Guest Comments
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Two comments off the old website...
During the four times we've been to Jamaica we met a lot of very nice and
kind people, the top of the bill being Viking and his family.
Last year we spent a whole month together: sitting at the veranda, staring
at the horizon, swimming in the little bay, cooking fresh fish, discussing
rasta culture, listening to Irie FM, ..., all of this immersed in such
positive vibes that we became one with all that surrounded us, forgetting
time.
When you're looking for unspoilt nature, when you prefer hiking to
jetskiing, when you feel more comfortable among Jamaican natives and the
occasional traveller than among American-German-Italian-whatsoever
tourists, when traditional dishes appeal more to you than the western food
served in the all-in-resorts, ... then don't hesitate and lose your heart
in Great Bay.
-Hans and Margo, Belgium
The following is what Sienna, the moderator of the Jamaicans.com tourist bulletin board had to say after her stay at our house:
Posted by Sienna on July 22, 1999 at 00:15:21:
I had always heard that the South Coast was the place to go to get away from the "cities" (touristed towns), a place to go to enjoy wide open spaces, private beaches, 'real people'. This past trip, I was able to spend a few days checking out this area - specifically, Treasure Beach/Great Bay, in the parish of St. Elizabeth.
Let me say up front, that I was astounded by the difference in the looks of the countryside. Had I not known I was in Jamaica, I might have guessed it to be somewhere in east Africa, or even parts of southern California. This part of the country does not receive as much rain as the north or notheastern coast. The coastal region of the south is covered instead with rolling open plains of silvery grass burnished by the sun, here and there dotted with acacia thornbush, humpnecked cattle, and varieties of cactus. This is also the main farm area for the country, so there were fields upon fields of tomatoes, onions, peppers, melons, and more - all waiting to be picked, or being sold at roadside stands, or being trucked to markets all over the island. In places, the Santa Cruz mountains tumbled straight into the sea, where dark blue waves crashed against the cliffs, spewing foam, high and white, into the arid warmth.
The Treasure Beach area seems to be popular with European and North American visitors who wish to take a break from the more "touristy" parts of the island, yet still stay close to nature and ocean waters. Travel accommodations are not lacking - one has a choice of some hotels, and villas, though most people take advantage of the very reasonably priced guesthouses that offer rooms (or the whole house.) My friend and I stayed on the grounds of a sweet Jamaican matriarch ("Miss Mary"), in Great Bay, and while we only needed one room, we had the whole guesthouse to ourselves, as the owners (part of her family) were not there at the time. Our room was simply furnished, clean and comfortable, with a private bathroom and shower. Cross breezes from the ocean kept the room cool, and the soft yellow painted walls reflected the golden sun that gently woke us up each morning. We had free access to the house's living room, dining room and kitchen, though most of our time was spent outdoors and rather than cook, we chose to eat at the open air I-tal restaurant next door (all we had to do was follow the trail through the garden, acoss the huge "back yard" and over to the I-tal Rest cottages and campground, (also part of Miss Mary's family.) The food was fresh, excellent, and the portions were HUGE.
The time spent in Great Bay was a wonderful change of pace - time absolutely stood still. The first day was devoted to sitting on the front porch, sharing quiet conversation, or staring off into the hills, daydreams intertwined with the muffled bleating of goats from a neighbor's field, the sing-song of birds in the shade trees overhead, the rhythmic lapping of waves from the private cove no more than three minutes walk from the house. When inertia threatened to make me a permanent porch fixture, I only had to walk the grounds to be amazed and delighted with new sights.....the calabash tree with its fat, green, globular soon-to-be-gourds hanging right at eye-level (I would have sworn they grew on vines, and I so much wanted to try my hand at carving my own bowl or purse).....the cashew tree loaded with absolutely stunning (and some say erotic) pods, the sweet nut exposed to view, begging to be roasted right there on the spot (although I settled for doing it over the kitchen stove).....the trails that wove through the butterfly filled vegetable garden or down to the beach, where conch shells lay imbedded in the limestone rock, honeycombed coral and shell fossils preserved for scrutiny or sketching pleasure.....Walks could be taken anywhere, anytime, day or night - safety was not even a question - this is still an area where everyone knows everyone else, houses go unlocked, you are not approached nor 'bothered' because you are a visitor, yet conversation is easy, welcoming and ready if you wish to extend yourself with nothing more than a simple "Good morning".
