#jamaican white peacock

[snototter]

A Jamaican white peacock butterfly (Anartia jatrophae ssp. jamaicensis) in Jamaica

by Charles Sharp

[polyamorouspunk]

If you’re like me, you’ve probably heard of “skinheads” being racist. You might have also heard that not ALL of them are racist. So, what’s the deal?

Out of curiosity and not being able to sleep, I did a quick Wikipedia read.

It’s probably not news to you that there are distinct generations of punk. We’re, of course, in our own.

The skinhead movement started in the late 50s. This is where you get your work boots, straight pants, etc. look. Only, they weren’t skinheads just yet. This movement was known as “mods”, “a youth subculture noted for its consumerism and devotion to fashion and music”. The consumerism part doesn’t sound a whole lot like punk today, but the “devotion to fashion and music” sure does.

From there in the late 60s there was a split between “peacock mods”, or those who were more into the latest fashion, according to Wikipedia, and the more traditional working-class image of punks denoted by their shorter hair. It’s not entirely sure if the cutting of hair was more for defiance against “mainstream” hippie culture or for ease’s sake as a working class, but I suspect it’s probably a mix of both and so much more.

From there the skinhead movement became heavily influence by Jamaican culture, which is extremely fascinating! Around this time there was also a break off group in Australia.

In the 70s skinhead culture, which originally was said to be apolitical, started diverging into other groups. However, late 70s is where the punk movement we think about today really kicked off. This is where some skinheads started joining up with far-right groups. It doesn’t really say why, though.

From here we narrow in our focus away from Britain and the United States towards Germany, which has a big cultural impact in the punk scene. In West Germany factions of neo-nazi groups and anti-fascist groups were at arms. In East Germany two factions were also forming: one focused on the aesthetics of punk and one focusing on the ideals of punk. Gone were the days of apolitical skinheads in Germany.

Going back to the UK, in the late 70s and early 80s, however, there WAS a group of apolitical skinheads. These were characterized by the Oi! subgenera of punk.

In other parts of Europe, groups of skinheads seemed to be left-wing and antiracist since it’s original conception in the 60s. There’s also mention of racism from both black and white skinheads against South Asians in the UK.

From this, though, grew fractions that were vocally anti-racist, notably “redskin” and “anarchist” skinheads. The use of the word “redskin” is interesting, looking back from today’s perspective and how the term has been historically used over here in the United States with racism against Native Americans, and the push to remove the word from popular American Culture, like in sports teams.

It was skinheads, actually, who supposedly brought the term “ACAB”, or “All Cops Are Bastards” into popular usage, from a punk song.

And so, I bring us to today: where neo-nazism is still alive and well, and goes hand-in-hand with antiblackness, and so much more. I think these days we use neo-nazism as a broad term for people who are loudly outspoken against more than just violence against Jews, however, it’s important to realize that violence and discrimination against Jews is the biggest and core part of neo-nazism.

We look back at the legacy of a movement we’re trying to uphold today, but a movement at it’s core is just people. People laughing, people drinking, people smoking, people just being people. So… how do we tell what is okay to reblog and what isn’t?

Well, some things are obvious, at least. Does someone have a swastika? If so, is it crossed out, or is it displayed prominently. See the word “nazi”? What’s the context around it?

Somethings are less obvious. Lace code. Patches that reference things from long ago. What bands you’re listening to, what local underground movements you’re supporting. These are less obvious to know the history of, to the average tumblr blogger in 2023.

So what can we do?

Well. We can learn the history for starters. I’m not saying we need to go and learn about every particular subculture and band and movement and code and this and that and-

But you can Wikipedia the history of a movement you’re not really sure about. That’s a start, at least. You can learn some terms, “buzzwords”, if you will. Learn what some symbols you see often mean. Learn what bands the antifacist punks were listening to and what bands the racist punks were listening to. It’s a start.

You can also talk to people who still identify with the skinhead movement here on tumblr or in real life if you can find them. Get their opinions and see what they think. Hear what they’re saying and decide for yourself what you want to support. You should do that for pretty much any movement, not just skinheads.

