Jamaica. Day Four. 10.21.2012
Departure morning has sadly arrived. As I savor the last few sips of my Jamaican Blue Mountain the morning is filled with clear skies, a cool breeze, and the evil sound of a golf cart slithering through the palm tree lined paths picking up luggage for the sad souls that are leaving this breathtaking island. As our bag sits by the front door we will walk the beach to our favorite breakfast spot and then say good bye to Negril. Looking back on yesterday there isn't much to write about unless you want to hear how nice the water was, how beautiful the sky looked, and how absolutely relaxed we were from the time we opened our eyes to the last seconds of our heads sinking into the big white fluffy pillows. We are definately taking home a clear calm head and a peaceful vibe. Thank you Jamaica for the wonderful four days!
Jamaica. Day Three. 10.20.2012
Patiently waiting for the little knock on our door from the first cup of the day delivery I seem to be one of only a few that have risen. The sound of running water is just about the only sound accompanying me right now as I sit on our cute modern outdoor sofa made of concrete and leather which sits across from a little cozy wicker chair and the coffee table that will be holding up our breakfast in about 10 minutes or so. Yesterday turned into to a fun filled day of water sports and sun bathing! We started with paddle boarding which we really enjoyed. Then tried out the kayak. I think we rowed 20 feet and turned around to come back in. Not our cup of tea. Then by far our favorite, we walked down to our friend, Bob's where we rented a jet ski and drove it to this tiny island off the coast of Negril. It was an island of cliffs and caves with small little sandy beaches in between. The reef hugged the outskirts so it was hard to get too close but made for a beautiful 40 min ride. Of course we had to do some shopping so we walked down the beach to Margaritaville to score a colorful tee for my dad and then made a few stops along the way if something would catch our eye. The beach is lined with one bright sorbet colored building after the other. All the ladies stand out front yelling "princess would you like to try a message" "sweetheart would you like to look at my bracelets" Then the men walk up and down the beaches selling everything from parasailing rides to hand carved wood sculptures to lobster pulled right from the ocean. Needless to say we turned in early last night! Now I am up, sitting here with a fresh pot of coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice, and homemade pastries while Jeremy is getting some much needed rest for this last day of our vacation. Wonder what this beautiful island will bring us today.
Jamaica. Day Two. 10.19.2012
The glowing 6:58 staring at me this morning almost seemed like it was calling me to pull myself out of bed. Jeremy still sleeping I made a pot of perfectly dark, slightly sweetened coffee and joined my lizard friend out on the porch. We had an eventful day yesterday. We started with breakfast at The Palms, another fabulous meal followed by three hours of lounging on the beach. The hotel provides these magical carpet-like floats you take out into the ocean. After a couple of hours in the sun and a few too many mojitos we thought we should venture out and take a walk into town. Little did we know it was quite far. After about 45 minutes of the sun beating down on us we hopped in one of the taxis (which is so unlike New York) They literally honk every 10seconds to see if you want a ride so there is no hailing involved! We asked the driver to take us to Three Dives which was a local spot we had read about. The food was the best so far and the view was amazing. The small hut sat on top of a cliff looking over the crystal clear water that ran in and out of different caves. After lunch we made our way to Rick's Cafe famous for it's "cliff jumpers" If you have never heard of it you must google and check this place out. It's a bar with a pool on a cliff where you watch these crazy people jump from an 85foot platform built on a swaying tree into a body of the most beautiful water you've ever seen. Definately one of the craziest things I've seen in my lifetime. Jeremy jumped from the 35foot platform. I wanted to come back the following day to try it myself until I saw Jeremy's backside, which got me in trouble. When we got back to the hotel he laid down for an hour to relax and when he woke up I asked "how are you feeling" He responded "I'm not 21 anymore" and then I looked. It was as if I was in a Ben Stiller movie. The whole bottom of his rear end was black and blue and he could barely sit in the cushion chair we had in our room. I tried hard not to laugh because I know it had to be painful but it was hard not to. Poor Jeremy but we both got a good laugh out of the situation. I have a feeling the rest of the trip will be pretty chill as we were originally planning to go out on jet skis today. So now I will just sit on our porch with my coffee in hand waiting to see what Jeremy's hind parts feel like doing today...poor guy;)
