Jamaica > On a raft on the Rio Grande

At breakfast, the events of last night’s dinner are the talk of the day. Patricia apologizes. She had informed the hotel twice that they needed to accommodate a group of sixteen people in the restaurant. She suggests going out for dinner tonight in Port Antonio. Everyone agrees it’s a good idea. Kelly is ready with the bus. The bus has been repaired and arrived last night around nine o’clock. He gives me a fist bump and shouts, “Respect, man.” This morning he drives me to the Rio Grande. Bamboo rafts are ready there. These rafts were once used to transport goods along the river; nowadays, they are a lucrative tourist attraction.

Jamaica - Viewing the underwater world from a glassbottom boat

Each raft captain has a number, and I receive one as well. I have raft number 74. The captain of my raft seems unhappy with what I assume is the heavy load. He takes the number and starts arranging things. In the end, another couple leaves with number 74 and boards his raft. I haven’t received a new number. Due to this mix-up, one raft was underbooked. Quickly, an extra captain is arranged. Michael invites me to step carefully onto his bamboo raft. The raft is about ten meters long, one and a half meters wide, and has a bamboo seat in the middle. I sit down while Michael pushes the raft off. I glide over the river as Michael uses a bamboo pole to push it forward. Due to recent rainfall, the river is flowing faster than usual. Michael tries to steer the raft through the calmer sections, yet occasionally a small wave splashes over my feet. In other areas, the river is so shallow that I scrape along the bottom. At one point, I even have to get out to push the raft free. Along the riverbanks, waterfowl are perched, and birds of prey fly overhead in search of food. It’s a beautiful journey. After more than an hour and a half, I reach the ocean. Michael docks, and I thank him for his efforts. The bus is ready again to take me to Frenchman’s Cove, a private beach tucked into a small inlet.

Jamaica - Relaxing in the bay of Frenchmans Cove

The large waves crash into the cove. I rent a sunbed and watch the waves from the sand. Every wave is spectacular. I enter the water. It is refreshing. I wade further into the shallow sea but struggle to keep my balance in the high surf. A wave about one and a half meters high sweeps me off my feet, and I disappear headfirst into the salty water. Back on the beach, I let myself dry off while my hamburger is ready. What a wonderful place to relax. In the afternoon, I go to the Blue Lagoon, a nearby sea inlet. Within a few minutes, I arrive. The lagoon has clear green-blue water surrounded by trees. I board a boat, and the captain sails me along the coast. Along the way, he tells me about the luxury villas on the waterfront, mostly frequented by movie stars and millionaires. Rooms can rent for a thousand dollars per night. I step off briefly at Monkey Island, a small uninhabited island just off the coast. From the Blue Lagoon, Kelly drives me to the Anna Banana restaurant in Port Antonio. My menu choice had been phoned in earlier, so I receive my barbecue chicken fairly quickly. What a difference compared to yesterday. Back at the hotel, by the edge of the pool, I order a drink to conclude this enjoyable day.