I wasn’t sure that there was going to be a YOLO (You Only Live Once) moment for this March. Early in the month my mother tripped and fell in the parking lot of a shopping centre. She cut her head, which bled profusely, and an x-ray later showed that she sustained 4 broken ribs. Worst of all, for almost a week, she struggled to do simple activities and for someone who is normally physically active and works non-stop, this was very debilitating for her.
So, it was amazing to end the month of March with a YOLO moment within which my mother played a key part. At age 78, her recovery was amazing and I was so happy and relieved to have her back.
Nick, De Marley and I drove from Kingston to St Mary to take my mother, father and nephew Alex to the beautiful Robin’s Bay for lunch.
I especially enjoyed including my father, as it is only in very recent years that we have become close. I didn’t have much of a relationship with him as a child, and my parents weren’t ever a couple in the traditional sense of the word.
I have made a concerted effort to get to know him over the last couple of years and have come to appreciate him as a genuinely caring, intelligent and interesting man. I am proud to be his daughter and I am delighted to have him in our lives.
Our first stop was Fanso’s Water’s Edge Bar & Restaurant, which is perched on cliffs that overlook picturesque Robin’s Bay.
While the sun was bright and the temperatures were in the mid-30s (that’s about 95°F for my American friends), there was a lovely cooling breeze, which made for a comfortable afternoon.
Fanso’s is owned and operated by the wonderful Beulah, who prepares delicious traditional Jamaican fish dishes.
Nick, as usual, went for the largest fish, a monster red snapper, and then the rest of us picked from what was left.
We each chose our fish and gave our orders to Beulah, before settling down to enjoy the idyllic setting. It was a Sunday afternoon in rural Jamaica, so we knew it wasn’t fast food: something that we were quite happy for on an afternoon like this.
We strolled around the grounds, played with a cat who we named “Catlyn”, climbed on rocks and, in Nick’s case, enjoyed a good book.
I took the time to chat with my mother and then I recorded an interview with my father about his new novel Prisoners of Love, which he recently finished and hopes to get published soon.
We also took photos, including some of me with both of my parents. These are pictures I will always treasure, as I never thought that these would ever be taken.
We used to be regular customers at Beulah’s, but we haven’t been for a few years. In that time, we had forgotten just how good her food is: the freshest fish cooked perfectly.
Five of us went for steamed dishes with just my dad opting for the Jamaican classic of Escovitch Fish. This is crisply fried whole fish served in a vinegar marinade that contains pepper and vegetables. It was delicious! We will definitely be returning soon.
It was quite late in the afternoon when we decided to drive further along the narrow coast road, past The Robin’s Bay Village Resort to Strawberry Fields Together.
This was a first time visit for all of us and we quickly decided that we are going to go back in the near future, either for a full day or for maybe even an overnight stay.
Strawberry Fields Together is an 18-acre eco-friendly boutique resort that offers a unique Jamaican experience. It has a secluded private white sand beach and 12 individually different cottages that range from simple chic to luxuriously rustic.
The property has a wide variety of fruit trees, plants & flowers. There is also a beautiful lawn that sits on a hill overlooking the majestic beach, cliffs and coastline.
From the resort or the small settlement that sits next to it, you can hire a guide to take the hike to Kwame Falls. If you don’t fancy the hike, which is 90 minutes each way, you can hire a boat, although this does cost a bit more.
Sadly, for us it was almost 5pm, and so Kwame Falls must be an adventure for another day.
It was late when we got home to Kingston, and I was able to reflect on our day. The food and scenery were fabulous, but what made this my YOLO Moment of the Month was seeing my mother in much better spirits and to spend time with both her and my father. Best of all, I have a few photos that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Hope you enjoyed the read! Tell us what you think in the comments section below and be sure to check out a few other related posts.
Author
Monique Abbott
Hi, I ’m Monique, founder and editor-in-chief of Yes2Yolo, travel addict, lover of home makeover projects among many other passions, including creative and inspirational writing to embolden us to live our best lives. At my core, I am a creative artistic being and I believe that creativity knows no end.
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I’ve explored over 60 countries with my husband Nick. Together we’ve partnered on some truly exciting projects such as creating and running a successful Airbnb business, chairing condo boards, purchasing fixer-uppers and renovating them from scratch on our own while balancing all of this with full-time jobs and family.
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While my personal passions are travel and home décor, I am, by profession, a lawyer with over 17 years experience.
Love it! I enjoy reading both yours and Nick’s writing. Now I must visit Robins Bay on my next trip home to JA.
Keep flourishing!
Thank you so much Omar! Your positive feedback means so much to us. Robin’s Bay is awaiting you with its arms wide open. You won’t regret visiting.
I enjoyed reading and admiring your beautiful pics Monique.
I have never been to Robin’s Bay; and I have been eyeing Strawberry Fields Together for years with the intention to visit but haven’t done so as yet. So I take this as a timely reminder to do so in the near future.
I am especially happy that your Mom is doing much better…what a blessing. It’s so wonderful too to hear of the evolution of your relationship with your Dad. Continue to cherish your fam. Nuff love and blessings 🙏
Awww! Thank you so much Cecille. I am truly touched by your kind words. Yes, you definitely need to visit SFT. It’s a truly magnificent place!
This was such an awesome read. Two thumbs up for the beautiful pictures! I can’t wait to visit Robin’s Bay, and enjoy Beulah’s fried fish (I’m with your dad on that one). I’m happy to hear that your mom is on the fast track to recovery, and of the growing relationship with your dad.
Fun fact: Kwame Falls belonged to Beulah’s uncle.
Thank you Jeri! You’ll definitely have a great time at Robin’s Bay especially if you try Beulah’s escovitch fish. Interesting fact about Kwame falls. Next time we go, we can get the 2 for 1 offer i.e. fish and a trip to the falls (smile).
Beulah, is my mom. She knows I have no appreciation for fish. Saw it too much growing up. I’ll be home in a month. I’m excited for that (and KFC),
Ha Ha! Be prepared for the long lines at KFC and inflated prices! Let’s link up when you get home!
I really enjoyed this article Monique! So happy that you were able to have had such a wonderful family day and to have captured all those great pics which will no doubt become great memories to look back on. I’ve been to a function at Strawberry Fields and it is as beautiful and picturesque as you say! Can’t remember whether I have stopped in Robin’s Bay but have definitely passed through. It is now on my To Do List along with a stop at Beulah for some fish!
Glad you enjoyed the read Elizabeth! Yes, I definitely recommend Beulah’s fish! I didn’t remember to mention this in my article, but it’s good to call ahead and put in your order before arrival; that way you get a jump start, especially if you are famished (SMILE).
Beautiful story Monique! I love that you made the effort to connect with your dad and had both parents share in the moment with you. Priceless!
Thank you Michelle. It was a wonderful moment; one that I will always treasure!