Yesterday was a day, in which I was utterly inspired. A day that I have come to appreciate and crave desperately on my not-so-good days when I've been over-exposed to homeless puppies, limping vendors and argumentative locals. It was a day I truly felt like myself. The frustration that was growing inside me simmered down and a laughing, glowing version of myself emerged.
I woke up early, the cool morning air waking me from a deep slumber. I was very tired and even 2 cups of coffee I downed on the way did no good. Traveling down to Savannah-La-Mar is a beautiful site from the touristy Negril. Little traffic, green hills and blue mountains in the background reminded me a lot of the south. Windy, bumpy roads took us by small shacks, the overgrown vegetation attempting to cover them from view. "Sav" itself was busy, even in mid-morning. The freshest vegetables are laid out in the marker. Carrots still covered in dirt, coconuts sandy from their fall down from the palm. At one point, I saw chunks of raw meat laying in a wheel-barrel outside a barn and knew that the meat market must be inside. It was and what a sight! Several tables positioned in rows held pounds of meat. A cow torso lay out on the tables allowing the customer to be picky in their choosing of which part of the cow to consume. Pig leg and other meats hung from the ceiling. Fresh pork chops were being hacked into pieces with a machete and stacked for the customers. Despite the grisly description I'm relaying, it was really quite appealing. To think that this meat, recently slaughtered and ready to eat had been "bawwwwing" or "moooing" just hours before, made me realize what I'd been missing out on all this time. The meat we get from the states, has been frozen for months, pre-packaged with preservatives and slaughtered much before the animal's time. I also noted that our meat smells bad, even in the refrigerated grocery isle, unlike this meat sitting out in the warmth of an old barn.
Deciding that the fish market's odor would not be so welcoming, I decided to walk through the winding isles and piles of fresh produce, in a section way in the back of the market where you only venture if you buy specifically from a particular farmer. With honey banana and watermelon to snack on, I felt instantly quenched of my thirst and rejuvenated, ready for another trip.
Back to the West-End of Negril, I came to the Rock House. Now, I can't even describe in words how incredible this resort is, the most lavish I've seen yet. And while I'm sure you pay the price for this kind of luxury, I would hand over the money in a hurry for a nice honeymoon or romantic getaway. Not only is the ambience appealing, but the way in which the resort operates is highly commendable. Staff members are provided with a full health care plan for themselves and their families. Compensation is very good for the area, also offering discounted meals and drinks to the staff. They are well-taken care of here and you can only assume, that if the staff is taken care of, the guests will be too, equally influenced by the friendly vibe. Even though this resort is mainly owned by 2 Australians and an Italian, they are fully aware the money they earn must go back into the country in which they inhabit. The resort has a foundation that gives money to Jamaican children and their schools. A newly remodeled library full with computers and books is now available for Negril locals.
The spa entices the passerby with amazing, and unique scents, smelling of fresh fruit, wild jungle flowers and spices. Each guest is welcomed into their lavish villa, with a foot rub of cocoa powder, honey, sugar and spices. Scented so sweet you'd be tempted to eat it, this rub exfoliates and soothes every inch of your body. The setting looks like a buddhest temple or a palace from the days of the Romans. A large buddha sits at the entrance of a circular room with a pool of water, decorated with green leaves and a window from above that invites the sky's glow from the sun. The small room is divided by a 5 doorways each leading to a private spa room. The stone walkways are surrounded by lush trees and flowers, winding up and around to each villa and ultimately up to the restaurant or down to the pool that overlooks the sea, appearing as though it spills into the ocean water below.
As the rain poured down and the waves dramatically crashed into the cliffs, a heavenly sight was created and I imagined that goddesses themselves could be walking amongst the trees in white robes decorated with gold. The beauty surrounding this relaxing atmosphere accompanied with a finely made Pina Colada, was the perfect finish to a perfect day.
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