Charlie - February, 2010

The road to / from the airport is much more passable now and the detour on the way back to the airport is kind-of nice… past some settling ponds where some migratory birds have taken to hanging –out. Nice change of pace.

The good news – only one day out of 20 that I couldn’t stay on the beach – high winds and sand storm; further good news, no afternoon rains during the entire three weeks- two 4 AM rainstorms that didn’t interrupt any beach time. The bad news: unusually rough seas (rough for the south coast of Jamaica anyway) – most days the red or yellow rough-water flags were flying. Several catamaran trips were cancelled and the ones that did go out reported a rough ride and shortened stays at Ricks. In my 45 trips there, this was the longest stretch of rough water I’ve ever seen. It didn’t really get in my way, but some of the heavier water sports users didn’t get the activity levels they were hoping for.

Of course, just before the worst wind day, the beach crew dumped tons of new sand (actually relocated sand) on the nude beach. God only knows where that sand is now…. But I watched sand-clouds roll along from the main bar one afternoon.

Chef Randie Andersen returned from his medical leave (major finger damage due to an auto repair mis-hap; I’ll spare the details, but if any readers are plastic surgeons, you may want to pay him a visit). Upon Randie’s return, food quality and selection improved noticeably. New menu for Martino’s (old Pastafari) is due to be implemented as soon as Kevin Levy approves…. Per Randie, it’s going to be more authentic Italian. He’s supposed to send me a copy (still waiting).

I’ve had the beast meals ever at the Japanese restaurant (thanks Randie) and the food and service at the Prude "Café" is great – a nice break from trying to eat on my lounge chair. Also, the lunch pasta station in the main dining room is a waistline killer – but wonderful. In the "best kept secret" category: the ice cream machine is on all day… and working.

Server staff seemed a bit light at breakfast and lunch. The staff there was certainly working hard enough – just not enough of them.

Thanks to those who responded to my January plea for more books for the lending library. Keep them coming – it went from four books in January to two+ shelves, back down to a shelf and a half when I left in March.

FYI – for those allergic to younger folks – my last week there (6 – 13 March) had about 20 spring breakers at the resort. Basically not a big deal, other than some above average shot activity at the bar and some rough nights for the ears in the piano bar.

Lots of noise about the Air Jamaica sale to Caribbean Air…. My flights to / from Philly were fine, but some Chicago and NYC flights had major delays. Also the folks at the First Class lounge at MoBay didn’t think the lounge would remain open post takeover…. That would be a mistake – that lounge is a major selling point for fist class ticket holders.

Charlie