the falls we tried to steer clear of the groups of people selling souvenirs.  We purposely didn't bring any cash.  Then I saw this nice old man with a decorated donkey who asked if I wanted my picture taken with her.

I said sure.  Then Kristen reminded me that he expects a tip to get a picture with his donkey.  Oops.  We had no cash.  I vowed to remember that people who want you to take pictures, want money.

And here's Kristen with the beautiful donkey.  We were using our waterproof camera still so we have some waterspots and such.

 Remember how I vowed to not forget about the picture taking=tip money?  Well I forgot once again.

At our next excursion a fire breathing man came right up next to me and told Kristen to take a picture.  I didn't really want to be close to this man but didn't want to be rude.  Kristen told him we didn't have any money and he was disappointed but still allowed a picture.

Our next excursion was bamboo rafting down the White River.  This was a very mellow ride but still fun.  How many times do you get a ride down a beautiful river on a man made 50 ft bamboo raft?

Kristen and I enjoying the scenery.

 Here is our guide Jack guiding us down the river.  It was such a smooth ride and the raft never got stuck.

The other days were spent relaxing at the resort.  There were a couple of pools and of course the ocean. 

The Caribbean Ocean is wonderful.  The perfect temperature and very calm.

We enjoyed a lot of eating, cold drinks, swimming, reading, and paddle boating.

 A view from the boat!

 I even did a little snorkeling although there wasn't much to see where I was at.

                                               

 We both managed to read some good books and take naps by the pool or beach.

Evenings brought dinner and reading in the lobby while skyping with our families.  Thank heavens for the internet! After dinner we would head back to our room and usually be in bed before 10:00.  The best part of the trip-all the sleeping we were able to catch up on!

 More traditional Jamaican food.  There were several restaurants to choose from and some were suppose to be fancier than others, but truthfully they had a lot of the same foods and all had a similar taste!

 Our last morning in Jamaica.  This picture just shows the humidity in the air.  It was extra thick this morning after the short rain storm.

On our way to the airport we were about 1 inch from rear ending another car.  Luckily our driver managed to swerve at the last second.  I will be fine never riding in a car in Jamaica again.

 We had a great trip but we were both ready to be home and to eat American food.  I was so ready for American food that I bought a butterfinger in the airport.  It was a bit stale but still satisfied my craving for candy!

 Goodbye Jamaica!  It was a beautiful country with very nice people.  The Jamaican people are very laid back and very welcoming.  One thing to know about Jamaica is that there are no problems in Jamaica.  Only situations!  Thanks for going with me Kristen and being the perfect travel companion.  I'm thinking the Dominican Republic in about 2 years, when baby Petersen is a bit older!

The Beach

We decided to break up the days at Disneyland by going to the beach on Wednesday.  We got a recommendation and headed out to Dana Point Beach.  It was not crowded at all but really gross and had rough waves.  Carter didn't mind the  waves, at first.

 He was very excited to be digging in the sand and to make his first sandcastle.

 It was his first time at the ocean and a little weary of the big waves but did well.

 He headed out and gathered a bucket of water to use.

 Neil and Carter starting in on the sandcastle.

 All the kids joined in on the sandcastle, while Carter is running back to the ocean for more water!

 Too lazy to rotate this pic!

 Dana Beach ended up being a bust with the big waves and smelly seaweed all over.  Not to mention the gross seagulls who tried to eat all our food.  So we packed up the van and headed up the coast.  We found a great beach, Crystal Cove and it was perfect.

We had to try our names in the sand and pose for those.

One for Jax since he couldn't be there!

At this second beach I didn't get too many pictures because things went down hill quickly for Carter.  Right as we got there he headed down to the water and wasn't watching the waves.  As he was bending over a big wave came and completely knocked him over.  He ended up doing some somersaults and scared him to death.  He had no desire to get in the water after  that as he was a little traumatized.  I kept trying to convince him to try again and that only brought tears.  I finally gave up and instead we played in the sand and had a great time.  He did get really nervous every time some one else would get in water.  When we thought the tide was starting to come in he got really panicked and shrieking anytime someone went near the water.  Hopefully he forgets by the next time we head to the ocean!