Today it seems like skinheads have a gay subculture. Was that a part of history that’s been largely ignored or erased? Or is that something that’s come about in more recent years?

The punk movement is a very broad one with lots of overlapping cultures and subcultures and branches off- a great way to see that is simply falling down a rabbit hole of tumblr blogs or Wikipedia articles. It’s easier than ever to see all the parts of something. But that can make it overwhelming. It’s okay to break it down as needed.

Source

[ohayopoko]

EREN GIVING BACKAZ AT CARNI???? I COULD FUCKING DIIIIEEEEEEE AND I JUST KNO ARMIN WOULD LOOK SO CUTE IN HIS COSTUME W/ DI FEATHERS AND ARM BADS. LEVI WOULD HAVE GLITTER AND OIL ON HIS CHEST. MIKASA WITH HER ASS OUT GETTING DAMN NEAR ON THE GROUND WITH HISTORIA SHOWING WAISTLINE AND BAWTY ON HER OGHHH MY GDODJODBCJD I NEED IT

AOT CHARACTERS AT SOCA CARNIVAL/J’OUVERT😝

-First off Eren is the KING of backaz, yuh wan speed? Eren will give you speed but he can’t keep up w this one Jamaican gyal for the life of him- the way she flings that waist and bubbles that ass up throws Eren for a loop everytime

-Eren in his Carnival costume? OOF~! His carni costume is sparkly green short shorts, green and silver glitter all over his chest and face, peacock feathers around his arms and legs and he has his Paradis flag tucked into his waistband n yes girl he has a Manbun

-Eren doesn’t have to ask or thief a likkle whine, he’s Eren fucking Jaeger and the girls know that when they get to whining with him and they can’t keep up with his waistline

-Eren has glitter and feathers from so many different island girls by the time the fete is over and he can’t even remember who they belong to

-Mikasa in her white feathery carnival costume , a sparkly white bikini w rhinestones and big white Angel feathers, with her Hizuru flag around her waist GIVING BAWDY with oil in her waistline, daring any boy to test her waistline

-Mikasa gives Eren a likkle friendly whine while the fete warms up, rolling her body and waist in time with his own

-Mikasa doesnt run out of energy, bubbling up that ass and flinging that waist to any and every beat! Mikasa knows how to cock up pon di bike back, bruk it down, jiggle up, tick tik tok and slow whine- and she won’t even bust a sweat!

-Sasha doesn’t know about these type of things but when Mikasa says there’s gonna be food Sasha definitely tags along i

-Imagine Sasha fucking up some oxtails with peas and rice and giving somebody’s son a sweet whine

-Historia has her liquor in her hand, walking and whining her little waist as she makes up her face

-Historias shy, she doesn’t want to dance w anybody she just wants to enjoy the good soca, good island food and good vibes

-Mikasa and Sasha are totally on top one of the mass trucks and Mikasas whining on Sasha and Sasha’s flinging her waist in time w Mikasa and everybody around them cheers them on but they can barely hear it because the soca music coming from the truck is so fuckin loud

-Historia acts stush until Mikasa and Sasha get a hold of her and it’s the three of them on the floor dutty whining, throwing waist and jiggling BAWTYYY while Pon Di Cocky by Adonia is playing

-Eren comes out of nowhere and sets himself up under them and now Sasha, Mikasa and Historia are whining and throwing waist all in Eren’s face

-Armin’s waistline is electric, LORD, the way he rolls those hips and can keep up w the baddest Trini or Bajan gyal in the soca fete says a lot

-Armin w his gold and blue carnival costume?! Gold and blue feathers in his armbands and crown and everyone thinks he’s a Bajan🥺

-Armin loves slow whining more than fast whining, that sensual whining where y’all tick and tock, you’re looking back at Armin and he’s looking at you as you pelt your waist and Armin catches that baby so smoothly

-Slow whining w Armin leads to some nasty ass sex after the fete, raw butt naked soca music sex after the fete is over

-Levi isn’t one to jump in the fray and start partying but he’ll start whining if he hears a song he likes or if it’s catchy

-Jesus Christ whining with Levi results in pregnancy cause that man can slow whine, fast whine, whine in time and match your waistline

-Imagine whining with Levi to the song Give It To Ya By Marzville? OMFG!!!

