Ocho Rios:The place to be but not to live??

"I live where you vacation" has become a popular phrase I've noted on the various social media platforms. It is usually said with some amount of umm pride...for want of a better word (some would say "show off").I  wish to add my own quota and twist on that and its (apparently) envied implications.

Is it really as advantageous as it sounds? It may very well be seen as such in some cases as well as it may not in others. Many are or should be familiar with the parish of St Ann and one of it's most popular towns-Ocho Rios. It represents a beautiful mosaic that provides a dynamic blend of culture, nature and a bit of a paradoxical urban-LIKE aura in the infamous 'garden parish'. The town lends itself primarily to a host of hotels and auxillary popular tourist attractions. In addition, the shores of some of it's beaches have been the venue of  many popular beach parties and events.

Yet, with all this heralded fun and fanfare, I repeatdely encounter a bit of an anti climax whenever I feel the need to kick off my shoes and relax after a long week of work. Where to go? What to do? What's the best time? Like many of my counterparts I work ridiculously long hours on any given day or week. It would be good to be able to get out of my scrubs/work garb and get comfortable or all dolled up to a location to suit my immediate mood. Disclaimer- I am no party animal. Whether it be the need for a drink or light meal or a high energy party to dance the stress away it would be convenient to have those options readily available within say less than a 5 mile radius. Living along the outskirts such as Mammee Bay or Draxhall shouldnt be that far, right? And, with the vivacious description above, finding somewhere in Ocho Rios to do any of the above shouldnt be too hard,right? Wrong.

Disclaimer-I am referring more to the available 'nightlife' activities as I have no problems with the beaches and other day time attractions. Indeed, there are a few comfortable hang out spots to have a drink or meal and chil for a few. But that's just it. TOO FEW options and it's cool for TOO short a time. I will never forget a Saturday night (like many) a few months ago during the holiday weekend of Emancipendence. I made a very brave step by leaving home at about 11 to 'touch the road' knowing very well by experience that 'country' is very disimilar to Kingston for example where,  this particular time in the night would be described as pretty 'young' and just coming alive. Luckily, when I arrived at the usually (?most) popular venue, there was a nice vibe, good music selection and  good enough turn out. In no more than an hour (hour and a half tops) later, people began leaving in scores (ok not scores but quite a lot). At this point, the tempo had just hit another notch on the energy level scale (if there was such a design). I began searching for the unseen threat or sign of impending violence that must have sparked  this seemingly prematute mass exit of people from an otherwise well entertained area. The place was almost empty within half an hour and though I asked I could find no reasonable explanation for same. BUT, to be honest, I was not that surprised. I have found this to be a recurring incident when I make an apperance in this lovely post card town to 'destress'.

Soooo....what's the reason? Where is everyone going? And why? Why do people in this area leave so early??. Lol. Funny enough there is this one er rather shady location that on quite a few ocassions I have encountered many members of the 'missing crowd' but it still doesnt fully explain the 'culture' of night life as per my albeit limited observations in Ocho Rios. The few available places are also to be blamed as the music selection is often poor and if not is not well sustained.

Can I tell you a lil' secret of this one time a girlfriend of mine from Kingston was visiting me (she wanted a change of scene)? I found this popular group on social media baring the name of the place in question and decided to attend one of the parties being promoted at a local 'club'. Flyer seemed cool and attendance list okay. Seemed legit enough. Wrong. That was the first gathering that I have ever attended where I could literally count on both hands the number of attendees. I was a bit embararrassed to say the least but we took it like troopers and even tried to make the best of it, hung around chatting and thinking we were probably just too early...but the count was the same an hour later. I still havent mustered the strength (yet)to attend another of  many similar events being promoted tho tempted. Disclaimer-no group was harmed in the afore expressed opinions☺

Sooooo what do i do? I continue "bar hopping" but mostly visit the same few places I find some level of comfort and end up spending less and less time on each ocassion and many a times catch myself secretly toying with the option of relocating to a more urbanised area with more vibrant nightlife and with wider options of entertainment at your fingertips.

So, while I live where many locals and foreigners save and plan to vacation, with the exception of the daytime and holiday attractions on an average day/night I give you no reason to be envious.

But that's just my take. But I have found this opinion to be shared by quite a few persons with whom I interact. I am not new per se to the area but most of my adoloscent/young adult life was spent behind the bars of my books but when work related reasons had me relocating closer to this popular town and when slapped with a bit too much of 'adulting' I am forced to find intriguing outlets within my vicinity. Cheers to my weekends outside the area-they are definitely more fun. Cheers too to the beautiful beaches and resorts-I woundnt trade them for the world. But cheers and warm welcome to the paradox of Ocho Rios- where I (barely)live and you (save to) vacation.