This day was a great break from Disneyland and a beautiful day to spend at the ocean.

The rest of Disneyland

Since I can't seem to keep up on the blog I decided to forgo the individuals days and just lump all these pictures together.  

 We took very few family pictures and here's one of our bests!  If only Carter were taller and my arms didn't look freakishly long!  This pic was snapped on Pirates of the Caribbean.  When we came 2 years ago Carter hated this ride!  He whimpered throughout the entirety.  So to prep him for this trip we talked about how he was older now and more brave etc.  He didn't buy it and one day after I told him that we were riding the Pirate ride, "no matter what," he looked at me and said "I've changed my mind.  I think I won't go to Disneyland, I'll stay home with Grandma!"  But luckily we bribed him to go on it and after that he loved it.  He even learned the words to the song and gave a great Off Key performance!

He was just as happy on the little Carousel as any other ride.  So easy to please.  And best part, there were no lines for this ride!

He once again loved Mickey's Toon Town and spent lots of time there.  In the fun houses as well as the cars parked outside.

One of our top 2 rides was the Toy Story ride.  The last time we were there it was a brand new ride and the wait for over 2 hours!  No ride is worth a 2 hour wait in line, so we skipped it.  This time the lines were about 30 minutes(longest in the park).  We did this ride several times and loved it!

You wear 3-D glasses and go through a virtual arcade.  Great for all ages.  Not great for Neil and I's competitive sides.  He beat me handily every single time we rode.  I really should have rode with someone other than him.

This was on the lame Car's ride.  You lean to try and steer your tire.  But really you just sit and do nothing.

The new Car's ride was the other Top Ride for us.  This also had a 2 hour wait but thank heavens for Fast Passes!  We went 2 different days to this ride and both times we had to get in the fast pass line first thing in the morning to barely get some of the last passes.  It was a great ride.  

 You cruise through Radiator Springs and get ready for a big race.  Then you wait for another car to pull up and race to the finish line.  This car shows my family (except for the random Blond lady in the green shirt).  I don't have any pictures of us, just the rest of the crew.  I made sure to snap pics of my sister's family, but apparently she couldn't return the favor(kidding Carrie!)

 All the cousins in front of Radiator Springs.

Neil and I aren't souvenir people. (gasps!) There, I said it.   But Carter thinks he is.  So we told him he could pick out one toy on the last day in the park.  He picked out this Disneyland Bus the very first day and waited oh so(not) patiently until Friday when we bought it.  He was in heaven and still plays with it today.  I'm just glad he picked out something useful and not something I would have to sneak into the garbage can when we got home!

We rode Space Mountain several times.  I actually like roller coasters more now as a 30 something year old then I did as a kid.  And a big bonus, they don't make me sick anymore!

At our last stop in Toon Town we happened to be the first to catch Mickey Mouse.  What a great mouse!  He blew Kisses and Carter was very happy to pose with him.

                                       
Mitchell even jumped in the picture.  They were both pretty quiet with him were so great to pose and hold his hands.  I guess when you meet the most popular person in the park, words can and will fail you!

 Another confession, We aren't parade people either!  But Disneyland Parades fall into a different category and we enjoyed watching a couple of them.

The only picture I have of Carter on the new Car's ride.  He was very insistent that he be allowed to buckle his own seat belt!

Mitchell and Carter on the Toy Story Ride.  They loved being on rides where they didn't have to ride with an adult.  And honestly, we enjoyed a 5 minute break from them as well.  This time I'm not kidding!.....

After 4 days at the Park I was very tired and ready to be done.  We had a great time.  The weather was a little on the hot side but the lines were very manageable.  Carter even had some brave moments and went on several rides that were beyond his comfort zone.  A couple he refused to go on again, but we were just glad he was brave enough to try them once.  See you in a couple of years Disneyland.....

