Apparently, my smile is not awake just yet.
Getting closer. I haven't been here in years and am so looking forward to our excursion today.
We have added Gwen, Sam, and Frieda to our group (although no Frieda in this picture) and are ready for our adventure.
Let's go --- bus ride to village gate. We are spending time with the Rastafarians today.
Oh, these trees. So beautiful.
We are only at the gate and it's just so lush and green.
With a restroom stop, Rocky and I find a place to switch out of our jeans and prepare for the river crossing.
We have a little time to kill as others are changing shoes and doing their own preparations. It gives me a chance to explore this area. An old Silo Tank is near and looking down, it's obvious that no use has happened in a long time.
The flora is wonderful and my eyes are feasting in all directions.
How about this? It's a giant cage. Okay . . . . The only information we could find is this: The Villa Pen property is where Montego River Gardens is situated (and where we are). Originally, it consisted of about 30-40 acres of land, but flood rains have reshaped it and damaged the banks of the river. The name 'Pen' would have meant that it was once a cattle property and a plantation. One remnant of that is the silo tank by the river which was used to store grass as cattle feed for the dry months and a chafing machine used to chop up the grass. This property is now owned by the Nelson Family. Also owned by them, across the river from Montego River Gardens are 10 acres of the Irwin property on which the Rastafari Indigenous Village is situated. Both the Villa Pen and the 10 acres of Irwin were once owned by Dave McConnell, a planter and a cattle farmer who grazed his cattle on both sides of the water. No explanation on the cage.
We're ready to start our trek to the village and as we do, different trees are pointed out to us. One is the Ackee, which produces the national fruit of Jamaica.
The chafing machine -
Off we go --- crossing the Montego River.
The temperature is nice on our feet and it doesn't really get too deep at any point.
On the other side --- cool trees and lots of bamboo.
The entrance to the Village is just ahead. It's quite a climb up the stairs and some have a crazy high pitch, but we make it.
Our first stop is on a bench right behind this sign where we are given a lemongrass water to put on our exposed skin to keep mosquitos away. It is so refreshing and appreciated. (We never were bothered by the little critters.)
From there, it is into this sacred area where the Rastafari gather. The history of the people is given to us to understand the movement better.Fresh coconut water served is calabash shells comes next and is followed by a delightful snack served in bamboo joints. Banana, papaya, pineapple, and soursop all taste scrumptious.
We are able to take as many pictures as we wish so I will share a few here, but will not retype what they say. This first one, if you notice, contains the lyrics for Bob Marley's "War".
After a wonderful drum performance by the locals (we were asked not to take pictures, but I do have an audio recording to share at the end of this post), we each were given the chance to play the drums along with them. Rocky is right next to me and out of EVERY shot. Dang it.
Now, I am able to take a few pictures of the drummers. And some other items in the canopy.
Drum shavings.
Next up, we are going to be moving through six stations showing us various factions of their lifestyle here. First up is drums and we learn how they are hollowed out. The skins that cover the tops come from a nearby business as the Rastafari do not kill animals. I am fascinated by this whole process and listen intently as I have made a drum before, but not from wood. It's very cool and they are beautiful, both in sound and aesthetics. A hollowed out core is hanging on a nearby tree and as I take a picture, an extra treat is found.
Station two is soaps and we help by applying stickers to some small bags.
Nearby is a Ackee tree loaded with the fruit so I am able to get a really great picture. They are a beautiful orange in color.
The calabash booth is our third stop where we learn how they use these gourds as instruments and serving dishes.Spotting this sign on the ground brings my camera out again. Great carvings.
Near the sign is a walking stick and some more calabash instruments with more intricate carvings placed on them --- a work in progress.
Last look back at this station. Gotta love it.
Moving onto juices and we are able to try so many different ones. They are truly delicious and oh so fresh. They also bottle various other products for sale.
From here, we head off to jewelry, but along the way, I see some great photo moments. Enjoy these two - the first is just fun and the second, I think, is our lunch.
Also along the path -
Lots and lots of beads are made from different seeds and many different rocks are used as well. After selecting some white quartz rocks, they add purple wires to make me a pendant and some earrings.
It's lunchtime and I'm starving!! Off we go to the food tent and station 6.
This just looks so yummy.
Watching the nearby wildlife as we eat.
It's time to make the trek back across the river so one group picture please. (What on earth is going on with my hair?)
Ahhh, there's the ship. We are almost back, but first a stop in port looking for a couple of dresses. Rocky and I manage to each find one and are soon on our way back to the ship and we have plans to cool off and refresh as rapidly as possible.You got it ---- water slides here we come.
These are dang fun and no lines at all. Right to the top and down. It is crazy hot out but this feels so good.
Without any littles around, the splash pad is open game. Oh, so much fun and so refreshing.
Dinner is next and I'm starting out with a peach soup. Oh yes. Showtime in the dining room is always a good time and tonight is no exception. Dancing with the waiters makes the evening all the more entertaining. Get up everyone.
I've skipped dessert the last two night, but not again. This S'More's Parfait is melt in your mouth yummy. Another recipe I'd love to have. Also, we haven't had too many quilty things in these posts, so will this do? It's a Layer Cake!
Smile, Y'all.
After dinner, a little more karaoke by Rocky and Sam. We have another early day tomorrow and that means shut eye for me. I'm calling it a day ---- it's been another jam-packed, memory making joy. I can't wait til tomorrow for more fun in Cayman.
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