One evening was spent in Treasure Beach, with a gathering of locals and visitors, enjoying a beach outing complete with music, drumming, and dancers, lots of conversation and laughter - again, with none of the hype and come-ons one is so used to encountering in other tourist spots - a pleasant and welcome surprise.
I was told that this area of the island has cliffs to climb, and caves to explore, as well as trails to bike or hike. I did not get a chance to make it to Great Bay until right before my trip back to the States, I was running short of time and did not have an opportunity to take advantage of these treats. You can be sure I will do as many of these activities as I can when I return, especially the caves and climbing.
I did finally get a chance to go to Lover's Leap and before going home, drove through Bamboo Avenue, stuffed myself once again on the tongue-tingling hot and spicy shrimp in Middle Quarters, renewed my acquaintance with Bluefields Bay and fell in love with the countryside at the base of the Santa Cruz mountains.
Friends and family have wondered for quite a while now, how much time it will take me before I ever stop discovering new places to go, new things to see, and new people to meet in Jamaica. How long will it be before I quit saying "Wait! I'm not done yet - I still need more time!" But as we all know, or soon discover, the island unfolds herself, in her own sweet time, showing herself and the sights and insights we need to see, in HER time frame, not ours - offering yet again, another reason to return.
-Sienna
Comments from guests who have stayed with us during the construction of the new rooms...
Really good experience staying at Viking House. Really Nice family, interesting chats with Viking & Steph and all the other family made us feel welcome. Propa chill out, and intimate guest house. Love n' Peas.
-Jack, London UK
Thanks for welcoming us into your home during the busy holiday season. Best of luck with the new additions to your house and with the launch of your new business endeavors. Jah Bless.
-Dallas, Canada
Thank you for welcoming us into your home. We had a great time staying at Viking House- Good Vibes and Good People. We'll be back see you next year!
-Veronica and Mark, Boston, USA
To the family, Thank you so much for accommodating us on such short "hostelworld"(.com) notice! We had a wonderful time on the southcoast. From a wonderful breakfast to great travel tips you guys have been awesome! Good luck with all your renovations! We will Definitely recommend this place! Take Care and stay cool.
-Karen & Cindy, British Columbia
Thank You!! Wonderful Vibes!!
-Matt, Georgia, USA
Jah Rastafari! Thank you for making us all feel welcome- Soon come back.
-Barbara & Thunder, Negril, Jamaica
Thank you, I love the place great hospitality. Back next year maybe with our kids.
-Pic & Guylaire, Quebec, Canada
Irie Vibes! A wonderful place.
-Sean, Iowa, USA
Yah, nice place! Got a friendly welcome, been treated more like friends than guests- well and when you hang out in the cove, just everything is allright! Good luck for the guesthouse and keep the spirit alive.
-Georg & Hans, Austria
3/2/05
The hot sun of Jamaica is truly reflected thru the warmth of the people.
-Garth, London, UK
Thank you for providing a chill place to stay in beautiful Treasure Beach.
-Christy, California, USA
At first, this place was to be a get away, it soon became an arrival. All those years I though I was being myself, I was only being myself when time permitted. Down here, people are true to the heart, mind and soul. To be yourself all the time is to be celebrated! Viking, Stephanie, the children and the extended family provide a rich experience to anyone who is truly ready to let go and be themselves. The surroundings provide a perfect backdrop for this metamorphosis to take place. My heart mind & soul are leaving with more than they came with. You don't have to find it- it will find you! Thank you.
