Faith, Folklore, and Friends

"We ain't scared of no hurricanes," our smiling Jamaican guide told us. "We just run to the mountains and hide."  Port of Montego Bay, Jamaica. We took a bus excursion out in the country about an hour from the port. Interesting. We passed through several small cities, where the main street was one laned, or two if you really tried.  I'm a little concerned about their electrical wiring.  The water is so beautiful, and changes quickly before your eyes. No, I didn't parasail, but maybe next time. Lunch. No one is allowed to bring fresh fruit back on the ship.  I guess they have their reasons, but wouldn't some fresh coconuts be nice? At Rick's Restaurant on Negril Beach, people high dive regularly.  Fun to watch, but I'm not doing it.  I'm saving my bones for things like walking. The flowers in February are worth the trip. The...

Another place we love in Pigeon Forge is The Island.  It is a newer place with restaurants, shops, and rides/games for the kids.  Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville is now open, and a hotel will open soon.  Paula Deen is also opening a restaurant there. It is always beautifully decorated, as you can see here. The Island has a huge Ferris Wheel that is lighted, and can be seen almost everywhere in Pigeon Forge.  It makes it easy to give directions; for example, the LeConte Center is right past the big wheel on Teaster. When we were there for Quiltfest in March, my lil' ole sister and a friend rode it.  I prefer to watch it from the ground. This is part of the new Margaritaville Hotel that will be opening soon. They have a large fountain with free water shows every thirty minutes. They even supply rocking chairs to rest in while you are watching the water shows. The last time we...