Negril, Jamaica

So I was a little worried about travel arrangements for this “beta trip“ that I signed up for. The online brochure promised airport pick ups, but after I booked I had to initiate the interaction about both airport and room reservations. So when I arrived I expected a long and confusing wait and I was half right. The airport in Montego Bay is new and relatively unchaotic. I meticulously scanned the signs with peoples names on them and looked Longingly at the kiosks for the various hotels. 

Eventually, our host Larry approached me asking me if I was Julie. So random, he said he was basing his scan on intuition. When I travel I base very little on intuition... In my mind, intuition equals sleeping in the airport.

At any rate, Larry had a group of folks at the airport, one of which is a grower. He has a spore factory somewhere in the Carolinas and is looking at producing/growing here in Jamaica. 

On the ride to our guest house, I find out that Larry is fairly prominent in the mushroom community. He has written books, hangs around with other people who write mushroom books, and has led a pretty interesting life. He travels half a year, lately and South America, and spends the rest of his time in Missoula. He opened the first vegetarian restaurant in Montana, speaks Japanese, has lived in Japan, Korea, and Russia, just for starters. 

But hospitality is not exactly his thing. I was suspicious about the accommodations as well because I did not pay in advance. That proved to be correct, as the studio promised at the firefly did not materialize and I am now in a sordid room at another property without air-conditioning. As soon as I walked in the room, I pulled on the fan cord, which separated from the fan, rendering it useless. There was another fan mounted on the wall, which thankfully proved to be sufficient. I really wouldn’t mind except it seems kind of expensive at $90 US. I am spoiled by Southeast Asia.

But I forgot to mention that it faces the ocean. 

From my porch, yes I’m a brat!

So now for the good bits. After watching the sunset on the beach, we assembled in front of Michelle’s room. She is another beta tester from Bozeman, lovely, unique, and has two kids and a husband at home. There was tequila and beer. A group member showed up with h a giant bag of cannibals he’d purchased for $50 and folks started rolling immense joints and smoking like crazy. So much smoking! 

Sunset on our little beach

Owen arrived with the tea. We were to take a prescribed amount, but wait! No measure available, so they just filled my glass (btw, no glasses either, Michelle has to provide). 

Aside: I apologize for being so mundane, but NO DINNER! Michelle brought out snacks (not her job) and I ate a few nuts id brought for the airplane, but still....I mentioned food, but I guess everyone too into the drug cocktails...

Back to mushrooms: I think I took a few too many. I was slightly sleepy after 20 minutes and weary of standing around watching people smoke, so went to bed. When I closed my eyes, the visions came. I wish I could describe... they were colorful and slightly creepy. ...pearls in formation, but wriggling, so ... will not say the word.

Once the drug wore off, I was left listening to loud music streaming through my windows, seemingly from everywhere. No sleep for me! I eventually put on music to block the sound.....