Jamaica Day One. 10.18.2012
We arrived in Negril, Jamaica yesterday afternoon. Driving through a rain storm I would have never believed the morning would have been as beautiful as it was when we woke up to the sun shining through the large palm trees with a peek of the Tiffany blue ocean and clean white sand. It was the morning of our 10 year anniversary and we were relaxing on our balcony each with a cup of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee and a basket of pastries, fresh cut fruit, and jams the staff had delivered just seconds ago to our room. We were greeted at exactly 9am with a sweet "good morning and Happy Anniversary to ya" The rest of the day was absolutely amazing. After breakfast we lounged in the water for what seemed like hours. For lunch we ventured outside the hotel and walked to a local hole in the wall restaurant called Ossie's which one of the local guys we met had recommended for jerk chicken. The building was a small colorful little hut that had three tables, two customers that had probably been there all day talking and just hanging out, and a little Jamaican woman with a big smile on her face that read "what can I make for you today." The chicken was amazing!! And the new friends we made were quite the characters. Next was another hour laying on the beach, which was probably the most relaxing hour we both have had in months. The walk back to our room was equally as beautiful. The paths are covered in tropical plants and running pond with the sounds of birds chirping just like you would imagine for the Caribbean. After washing up we decided to have an early dinner which was a great idea considering the bottom fell out of the sky as soon as we arrived to the restauraunt. We ate at The Palms which was a covered outdoor restaurant attached to the hotel. We sat as close to the outside as possible so we could watch the tropical rain fall around us. The food was excellent! Way better than what we were expecting for all inclusive. All in all our first day was exactly what we both had wished for and could not have been a more wonderful anniversary! I'm lucky to have such an amazing husband! Until tomorrow's cup.....
Rewind to November 2011
I'm finding out that I either have a mild case of ADD or am just absolutely horrible at this blogging. But from time to time I do remember that you are out there Morning Cup! So let's see...this past year has been amazing! We drove the coast of California (AMAZING!!!) Every morning started like this one above. Coffee in hand to warm my fingertips form the chill in the air while we searched for the perfect wave of the day. Looking back now it still takes my breath away just thinking of the scenic beauty California has to offer. As I sat on the beach this very day watching Jeremy in the water a train was mysteriously passing behind me winding through the greenery like a snake. This day was relaxing, enjoyable, and so much needed after a summer of hard work. Happy Birthday Jeremy! You deserved it!!
Coffee of the trip has to go to Keane's Honey Vanilla Latte!
Winter in New York. 12.11.10
New York right before Christmas is hard to beat! Being surrounded by twinkling lights and giant nutcrackers, the snow that falls every so often, the street noise that I have, oddly, found to be soothing, and of course the sound of a $10,000 espresso machine first thing in the morning are just a few of the things that bring me here this time of year! J and I decided to spend part of Christmas in the city and I have become quite comfortable waking up in our teenie tiny apartment, throwing on my boots over my sweatpants, bundling up in an oversized sweatshirt, gloves, and jacket and heading a block down the street to "Think Coffee"! Always crowded I wait in line, order my small cappucino to go, and head back to Mott St. where J is 9 out of 10 times still asleep. I sit on the bed anxiously waiting for him to wake up so we can start out a new day of "who knows what it will bring!" You never know in a city like New York!
Snowshoe. Day Two.
Well all I can really say about today is "Ouch, ouch, and more ouch!" Pictures to follow soon!
Snowshoe. Day One.