-Levi has sweat and glitter all over his chest, pants and hair because there’s this one Haitian girl with glitter everywhere who keeps coming back to thief a wine from Levi

-Mikasa and Sasha wilding out, hugging each other, whining, ticking and tocking while they laugh and scream song lyrics out they also make a lot of friends and the night isn’t even young when it’s a whole group of girls whining on each other being stush about dancing with the boys

[ellocentipede]

Paintbox Soapworks 2019 Yuletide Winter Collection

Paintbox Soapworks’ Yuletide Winter Collection is a gorgeous and eclectic offering of seasonal scents. Warm, foodie offerings are joined by atmospheric aquatics and botanicals to create a collection that is as unique as it is beautiful. My personal favorites are Mari Lwyd and Roses in the Snow (no surprise here, as I tend to prefer the more natural scents), but all of them are lovely.

Black Twig

Scent description: Rough country cider, red grapefruit slices, peppercorns & allspice berries

I’m generally not a big fan of cider scents—they’re usually too cinnamony or holiday-candle-like for me, but this one is lovely! The grapefruit is a genius addition—it lifts the apple and gives it a citrus tang that helps make this scent a more realistic. It feels like I’m smelling my grandma’s hot apple cider simmering in her crock pot. I had no idea that allspice berries were a thing, so I’m happy to have learned something new! There is a distinct berry note, but it is a little spicy (like a clove spice vibe). Apparently they are frequently used in Jamaican cuisine! This is a great cider holiday cider scent, and I think that those who typically don’t love cider blends will enjoy it.

The Mari Lwyd

Scent description: Frozen seaweed, hand spun woolens soaked in salt water, the rattle of chalk white bones, & a foolish sprig of thyme

This is like a cold seaside/aquatic version of Hiraeth, which is interesting because they both have Welsh names! It’s like standing next to a cold sea in the middle of winter, with a breeze blowing through a forest behind you. A truly beautiful and atmospheric winter scent.

Roses in the Snow

Scent description: Deep red, velvety rose touched by frost, with fir needle & solemn incense

This is a beautiful true red rose scent, reminiscent of BPAL’s Red Rose and Peacock Queen scents. I hate to repeat the scent description, but it really is velvety. When I smell this soap bar, it feels almost like I should be able to touch an actual rose’s soft red petals. I don’t get much of the fir or incense, but I’m not complaining. This is one of the most beautiful and realistic rose scents that I have come across.

Sozzled

Scent description: Kentucky bourbon, scalding hot tea, lemon & orange

Freshly squeezed orange juice spiked with a dash of Bourbon, a drop of tea, and a squirt of lemon. This is orange-juice dominant, like an orange punch, and it’s actually making me thirsty! I expected this to be Bourbon-sloshed, but it’s refreshing and wonderful. A surprise win for me!

Snowbird

Scent description: Soft white blossoms, white amber, & snow white feathers

Clean and a bit beachy. The blossoms are soft, as described, and pillowy white. They aren’t overly heady or strong, and from the beachy aspect I’m guessing that they’re either orange blossom or gardenia. These snow birds are in Florida for the winter! This is a nice year-round scent, and it’s a refreshing pop of scent joy in the middle of winter.

Winter Stories

Scent description: Crisp black tea, spiced bay rum, sticky marzipan & shortbread cookies, & a haunting smudge of coal dust

Warm, rich almond extract-flavored marzipan with a steaming cup of black tea. The hint of coal dust keeps things interesting and from skewing too sweet. I can almost feel I’m the texture of the marzipan—it’s a little grainy and kneadable. I love this one!

These and more of Paintbox Soapworks’ goodies may be perused and purchased at http://paintboxsoapworks.com

[unearththeearth]

Nova Scotia, My Home

Hello again!

Since I am from the Maritimes (as shown again in the map below), I am going to do my first three posts about each province. I was born in Nova Scotia so we'll start there!

I was born in Truro, which is not an overly touristy area. However, I would like to introduce you all to some popular tourist destinations in Nova Scotia!

