Sunday Last day on Resort & Monday Travel to PEI

We got up early as usual. I took time to write and knit then had a bath before heading to the Blue Lagoon. I brought my camera to take pictures. It is our last full day. We went for a walk after breakfast to discover other beaches.

Omelette perfection

Beer Bar Beach

Swing time

Our room top left

Tim thought raking the beach could work for him

Back at the room we changed for the beach. I wanted to swim and watch the fish some more. Tim had been eyeing a chair in the shade at the very end of the beach all week. It was open this morning. We got some great shots and both did some writing. I spent lots of time in the water. We went back so I could have a cool shower and cover my back. Then went to grab some jerk chicken and a Miss Lois’s coffee and dessert. Cheesecake works well to counter the jerk spice heat.

With five hours to supper, we strolled down to sunset cove. It is the jerk hut I remember. It smelled amazing but we were full. We did spend time sitting at the beach bar there. The vibe was great. The dancing to Bob Marley and chatting was fun. The view from there is also beautiful with lots of water activities. I needed a coffee so wandered to the Poseiden for an espresso before walking back to our room.

Shericka was still finishing the room. Tim and I got out of her way and took pictures on the deck. She did an amazing job settling up all the pillows on the bed. We wrecked it for our nap but got pictures of her beautiful work.

Cosy at the end of the beach

So relaxed

Beach time again

Relaxing in the shade

Fancy pillows

Ready for dinner

Our last dinner was at Sumptuori. I wore my fancy black dress. I loved how it felt wearing it. We were a bit early so enjoyed the terrace. I got the Ginger sesame salad, tempura shrimp, the red thai curried fish, and a variety of sushi. The curried fish was overcooked for me, but everything else was amazing. The salad had the right balance of everything. The tempura shrimp was what I had before so did not want to change. Tim tried the wonton soup. He enjoyed it. He got the crispy shrimp sushi. I got a plate with two crispy shrimp, two dragon eel, two sumptuori, and two philadelphia roll. These are my favourite part of eating at Sumptuori. I never have room for dessert here. It was a lovely meal and finished early so we had lots of time for a walk and to finish our last minute packing.

Monday we got up and had lots of time. I decided to wear my pink dress for travel and to pack pants and a shirt to change into in Toronto. We went to the Blue Lagoon for breakfast. Tim had to wait a bit for his smoothie as the power was off on that bench. He did get one as we were leaving breakfast. I was glad to see Joanna and Alain at breakfast to say good-bye. I hope we will see them again in PEI. We did not have to meet our transport until 10:15 so we walked around the resort. We had not spent much time on the sport beach so we walked down to the bamboo bar. The vibe there was good. The bartenders were happy and dancing while they worked. It was entertaining and a way to be on the beach without getting sandy. The jerk hut on this beach is the one I remember from our last trip. I love that there is so much at this resort we are finding new spots on our last day. Finally, we had to call it and go back to our room to pick up our bags and meet in the lobby. We checked out and left our bags in the lobby but went for one last coffee at Miss Lou’s. It was so good. I thought about taking a bag of cookies for the trip but decided against it.

We were with one other couple in the taxi back to the airport. I was so glad that Tim had checked us in so we only had to drop off our bags and head to Club Mobay. There was a quicker security line for us, and then we walked to the lounge and had a drink. We decided to do our shopping before we ate. I was glad we did. Once we got what we wanted, it was so nice to find a quiet corner to relax in before our flight. Club Mobay was busier than I remembered it being, but still a nice oasis in the chaos of the airport. We left at the first call for our flight. In hindsight, we should have waited about 30 minutes more as boarding was slow. Our flight was uneventful to Toronto. I read a book and Tim watched shows.

There were delays with our flight to PEI and lots of weird announcements about gate changes until they finally moved us to a new gate for a later flight that would not get in until after 2 am. It did go and we got home later than expected but were so glad to sleep in our own bed. Molly was so glad to see us! Carly had made an amazing beef stew so I did not even have to make lunch the next day.

Slow Saturday

My bites and allergies are an issue so we decided to take a slow morning. I slept until I had to take my meds then went to breakfast by myself around 7:30 am. It was so early there was no live music at the Blue Lagoon. I found poached eggs and good hollandaise sauce today. I brought Tim back his smoothie.