At the end of this beautiful snowy day I am wrapped in a cozy, oversized blanket and sipping on hot tea...yep I said "hot tea!" After the day I had I am ready to relax. No last minute coffee jolt this evening! Just as I thought I had seen the last snow of the year, J decided to plan a snowboarding trip for the two of us! We stopped in Charlottesville overnight and continued our trip early this morning making it to Snowshoe before lunch time. I have to say I was impressed with Jeremy's "teaching" skills. I wasn't quite sure how that would go and was even thinking of taking a lesson myself, but to my suprise, he was more than patient (I only fell about a hundred or so times!) and coached me down my first trail. All I have to say is EVERYONE was right..."heel toe heel toe" & "Your butt is going to hurt!!" ...hence the laying on the couch snuggled up in blanket with tea in hand! Thanks so much to mom for her chicken salad and for letting us use her car. Thanks to mom II for the amazing chicken dumplings and cute note attached. Thank you Jackie for the snowboard & boots (I've got the prettiest board here ;) Also, thanks to the Golfarbs for letting us stay at their beautiful condo..ski on ski off...sweet! Oh..and thanks Lori & Nigel for the cookies that didn't even make it off the beach! And Big Thanks to Lee & Julie for letting us stay at your house last night and having coffee ready this morning for the drive up! What amazing friends & family we both have! Love you all!! xoxo
The Return
No, my posts did not come to a complete hault. I have just returned to reality. This morning as I woke up there was no husband standing in the sunlight with a cup of steaming coffee. No sound of the ocean streaming in through an open window. No bathingsuit hanging out on the porch left to dry. No, instead I made my way down the stairs, looking out the windows at the left over snow and the carrot nose of my snowman, which had fallen to the ground due to the melting of his face. My coffee cup sat on the counter beside a fresh brewed pot with the creamer and sugar waiting patiently for me to start the day. Jeremy was getting ready for work and Vader was following my every move, making sure we weren't going too far for too long of a time. I have to say I am some what glad we came back when we did, seeing snow for the first time this year. The day before J and I built a snowman, a "small" snowman, but it was a snowman equiped with scarf and all. We also took the snowboard out for a run on the hill beside our house. Work was called off and we were able to extend our vacation, this time with snow, a fireplace and blanket, a hot cup of "guess what", and Vader cuddled up between our laps. So, all and all you can have a vacation at home if weather permits, and loved ones are by your side!
Day Twelve. Jan.24.2010
Our final day in Santa Teresa started with a cup of heaven and a banana crepe from "Zwart's" joining the whole group to say our goodbyes. We snapped a photo with Margriet Zwart, Whom we had discovered is this incredibly talented artist from Ontario. Her artwork was laid out in the room we noticed weeks ago and she was always sitting in her studio with a cup of coffee and a paint brush in hand. It was almost sad to leave, as if you were leaving a new familybehind. We piled in the truck with the boys driving and navigating and us girls in the back with the little guy. As we drove off I knew Brandy and Skip would be returning to their spot, Margriet would be painting a fascinating piece of art onto drift wood, her husband would be serving someone a delicious "carrot, beet, and apple" juice, and the little boy that always stood outside to greet you would still be standing there wearing a long sleeve shirt with bare bottom exposed. The rest of the day would be spent traveling. A roller coaster of a ride would take us to the ferry I'd rather forget and then a long distance drive into San Jose. Checking into to Best Western, all I could think about was a nice long shower to wash the dirt and grime away and at last savory dinner. A nice cup of Italian coffee to finish off the evening as nightfall approaches and our last night in Costa Rica was coming to an end.
Day Eleven. Jan.23.2010
We started the day at "Ginger Cafe" with my first cappuccino of the trip and ended the day at "The Bakery" with my second, a little smaller but accompanied by an out of this world chocolate eclair. I've taken my dessert and coffee back to our room and am now sitting on the porch writing as J watches "Modern Collective" which I must say is probably my favorite surf video solely on the soundtrack. With it's music playing in the background I am remembering our day...the last before we head back to San Jose. Brandy and Skip invited us all to their place this morning. It is about 15 minutes north and the beach was only a short walk leading to another wide and equally beautiful place to hang out for the day. At lunch time we headed up to the house which was owned by Denise & Will's friend. Their house was situated right above and I could see Denise's personal touches through the windows. The counter tops and floors were concrete and colorful artwork covered the walls. I was wishing she would have been there so I could have had a tour of the entire house. All and all our last beach day was just as perfect as the rest of our vacation. Now tomorrow will be a little sad as we pack the truck and head into the city, but for now the night is peaceful and I have my husband beside me, some "rad" music, and about 4 more sips of my savory cappuccino.
Day 10. Jan.22.2010
As I'm sitting on the porch, I'm noticing how dark it is around me. The neighbors to the left have moved on, traveling to other parts of Costa Rica, and the boys who are staying above us have not yet returned from their night out...leaving our porch and The Hayne's family porch the only two with lights on. I must say it's relaxing but a bit scary at the same time. This morning I discovered a breakfast so delicious I could have easily ordered it for dessert this evening as well....Banana Crepes with Nutella (which was the first time I have tasted such a thing) We, once again tried our luck at "Zwart's" and was not let down. To burn off this breakfast treat we took a walk. If I had to guess I would say we almost made it to Mal Pais via beach, of course. The walk down was not bad at all but the return walk took us over scorching pebble sand. With the path to the ocean blocked by exposed reef we had to marathon it to the next break. Our feet seemed to sizzle as we hit the water. Beach, pool, lunch, beach, pool, dinner would be the extent of this day. And now I am winding down with coffee in hand and my almost finished second book of the trip, "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls.