To begin, let's talk about Peggy's Cove. Peggy's Cove is an incredibly picturesque lighthouse located southwest of Halifax. Named after Samuel de Champlain's mother, Marguerite (the bay surrounding Peggy's Cove is called Saint Margaret's Bay), the lighthouse itself and the surrounding village are rustic landmarks for this area of Nova Scotia. The lighthouse attracts thousands of people every year. It indeed is a breathtaking sight. But please stay off the rocks near the edge! They are very slippery, and you could quickly fall into the tides below.

Next up is Shubenacadie, a quaint little town about 40 minutes outside of Truro, heading towards Halifax. There are two notable points of interest here. One is the tidal bore white water rafting. What a rush! Perfect for all those adventure seekers out there! And for the nature lovers, I would 10/10 recommend the Shubie Wildlife Park. There are beautiful walking trails there, as well as so many animals. Animals like moose, black bears, wolves, cougars, mountain goats, reindeer, plenty of foul, peacocks, deer, skunks, otters, rabbits, and so much more!

If you wanted to venture a little farther north, check out Cape Breton, which in itself has several beautiful spots to check out. If you want a fall driving tour sort of adventure, I would recommend going to see the Cabot Trail. It is a remarkable stretch of highway in Northern Cape Breton. Measuring 298 km (185 mi), it weaves through several prominent towns in the Cape, including Chéticamp which is the northern gateway to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. "The park is well known for its 'steep cliffs and deep river canyons that carve into a forested plateau bordering the Atlantic Ocean'" (Parks Canada). The Highlands National Park spanned 948 square kilometers and was the first national park in the Atlantic provinces.

Onto the province's capital, Halifax is on the southern shore. While there, I would make a point to visit the Citadel. Jamaican Maroons built the Citadel in 1856. If you're there at noon, you will hear the Royal Artillery fire the Noon Gun daily. The Citadel, officially called Fort George, is shaped into an eight-pointed star, and because of the shape and it's ingenious defense, the stronghold has never been under attack. On a bit of a lighter note, if you're looking for a cold beer (and let's be real. You're in Canada. You need to have a beer at least once a day), go for a tour of the Alexander Keith's Brewery in downtown Halifax. The brewery has been open and operational for almost 200 years and is considered a "jewel in the crown" of Halifax. Go for a tour and see the brewing process in action. The tours end at the "Stag's Head" pub, which is a historic pub in what used to be the aging cavern of the brewery back in the day. And it is open all year round! And after you've had your brewskis, cheer on the Mooseheads at Scotiabank Center. Halifax's beloved hockey team is ranked number 2 in the Maritime division currently.

So that is a few of my favorite parts of Nova Scotia! Keep an eye open for my next post about PEI!

Stay safe, breathe in, and go take on the world!

[goodnewsjamaica]

Camille Darby's QUEEN NANNY

New Post has been published on http://goodnewsjamaica.com/world-view/camille-darbys-queen-nanny/

Camille Darby's QUEEN NANNY

Playwright Camille Darby

Blackboard Plays presented a workshop reading of Camille Darby‘s Queen Nanny, directed by Miranda D. Haymon, as part of the cell’s Third Annual C-MORE Festival at the cell, 338 W. 23rd St. in Chelsea.

The cast featured Will Cobbs as Chris, Toni Ann DeNoble as Melanie and Brenda Denmark as Ida.

Synopsis: When Chris’s estranged Jamaican mother Ida shows up on his Brooklyn doorstep after decades of being absent, secrets of the past and present surface forcing this troubled family to make life changing decisions.

