Yardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

[rhondapayter 0]

Well, I ended up going to Jamaica for 4 nights - even though it was short, it was still nice. I just got back late Sat. night after an awful experience with American Airlines I'm never flying with them again! I usually fly w/ Northwest and I'll stick with them.

The good news is that Mobay and Ochi were hardly damaged at all by the Hurricane. If I hadn't known they had just had one, I would have never guessed. The only thing amiss was that the power was still out. Luckily my hotel had a generator so I had power the whole time. I'm soooo glad that all the trees and fruits weren't damaged.

Going back now to catch up

[rhondapayter 0]

Rhonda, I would wait a while until water and electricity have been properly restored. Depending on how much damage was done, it could take a while until the utilities come back up.

I wouldn't think it was worth going down with those lacking.

I think the airport does open on Tuesday.

I had Tony check my hotel before I came down. Even though Ochi still had no power, my hotel had a generator so they had current. Water was working too. The power came back on in Ochi on Wed. (Aug 22) but kept chipping in and out for the next couple days. As of Sat. when we left, Tony's mom (in Exchange right outside Ochi) still had no power and no water

[rhondapayter 0]

Hello from JAMAICA!!

All is well, I am married and it was the most beautiful day in Negril from the last few weeks. We had GREAT weather despite the impending storm.

Congrats I'm so glad the Hurricane didn't affect your big day!

[rhondapayter 0]

Oh I am guessing to get people (tourist) back on the island the rates have gone down for some travel in October. Normally from Portland, Or I spend anywhere from $550-$640 but I found a fare for $379 the last week in Oct. Now just to come up with justification as to why I HAVE to go when I know I will be there in Jan.... Any help VJ??? LOL

Just go!! I went down there 5 times in 8 months when Tony was still living down there

[rhondapayter 0]

I talked to Marlon today. Clarendon was hit hard and it's a real mess.

Where exactly is Clarendon? It's near the south coast right?

[rhondapayter 0]

yow

check this out Dean was Mean

Oh my gosh! It's hard to believe that I was on the same island and saw NO damage or destruction! Wow.

[rhondapayter 0]

I spoke to Javon last night and the electricity is still gone. He said according to JPS they're anticipating weeks or months for it to get turned back on unless you leave close to an major business or establishment. For Ivan he didn't have light for 2 months. He bought a car charger so we can stay in touch.

That is so crazy. Tony didn't have power for 2 weeks after Ivan - I though THAT was a long time!

[rhondapayter 0]

we all "appreciate" the comforts that most of us have here at home.

I am not being mean....and I know that you are frustrated, it's frustrating that some have to live the way they do, even in good ole US of A !!!!

Yes, we definately have all the comforts here in the U.S. Many people completely take it for granted that we have running (hot) water and electricity on a regular basis. I know I am spoiled I was mad when a water pipe froze and broke over the winter and we had no running water for 24 hours. I can't imagine no water (or power) for weeks or months. We really do take it for granted.

[rhondapayter 0]

On a lighter note! Melvin received his medical in Mobay and was told that the embassy would receive his results via mail. So hopefully things well will work out and the embassy will receive it on time. He said they did not use the sealed envelope technique with him But thats okay. Thanks for your words of encouragement anyways.

I haven't heard of ANYONE getting their results from the medical - sealed envelope or otherwise. They are always sent directly to the Embassy. I can't imagine them changing this because it would be too easy for someone to "alter" their results.

[rhondapayter 0]

I've never heard of anyone having to do the hair test either. Andre had to do the blood test. He never admitted to ever smoking. I pray that wasn't a mistake that Mr. Man admitted it, even so long ago. Something about this sounds familiar to Belly Girl's story.

I've been on this board for over 3 years and I've never heard of anyone having to do the hair test either. Tony also had a blood test and NO he did not admit to smoking either. I believe the test for drugs is pretty standard in Jamaica (whether you admit to smoking or not) because of the reputation of the island.

[rhondapayter 0]

Thanks for all of your concern ladies but I am sure he made the best choice by being honest. I feel like yall are just bringing more doubt on our already dubious situation instead of trying to be uplifting. What's up with that?

I think everyone is just warning you of what has happened in past cases when their S.O. admitted to drug use. When it comes to the Embassy, honestly is NOT always the best policy We have seen more than one person get denied JUST for admitting to drug use in the past - EVEN when their drug test came out CLEAN. That's why it is stressed over and over that you should never admit to it. If you say you haven't used drugs and then your test comes back dirty, you're going to get denied anyway for testing positive. You're not getting denied for lying so at that point it is irrelevant whether or not you told the truth.

[rhondapayter 0]

Very nicely put, AlienGirl!!

Yes, DITTO

[rhondapayter 0]

What kinds of jobs have you all encourage your SO to go for once they come over on a K-1 or any visa for that matter? How long does it usually take for them to get a job when they first come over?

Tony actually started working very soon after he got here. He has done all sorts of manual labor - painting, landscaping, cement work, roofing, siding, etc.. He had never done any of it before but he's a fast learner and caught on quick. He also shoveled snow for my dad's company the last few winters.

[rhondapayter 0]

yup.....he got here in november....we filled in march....he got his ead in late may....just got his job 2 weeks ago....

3 words for you guys - under the table..... Just an idea.

[Shemmy 4]

Okay, So i'm meeting my SO's mother for the first time on Saturday down in JA. He's close to his mother but hasn't lived with her for quite some time so everytime I went down there we just never got around to meeting her in Trelawny. I think he doesn't jive with the new guy she has. Anyway, what should I get her? She wants us all to go to the beach and hang out but I really don't want to go down there and not give her anything. I can't travel all the way from ABROAD and not bring her anything. lol Thats what JA peeps always say.

Any Ideas?

i got my mil...a boxed perfum set....she said she really liked it and mike said she used it all....that is a idea...

I agree....perfume is perfect. I met my MIL first time last May. We visited her in Aruba...where she lived the last 7 years. We don't have a great history so Damien brought her a watch and a purse from us. While shopping she kept buying cheap perfumes so I surprised by leaving a nice boxed perfume set and she loved it