Marva makes the best morning smoothies!

I have been writing blog posts and knitting with our patio door open. I just heard a wedding happening on the grass one building down from us. This is paradise.

Reading on our patio in the shade

I finished my first book before heading to the beach. “So Let Them Burn” is a first novel by Jamila Cole. She is a Jamaican born author so I picked it up. It has dragons and ancestor magic. I loved it for a quick beach read with enough depth to be interesting. The characters made mistakes and were likeable for them. I would recommend this book.

We spent time on the adults only beach. There were lots to kayaks, and paddle boards out. The ocean was calm. Until the banana boat came by. The fishermen around the rocks are so fun to watch. There were lots of snorkelers. I went back to our room for a nap and a shower.

Infinity bar

Beer Bar

We hit on after breakfast walk

Staring at the sky

Our regular beach

Selfie skills improving

Had to do the big chair pictures

We were ready early for supper so we sat on the terrace for a few hours. Tim was energetic and went for a walk. I stayed and knit with a coffee and cheesecake from Miss Lou’s. I love afternoon tea on the terrace with some knitting! It leads into perfect sunset shots.

Around 7 pm Tim realized our reservation might have been at 6:30 pm. Wow we are on island time now. There was a wedding reception in the Blue Lagoon so the Mexican food was at the Nigel buffet. We went right in. The air conditioning was great for me after sitting on the terrace much of the late afternoon and early evening. We were able to sample lots of small portions at the buffet. The snapper was so good. The guacamole and salsa so fresh. The rice pudding had pistachios on top. What a great meal.

We went back to the room to put my feet, knit and chat with Tim. Partway through the night I was awakened by the beach party music. It sounded lovely me it was right next door. Tim was amazed I was sleeping. I fell back asleep.

Friday Fun at Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton

It was much calmer Friday and so warm early in the day. I spent time knitting and writing in the morning. My allergies were triggered from mosquito bites I got at Rose Hall. The medicine did help eventually. Tim enjoyed the hot tub in the room. I had am amazing outdoor shower. There is something about showering with a beautiful sky above that is freeing. It is a refreshing way to wake up.

we went to Blue Lagoon for breakfast again. We were early enough to get a picture with our hostess before it got too busy. Tim got his banana pineapple smoothie and I got my made to order omelette. Good food to start the day. We walked down to the opposite end of the resort after breakfast. It felt so good to move.

Salted mackerel

Baked beans & saltfish

I love that our room is close to the beach and pool. We can come and get swimsuits on just before going there. This morning we took a dip. I spent some time watching the fish and chatting with our friends from Kensington PEI. She brought her quilting to the beach, so a fellow crafter too. Then I got down to business to complete my post about the Haunted Tour of Rose Hall and do some knitting. The rest of our beach time Tim and I chatted or snoozed.

I had to leave when my burn got warm. We relaxed for a bit while the aloe cooled my burn. I also jumped in the cool bath water. It made my back stop burning. When I was ready we went down to the large pool. Tim grabbed some jerk chicken on the way by. The entertainment team was doing an activity so we moved along. We found two chairs by the pool, dropped our stuff and jumped in. It was cool even for me. We went to the bar and sat on stools in the shade. I was watching a crew from Florida sing along to the music with the confidence of people who knew the song when it was clear they did not. We moved closer to be in the sun. It did not really help. Tim went to the chairs to warm up. I finished my drink and joined him. We went back to the adults only pool by our room and agreed it is more our vibe. We can say we tried it.

Somewhere in there we grabbed lunch at Miss Lou’s. I had been eying the sandwiches and sweets. I chose a smoked salmon roll, grapes, and a lemon pastry. Tim got a ham roll and red velvet cake. The espresso machine was being fixed so no fancy coffee. Which is probably good. Tim took a moment to perform on the empty stage in the Infinity Terrace. We had a note in the room door telling us that the Mexican restaurant was closed so we should call to rebook an al a carte for the evening. We got in to the Bhogali for 5:30 pm. I knit on the terrace while we waited for our reservation. Tim took a great picture.