-Art, Pennsylvania, USA
We just stay one night in your guesthouse. And we always remember this place! Thank you Stefanie, your family and your friends!
-Sasha and Heiko, Cologne, Bonn, Germany
We adore your family, friends and hospitality. This is an ideal place to chill and find comfort in Jamaica, and I'm sorry we couldn't stay longer. Respect. Bless.
-Samantha, Seattle, USA
Too short, people. One night was certainly not
enough, just a tease as we meet all the family members and see all the great
smiles. We'll be back for camping! An adventure to be sure.
Naomi 
will probably still be dancing around
naked. Love and Peace.
-Virginia, Boston, USA
Family is a safe, friendly warm place to be where it is good--Yours is a great family. Viking & Stephanie thank you for sharing your peace and love!
-Carol & Stephen, Kingston, Jamaica
Thank you Stephanie and Viking for making this such a pleasant place to be. You took great care of us! I'll certainly recommend your house to other travelers. It was great driving around and seeing the area, and talking with both of you (and fun to watch the girls playing in the garden). I wish you continued success and happiness here.
-Lee, Queens, New York
Stephanie and Viking, thanks very much for "saving" our visit to Treasure Beach. We really enjoyed the Calabash Festival and staying with your family. All the best in the future, especially to your great kids!
PS- Trosken cesting - diky, bylo to tu velmi prijemme.
and jettzt auf deutsch: Danke fur die gastfreundschaft, es was sehr schon hier.
-Sylva & Altons, Czech Republic and Germany
Thanks a lot for the most relaxing holiday. I felt right at home in your house. I don't think I would have loved Jamaica this much without having lived in a family that showed me what life on this beautiful island is all about.
Thanks for the great talks in the evenings and the warm atmosphere in this house.
I will miss all of you. Until next time.
-Gerrit, Germany
We did not know where we were coming to, but most certainly these eight days have been more than we could ever imagine. We are very glad we did not go to ****'s and ended up here. It was wonderful to spend time with Jamaicans and get to the Rasta vibes. The evenings at the verandah will be the most memorable moments from Jamaica, that can be said even before we move forward. The food was incredible, thank you all who cooked for us and kindly taught us how the favorite Jamaican plates are made. We will try to reproduce them when we are back home. Thank you for the music, we'll listen to it and remember you. Thank you for the interesting conversations. We were lucky to be here with your Belgian friends. Hope to see you around. The girls are so sweet! We will miss you all. We will be back soon! We wish you happiness, health and good spirit meanwhile. Yea man! It's Mikko writing...
I also like to say that I'm very glad we chose to come here! It's fantastic experience being a week in a Jamaican family. Sorry we missed you Stephanie, hope to meet you the next time we come here. Good luck wid di pikny dem! Greets to Damian!
-Mikko and Anna Rosa, Finland See their trip report and photos at the following link: Mikko and Anna Rosa's Trip Report from Viking's House
To Stephanie who I never met. Viking is like daddy to me, because one man asked if I was his daughter and I said "I'm not, but I love to be!"
To Baby, I wish all best for you!
To Naomi, you are the sweetest thing we know.
To ELeni, you are a little wonder.
To Anath, you are the big sister and have all that wisdom what big sister should have.
To the Viking, there must be a reason why we must came here. So now we are leaving, but because we hate farewells we wanna come back!-Pritta
..and Tate continues. I don't have enough words to thank you enough. When we come here I felt like home. The longer we stayed the more I felt like home and I still do. I'm really bad to say goodbyes...This is my goodbye for now but we will definately come back. I will miss ya all a lot...I'm about to cry and I have to fight not to.
