Monday 24 Feb. 2014 11.30 a.m.(6.30 pm SA time)
From the Pegasus Hotel I send greetings as I prepare to spend my last few hours in Kingston Jamaica and head out this evening on a flight to NY where I shall overnight and then move on to Dubai where I shall be virtually heading upon arrival straight to a match in Abu Dhabi where the U/19 World Cup is reaching the very final stages.
My time in Kingston has gone by without incident and the three matches played on Wed, Fri and Sun all went off without any issues that needed my intervention save for two minor breaches of clothing and equipment regulations- for that I am thankful and both teams displayed a fine spirit of sportsmanship throughout the series.
Other than my visit to the Bob Marley Museum I could not really get to visit many other places- the island i very big and Kingston forms but one corner of this country- we need to bear in mind that they are independent countries within the Caribbean.
Did manage to get to many different restaurants during my stay here and three of the umpires are from the West Indies so it was fairly easy for them to make sure we got a feel of local lifestyles as well as cuisine- Jerk Chicken ( not for a vegetarian of course) seems to be a popular dish- tried to get to the famous Devon House ice cream parlours but amazingly the long queues just seemed far too much for us.
For the 9 days here I have enjoyed wonderful weather- ideal for just getting to the pool area and lazing around and taking in the Jamaican lifestyle.
The hotel itself had some well organised activities during our stay here and top of the list was the two day Bridal Fair which attracted top models and guests as well as visitors all dressed immaculately and arriving in all sorts of fancy cars and limousines!
The Emancipation Park across from the hotel is a wonderful facility- each morning we would wald on the 500 m tartan track which forms a central part of the park- wonderful to see how the locals come along to make use of the facility which is immaculately kept- friendly and ready to chat to any visitors at all times. For me the permanent concrete table tennis boards and chess boards strategically placed were highlights and many people made use of these at all hours.
Sabina Park of course was another highlight- the ground where Sir Garfield Sobers scored his famous 365 not out in a Test Match- a record that remained for around 36 years. So to get this opportunity was indeed special Darren Sammy as Capt. Proved to be a superb gentleman and willing to chat at any time- Dwayne Bravo captained the ODI team and he too was really good.
Well now it is time to get moving again- a short trip to the UAE and scheduled to then be back home in PE on 3 March- looking forward to that break.
As they say in these parts Yah Maan. !
Always
Just deV
Thought you might like to see the Jamaican relaxed look!
This is the entrance to the home of Bob Marley- the sculpture that best depicts the Legend.
From the Pegasus Hotel I send greetings as I prepare to spend my last few hours in Kingston Jamaica and head out this evening on a flight to NY where I shall overnight and then move on to Dubai where I shall be virtually heading upon arrival straight to a match in Abu Dhabi where the U/19 World Cup is reaching the very final stages.
My time in Kingston has gone by without incident and the three matches played on Wed, Fri and Sun all went off without any issues that needed my intervention save for two minor breaches of clothing and equipment regulations- for that I am thankful and both teams displayed a fine spirit of sportsmanship throughout the series.
Other than my visit to the Bob Marley Museum I could not really get to visit many other places- the island i very big and Kingston forms but one corner of this country- we need to bear in mind that they are independent countries within the Caribbean.
Did manage to get to many different restaurants during my stay here and three of the umpires are from the West Indies so it was fairly easy for them to make sure we got a feel of local lifestyles as well as cuisine- Jerk Chicken ( not for a vegetarian of course) seems to be a popular dish- tried to get to the famous Devon House ice cream parlours but amazingly the long queues just seemed far too much for us.
For the 9 days here I have enjoyed wonderful weather- ideal for just getting to the pool area and lazing around and taking in the Jamaican lifestyle.
The hotel itself had some well organised activities during our stay here and top of the list was the two day Bridal Fair which attracted top models and guests as well as visitors all dressed immaculately and arriving in all sorts of fancy cars and limousines!
The Emancipation Park across from the hotel is a wonderful facility- each morning we would wald on the 500 m tartan track which forms a central part of the park- wonderful to see how the locals come along to make use of the facility which is immaculately kept- friendly and ready to chat to any visitors at all times. For me the permanent concrete table tennis boards and chess boards strategically placed were highlights and many people made use of these at all hours.
Sabina Park of course was another highlight- the ground where Sir Garfield Sobers scored his famous 365 not out in a Test Match- a record that remained for around 36 years. So to get this opportunity was indeed special Darren Sammy as Capt. Proved to be a superb gentleman and willing to chat at any time- Dwayne Bravo captained the ODI team and he too was really good.
Well now it is time to get moving again- a short trip to the UAE and scheduled to then be back home in PE on 3 March- looking forward to that break.
As they say in these parts Yah Maan. !
Always
Just deV
Thought you might like to see the Jamaican relaxed look!
This is the entrance to the home of Bob Marley- the sculpture that best depicts the Legend.
56 Hope Road- now the museum which houses some amazing memorabilia depicting the Life and works of Bob Marley- no photographs allowed during the guided tour.
The museum houses his outfits, platinum record awards, citations and decorations awarded to him, as well as a video presentation highlighting his career.
