Brasi Trip Report April 2012
#2 The Blessings of Good Friends
As my last installment indicated, I was a soup sandwich at 8 AM on Tuesday April 24, 2012. I felt my legs wobble as I crossed Norman Manley Boulevard near my hotel, heading to get on the bus, which was parked and waiting for me. The bag that I had packed with a towel, extra shorts and a shirt, (and some deli meat for subs) was banging against my back. The partial six pack of Red Stripe, carried loosely in my left hand, clanked, as I climbed the stairs to board.
“Helur everererone,†I slurred. Classy, Alex.
As I got on the bus it was apparent---by the looks I got and every time I spoke---that my inebriated condition was quite evident. Iâ€d been partying most of the night and it showed. I am sure I smelled like alcohol despite a 20-minute hot shower. Marley and Ninja had organized this trip with Chicken and his Magic Bus and here I was being a clown. Suck it up, guy. Get a grip.
At these types of times…when my behavior, political affiliation, music choices, clothing, or other activities start to seem ‘under the scrutiny†of others, I withdraw a bit, mostly because Iâ€d rather bite my tongue than argue over things that are no elseâ€s business. I donâ€t defend myself, or try to be someone I am not. I donâ€t fight or get in confrontations that donâ€t matter. On this day, I was a drunk-ass tourist at 8 am in the morning, slurring my words, and acting like a shy teenager. I just saw how people looked at me when I talked and figured Iâ€d best shut up ‘til I sobered up.
But the concern people had for me that day—and I was pretty f-d up, for REAL---seemed genuine…I felt that…even though I am sure I was being picked on a little, I knew I deserved it. In the end…after a dip in YS Falls…I met amazing friends for an amazing trip I will never forget. By noon or so I had “recovered.†By 7 pm, Iâ€d been to the Pelican Bar where, along with my pals M and S, I had left a MacLeod (our Scottish clan) tartan there for other Scots to see. Iâ€d had a delicious meal, and some great conversations with folks from around the world. I am glad I sucked it up. I only wish I was sober to begin with LOL.
Before I left the hotel, Lisa had given me a hug and wished me luck. She had a few things to do during the day to get ready for some things we had planned for Wednesday, but was also a bit concerned about hanging out with a bunch of white tourists all day. I assured her that this group would welcome her…but after some things that had happen earlier in the week…she decided to get her hair and nails done and chill out at the “Beach Place.â€
As she was hanging back…I was on the bus, waiting to get to Negril and see her hair she kept texting me about…and talk to her about my day. Lisa, as you see...is gorgeous, and TRUST me sooo much cooler than she is pretty.
Sorry but I canâ€t show you a clear shot of her face here…because as most of you know relationships between farrin and Jamaicans are always suspect. But Iâ€m asking you: please donâ€t be so quick to judge. And Iâ€m telling you that Lisa and I have a pretty cool relationship. Ultimately, you will believe what you want and forgive me...but I donâ€t give a f*ck. (: We are grown.
Soon, I will report to you about a serious issue, an issue of intolerance that is debated time and time again in these forums. I will tell you why in my experience racism is alive and well in Negril. And I will tell you why I think this trip (April 2012) really assisted in helping me see where my life is headed after the tragic loss of my fiancÃ/gf last June.
Next up:
Knock Knock: "Your Guest Has to Leave"