Jamaica

We cleared in with the Quarantine Officer, the Constable, the Customs officers and the Immigration Officer aboard the boat at dockside.  No Fees to pay at all.  Following that we had the boat thoroughly washed and left the dock to anchor in the harbor. 

We anchored very close to the marina

The marina has a pool, showers and Internet along with trash disposal and a secure dinghy dock for $15 a day while we are at anchor.  There is a bar next to the pool. 

The staff is especially nice and very willing to help where ever needed.

The pool at the Errol Flynn Marina

Located at the north side of the harbor, Errol Flynn's island is now a park and reserve.  Cathy, Barb and I hiked much of the island imagining what it must have been like when people like Errol Flynn where in residence here.

 We hired Mike to polish all our stainless steel and he put in about eleven hours in the hot sun over two days time completing the work and doing a great job

Clive is selling Ron some bananas from his bamboo raft

We walked to the town with Dan and Cathy, but forgot to bring our Visa card to get Jamaican cash.  Dan loaned me J$1000 so we could purchase lunch at Piggy’s. 

Piggy's - closed in this photo, but worth finding when he's open

We paid J$300 each for a styrofoam tray of jerk chicken with cole slaw and J$50 for a 3 pieces of festival bread.  Barb had water for J$60 and I tried a Bigga (pineapple soft drink) for J$70.  Lunch for two totalled J$780 ($9.12 USD) and it was good.  Welcome to Jamaica!  All the locals ask, “ dis yo firs time heea?”  and then, “Welcome to Jamaica!”

We walked around the open air market marveling at the abundance of vegetables and the various spice preparations for sale.  Having no money was disappointing to the vendors, but we said we would be back tomorrow.

The open air market in Port Antonio

We enjoyed our return and talked with Norma at length.  We bought among other things, her pickled scotch bonnet peppers-mmm good!

Eating out is an adventure.  Several times we ordered chicken dishes and often the cuts were backs, necks and tails.  Entirely unsatisfactory.  They ask if you want white meat or dark meat but be specific and say you want a breast or a leg.  Places that we enjoyed were the various grocery stores, the Coronation Bakery (Easter Buns), The Italian Job restaurant, Piggy's (already mentioned) and our favorite -- Dickson's.  

Dickson's is a vegetarian restaurant.  Mr. Dickson and his crew know how to gently add great flavor to their very special dishes.  They had choices like "scallops"and "steak" both of which were meatless.  They prepare different dishes each day so it is an adventure visiting often.

My favorite dish was a gently toasted tofu in a pineapple sauce.  I mentioned how much I enjoyed that dish and asked when they would have it again.  Mr. Dickson said he didn't know.  I said we were leaving Port Antonio on Saturday and that we would come for lunch on Friday and I hoped he would have my favorite dish then.  He said - we'll see.  Cathy, Dan and Barb got their meals and when I got to the counter, Mr. Dickson motioned with his ladle toward the back corner of the serving table to a small container of my pineapple tofu!  I love Jamaica!

We attended the Jerk Festival in Boston a few miles away.  The event had booths where the local chefs sold their best chicken, fish, mutton, beef and pork dishes with jerk spices.

Barb is in "line" to buy some

This was our favorite booth

 Jerked tofu sandwich. Yummy!  Chuck from S/V Soulmates is behind Barb

Photo (with permission) of the festivities getting underway

The Grand Marshall, Mrs. Errol Flynn, Patrice Wymore, (red hat) reviews the Port Antonio Marching Band

There was a DJ on hand to serve as master of ceremonies that featured beauty pagent contestants, children's talent contests and a series of performances (for which we did not stay.)  It was a good crowd, good food and a good time.