The Jamaica Experience Concluded

Before leaving Treasure Beach there was one more task I wanted to accomplish. This was primarily due to an iconic ad I see occasionally during football games on TV: the ad for Appleton Estates rum, wherein people go to this neat bar out in the ocean off the coast of Jamaica. It is called the Pelican Bar, in the Pelican Bay on a reef or perhaps sand bar. Day Five, Easter Monday, turned out to be the day our hosts graciously arranged this moment.

It was necessary to first charter a fishing boat to travel the one hour from our resort to Pelican Bay. This is itself was a fun journey as these fishing craft are more like over-sized canoes with very powerful outboards (ours had a 90-hp Yamaha I think). Lots of spray, not that much bounce, delightful sun… When we arrived, it was not even open – luckily our host had brought some beer, just in case – welcome to the Pelican Bar. Eventually the owner and staff arrived (in a rather beaten up craft) and we were able to have a rum. Moreover we were able to get a tour of the facility including a kitchen that would not likely pass the inspection of any of my Environmental Health students (let alone graduates). But, since we were not there for a meal, all was good. After a couple more mid-day drinks and learning about the creation of this unique facility (which I will discuss in more detail in another time & space), we returned by the same boat to our resort where we checked out and had a long drive through the mountains!

We concluded the day with a great feast – chicken & wine & fresh potatoes & salads – along with much invigorated conversation.

The next morning, up early to pack and a wee brekkie. A relatively quick ride to the airport got us to the terminal in plenty of time to work through the immigration-out processes required by the Jamaican government. When we finally boarded our plane, I was delighted to discover that I could watch Conclave again on the portion from MBJ to YYZ. From YYZ to YLW I tended to snooze… Got home feeling like I had experienced a bit of paradise and hosts of remarkable patience and goodness and generosity.

Easter 2025 is all its totality will long be remembered. Who knows, maybe it will be repeated in some future moment, but for now a huge thank you and many hugs of gratitude to Rachael and Andrew – very special people, very amazing hosts…

Appreciatively yours,
g.w.