Day Nine. Jan.21.2010
Our cabana is nestled behind large palms with a small table and chairs out front, a hammock to lay on, and two bean bags chairs scattered around the tile patio floor. At night we would pull shut a pair of over sized bright orange curtains, making it almost impossible to know when the sun has come up and our mornings have gradually started later and later. This particular morning a loud sound has startled us both. We pried ourselves out of bed to see what the awful sound was. My first thought was, a monkey!! Sure enough, to the left of our place, up in the trees, sat two monkeys. One was calling to the other, and seemed to be stuck without a branch thick enough to hold the big guy. Nigel and Lori brought Kingston over and we all watched as we noticed a third monkey, then fourth, and before we knew it the trees were filled with monkeys flying through the branches. They brought back memories of my first trip to Costa Rica with my dad. We had monkeys that would come up to our window and eat the bananas or take off with anything shiny you left in their reach. Next we would try a new spot for coffee, "Zwart's Cafe." The atmosphere was very cool. A white picket fence surrounded extra long white tables, and white benches to match. The tables were set with white salt & peppers shakers and antique looking tin sugar holders. They had any kind of coffee you could imagine, Cappuccino, Americano, Macchiato, and so on...attached to the restaurant was an art studio with beautifully painted mirrors, bar stools, and Love Boxes as the artist called them. The owners seemed very nice, one working the restaurant, and the woman was in the studio painting her next piece to add to the collection. We later saw them both out surfing in front of our usual spot. My day was even more lazy than the days before. The tide was low and you could easily lay right on the wet sand while the water washed up every so often, just enough to cool you off. I must have been in that same spot for hours until Jeremy came out of the water and we headed back for lunch and a "siesta".
Day Eight. Jan.20.2010
Today's blog is coming a little later in the day due to the fact that we slept in until the lingering smell of Ron Centanario from the night before woke us up around 9am. Our daily route would change but not until we had that one cup of coffee from Ginger Cafe. This time our friend, Brandy, would join us. We decided to make a girl day of it and drive into town on the lookout for a bookstore since I had, so proudly, finished mine. The trip was successful and lead us to one little tican shop after the other. We were all realizing that the cost of a bikini now is a little bit different than what we would have paid three years ago. Between shopping and walks through the town we did get in a little pool time but never stumbled onto the beach, saving my skin from the verge of sunburn. No, the beach will not see us until this evening when we will walk down as the tide recedes past the reef and we are able to walk out on what was covered by water hours before. This is always J's favorite thing to do and I have to admit it is a highlight of all our trips!
Day Seven. Jan.19.2010
As I sit on the porch of our little cabana, and sip on one of J’s famously poured cups of Costa Rican coffee, I can hear his voice next door say “Happy Birthday Lori!” I had reminded him earlier that today was a special day and we would somehow have to celebrate, after surfing, of course!! Being the wives of two surfers we both have grown up around them and know the deal. When you think about it it’s a pretty sweet obsession we live our lives around….the beach and the ocean, the happiness it brings when the waves are good. Unlike at home, my mornings have become a time for enjoying the early breeze under the deck with a cup of coffee reliving the steps of the day before. We had all agreed that last night’s dinner was the best so far. Tican plates of Arroz con Pollo and Casados con Chuleta with a nice fresca and Imperial. Jeremy and I made a quick trip to the grocery store before turning in to watch a movie on iTunes…Exhaustion set in and I think I must have fallen asleep before the movie ended. The sun and ocean had taken it’s toll and the day, for me, was over.
