This past weekend we took a short trip to Jamaica, holing up in a large house outside of Montego Bay with a group of friends. Brooklynites Moki and Ragini organized a terrific stay at one of the big villas at Half Moon Resort, with the intention of sun, sand, surf rum and little else ("little else" ended up including a spa, swimming with dolphins and lots of jerk chicken).

This was our first trip to Jamaica; it was an easy and inexpensive flight, the weather was perfect, the food was great and the Jamaican people are warm and hospitable. Given our time constraints, we didn't see much of the country outside our resort, but we're keen to return and do more exploring. We've had a lot going on this year, and this was our first and only getaway in 2015. It was a very short but welcome break.

Thanks again to Moki and Ragini for organizing. Enjoy the photos below; be sure to click each to enlarge full screen. Kris & Jessica at the Beach

Kris & Jessica at the Beach
Cocktail at Half Moon Resort villa
Timeout for a Cocktail
Storm clouds over Montego Bay
Storm is Coming 2
A Storm Approaches the Villa in Jamaica
A Storm Approaches the Villa in Jamaica
Villa cottage at Half Moon Resort
Cottage 9
Empty beach chairs at resort
Beach Chairs Await
Each day someone would come by and offer to fetch coconuts from the top of the trees. Not long ago, I would have tried this myself, but for a few dollars it was better left in more capable hands (and feet). Crazy for Coconuts
Crazy for Coconuts
Fresh coconuts from tree at resort
Crazy for Coconuts 2
Bamboo rafters on river in Jamaica
Rafters Depart
Life jackets stacked for river rafting
Personal Flotation Devices

Each evening the clouds would roll in and we'd get some exciting lightning, thunder and rain, but only for a few minutes. The energetic weather made for dramatic sunsets. Colorful Sunset

Colorful Sunset
A Dramatic Sunset
A Dramatic Sunset
Storm clouds at sunset in Jamaica
A Beutifully Cloudy Sunset