Bhogali

I left for a minute and Tim met with one of the chefs. He explained the preparation and flavours of the dishes. I took a picture with him and Tim. That thing in his pocket is his ‘Travelling knife’ with a cork on the end of it. A few minutes later he introduced us to the Indian head chef. I was awestruck that he would come and say hi to us just as the first seating was starting. It was such a highlight but I cannot even remember what I said to him.

Lamb Sheek Kabob

Our waitress was amazing so friendly but not intrusive. I took her picture while she poured wine. Today was Jamaica day so she had the Jamaica colours on the bows in her hair. I ordered the Bhogali potato and chick pea salad to start. It was the perfect balance of spice to wake my taste buds, and was served on a bed of lettuce. The next course, Tim had the Subzi Samosa while I had the Lamb Sheek Kebab. Both were good. The spice hit me hard but settled after a few minutes. We both got the butter chicken and garlic naan bread. I loved how the tomato flavour just peeked into the butter chicken. The balance was just right. we ordered rice pudding and crème brûlée. Tim even liked the crème brûlée. He had a few bites and I finished it. The rice pudding was excellent as well. It was lightly spiced but the serving was cereal bowl sized. I could only eat half. This restaurant may be my new favourite.

we relaxed on the terrace after supper. We checked out the cigars but decided against it. The evening was the perfect temperature for both of us so we chatted for awhile before heading to bed.

Tim took this of the full moon behind a cloud

Thursday Tour Day

Listening to the waves, bath then breakfast at Blue Lagoon. we got a different table this morning. We stayed for a few minutes after to enjoy the violin playing. A walk after breakfast helped to really feel invigorated for the day. We had booked the haunted tour of Rose Hall for 7:30 pm.

I was still windy and cold for the Jamaicans. I found the breeze so nice, especially since I was covering up to let my burn heal.We went to the adults only beach for the morning. I wrote the blog and read my book. Tim watched the people collecting sea glass. There are so many hermit crabs on the beach. It was engrossing to watch them.

Logo on shirt

Sitting on the beach Tim noticed a man wearing a dairy farmers of PEI T-shirt. Shows you how small the world really is. They own a Jersey dairy farm in Kensington. Jeanna was quilting. I was so glad to see someone else crafting on the beach. We had a long chat. Their daughter is looking after the farm and they are staying for two weeks this time. They come to the Grand Palladium every year.

Beach Day

When my burn got too warm. We headed back to the room to apply aloe gel. We met the woman who cleans our room and had a great chat. She folded Tim’s clothes on the bed. I joked that he should not get used to that. She has the next two days off but will be back Sunday. I cast on Coquilles Capelet for myself. I love the one I made for Olivia so much. I took a nap so I would not be sleepy for the night tour.

We had a late lunch/early supper at the Mobay buffet. I had roast chicken and a small square of bread pudding that I enjoyed. I was excited to see the crème brûlée, but it was not a version I liked. Then we went up to relax at the Infinity Terrace. We sat at the bar. It is so quiet there in the afternoon. Tim’s blue eyes popped with sea and sky behind him. We had our bartender make us a special drink before we went to meet our transfer at 5 pm. Traffic can be crazy though Montego Bay.

I want to cool off under that waterfall some day

Tevin our driver was waiting in the lobby when we arrived ten minutes early. He was so efficient and friendly. Tim sat up front and chatted with him. He is from Green Island nearer to Negril. We learned about his family and living in a small place with multigenerational family. I made it seem idyllic.

There is an election going on here. The parties are green and orange. Tevin gave us lots more details about each party. We got slowed down in Hopewell because there was a party for the greens.

I had to take a washroom break so we stopped at a mall complex just in Montego Bay. I ran in to the KFC. Tim and Tevin got drinks in the supermarket. This meant we drove through Montego Bay at sunsets Tevin took the lower road.

Sunset over Montego Bay

I love driving up to Rose Hall. We had to drive by and run around at a local taxi stop to get to the side of the road to go through the gate. Tim took a great video on the drive up. It was a bit surreal for me driving up the lane with Rose Hall sitting on the top of the hill in the twilight. It took a few minutes to check in and get our bracelets. There was a summer playing outside. I found myself grooving to the beat as I waited.

