Beaches Boscobel - Jamaica
I’ve never been a fan of all-inclusive vacations, but now I am one. At the prompting of my wife, we decided on an eight day tropical vacation through beaches.com from Tue. 02 Sep 2008 through Wed. 10 Sep 2008 at Beaches Boscobel on the northern coast of Jamaica (2 hour drive from Montego Bay’s Sangria International Airport).
Naturally, prior to our trip, I somewhat boasted of our upcoming trip to Jamaica and got mixed comments… many of which were negative because of the poverty and crime reputation Jamaica seems to have. Nevertheless, I remained optimistic and received much positive response from a co-worker Patrick who is from Jamaica.
Despite the never-ending threat of Atlantic/Carribean storms including Hurricane Ike, we had picture perfect sun-filled days every day except Sunday when Ike passed far north of us. Also, we were offered an “upgrade” to an ocean view room for US$300+, but we turned that down… and it’s a good thing we did because EVERY room is an ocean view.
Due to flight delays from Hurricane Gustav in the Gulf of Mexico, our flight didn’t arrive in Jamaica until approximately 9pm (local time EST/CDT)… which meant we didn’t arrive at the resort until nearly midnight. The bell guy boldly let everyone know how it’s customary to tip, so I gave him a US$20 bill (smallest unit I had) as did the driver at the end of the ride (though he’s presumably “with” the resort where they do not permit tipping). Within 10 minutes, the driver stopped at a gas station where I was offered through the window not only a beer (Red Stripe) but marijuana and of course, refused.
When we walked into the room, Parker had no idea where he was and was quite visibly shaken and wanted his shoes back on and to go home. Little did he realize where he was and that within a day, he kept repeating “Bye home” suggesting he had no intention of returning home from Elmo’s house.
Parker having fun in the pool!
Every day but Sunday - Hurricane Ike was passing to the north of us - we were in the sun. Parker loved the slides and the pools and the beach. The food was outstanding. We ate three meals a day of all you can eat - pretty much. After all, upon our return I had gained about 10 lbs.
Go on this vacation! It was not scary in any way, but then again we didn’t venture outside the resort at all. It’s a great place if you have small children. The Sesame Street characters were a blast and Melanie and I were convinced Bert was on something. This was just the vacation we’d been craving for years! It was my 24th foreign country; Melanie and Parker’s first foreign country.