Camille Darby (playwright) Born in Jamaica, Ms. Darby migrated to the Bronx at seven years old. She soon discovered that writing was the best way to adjust to American culture. Her first play Mother, May I? written as a high school student at DeWitt Clinton, drew the attention of playwright Wendy Wasserstein. Wasserstein mentored the budding playwright who went on to study theatre at Sarah Lawrence College (B.A. 2005) and earned an M.F.A in Dramatic Writing from New York University’s, Tisch (2007). Camille’s plays include They Call Her Immortal (HomeBase Theatre Festival 2017), FREE (48 Hours in Harlem Festival 2016), Queen Nanny (New York Stage & Film 2015), The White Peacock (Classical Theatre of Harlem 2012), Exodus (Fire This Time Festival 2011). Ms. Darby is the recipient of the BRIO playwriting award for her full-length play (2008). The play earned a workshop production presented at the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (2013). Ms. Darby is a 2016 Lila Acheson Wallace American Playwrights Juilliard School Finalist, 2015 Playwrights Center Jerome Many Voices Fellowship Finalist and a 2014-2015 Dramatists Guild Fellow.

Brenda Denmark, Will Cobbs, Toni Ann DeNoble, Playwright Camille Darby

Blackboard Plays (Artistic Director Garlia Cornelia, Co-Curator Ayo Oneké Cummings) is devoted to Black playwrights throughout the African Diaspora. Since 2008, Blackboard has presented readings every second Monday of the month at the cell, their home in Chelsea where they have been incubated as a resident series.

the cell (Founding Artistic Director Nancy Manocherian, Artistic Director Kira Simring) has partnered with Liberation Theatre Company and Blackboard Plays to produce five new play readings as a part of the cell’s annual C-MORE Festival.

The remaining readings presented by Liberation Theatre Company include From Out Beyond My Shame by Shawn Nabors, directed by Christopher Burris on March 23rd at 7:30PM; Restless Native by Germaine Auguste Netzband, directed by Kim BrockingtonMarch 25th at 2:30PM; and Quarters, Halves, and the Whole by Nathaniel Blake Johnson, directed by Paul Edwards on March 28th at 7:30PM. These readings are a culmination of the work done through Liberation Theatre’s Writing Residency Program. Tickets for these events are free. To reserve seats and more information go to www.thecelltheatre.org.

Since it’s inception in 2016, the C-MORE festival has provided playwrights and theatremakers the opportunity to Create MORE work that gives visibility to underrepresented narratives. This year, the cell has granted two companies that have been making immense strides in telling these stories, funding and materials to present their work. Past C-MORE presentations have included a workshop production of The Year of the Bicycle by Joanna Evans, In the Southern Breeze by Jireh Breon Holder, Shoppin’ for N.I.G.G.A.S by Garlia Cornelia, The Marks You Leave by Tyler Andrew Jones, Lovely Send Anywhere by Douglas J.Cohen, and Lambs to Slaughter by Khalil Kain.

Will Cobbs, Lia Chang, Playwright Camille Darby. Photo by Garlia Cornelia

the cell (Founding Artistic Director Nancy Manocherian and Artistic Director Kira Simring) is a non-for-profit organization dedicated to the incubation and presentation of new works by emerging artists. Founded in 2006, the cell has produced over a dozen critically acclaimed world premiere productions of new plays and musicals over the past 10 years including Sam’s Room, Bastard Jones, Crackskull Row, Hard Times: An American Musical and more. The cell also features the jazz @ the cell series and has served as a home base for a large community of resident artists and organizations such as Blackboard Reading Series, Artists Without Walls (AWOW), Irish American Writers and Artists (AWOW), Sybarite5, Tribeca New Music, and New York Theatre Barn.

Liberation Theatre Company (Founder and Producing Artistic Director Sandra A. Daley, Associate Producers Spencer Scott Barros and Bernard J. Tarver) is a home for creative emerging black playwrights, providing resources to develop their work, nurturing and inviting them to express themselves in a supportive and focused environment. LTC brings together actors, directors, and playwrights to allow playwrights the room to learn and grow, culminating in their finest work, ready for production.

Original Article Found Here

[zillowcondo]

10 Fun Things to Do in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

The chances are if you’re heading to Jamaica that you will be staying in Montego Bay or Ocho Rios, as this is where many of the luxury all-inclusive Jamaica resorts are located. Of course, you’ll want to spend time sunbathing but there are many Ocho Rios attractions to tempt your fancy too. It’s a great base from which to explore the surrounding area and we’ve come up with 10 fun things to do in Ocho Rios which we hope you’ll find helpful.