But thanks Viking, children, brothers, relatives, all in the family, Shango, Damian and all the people I met here in "home" Treasure Beach. Likkle More!!!!! We will definatly back someday. Over and out for now. Tate "Domino Player"
-Pritta & Tate, Finland
Dear Mr.Viking & Stephanie,
It was very special to be here in Treasure Beach area with you, and to enjoy the warmth (&heat!) of Jamaica. Thank you for helping us learn about your country and life. The Almighty God bless you here and help you (especially your sweet little baby boy).
-Garold &Barb &Jason & Maria Toews- Alberta, Canada
Stephanie & Viking,
Thank you for the music, coming from your stereo, your conversation, the children, the countryside, the stars.
Thank you for sharing the beats of your life, the waves, the words, the sounds of the night.
We had a great time, wonderful food, beautiful rooms, fantastic family, wonderful people.
One Love, Kathy, John, Eva and Jori- East Lansing, Michigan
To all the Genus family "You're Large, Respect"
To Viking & Stephanie and kids "Great" Thank you for everything, the fun, the laughter, the Joy.
Love to all of you "I shall return"
Viking: "Oh what a joy to hear the utterance of Rasta"
Brett- Germany
Dear Anath,
I want to come back & play more violin & make beautiful moon music with you! You are a girl with a tremendous strength & magic & grace. Thanks for hanging out.
Eleni, with the dragon magic, thank you for bright light you carry fireworks with you, wherever you go! Blessings on your wild energy, the earth and the wind are your friends!
Yo Naomi! You got your body?
Yeah! So many Blessings to Stephanie & Viking, A beautiful & Radiant Golden Light surround & protect Gebre and you both.
In love and light,
Morrigan & Erika- Canada
Dear Viking and Stephanie,
this was as much as I hoped and better. I wish I could stay longer, one week is too short. There is great beauty here both in the people and the land. I have never felt so "at home" on the road before this last week. It feels good in my heart to know that this place is here and that I will return. Until next time, thank you so much and my love to everybody.
Love and Respect,
Jason- Massachusetts, USA
Thank you for everything! You really have a great place, very quiet, great for the child! But most of all the people in Treasure Beach are just the best!!! We will see you sure one day, cause for sure we will be back!!
Karolynn,Eric,Manu and Loick- Quebec, Canada
Dear Friends-
What a wonderful experience it has been to spend this 2 weeks with your family. As travellers, it is so special to be close with people who live here. Thank you for opening your home and your hearts to us, and sharing your humor, your food, your insights. It was a huge treat for our children to get to play so freely with your children (and all the neighboring ones, too). I think we all loved this brief moment of Jamaican life, and we hope someday to return. Until then, we wish all of you lots of love.
Respect
Nooni, Alicia, Elijah & Shiloh- Massachusettes, USA
Viking Stephanie Anath Eleni Naomi Gebre- A true family who live in harmony. Papa Yada Gay Marguerite- WITH and IN the family- the porch is full! No one could believe the peace unless you are priviledged to experience it. The moon- glowing- nuturing. The day warm and embracing- the family- life affirming. Your dear spirit changes all for the better. We came to relax- you gave us space and time. You and your wonderful children eliven us. All peace to you.
Gay and Marguerite- Kentucky, USA
Stephanie, Viking and Family,
Thank you for making my "quiet visit" a wonderful experience. Best wishes to you and yours.
Dianne- New Jersey, USA
Thank you all for the wonderful hospitality. We really enjoyed your home and your family and we look forward to meeting you again soon. Nuff respect to the Genus posse. Jah Bless
Chris, Jen and Diego- Canada
Sounds of the ocean. Fantastic food. Wonderful conversations. Cleansing salt in the air. Friendship. Respect. One Love. Tranquility. Calmness. Smiles. Forgiveness. Beauty. Rare Treasures. Mere words cannot express the thanks I feel to Stephanie, Viking and the family. I feel blessed to have shared your family, neighbors and community. Thank you for your time and invitation to your home. Peace to you.
