Well, we went on our 25th anniversary trip to Jamaica…
Then the world turned upside down.
We, of course, knew we were super fortunate to be able to take that trip, but we had no idea how fortunate we were at the time! If our trip had been just one week later I don’t believe we would have been able to go. And, if we had went, it definitely would’ve been a lot more stressful! It’s amazing how this whole pandemic thing is playing out for so many reasons, but what I’m talking about is how quickly things have changed. As in, daily! When we left on March 1st to go to Jamaica we knew about the Coronavirus, but we obviously had NO idea the magnitude of this thing! If I’m honest, I thought it can’t be THAT bad. I really thought the media was playing it up (as I believe they often do) so I wasn’t super concerned. Thankfully! Looking back on things now, I’m so glad we had no idea what was in store!! We were able to enjoy our trip and I’m soooo thankful for that!! If timing had been any different I would’ve been concerned about many things and either a) we would’ve cancelled altogether or b) we would’ve went and I would have worried (what if we can’t get back home..among millions of other things) the entire time we were gone. So, thank you Jesus!! Ignorance is bliss.
I know there are so many people having to postpone or cancel big events and I feel so bad for them. At the moment, we are all trying to figure out how to move forward with Caisey and Ben’s wedding plans.
It’s just so hard right now! Everything just seems so strange and bizarre. I constantly feel like we’re all in a fictional movie. Idk, it’s just a weird feeling, but we’ll get through.
Back to our Jamaican trip (because that’s waaay more fun to talk about), we had a really fun time!! We had never been to Jamaica or an all inclusive resort so we weren’t sure what to expect. It was AMAZING!! I kept finding myself comparing the resort to a cruise and there are many differences and many similarities. Overall, I really enjoy both and I would do both again…providing there’s no pandemic, of course. The thought of being stuck on a cruise ship is terrifying so I think it’ll be a while before we try that. And also, we just wiped out our vacations savings so there’s that. 😩
While in Jamaica, we had our own butler (to cater to our every need and want), we enjoyed a candle light dinner on the beach, we had a couple’s massage and we flew first class! So, I guess you know who planned and booked this trip. Definitely not me. My wonderful husband whom never ceases to amaze me planned it all by himself. And, whom also never seems to look at a price tag! 🙈
If you followed along on my social media while we were away then you know all about the cats at the Sandals resort where we stayed. I’m not sure how common that is for resorts in other countries, but it could not have been more perfect for me! We first arrived to the resort on Sunday evening and we spotted several cats…I was so excited!! The next morning we found several more. Later that day we walked around the place to see the sights and found little feeding stations set up for the cats by the International Spay Neuter Network. They trap, spay/neuter the cats and they also feed them. This made me so happy to see they are well taken care of. We were able to pet the kitties and play with them several times. There’s not much I love more than tropical beaches, warm weather, and kitty cats!! It was pure bliss.
One day we decided to take a little sail boat out on the water. I thought it would be so fun and relaxing. Boy, was I wrong!! I was pretty much terrified the entire time we were out on the water. Joe sailed the boat. I sat there. He did a great job…now that I’m safe back on dry land and some time has passed I can say he did a great job! At the time, I was sure we were going to fall off the boat and drown. I’m not sure why I was so anxious, but I am sure Joe will never get on a sail boat with me again. Oh and, I lost my sunglasses on that boat ride…at least they were cheap.
Another day we took a trip out in town. (We decided to take a risk…you only live once! If you’ve ever been to Jamaica then you completely understand what I’m talking about, if not, let’s just say their driving is SCAAARRY… 😱 to say the least!!) We decided going to a resort in Jamaica is nice, but you don’t really see Jamaica if you stay at the resort. So, we went on a boat ride in the Black River. We saw several crocodiles…that was amazing!! Also, we toured the Appleton Rum Estate. That was really fun! After the tour we participated in their rum tasting. It was a great experience, but I don’t really like rum by itself. I think Joe enjoyed that more than I did. A couple from the UK joined us this day, it was super nice to chat with them and hear how things are in their neck of the woods.
We had a great trip!! Jamaica is absolutely beautiful. The South Coast Sandals resort was amazing. The people of Jamaica were all very nice to us. I loved the laid back culture of the island and listening to their people speak Jamaican Creole. It’s interesting, when you’re in a place like that you quickly realize how sheltered we are here in the States, how many laws and rules we have and how “up tight” we must be. In Jamaica they definitely live by the motto that “every little thing will be alright!” I loved loved loved that environment, but I also really love the whole tropical, beachy vibe too and I think those two go hand in hand. Ya know?
Well, as I sit in my bed finishing this up on quarantine day # 984, I hope you are doing well and staying healthy!! I have been praying for all of our family and friends to stay healthy in this crazy time and I ask you to do the same. God hears our prayers! I also think we should be praying for all of the healthcare workers on the front lines of this terrible virus and for the essential workers that are still trudging through these days…especially those that work in the grocery stores and such!
We are all in this together. 🇺🇸❤️
Ya, Mon! 🇯🇲
Love Y’all and thanks so much for reading! ~Susan