Dive into the deep at Island Gully Falls

Many visitors to Jamaica head to the famous Dunn’s River Falls, but it can get very hectic there if a cruise ship is in port. That’s why we suggest that you consider visiting another Ocho Rios waterfall – Island Gully Falls. It was formerly known as The Blue Hole, and is hidden away down a quiet road. The journey is definitely worth it, as there’s an impressive cascading waterfall which you can dive into as well as a Tarzan style river swing. Island Gully Falls is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day.

Climb up a waterfall at Konoko Falls

Another picturesque Jamaica attraction is Konoko Falls and Park. What makes this place unique is that you can climb all the way up the waterfall, with the help of a guide. It’s essential to wear water shoes but you can buy them on site if you don’t have your own. Towels will also come in handy to dry off afterwards! Before climbing up the waterfall, enjoy the guided tour around the botanical gardens. They were once the home to the Taino Indian tribe and now feature a wide variety of our indigenous animals and birds. The park is open from 8 am to 4.30 pm daily.

Enjoy beachfront dining with the locals

For laidback dining with your feet in the sand, Bamboo Blu is the perfect choice. A true hidden gem, there is no signpost at this beachside restaurant within Mammee Bay Estate on Mammee Bay. Just check with the security guard that you’ve come to the right place! Once you reach the end of the track. you’ll find a charming blue and white building set on the 700 foot beach. Tuck into Caribbean and European dishes, washed down with a tropical cocktail. You can also do snorkeling or enjoy a banana boat ride for a small fee.

Learn how to cook jerk chicken

One of our favourite Ocho Rios excursions is to Yaaman Adventure Park. This 18th century estate, previously known as Prospect Plantation, has some fun activities on offer such as horseback riding, Segway tours and buggy rides. After a look around the aviary where you’ll come across some friendly birds, hop on board the jitney, a tractor drawn carriage for a ride around the 1,000 acre estate.

Our guide, Donovan, had us in stitches with his deadpan humour so make sure to ask for him if he’s available. The estate was purchased by Sir Harold Mitchell in 1936 and its grounds are dotted with trees planted by heads of state such as Sir Winston Churchill and Pierre Trudeau who visited. There are also many crops such as coconut, all spice, bananas and coffee. You’ll then have a tour of the Great House and learn how to cook jerk chicken and other delicious Jamaican food on the shady terrace overlooking the Caribbean sea. If you’re wary of spicy food, the trick is to add only a little Scotch bonnet pepper!

Get close to nature in a Flower Forest

Cranbrook Rainforest Gardens are a beautiful place to stroll around and makes an interesting excursion in itself. Set in 40 landscaped acres, the walking trail takes about a mile and a half to the river, where you can bathe if you wish. From the beautiful torch flower to the peacocks parading around, it’s a real treat for the eyes. There’s a small gift shop and cafe at the entrance.

Soar above the forest

However, the main attraction at Cranbrook Flower Forest is the Zip Line Canopy where you soar above the trees. It’s an adrenaline packed experience, as you swing along, admiring the scenery! The expert instructors create a sense of anticipation as you approach the first zip line. With traverses ranging from 105 to 660 feet, it will keep you busy for several hours.

Eat authentic Jamaican food at Miss T’s

To experience real Jamaican cooking, head to Miss T’s Kitchen. Hidden away in a quiet backstreet of bustling Ocho Rios, it’s the brainchild of Anna-Kay Tomlinson, otherwise known as Miss T. She’s passionate about Jamaican food and ever since the restaurant opened in 2009, it has been one of the top spots for fine Jamaican cuisine. In a beautiful courtyard setting, try a variety of sharing dishes such as curry goat, oxtail or lobster rundown.

Pamper yourself at Jamaica’s largest spa

If you’re looking for relaxing Ocho Rios activities, consider a spa session at Jamaica’s largest spa. AWE spa ® is located inside Moon Palace Jamaica®, one of the best hotels in Ocho Rios. Before your spa treatment, enjoy a complimentary Water Journey guided by your very own spa valet! They will lead you around the different areas such as the steam room, sauna and hydrotherapy pool before taking you to your professionally trained therapist. My massage was so relaxing that I fell asleep!