Day Six. Jan.18.2010
Six fifteen am was the wake up call this morning. The boys would head to the beach and I would sit on the porch with my cup of coffee that I had walked down to Lori’s and made in their coffee maker. It was a strong cup and I wasn’t sure I liked it, but coffee is coffee and I needed it to start the day. Somehow sitting on the porch listening to the ocean and typing on my computer made it taste a little better. A short walk to “Tomate” would be the destination for breakfast. Mmmm…Fresh fruit, once again, this time with granola, yogurt, and honey. My second cup of coffee proved to be way better than the one I attempted to make earlier. The surroundings were a couple of girls, probably on vacation themselves and a few of the local crowd that seemed to park themselves on the same railing every morning. After slowly enjoying our morning girl talk we walked back to get Kingston from his dad’s care and sunscreened up preparing for another relaxing day at the beach.
Day Five. Jan.17.2010
The journey the day before had been a long one, leading us on a scavenger hunt for a place to lay our heads. We finally cuddled up to a nice pillow at a place called “Pacifica Surf” just as the sun had gone down. This was Santa Teresa. A little more populated than any of us remembered. As the sun filtered in through the cracks of the curtains, we all started to make our way out of bed, one by one. Kingston was the first to wake up letting us all know it was time to “eat eat.” The boys, like clockwork, would head to the beach and Lori, Kingston, and I would venture out to find what we needed to start the day. A two minute walk would take us to “Ginger Café.” Small, quaint, and a sign out front that read “Cappucino, Espresso, Desayuno.” Perfect! My first “huevos y tostado” accompanied by another “café con leche”. This timeit was different and I have to say even better than the last. When the waitress brought out each cup it was layered with froth and a little sprinkle of sugar. I was in heaven once again. This cup was going to give us the jolt of energy we would need to spend the rest of the day on the beautiful beach of Santa Teresa. The tide was low, leaving several pools for Kingston to play in. I, on the other hand, spent the entire day laying in the shallow water and reading my vacation book, “Dear John.” This would end up being the first book I had ever completed on a trip! Later that evening Jeremy and I went surfing together, which I always love. This time however, was little different. The waves were big and the white water was thick. One duck dive after the other, each one pulling me to the right as I came up, was making me realize I was out of practice and it had been way too long! Still I pushed though and made it out only to catch my first wave and get held under for what seemed like eternity. My second wave would be the one that took me in. Yes, I only caught two waves but those two waves were an end to a perfect day and will be in the back of my mind for a long time!
http://www.pacificasurfstudios.com/
http://www.pacificasurfstudios.com/
Day Four. Jan.16.2010
A 7 am wake up call from Jeremy’s cell phone would be the start of this last morning in Hermosa. We would have to get an early start to make the ferry that would take us to Santa Teresa. We had four free breakfast tickets for downstairs and decided we should use theses before heading out. Another plate of fruit for me, I was already addicted, and of course my cup of black heaven. The restaurant was small and like all the others outdoors which made for a relaxing morning listening to the ocean infront of us and the sound of the birds cherping in the trees. Little did I know the rest of the day would be the adventure that it was. Ferry rides are for the young who don’t mind waiting in the sweltering heat for two hours, sandwiched in between cars barely able to open the car doors. Once onboard, however, the breeze kicked in and all was forgotten.
Day Three. Jan.15.2010
This morning would be our first and only full day in Hermosa. Just a quick stop in before heading north. Luckily I have a husband who understands the importance of my morning ritual. As I peeled myself off the twin sized bed sharing a room with Lori, Nigel, and their little one, Kingston, I can see Jeremy standing in the sun light holding a small white coffee mug resembling ours at home. Ahhh..he knows me so well. This was the cup that would start the day. The boys would go surfing while we tried to stay cool in the water. The sand was jet black, making the sun feel even more intense. Considering what we had just left at home, 28 degree weather, I was loving every minute of it.
Day Two. Jan.14.2010
We landed in San Jose and drove for what seemed hours to Hermosa. Yesterday was long and tiring but we were now in paradise and nothing else mattered! This is what I had been looking forward to for weeks. A short walk to “Jungle Surf Café” we would re discover from years before the best cup of coffee and breakfast I had ever had. A fruit plate piled high with bananas, watermelon, papaya, and pineapple which we had just sat there and watched them cut accompanied by my first “café con leche” of the trip. This coffee would prove to be the strongest, most delicious cup of coffee I’d had in a while. The girl behind the counter somehow seemed to know we had been there many times before and each trip left us wanting to return. Each seat in the outdoor café was accompanied by a visitor equally content. This was going to be the start of a great day.
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