  Ocho Rios Jerk Centre- Actually had fun that night tho every one sat staring😃😂😁😀

FYI- Another branch of stellar athlete Usain Bolt's Tracks &;Records was recently opened in....guess where....Ocho Rios! A new place to explore...I have had the privilege of dining at the one in Kingston thus I am looking forward to sharing the experience here...in my backyard...where I live...so please add it to your itinery when you come to vacation☺😋😎

Happy Place!

There's simply nothing as beautiful, therapeutic and relaxing as the beach; at least, that's my opinion. It may or may not be factual but it's what i believe wholeheartedly.

It's my comfort zone. My happy place. My me place. Whether it's alone or with friends or relatives the reverence still stands;I simply choose to share it at times (so if I ever invite you to the beach do consider yourself spesh (special).:) lolz.

It calms me, soothes my sore muscles after many a long tiresome stressful hair-pulling day. It somehow reminds me that there is new hope and strength to face another day. I can't pinpoint just what does the ultimate trick but I'll highlight a few contributors.

• The scenery- The fundamental design or definition is enough to make me melt. Water meets sand. A beautiful and serene interface. Smooth (usually) soft, silky sand. It may feel a bit eeewy when it's moist and stuck between your toes but I love it just the same!
• The ocean- so wide and limitless, it reminds me just how minuscule the problems that seem so gigantic on land really are. Who created this everlasting body of water? There has to be a supreme being, an entity whose power and capacitiy must surely surpass the weight of problems I carry around.
• The wind- Even on the hottest of summer days, there is usually a listless move of air enough to caress my skin and dry the cloak of salt-rich water droplets after a quick dip. (N.b for the life of me I cannot swim...what I really do in the water is another kettle or school of fish :D)
• Sun- I HAVE to go to the beach when the sun is out. A perfect day at the beach is incomplete without bright sunshine beaming through wispy cumulus clouds against a warm blue backdrop. Those who know me know that I love sunshine, for want of a better explanation, I thrive on solar energy and this peaceful energy completes the package of my Happy Place.

Throw in some some good food, quaint rocks or coconut trees and then you'll have to drag me on the floor when it's time to leave:)

 That being said, do you have a happy place? I think everyone should, even if it's not physical...it could be a place, thought or memory in your head. A 'man cave'  (or 'woman cave) of some sort. Your very own get away from the sometimes crazy run-away train of life when things are moving are moving a tad bit or waaaay too quickly for your liking or not in accordance with that which you deem ideal.You run there or crawl there when on your last breath or when hanging on your last thread of that tightly wound rope of inner strength. I don't wish for your rope to snap or for you to fall arms flailing and legs sprawled at unreal angles, i'm only suggesting there is an option. 

People often say 'hang tight'...that is sound advice but, in the event that your hands burn from callus formation on your hardworking palms that have been holding on so very long, here's another option. A Happy Place. Gently lower yourself. Don't jump! Or at least not without clearly identifying just where you are going to fall. Create an escape cushion to cushion the many falls of life; (not everyone has enough gluteal muscles to soften same :D lolz). 

                     A happy place. Your very own cloud 9. I sure know I've found mine!

#dividedwefall#unitedwestand#commonthreadskeepustogether#divisiontreasusapart#behappyinyourshoe

'Dora and Boots'!

Ever had/do you have that friend with whom it seems almost anything you can share? The one that as you so much as sneeze it seems they're always there?
Maybe not physically but quite reliably a phone call or message away. The one you just have to give regular updates about your day or simply must talk to after a long tiresome day or week.

Huuuuuuge shout out to the ones you may only talk to a couple times for the month and it feels totally right like you 'never left home'; I cherish such friends. But there are different categories and the ones I'm highlighting are the ones that keep your nose in your cellphone, and,  if you do put it down you're hoping it's them on the other end whenever your phone lights up.

Friends are special. Whether it be via serendipity,  similar classes/course or a common friend's party that brought your worlds together and stuck them with krazy glue (literally😛) there's no denying how unique the concept of friendships are. Family -you didnt choose, some you can barely tolerate- but to open up your heart,mind, fridge and even closet 😄 to another unrelated being must mean something...that person has just got to have rubbed you the right way for you to say at the end of class or that party, "hey dont go,stay". Isn't it amazing?the powers of attraction...of the thousands of people you've met this one has decided he/she is here to stay.

Friends are/should be little mirrors...help you to see youreself...not just booger checks or to tell you if " 'matta' in u eyes"...or if you look fat in your new dress, but should always play some small part in making each other the very best. They should enhance some sector of your being,whether emotionally (I daresay that should be a given), spritually,socially,financially etc. They should be a driving force, the wind beneath your sails, an additional ' I CAN' factor in your life. They should genuinely applaud your accomplishments, laugh (sometimes at you!) when you do something silly but also lovingly correct any error in judgement. If they aren't contributing to any of the above i'm not sure what the point of that 'friendship' is, but I'm open to answers.

