March 30-April 6, 1996

March 30-April 6, 1996

Weary of our Chicago winter, Aimee and I went on a weeklong vacation to Jamaica. We stayed at the all-inclusive resort, Sandals-Dunn’s River Falls. The resort is located along the north shore of Jamaica west of Ochos Rios. Upon check-in we were both given a complimentary massage coupon. We used it the next day and it was heavenly. Best massage either of us had. Great way to start a nice vacation!

We never had to leave the Sandals compound. The resort had everything including lots of water activities. With an onsite boat and SCUBA equipment, Aimee and I were able to dive three mornings. The first two were mediocre but the last was interesting along a reef wall. Besides lots of sponges, a large stingray, and a lobster, the Divemaster captured a Puffer Fish. As a defense mechanism the sluggish fish inflates into a spiky ball. If this doesn’t discourage a predator, the Puffer also contains a strong neurotoxin. The downside of the dive was having to wait ten minutes at the surface until the dive boat returned.

The resort also had sailboats available. I learned to sail over a decade ago at a Club Med resort. Unfortunately my skills were rusty and needed a refresher course. I tipped the boat and had a hard time getting it righted.

In the afternoon we would lay at the pool soaking up the sun and only getting up for a refill of the local beverage Red Stripe beer. We were also introduced to Jamaican Jerk Chicken, a dry but very spicy chicken filet.

The one time we left the compound was for a tour to the resort’s namesake falls a couple miles to the east. It was a little touristy but fun. Dunn’s River Falls is a large sloped cascade. The guide makes us walk up the cataract as a group holding hands so we don't lose any of the less agile.