Take in the views from Oceans on the Ridge

For a panoramic view over Ocho Rios bay, you can’t beat Oceans on the Ridge in Shaw Park. This casual Jamaican restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch or dinner, though you could just savour one of their frozen cocktails. DJs or local bands often play there and the ambiance on the observation deck is very chilled. Check before you go whether the cruise ships are in port as it can get crowded at those times.

Admire the sunset

Although Negril is the most famous area of Jamaica for the sunsets, Ocho Rios isn’t half bad! It’s also worth getting up early for sunrise, when you might be lucky to see dolphins in the bay.

Where to Stay in Ocho Rios

One of the best Ocho Rios all inclusive resorts is Moon Palace® Jamaica. With the largest private beach in Ocho Rios, it has great sea views from most of its 705 guest rooms. The bedrooms are very comfy and as its all inclusive, the mini bar is fully stocked. We particularly liked the range of complimentary non-motorized watersports on offer, as well as the unique FlowRider wave simulator. Children will love the kids club and there’s also a teen lounge as well as several swimming pools. It’s popular for weddings with its gazebo overlooking the ocean and ballroom for larger parties.

As for food options, you’ll be spoilt for choice with six bars and five restaurants as well as 24 hour room service. We sampled Oriental cuisine at Momo, Italian at La Gondola, seafood at Pier 8 and sweet treats at La Boulangerie, open 24 hours a day. Of the bars, the adults only Martini bar was our favourite – don’t miss the chocolate Martini! The swim up bar outside is great fun too, and there’s regular entertainment on the outdoor stage too. All in all, a great place to stay.

We hope you’ve enjoyed these suggestions of things to do in Ocho Rios. You’ll find many of the activities in question featured here and lots more suggestions for what to see in Jamaica:

Have you ever visited Jamaica and which activity would you like to try out of these?

The post 10 Fun Things to Do in Ocho Rios, Jamaica appeared first on Luxury Columnist.

10 Fun Things to Do in Ocho Rios, Jamaica published first on http://ift.tt/2pewpEF

[mongbillabong]

Dinner at Mattie’s - Austin, Texas

I took my boyfriend, Joey, to Mattie’s Green Pastures for his birthday dinner recently and we loved everything about it. This was our first time going here and we didn’t know what the outside of the restaurant might look like or how big the signage is but I did know about Mattie’s resident peacocks from various sources on social media. We walked there from my old office off of South First Street and as soon as we saw a peacock (It was all white! Sorry I don’t have a good picture to show you) on the sidewalk, I knew we were close.

Upon entering the establishment, we realized we could have driven here because it was very spacious and parking was plentiful (complimentary valet). But the walk was nice and we wouldn’t have seen an albino peacock in the first time ever if we didn’t take that stroll! The outdoor dining area is adorable. The blush pink furnitures add a nice, subtle contrast to all the surrounding greeneries.

We had a reservation so we were seated promptly and our server was very attentive. I ordered the Bacchus Cup with tequila base (you can choose your poison with this particular cocktail!), and Joey got the 1965 Milk Punch which consists of house-made sweet vanilla cream, aged bourbon, VSOP Cognac Jamaican rum and topped with a dash of nutmeg. It's available as a single serving or in a carafe for a very good price. My Bacchus Cup was refreshing, not too sweet and a little tart. The milk punch was quite potent but very delicious. I’m considering going back to Mattie’s for brunch with friends and get the carafe...

As for food, I ordered the Skuna Bay Salmon and Joey got the Basmati Rice Bowl (see full menu descriptions here). The salmon (skin on) was cooked to perfection and served over a scoop of farro. The salmon skin was crispy and flavorful. The actual fish itself was fatty and flakey. I don’t know about you but I love a fatty salmon. The rice bowl had an Indian flare to it. I had a few bites and my taste buds approved. Overall, the portions were decent. I personally eat a lot for a woman my size so I wasn’t completely satisfied after my salmon but I was no longer starving. Joey did let me finish his rice because he was full...hehe.

Mattie’s is so cute so I had to take a chance at the photo opportunities. My outfit details are tagged on my Instagram.