Tim and Tevin came along on the tour. Sophia was an excellent guide. She answered the kids questions but also kept her story going. The first thing she said was “I may be your tour guide but I am scared. If you scream I will run away!” It set exactly the right tone to walk up to Rose Hall in the kerosine torchlight.

Just below the stairs Sophie stopped so everybody could pose for the professional picture you could buy at the end of the tour. The tour had a good balance of history and jump scares by the ghosts. Slaves were required to whistle the whole time they served their owners. It was so the Annie Palmer would be sure they were not stealing food. You cannot whistle and eat at the same time. The whistling made for spooky ghost entrances.

Ladies and gentlemen ate from pewter plates containing lead. A scientific reason why Annie went crazy. There was a tunnel from under the stairs that went to the shore. It collapsed before the restoration. I loved the cloth wallpaper. It was amazing to see the detail of it in person. Videos do not do it justice. The tour ends at Annie’s grave.

Our drive back I sat in the front with Steven and talked their ears off. I was so wired after the tour. It was a perfect relaxing drive back, but we were jolted into reality by the noise of a bingo game at the theatre we walked to the Tranquility bar but decided to call it a night. It was an excellent excursion experience!

Wednesday wanderings

We were awake around six again. I listened to the waves as I wrote a post. Quiet mornings are so perfect to start the day. I can watch the waves crash without leaving our room. The waves were high but no rain. The patio looks out onto the shore making the day look stormy, but if you look above the shower you see what the day is really like. Tim loves the morning jetted tub. Breakfast is the thing that gets us out of the room, usually around 8 am. We went to the Blue Lagoon again, and had the same table with the amazing view.

View from our breakfast table

I went straight to the omelette bar. There are two made to order stations so the wait was not long. She was so good at making our eggs. I then went to get a smoothie. She even had almond milk as a base. There was a saxophone player right by the smoothie bar so it was hard to hear to order. I got some fruit and headed back to the table. Coffee came a few minutes later. It is funny how I do not need coffee in the room before going to breakfast. It tastes so good when I get it. Tim got a bit turned around coming out of the buffet so we laughed about that as we finished our meal. I have always found something I really enjoyed at each meal here.

My first omelette of the trip… perfectly cooked

I wanted to book the Rose Hall haunted tour, so we went to the Jamaica lobby. Our representative was not there. We chatted with the other two that were there. Tim got antsy, we were the awhile, so we left before she returned. It is Jamaica time, we were not sure how long she’d be. We had her number in our paperwork. Wandering the resort for the rest of the morning was perfect. We spent time at the adults only pool just across the path from our room. The wind made the temperature in the sun perfect for me. I spent time reading and chatting. I should have reapplied the sunscreen. Sun wins: Cheryl and Tim are burnt.

We got changed and headed to the jerk hut (pictured in earlier post) for lunch. I love taking the path along the beach no sand but beach experience. There was a line up for food so Tim stood there while I scooped up a couple of chairs. I knit while he made friends in the line up. A table freed up beside us for his friends.

The jerk chicken was as good as I remembered. The jerk sauce was perfect and I had a scoop of kidney beans rice and a roll to temper the heat. The couple from the line chatted with us. The entertainment crew started a noisy competition so we wandered on.

Our Air Canada Representative Merissa wanted a picture by the fountain. Tim missed both fountains

We headed back to the Grand Palladium Jamaica lobby by the travel representatives. Merissa was there. We asked about booking a transfer on our own to Rose Hall and doing the tour. I was waffling on the day to go. Tim made a joke welcome to his world I do not make decisions well that made her laugh. We decided to book tomorrow night hoping traffic will be better than on the weekend. Merissa was so good at coordinating everything. Make sure to use her for your excursion plans. I am excited to see Rose Hall. The haunted tour is supposed to have some actors playing ghosts. Should be fun!

Our next stop was Miss Lou’s for a fancy coffee and carrot cake. It is my first dessert since we got here. Everything looked good but the barista recommended the carrot cake. I sat in to eat the cake but then went to the Infinity Bar terrace to enjoy my coffee. It did was wonderful but I knew it was nap time when it did not help me wake up.

