New Kingston, Blue Mountains and Mobay

Seeing off most of the Flaggers heading off to the next island and the next test, I have taken a few more days to see bits of Jamaica...after coming all this way!

That day I walked through New Kington, taking in the local life, and viewing the backdrop of the Blue Mountains. I stopped for lunch at the Georgian Devon House, before continuing the walk to the Bob Marley Museum. Very interesting look at the man, his music, and all he stood for, and the troubles around. Not sure about his politics, clearly something to read more about!

Sparrow actually organised by Knutsford Express bus across the island, part of his never ending service as part of Flag captain. My bus was at 6am, just at the sun was peeking over the mountains, of which we made our way through and over. Rainforest, green and lush, the mountains were amazing at that hour, even with a rooftop of cloud.

I arrived at my hotel, the Gloustershire Hotel in the 'Hip Strip', checked in with a complimentary rum punch...quite unneeded! I then headed straight arcoss the road to the Doctor's Cave beach, and took in the white sand, blue sea, and blazing sun for much of the day.

Wandering through the strip of stores, and finding Mum another hideous magnet for the fridge, I have soaked in the experience. Have just had dinner at the Jamaican Bobsled Cafe, proceeds of which go to the team. My last chance for Jamaican Jerk Chicken and one last Red Stripe!

Sabina Park Mound Stand and Victory

On Day 3 we traded our regular seats in the stand in for a ticket into The Mound, the Party Stand, with all you can drink all day...a physical challenge the Flaggers took on with much vigor!

Getting our posse in the shade, we settled in for a day of drinking, cricket from a different angle...with Belinda and I opening our day's account with a Red Stripe before play. Needless to say, by lunch the beers were going down very nicely!

Lunch as part of the deal, the drinking pace kept on, with cricket watching and much silliness! Changing to rum for the final silliest of silly session, the collapse in this session out in the middle seems to be a bit of a blur! I do remember Hussey's wicket falling with shock! And it raining at one point!

A dip in the pool, clothes and all when we all managed to make it back to the hotel on the bus, a rowdy trip that was, with travellers to keep the madness going. We all got dressed up and headed out to a bar, Quad, within walking distance of our digs.

The next day, very much worse for wear, the group was back to Sabina Park for Day 4. Admittedly I did sleep for some of the first session, much needed hangover time! After hearing of the Hawks 9-nil result back home, I dossed the footy scarf despite the humidity, loud and proud. At the end of play the bus of Flaggers headed to Liguana Bar and Resort for very cheap drinks.....and after swaering I wouldn't drink again, the run was flowing better than ever! The group chatted with Jim Richards, which was a treat.

Today victory was had by the Aussies, with an amazing match by one Stuart Clark, after tension and drama at the prospect of a loss for a day and a bit.

Flaggy Green and Chick Pink Day

I flew from NYC to Kingston, Jamaica on Wednesday, in time to eat and drink as part of the pre-test match dinner for the beginning of the Windies tour with Waving The Flag. Checking into the Knutsford Hotel, after our airport pick up, with travellers and travel stories aplenty.

Catching up with fellow Flaggers, and being introduced to Appleton Rum, I settled in for a session as the pre-tour instructions were disseminated. Up for breakfast on Day 1, bus to Sabina Park, and the group gathered for the toss, and then the presentation of the Flaggy Green. Same make and model as the Baggy Green of the Australian team, each Flagger is presented with their cap at the first test, and this is actually my first official tour. Presented with Flagger number 398, I perservered with the hat for the day.

A solid day's cricket with a great knock by the captain, kicking back in the stand in the shade, with beer and food coming to us, and nothing else to worry about but the red ball out in the middle, nothing could be better!

Drinks at a near by rooftop bar, and a Thai dinner kicked off Day 1, with several nightcaps by the pool.


Today, being Day 2, I donned the Chicks on Tour pink t-shirt for the first time, much to the joy of my fellow Flagger chicks. Born to the fact that girls actually like cricket too, the decking of pink attracts much attention, and leads to even more merriment than usual! This year all pink attrire proceeds go to the McGrath Foundation, bringing breast cancer awareness and cricket together.