A Week in Paradise

Josh and I decided to leave for our Honeymoon on Monday morning; just to give us a chance to relax a little bit and pack on Sunday. It was the best idea ever...we definitely needed a day to re coupe after all the wedding festivities. Plus we got to open all the great gifts our loved ones gave us. Way too many things to list here...but each and every is cherished and loved. After a relaxing evening, we loaded up the car early Monday morning and got on the road to Atlanta. Please let it be noted that I: 1. had no idea where the airport actually was 2. what the traffic situation was going to be like and 3. what the lines at the airport would be like. So with this being said..early in the morning means 3 AM....our flight was at 9:50. And of course there was not a bit of traffic...the airport was a breeze to find...and there was a very little wait for check-in and security. By the end of it...we were sitting at the gate, ready to board our plane, except the plane wasn't due for another 3 hours. OOPS...

After 2.5 hours on a plane we finally land in Jamaica. However, our trip was not over yet. We get herded through baggage claims and customs straight to buses to take us to our resort. When we get on the bus, that's when we find out we still have another TWO HOURS til we are at the resort and able to enjoy the beautiful day and water. Luckily, time went pretty fast..and before we knew it, we made it to our resort, checked in, and got settled into our room.

The rest of the week was an absolute blast. Since everything was included, we got to eat, drink, and play as much as we wanted. Everyday we made it to the beach by 11 AM...played in the water, laid out, had some drinks, and ate some lunch. Then we would go to the room in the middle of the afternoon, take a nap, and then get ready for dinner and a night of fun.

On top of that, we also got to do a glass bottom boat tour over one of the coral reefs. It was so neat to drift over these beautiful communities and get to learn about all the different parts that make it so beautiful. We also tried doing the water tricycles...but we did not like them one bit (it's really hard for both of us to use the peddles with such a height difference). On Thursday we went on what they call a Booze Cruise. We left the resort around 9 AM and sailed for probably 45 minutes. At this point they allowed us to get off the boat and do some snorkeling around one of the reefs. I had never snorkeled before, so not only did I get a quick lesson, I also got a guided tour. We saw so many different types of fish and coral, but the best part was being able to feed the fish. They were literally an arm length away from me!! And you all know that I have short arms, so that's pretty close. HA!

After snorkeling, we climbed back on the boat and headed toward Dunn's River Falls. If any of you get the chance to go there, PLEASE DO! It was so much fun. We were told that it was a hike to the waterfall. However, this is not the case. It's actually a hike UP the waterfall. Like, get in water at the base of the waterfall and hike, climb, swim, your way up the the rocks and rushing water until you are at the top. IT WAS A BLAST. You are put in a group of about 30 people and for the most part you are in a single file line, holding hands with each other. That way if you or someone around you needs help getting through a part, there is always someone around to help. It was a great experience and I can't wait to do it again.

Once we are down from the falls, and still drenched, we get back aboard the boat. This time however, there is a ton of food and a bar open up, with music going as loud as possible. The whole way back to the resort was just one huge party. Everyone dancing and having fun in the sun. Again, it was a blast and we HIGHLY recommend this excursion to anyone who goes to Jamaica.

Also on Thursday we travelled into the flea market and shopping centers to pick up some goodies to bring home. It's amazing how many people were there. There is such beauty in the country, but then also such poverty. But despite it all, everyone we met was happy to be where they were and happy to have another day to live. It was completely humbling. These people who really have nothing and make such little paychecks were some of the nicest, truest people Josh and I have ever met. It made us take a step back and realize what we've got going on in our lives and at home is nothing but a blip on the radar, and that we really don't have it bad at all.

Friday was spent relaxing on the beach one last day and we were able to get in some sailing as well. Saturday we slept in, packed, and loaded ourselves back onto a bus to head to the airport.

We had the most amazing time and I would not change a single thing about it. We got to learn about a new country and people. Make new friends. And become closer with each other. Sandals Grande Riveria in Ochos Rios was the most beautiful and hospitable hotel I have ever been to and anyone looking to go should definitely look into the resort. By far the best trip ever!

P.S. .I'm gonna try to get a photo album pulled together using shutterfly (I've never used it before so wish me luck!) So as soon as I get that done I will post it. But for the time being, if you wanna see most of our pictures, just look at either mine or Josh's facebook.