After our nap we got ready for our early dinner, 6:15 pm. We were at the Xaymaica. I was excited for the oxtail. We had salad to start and I got a cold espresso to be sure not to crash. Tim got a pasta. I ordered the fruitcake. It came with vanilla ice cream. A perfect size treat.

We enjoyed the music for a bit but had to head back to the room to put aloe on our burns. The bed looked so good we crashed for the night. I am aging out of late nights down south, but am loving the days.

Tuesday Night at Sumptuori

We wandered from sunset cove back to the adults only pool and beach area. All the chairs were taken so we went back to our room. We have lounge chairs on our deck or could go down to the beach. I took some time to write the blog.

Later we went back to the pool and just sat on the loungers in the pool. Tim is rum cream as a reminder. They filled the glass. Wow way too much. We sipped it and movers into the area with pillars. The breeze was cool. Tim got goosebumps so we got out of the pool and came back to the room. Tim had a bath to warm up.

We both had a sleep and did not wake until after 6 pm. Tim was up earlier. The clouds hid the sunset he said. I slept through it. Our reservation was not until 8:30 so we had lots of time to get ready. I even put on makeup.

The Infinity Terrace Bar was the perfect place to relax before supper. I got a green tea while we waited. One of the entertainment team asked me if I was cold. She had no idea. She had sent for her sweater. I was just comfortable.

We checked in for our reservation and waited for our table. While ordering an espresso I met a lovely English man with his son. They had the sushi the night before. His son loved it. They were going to the Jamaican. We said goodbye as we were escorted to our table just in front of the sushi preparation area.

The suppers take time. I was relaxed and enjoyed watching the preparations as we waited. It was a busy night and many guests but our waiter made us feel special and that he had all the time for us. We chatted and he recommended the Shrimp as a starter and beef for the main course. I got the sumptouri roll. Tim got spring rolls and chicken teriyaki for his main.

I loved my shrimp and Tim his spring rolls. They were very hot getting to us and the sauce was just enough to add taste. We chatted between courses and I could see into the area where the chefs cook in front of you. I was all over the place with things to enjoy. Tim was amused. I got the sushi. It was so yummy! I ate all of it without any sauces or additions. We chatted between courses and really relaxed into being on holiday. The our main course arrived. The plating was perfect. Now that we watched row seasons of ‘The Bear’ I think I know what I am talking about. I got rare beef. It was melt in my mouth perfect. Tim loved his. The rice I got had some vegetable and ginger. I loved it but it was way too much food to finish. No dessert or coffee after that.

My beef and rice. ‘Y favourite meal so far!

After supper we went back tithe Infinity. It was windy but nice on the side away from the band. We could sit and chat and enjoy the evening. When the wind got to be too much we went in to Miss Lou’s. I wanted to look at the desserts. I could not even think about one but they look fantastic! We went back out and stro overlooking the water and talking until we were so tired we crashed listing to the wind and waves.

Poseidon for lunch

It had cleared up by noon so Tim and I wandered. We went around our building and walked along the beach to the Las Brisa’s Bar. Roy was bartending. He told us the jerk hut was closed because of the rain. But we could check the other one. We sat there listening to the waves chatting with lots of people. My breathing was still adjusting so I sat and knit while Tim went for a walk.

Closed due to weather

We decided to head to the head to the jerk hut at sunset cove. A family coming back from the beach told us the jerk hut was closed but there was a great restaurant there. Poseidon wast at the end of the path. We knew it was a good choice as we walked by the salad bar to the table.

Damian was our excellent waiter

I was craving jerk chicken. Our waiter, Damian, said that it or the fish and chips were his favourites on the menu. We ordered drinks and went to the salad bar. I got a mushroom salad that was very good and a variety of cheeses. Sitting overlooking Sunset Cove was so good after the rain. The birds were out and the waves were crashing.

My jerk chicken came and was the perfect spice for me. It woke my taste buds up and I said to Tim it must be a medium spice. Damian broke my bubble explaining it was mild. I will have to work up to the spicy sauce. The coleslaw and kidney beans rice were good sides. Tim got the burger. He was like me the portions were big. We did not need dessert. The bartender was so good. I asked for an expresso martini when I watched one go by. It was so classy. There were about few coffee beans in it. Of course I ate them all. Best lunch of our trip!

