THE EDITOR, Sir:
ALL I could think of lately .... was a vacation and I had already found paradise many, many years before. I still had been continually searching, for another paradise, one that matched up to Jamaica and to the vacation I took there in 1984. The Greek Islands were beautiful and I had a brilliant time, but still nothing matched Jamaica and its people and of course the famous... Dunn's River Falls.
I had dreamt over and over... about returning to Jamaica. 16 years had passed and I was asked to represent Australia in Washington DC, at the First Ever Endometriosis Walk for Awareness. I was there to represent Australia and its Endometriosis Associations. I had planned a holiday at the end of my trip, so I could finally return to Jamaica. I was greeted at the airport by a wonderful gentleman called Clive, he was to be my taxi driver but little did I know this gentleman would help to make my holiday unforgettable.
He took me back to my hotel and told me if I needed anything, to just ask for him at reception at the hotel. I had heard taxi drivers saying this but I never knew one to keep his word. Clive was different.
I unfortunately fell ill while in Jamaica. I was having an endometriosis pain episode. The same disease and reason, for which I had come to America. I became bed-bound for seven days in Jamaica. The doctor came to visit me every 2nd day and he and the hotel's nurses checked on me continuously and looked after me like I was family. They took such good care of me and they all helped me through a very difficult time. I am forever grateful especially to the hotel nurses and reception staff, in fact the entire staff at the Renaissance Hotel in Ocho Rios and the local doctor. They all were excellent and being a registered nurse, I know a good nurse and doctor when I see them at work and this team was brilliant.
As soon as I was well enough, I went downstairs and asked for Clive. Clive took me on tours around the island. He knew I had not been too well, so he was gentle and took me to places I could relax. We had a lot of fun and played pool and slot machines and as the weeks went past Clive and I became best of friends. We went on a tour every 2nd day. He is the best tour guide I could have wished for, he knew all the places of interest to take me, he knew all the locals and he also knew I needed to chill out and relax. I always felt safe with Clive and he protected me like I was his daughter.
I will plan to return to Jamaica again in the near future, it is one of my favourite tropical island countries, on this earth.
It is pure paradise in my books.
It's rare to meet such special people like Clive, it just doesn't happen much, in this day and age.
I am etc.,
BELLE BROWNE RN
E-mail: TinkerBelles@bigpond.com
Via Go-Jamaica
Mailing address removed at the request of writer - May 17, 2001
