01-28-2018, 11:45 AM
Putting up the fence around Roots Bamboo's stage for big events is no easy task. The workers begin by digging holes with a machete and their hands. Bamboo poles are dropped into the holes. A roll of chain link fencing is then affixed to the poles, followed by a 10-foot tall sheet of blue plastic. If they didn't the freeloaders would multiply and outnumber the paying customers. Alas it also takes away the view of the Caribbean which adds so much to the ambiance when you want to dance barefoot in the sand. In that way the free shows on Mondays and Wednesdays are the most fun.
Got in a little exercise early one Saturday morning helping with the fence removal carrying all the bamboo poles to their under-the-stage storage.
Went over to Woodstock to buy a fresh coconut thinking they wouldn't have a problem breaking a $5,000J note. Was told the coconut was $300J. Then I mentioned the $5,000J note. Then a manager came over and said No Problem only now the coconut was $6 US.
Bumbaclot! I passed.
Bought a set of salt & pepper shakers with an aquatic design. Would have rather gone scuba diving but I think I'm retiring from that endeavor given all the difficulties I have clearing my nasal passages/eliminating pressure. Wasn't able to hear (partially ruptured ear drum) very well for 3-4 months after my last mis-adventure. Anyways, I left my PADI card at home for the first time ever. Sigh. Trying not to imagine all the beautiful fish and corals I missed seeing. Snorkeling just isn't the same.
Did a little juggling on the beach most mornings. Hadn't had my toys out since my last reach. Stopped practicing at home long ago but for some reason love to juggle on vacation. It's just more joyful when you're in paradise under the shade of a palm tree. Brought some balls, torches and machetes to play with and picked up a couple bottles of Kingsford charcoal lighter fluid downtown.
The elements can make it pretty challenging. First there's the wind which is variable and can almost make you laugh sometimes when you miss a prop by several inches to a foot. It definitely gets your attention when you're juggling machetes. Then sand gets on everything making them slippery requiring almost a double-catch necessitating a quicker release. Gotta wear sunglasses to keep the sun and sand out of your eyes. Suntan lotion is slippery. But after a couple days those obstacles fade away and everything is under control. Bar staff and waitresses come out to watch a fire session. Imperfect but a pretty decent run of tricks and you can feel their excitement. Even felt good to enjoy the smell of my nostril hairs getting singed by the fire again. Trust me that wakes you up. (Yes, I know, this is avoidable if the wind's to your back...but it's more fun when the wind is licking the flames right back into your face. Lots more fun.)
I also have some balls that light up (red, green, and yellow) beautifully at night and I jammed with them a couple nights during concerts. Tried to figure out some moves that coincided with the music. Didn't drink much alcohol, if any, most days so I could juggle at night if I wanted. Never have been able to hold my liquor.
Filled my fridge with bottled water, Ting, soursop and other juices.
Made my own breakfast most mornings having brought along an electric griddle and coffeemaker. Blue Mtn coffee and rum cream followed by jerk bacon, eggs and pancakes.
Eaten on a sunny porch listening to Irie FM. Wish I was back there right now.
Time for a swim. That wonderful coolness. You spin around out in the water looking back at the beach and in all directions watching the people, the clouds, the birds, the approaching whitecaps. You think about all the effort it took for you to get here to experience that one moment and wonder why life can't be so magnificent all the time. Sigh.
Was a bit disappointed in my Jeep when I got home. The cold had sapped so much air from my tires (old leaky rims) that one was essentially flat. And the battery was dead. Living in Minnesota builds character I guess.
Got in a little exercise early one Saturday morning helping with the fence removal carrying all the bamboo poles to their under-the-stage storage.
Went over to Woodstock to buy a fresh coconut thinking they wouldn't have a problem breaking a $5,000J note. Was told the coconut was $300J. Then I mentioned the $5,000J note. Then a manager came over and said No Problem only now the coconut was $6 US.
Bumbaclot! I passed.
Bought a set of salt & pepper shakers with an aquatic design. Would have rather gone scuba diving but I think I'm retiring from that endeavor given all the difficulties I have clearing my nasal passages/eliminating pressure. Wasn't able to hear (partially ruptured ear drum) very well for 3-4 months after my last mis-adventure. Anyways, I left my PADI card at home for the first time ever. Sigh. Trying not to imagine all the beautiful fish and corals I missed seeing. Snorkeling just isn't the same.
Did a little juggling on the beach most mornings. Hadn't had my toys out since my last reach. Stopped practicing at home long ago but for some reason love to juggle on vacation. It's just more joyful when you're in paradise under the shade of a palm tree. Brought some balls, torches and machetes to play with and picked up a couple bottles of Kingsford charcoal lighter fluid downtown.
The elements can make it pretty challenging. First there's the wind which is variable and can almost make you laugh sometimes when you miss a prop by several inches to a foot. It definitely gets your attention when you're juggling machetes. Then sand gets on everything making them slippery requiring almost a double-catch necessitating a quicker release. Gotta wear sunglasses to keep the sun and sand out of your eyes. Suntan lotion is slippery. But after a couple days those obstacles fade away and everything is under control. Bar staff and waitresses come out to watch a fire session. Imperfect but a pretty decent run of tricks and you can feel their excitement. Even felt good to enjoy the smell of my nostril hairs getting singed by the fire again. Trust me that wakes you up. (Yes, I know, this is avoidable if the wind's to your back...but it's more fun when the wind is licking the flames right back into your face. Lots more fun.)
I also have some balls that light up (red, green, and yellow) beautifully at night and I jammed with them a couple nights during concerts. Tried to figure out some moves that coincided with the music. Didn't drink much alcohol, if any, most days so I could juggle at night if I wanted. Never have been able to hold my liquor.
Filled my fridge with bottled water, Ting, soursop and other juices.
Made my own breakfast most mornings having brought along an electric griddle and coffeemaker. Blue Mtn coffee and rum cream followed by jerk bacon, eggs and pancakes.
Eaten on a sunny porch listening to Irie FM. Wish I was back there right now.
Time for a swim. That wonderful coolness. You spin around out in the water looking back at the beach and in all directions watching the people, the clouds, the birds, the approaching whitecaps. You think about all the effort it took for you to get here to experience that one moment and wonder why life can't be so magnificent all the time. Sigh.
Was a bit disappointed in my Jeep when I got home. The cold had sapped so much air from my tires (old leaky rims) that one was essentially flat. And the battery was dead. Living in Minnesota builds character I guess.