Espresso martini & rum punch

Tuesday morning rain and relaxation

We got up at 6:30 am and just listened to the ocean. What a way to relax. Well we were in bed by 10 pm but it was a long day yesterday. Tim filled the tub. The jets were amazing to relax stiff muscles from the flight. Nothing to do and no where to be. This is island time now.

Outside our room

Building 27. Where we stayed in 2010

Breakfast by pool

Beach below our room

By 8 am I needed breakfast so we went out taking pictures along the way. Again my memory did not exactly match the resort but we did find all three buffets. Nigel and Mobay are both regular large indoor breakfast buffets. We chose the one overlooking the pool and ocean, Blue lagoon. There was a lovely breeze.

Relaxing in the morning before breakfast

I stayed and waited for coffee while Tim got food. It was so peaceful. Our waitress brought water and came back with coffee. It was still quite slow. I went in directly to the Jamaican foods they had salt mackerel in white sauce and baked potatoes. I also chose jerk sausage and a half a salmon cream cheese bagel. Tim had a regular breakfast with bacon, sausage toast and cheese. He got some hollandaise sauce but we both agreed someone heated it too quickly. The salt fish was good. It was not too salty and the mackerel was just the perfect taste. Not too strong.i just had a taste of the jerk sausage to try it. The bagel was good but I took the onions off. The coffee was fantastic. I drink it strong and black, so good. After rationing we sat for a minute before I ordered a mimosa. Excellent breakfast.

Part way through the meal it started to rain. It had been misting but now was heavy enough for the screen to be put down by the clean dishes. The rain did not come in where we were sitting so we were able to enjoy the breeze: I hoped the rain would cut the humidity a bit. I will get used to it but day one is a bit hard on my asthma. I took all my meds and was fine.

We wandered down to the Jamaica resort and checked out the gift shop. I saw that our air Canada representative, Mensa, was there so we went over to chat. She was so efficient. I love not having a long presentation to sit through. She gave us our shuttle time for the last day, 10:15 am. Then we asked about going to the haunted tour at Rose Hall. I may have picked up a book last time we were here about the witch of Rose Hall. Haunted tours every night and at a reasonable price. But we need two more people. We said that we were flexible and could go any day if she found others. I am not going looking for people. We will see. If we do not go it is not a problem. It was great to have the meeting done. Apparently not all the representatives come in on rainy days. I was glad to see her. We have her number if we need anything.

Rainy morning waves

Walking back to our room, even under the covered paths we got wet. So we relaxed in the room listening to the rain as I wrote this blog. I am sure it is Caribbean rain and will be over soon. The guy who restocks our fridge said it was unexpected today.

2024 30th Anniversary Travel Day

We got up we 2:30 am. The taxi was scheduled to arrive at 3:10 am. Packing had been done for at least a week, so we made smoothies and played with Molly for a bit. She was all set for breakfast as we were heading out the door to the taxi.

It was quiet when we got to the airport. I love digital travel. We were already checked in so they printed our passes and we loaded our checked bags. My scissors had to be checked. Noralee and I chatted as my bags were scanned. Waiting to boarding was fine. I started reading my book. It is a quick read. I enjoyed the characters so far. I finished part one on the flights down.

Written by a Jamaican born author

The Charlottetown to Toronto flight boarded on time. Before we were in the air we knew our Toronto Jamaica flight was delayed. Most of the first flight I read. Tim and I had all three seats to ourselves so he mostly slept. Our landing was one of the smoothest I have experienced.

Early morning

Sunrise

Toronto

I was glad to get off the plane and walk for a bit. I love travelling with just a backpack and a bag of knitting. It is quick to walk through the airport. Tim thought his visa got us in the maple leaf lounge. Apparently not. We paid for a couple of hours in the other lounge by our gate. It was good to get some food and a quiet space. The airport was busy. There were a couple of delayed flights and then the normal on time flights. We went down when Air Canada notified us that they were boarding. They were still waiting for the cleaning crew to finish cleaning the plane. We found a seat to wait in the crowded area and realized the quiet lounge was so important for us.

