The Epistle of Q — Chapter 215 (c)

The Jamaica Experience Continued

Easter Saturday dawned in a more gentle, slower than how dusk/sunset occurs. The tide is up and the ocean crashing against the old volcanic rock is almost soothing. As the sun finally is up, the rest of the inhabitants of the three bedroom cottage slowly emerged from their individual cocoons.

After a corn meal porridge brekkie which lasted until mid-morning, I decided to take in a private tour of the Appleton Estate run distillery (three [3] of us opted in for the ride in a special van). This turned out to be a very good decision: the tour guides at the distillery were top notch; and, there was considerable rum to try before even setting out on the walk-about. The facility is very large and has a long history going back to the slavery era. In fact there is no hiding the role slaves played in the early days of the plantation; a beautiful cairn has been erected with as many names (often only their first) of the slaves as can be identified/verified inscribed on the marble block holding up the amazing sculpture.

The facility has been upgraded and modernized over the years and now the bottling occurs either in Kingston or in some destination country. The reception facility not only has a very well-designed tasting room, but also a well-equipped gift shop. I was able to acquire a very nice 12-year old to add to the enjoyment of the remainder of the trip and a very smooth 15-year old as a gift to our hosts.

The evening meal was good food-wise but timing was traditional Jamaican. We went at 5:00 p.m. and got back to the cottage after 8:00 p.m. But all in all – a delightful Easter Saturday.

Rest came easily…

g.w.

Leave a Reply