But this is what friendship means to me.
Shout out to the friends you've somehow managed to lose along the way...like they fell out of a back pocket or got misplaced. 'Cuz that's gotta be it,right? How do you lose something that's so important to you? Lol. I  kid. Unfortunately, some friendships come with 'expiration dates'...one too many calls went unanswered/unreturned, one too many apologies for unkind words spoken in yet another fit, a lie that just wasnt quite cleared up or some display of lack of loyalty. Maybe sometimes people 'grow' apart...I've never quite understood that concept but my take on it is that maybe some people find it easy to be your friend when you're somehow in a position less than them and I'm not talking literally...but observations have led me to realise that it is human nature to feel better when  you're in a position to help or counsel some one else or to always be able to count on your situation to be "not as bad as theirs". So, when you remove those factors some people possibly cant cope with the 'new' you...the less dependent you...the less 'needy' you...the more confident you...I'm no psychologist but I am passionate about the  motivations surrounding human behaviour and with a little reading and observation I arrive at a few hypotheses (yet to b proven).
All in all, they had their place, they did their time. Perhaps they are to thank for helping you to become a better you. Undoubtedly, they played their role well whilst the friendship was in full effect but be not too dismayed when it has come to a seemingly premature end. Fight tho, ask questions; if you're like me, you'll always want to find out why. There is always an answer to everything is another of my many philosophies so if you didnt ask you're robbing  yourself of the opportunity to discover same. Be sure to do some introspection and identify and  acknowledge your wrongs...then verbalise that of the other party if there are any. Be honest. Be true to youreself and the one you care about. Compromise but never bring youreself down in the interim, your feelings count too. If you survive the soul searching that this attempt at reconciliation has done then i daresay that that friendship will surely withstand countless more rough seas and happy shores.

"No man is an island, no man stands alone"...a line from a song we used to sing in primary school. The words still resonate now. I was never a fan of large groups of friends so I cherish my select choice of friends. Be thankful for yours. Be thankful for you.😊😘

#dividedwefall#unitedwestand#commonthreadskeepsustogether#behappyinyourshoe

Birthdays!

Happy birthday/born day/cake day/earthstrong!

Whatever title you may give it there's an undeniable and possibly universal(?) surge of euphoria when the above terms are used. Even if it's not your birthday you sometimes automatically chipe in your own well wishes to the person, sometimes even if it's a stranger. To put it simply, I'm thinking there's some automatic connection with the higher centres controlling emotion that activates a rush of happy hormones from the brain to your bloodstream. At least for most persons.

I, for one, have always been a huge fan of birthdays. I just think there has to be something worth celebrating the day you entered the world kicking and screaming or quite possibly on the verge of death but you conquered. You survived. You endured 9 months (most persons)in utero drinking and swimming in your own urine while your mother likewise played hero carrying you around. Whether she screamed with legs splayed pushing to expel you from her womb or was put under the knife, there was always something phenomenal about your arrival on earth. It was no easy feat. Nurses/midwives/doctors cheered and coaxed as you made your transit and breathed a sigh of relief when you took your first breath of air versus your usual gulps of amniotic fluid. That was worth celebrating then; I see no reason why we shouldnt continue celebrating now.

That being said be first and foremost thankful each time that date repeats itself (even if your age is no longer on the calender) as you did not have to be around to see it. A moment of silence for the stillbirths and miscarriages that many would-be mothers are still lamenting...But for those of us who are still around, Big up yuhself. Do something to celebrate you despite life's many challenges. It doesnt have to be extravagant (but if you can afford it why not). Do something relaxing, give a gift to yourself, a pat on your shoulder and a warm hug to your mother for the champion she was. Many say it's 'just a day' but call me a narcissist but there was nothing simple about my journey from conception to birth and beyond. So i laud people on their born days/earthstrongs/cake days just to make them feel (extra)special and aware that someone appreciates the fact that they are still around to commence another year since their birth. I've always said it's the one day you're allowed to be treated like/act like the most important person around; own the day, you're a big deal.

In the same breath I must say I enjoyed my birthday yesterday the 14th of July, a little more than 1/4 century since my unforgettable (lol) arrival. As much as it pained my heart and conscience to take time off from work I dont regret it as there is only one me and one day to celebrate same. Cheers to my well wishers who took over that which the midwives and doctors must have been doing years ago lol. I treated myself to things i dont get to do alot and that was special to me. A day at the spa can only elicit a permanent (i wish!)
smile as does trying a new restaurant and new dish.

Happy Birthday to you all!
🤗🙄😘☺