Boarding was quick once they started. We were seated in the middle section with one other person. Both our screens worked. I don’t know if I am becoming a better flyer but the flight was ok. For me that is high praise normally I hate flying. I watched Oppenheimer. That may have helped the flight seem shorter.

The Jamaica airport is familiar. Tim and I were so quick to get through the automated checkpoints that another flights bags were still in the baggage claim when we got there. Customs was easy but I went by the first Air Canada representative and had to go back in to get our card.

We were on a little bus to go to the resort. We left the airport shortly before 4:20 pm. The traffic was awful we did not get to the resort until after 6:30 pm. I felt for our driver. We got our welcome drink right away. Check in was so smooth. I love this resort. Except for the time share representatives who are very aggressive with their “free gift”. Tim got me out of that. They said booking for dinner was closed but we could show up and ask since it was our 30th anniversary. We walked with or bags down to the villa instead of waiting for the trolly.

Our romantic villa is amazing. We have our own entrance up the stairs. We can hear the ocean with the door closed. There was a bottle of champagne and some squares in our room when we arrived. The bed looked so comfortable but we needed some supper. we changed for the evening. I wore the same dress from last time we were here.

View outside our door

Ready for the evening

Jetted tub in room

Wandering the resort, the layout came back to us slowly. We wandered down from Lady Hamilton to the Jamaica section. Passing by the Steakhouse. I love how friendly all the staff are. One of the cleaners saw we looked lost. He gave us directions to the restaurant we wanted. While I waited to see if we could book supper, Tim ordered me a Mojito. The beautiful woman at the entrance to El Dorado was able to fit us in at 8:30 pm. We were so happy!

We relaxed at the Infinity Terrace Bar. I enjoyed my drink. There was live music and dancing. I was way too tired for dancing but the vibe really put us in celebration mode. Tim and I reminisced and really enjoyed the moment.

The relaxation vibe had still not kicked in as we headed back to the restaurant at 8:15 pm. We forgot about “island time”. Surprise we had to wait. I was so tired and the drink had made me sleepy. Tim got me a club soda as a pick me up.

We were escorted to a small table at the back where they had a bunch of balloons on the wall behind my head. We ordered and went to the salad bar. It was good. I am learning to just take a taste when there are many courses. I had ordered the fried tomatoes but they were out. I was offered something else but declined. Tim had the French onion soup. It was only ok. Our steaks were cooked to perfection. Tim’s cut was bigger. Mine was perfect, With mashed potatoes a slivered vegetable. I could not even think about dessert or coffee. We headed back to the room and slept so well. What a ride for our 30th anniversary!

How to Knit A Dishcloth for Andrew

The other day I was at Papa Joe’s eating on my own. I love this spot because the food is excellent and the service is so good. One of the staff was very interested in what I was knitting and learning to knit. His name was Andrew. I was floored. The same name as my oldest who died in 2019. There are signs everywhere if you just look. I doubled in to making sure this Andrew learned to knit too.

We spoke about knitting. I said that I would set him up with his knitting kit. I like to get a pair of short straight needles and some yarn as a beginner knitting kit. I also cast on their first project and knit a row. That way The knit stitch is the fist thing they must learn. I also wanted a simple place he could go to see what to do, so I made this page.

I like the dishcloth as the first project because no matter how it turns out, it will still wash dishes. This is the most basic cloth – garter stitch.

I cast on 37 sts and knit the first row in the kit.

Andrew, here is my video tutorial on haw to do the knitting stitch:

https://youtu.be/6elHPv5QHt4?si=RFnod61wQYASyN2i

Knit tutorial CAWcreations

Knit every row until the cloth is as big as you want then bind off. I usually measure the width of the cloth and make it the same height so you have a square but you can do whatever you want. I used a larger needle size and cast on 37 stitches. It was a bit wide so I bound it off when I thought it was big enough. This is what mine looked like.

The following is a knit and bind off video tutorial:

CAWcreations Knit and Bind Off Tutorial (December 2023)

Good luck knitting Andrew!

Any questions email cherylann@cawcreations.org