Sunday Lyme

I met my first self-proclaimed Rastaman today.

I visited Port Royal, which at one time in history was the "richest and most wickedest" places on earth. The land is located off of Kingston and just a short drive from the main land. Here is where I met my man. He joined the tour group that I was in and learned about Port Royal also. Port Royal was established in 1650's and quickly became the capitol for wealth and pirating. Over 1,000 homes were built along with many, many businesses. However, in 1692 an earthquake destroyed two thirds of the land, leaving few people alive. Those that did survive became ill and died or pirates came, looted, and killed them. The 'under water city' still remains only 30 feet below, however, after over 300 years so many have taken what they want and have left next to nothing. What is interesting is that two pocket watches were found- and both had the time 11:42 am- therefore leaving people to believe that this is when the tidal wave hit land. I was leaving the Port to get some lunch when Mr. Rastaman aka Marshall decided to teach me about almond trees. Call me stupid but I didn't know that almonds came from the inside of fruit! OK- laugh. But really! So he taught me how to find the almond inside of the fruit and sure enough- it was yummy! I asked him what he called the fruit and he said "nut case"-- we had a good laugh on that one. He was visiting from Negril- a tourist "trap" as he calls it, north of the island.

I then went to Morgan's Harbour for lunch. The 'match' was on and everyone was watching. Not much of a game, eh? However, it is all people can talk about here. I love that everyone is so interested, unlike the majority of the US. At this harbour many people take what is called a "lyme" or a day of relaxing and fun. Our Sunday-Funday equals Jamaica's lyme. So I took a lyme at the harbour- just eating, drinking, and enjoying the sun and watching the boats come in and out. It was a lovely day.


I came home and found Raj and Ren in the same spot I left them- eating at the dinner table. I coaxed them into playing rummy with me. I beat them pretty bad- although Ren will tell you he beat me once. They claim they don't know how to play, but I think they are just terrible at rummy!