It started with separate flights from the Great White North....
It ended with some dumb-ass t-shirts as parting gifts...
As for that part in the middle.....?
Well.., it was a trip for the ages.
Let's take us back to where this thing began.....
The fab-3 from Toronto got the vacation started, with an earlier and shorter flight down the coast.
Shortly behind them were the duo out of Vancouver; rearing to go, albeit facing the 7-hour flight on one of Air Canada's old school fleet.
A nice treat awaited us all on landing, an arrival lounge the 'Sandals-way', serving us our first (and certainly not last) frosty Red Stripes.
Jubilation and relaxation soon would turn to trepidation and perspiration unfortunately, as our final destination was a bumpy and bouncy 90 minutes away.
That's the bad news...
Fortunately, the good news and good times began immediately once we could see the sign from the front window of the fun bus -
Sandals Whitehouse - Welcome to Paradise....
I think it's safe to say that we were all very eager to sprint through the front doors as soon as we could.
From there, the theme and word of the week would be soon uttered....that of course being 'YES!'.
'A welcome cocktail, guys?' Yes.
'Another appetizer, sir?' Yes.
'2 scoops, ma'am?' Hell YES.
Day (Evening) 1 - Synchronize your clocks
Due to the differing travel schedules, and equally long days, the Team split up for the inaugural meal. One thing was certain though...., the Team was here...together.
And that's all that really would matter this night and for the rest of the week.
Day 2 - Which way to the beach....?
There's nothing quite like that first day of a vacation....
Everyone's all bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and whiter than Casper.
Another theme would soon emerge that would last all week -
'First one up gets the Team some chairs'.
Unfortunately, the Vancouver contingent were never able to participate in this goodwill activity.
Tennis was the excuse given....: -5 spirit points.
The first day is no doubt always the most exciting:
Bars a plenty, restaurants of all sorts.
'More anything? More everything!'.
The rational outlook should be that we all have a full week ahead, no need to overindulge....
Of course, rational and Jamaica don't have any place hanging out with one another.
The result - everyone at the table gets an appetizer for lunch.
Everyone also needs a drink in hand at all times.
Let the good times roll, people.....
The night concluded with a little Italian, some wine, and the team uniforms were distributed..., the VanCity crew trying to salvage some of those spirit points lost earlier in the day.
Day 3 - Grey sky's gonna clear up?
If there was ever anything negative to say about the vacation, it would have to be those damn puffy white things called clouds.
Day 3 was certainly the only day where those things got in the way.
A fairly overcast 9-5 session be had..., but don't forget kids - UV is still gonna getcha....
A few 'lobstered' bits and pieces....: -10 Banana Boat points.
Day 4 - Put on a happy face....
Was there ever any doubt?
This is Jamaica, mon; the sun is always shining....and it came back for us all in full force.
Day 5 - See Day 4
add-in 1 prize-winning Team member..., and just as quickly, subtract 2 shitty prizes.
ho-hum, I suppose this guy decided that his real prize would be taken out on the 11 o'clock Chocolate-fest....
(note to Pardy - there's no real winner for those who consume 8 bonbons in 60 seconds flat).
Day 6 - See Day 4
add-in a quick jaunt out to the deeper blue stuff for some snorkeling.
Day 7 - See Fun... Sea Fun
Nark with some waterskiing....judges score it an 8 out of 10.
As well, the Team faced off with some hobie cat'n, and are still looking for the wind.
One final night at ye ol' Martini bar, and we once again go to bed with a smile on.
Day 8 - Leaving on a jet plane
Sadly, our run on Jamaica had to come to an end at some point.
The Team says a final goodbye, stuff as much 'all-inclusive' they can into their carry-on, and hop back on the fun bus.
-------------
This was truly an amazing trip, and something that we've all wanted for so many reasons.....we will all certainly never forget it.
Big thanks again go out to Big D and the Captain....
Until we meet again in the sequel, 'Smilin' in St. Lucia'.....
Team Morgan 1, Everyone else 0.
:)
p.s. just for you, Nark - BRRAH