Disneyland Day 1 & 2

We decided back in January that we wanted to take Carter back to Disneyland this year.  We figured he was at the perfect age.  We decided to not take Jackson with us because a 1 year old is not much fun at Disneyland.  So we ditched the baby but gained many more family members.  My sister and her family and my parents all met us in Sunny California!  

 Carter was excited about all aspects of the trip.  Including the ride from Park N'Jet to the airport.  Or as he calls it "Riding the Short Bus!"

Once we arrived at the airport he was so excited that he willing grabbed his own suitcase and wheeled it right in.  I wish he was always so helpful.  I guess I didn't take any pictures on the plane ride there but we flew with BlueJet and much to our delight they had TV's on the plane.  It made for a quick, easy flight.

My sister and her family met us at the airport as we'd rented a 12 passenger van for all of us!
We came back to our hotel and the first item of business was swimming in the hotel pool with cousins.

(that is none of our backsides-the lady in the black swimsuit just happened to make our photo!)
We swam several of the mornings we were there as the park didn't open til 10 am.

 After swimming we met up with my parents who had just arrived and went to dinner to celebrate my dad's birthday.

                                          
Lots of food and birthday cake for everyone!

The first day at the park brought a very cranky Carter.  I'm not sure why but he kept asking to go back to the Hotel!  After 2 hours at the park we stopped and ate lunch and after that he perked right up and was his happy(sometimes whiny self!)!

Our first stop was California Adventure and on to the New Car's Land.  It was one of the most amazing things I have seen in my short life.  No expense or detail was spared in this section of the park.  It looked exactly like the movie.

We rode Mater's Junkyard as our first ride of the trip.  It was a huge success for everyone and really fun.  Plus the wait time was only about 10 minutes!

This exhibit was labeled "Mater's Petting Zoo."  

On to the next ride in Cars.  Luigi's Flying Tires.

Do not wait in this line.  I think this was the worst ride in the park.  We waited for about 30 minutes for a ride that wasn't even fun.

The Bug's Life bumper cars were a hit with everyone.  It is one of Carter's favorite rides so we rode this one several times.  It was me and Chloe my niece against....

Carter and Neil!

Then we snuck in an adult ride.  One of my favorites is "Tower of Terror."  I think we rode this ride 3 times that day.  Thanks to a short line and fast passes we basically walked right on.

Here is the picture they snapped while on the ride.  Neil and I in front right.  And my parents and Chloe right behind us.  I couldn't believe how brave my sister's kids Chloe and Mitchell were.  Carter is the complete opposite so it was fun to ride with Mitch and Chloe sometimes.

After most of the day at Cali Adventure we headed to Disneyland!

Carter was not interested in posing for a picture since he could see and hear the train just behind us.  The train ride around the Park is another Carter Favorite.

I loved this ride because it meant I could sit down and rest my aching feet and back for 10 minutes!

Carter and his cousin Mitchell are close in age and had a great time together.  Always willing to make funny faces at the camera.  They loved rides where they could sit together, without any adults!

One of their favorite rides was Buzz Lightyear.  It is every little boys dream.  Ride in a spaceship and shoot bad guys with a gun.  I think we did this ride about 10 times in the 4 days we were there.

I love this picture of the boys.....they were so focused and every time I would turn around I thought they would lean so far that they'd fall out!

While waiting with some of the kids while others did a more "mature" ride we ran into Mickey!

Carter had no hesitation.  He walked right up to him and gave him the biggest hug!  I think this was one of my favorite moments of the whole trip.  Watching Carter with Mickey.

Carter and Mickey.  The stuffed crab Carter is holding was given to him by a nice couple who won it at one of the arcade games.  He was instantly in love with it and insisted on carrying it around the whole day.

My sister and her twins, and Carter and I all posed with Mickey.  What a great way to end the first night.  We all came home and crashed and slept soooo well.  I wasn't sure if I would be able to walk the next day.....come to find out, wearing my tennis shoes over flip flops really cuts down on back pain and sore feet!