Our time was absolutely JAM-MAZING! I celebrated my 50th birthday with some of my closest friends at the Dreamtime by the Sea Home in Montego, Jamaica. There was a total of seven of us and the staff made each of us feel like family from the moment we entered the house. From the time we arrived, there was nothing but love, kindness, salt of the Earth hospitality.
Let's start from the beginning, Day 1 arriving at the airport, Damain our driver/security guard picked us up from the airport. Damien is this cool dude, well-groomed, no-nonsense type of guy-- professionally dressed-he wears sponge bob socks (softer side) and in love with psycho bunny (security side) gear. He handles the Jamaican traffic smooth like butter, whipping in and outâbeeping the horn along the way--all the while, grooving to the sounds of 90's R&B, Reggae, and more.
We arrived at the house; we are all greeted by the entire staff (Valentino-house manager--he in the needle in the haystack, rare find) Susan and Christine (housekeepers that will teach you the latest dance moves) Troy (groundskeeper), Shanice (the bomb.com chef) âclapping and cheering and welcoming each of us into your new island home away from home. We are escorted around the house room by room. The pictures are great but to see the home in person-you cannot describe the sheer beauty the smell of the ocean, the pool, the warmth.
Valentino, took care of all of us, kept our glasses full of beverages and snacks, made sure we stayed on schedule to experience every planned activity, and shared stories with us that kept us laughing.
Shanice kept our bellies full of the BEST GRILLED CHEESE Sandwiches, she said we were just hungry with all our excursions, but I tell you, she did something different and those sandwiches tasted like a warm gooey cheese delectable delight. She was probably looking at us like we were crazyâŠbut everyday we killed those sandwiches as our mid-day snack. A must have-chicken wrap with the Shanice's special made mustard YUMMY, Sweet Chili Garlic shrimp over rice....this right here...heaven to your taste buds. The Rum Cakeâabsolute FIRE, pineapple upside down cake âlet's just say she received a standing ovation. Love you Shanice---WE ALL MISS YOU!!
My Birthday day OMGâTears of joy. That morning, Valentino serenaded me with the birthday song to usher me into 50âŠLOL.."She's your Queen to be"..LOL! Shanice went all out on my BDAY breakfast. Off to the excursion of the day, guess what Damien open arms to take a picture with the birthday girlâŠcamera was ready and set upâthat right there put a huge smile on my face. When we came back from our wonderful excursion, the staff had the house ready for the birthday party, Susan and Christine even decorated my roomâŠwhen I say beautifulâŠI mean beautiful!!
Birthday dinnerâOMG Shanice did her thing-grilled lobster tail with a garlic butter sauce, jerk roasted chicken for our non-seafood eating guest, twice baked potato, roasted corn on the cob, mango infused salad with homemade dressing. We prayed with a smile and blessed the food. All I can say, besides the clinking of the forks âŠthe table was quiet for at least twenty minutes because we were all immersed in the culinary greatness that Shanice blessed our stomach to maximum capacity, everything was seasoned to perfection.
This house was full of life, color, happiness, and joy!! The time spent in Jamaica was wonderful, but to add the love, kindness, and care from the staff was perfect to say the least. Each of them holds a special place in our hearts. Cannot wait until we visit againâŠit will be a family reunion with cousins on the island that I didn't know I had. ð
This trip was absolutely epic..thank you everyone!! I wish I can upload pictures. All I can say, is make your own memories and make them great. :)
The "Key Club" August 2022