Christine- Canada
To the family Genus- Much thanks for letting me share your world this past couple of weeks. I've had such a great time with you all. Never have I felt more welcome and comfortable amongst an entire community of strangers. Don't be surprised if the next yard in town is a foxden. (Well in my dreams anyways!)
Steph- you're an inspiration to any woman, Rock On!
Viking- Loved talking with you, thanks for sharing your wisdom.
Little ladies and gentleman- I had tons of fun playing with you- stay cool!
Much love to all the neighbors and family. Thanks for keeping my time well full of good grub. If you ever make it to Montreal or Toronto you've got a place to stay. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Kim Fox- Canada
I came here on a whim choosing Treasure Beach over Negril. Great decision! Meant to stay only 1 night extended it to 2 and wish I could stay another week or so. Great family. So generous and wlcoming. I love it here! The people and the area are very friendly, helpful, fun-loving and laid-back. Such a great vacation and I hope to be back soon!
Kasia- California USA
Nothing could have prepared us for how intimate our relationships with the Viking's House Family would be: This place is truly a special place with special people, a "treasure" on the South Coast of Jamaica. We will return when time allows. Until then, we wish the Genus' and all their family and friends the best of luck and lives full of blessings.
It was wonderful to share so many laughs, smiles and stories with the family and fellow travelers. I am sad to leave and eager to return. We will keep you in our hearts and think of you all often. Much Love & Respect.
Andy and Elizabeth- Wisconsin, USA
Thank you guys so much for all your beautiful hospitality and warm ways. We had an amazing stay and I can't say I'm ready to leave yet. Rock on like hell and best wishes to you and your family & friends & neighbors.
I came here frozen in a Boston Iceberg and slowly your lovely energy seeped into me & melted it all away. I loved basking in the serenity that is with us always but sometimes like the air we breathe, is too invisible to see...yet it is all we need
Shanti! and Namaste!
I can't thank you all enough for your warm welcome - this place feels like HOME! I'm leaving now- but I know this is not the last time I'll see this beautiful island. Much love to you all- Steph and Viking- you are both an inspiration to me- the wisdom is overwhelming, much respect
Anath- keep shining
Eleni-get better soon!
Naomi- you are the most adorable and charming creature on this Earth!
Gebre- a little man but a big boy!
One Love- Peace!
Much love to Shango!
Megan- California, USA
Sonia- NY, USA
Anna- Indiana, USA
Stephanie & Viking!
Thank you so much for hosting us and giving us so much generosity and hospitality- we had a truly wonderful time. The week flew by so quickly- the calming sound of the waves, of children laughing, and of warm Jamaican voices filling the air will sorely be missed. Thank you for the good food, advice, friendship and concern- I hope fate (or another opportunity to help out at Sandy Bank) brings us together again!
Much love and respect-
Jeamine Yoo- Virginia, USA
Viking & Stephanie,
Thank you so much for making us feel so welcome here at "Viking's House" and for giving us many special memories to take home with us. This has been the holiday of a lifetime for us and we hope to return next year. Great Bay is a beautiful place with beautiful scenery and beaches, we have felt so at home and have met many wonderful people here.
Viking and Steph, you are two very special people and your daughters, Anath, Eleni and Naomi and the little man Gebre are a credit to you both and an absolute joy for anyone to be around. We will miss you all very much.
Jim, Shango, Damian, Carlene, Doreen & family, Marlon & Striker, thanks for your friendship and hospitality. Once again, thanks for making our holiday to Treasure Beach a true "treasured memory".
Thank you all
Jah Guide and Bless
Love and Respect
Pete, Yvonee & Luke- Nottingham, England
Viking, Stephanie & children-
I miss everyone and all of the family already! You've made me feel more than just a welcome guest- more like family! Words can't express how I feel about all of you and this very special place, so I'll just leave it with thank you so much for everything and I love you all! Miss Naomi-big hugs & kisses to you until next time!
Vickie- Oregon, USA
Dear Viking and Stephanie,
We both have had a holiday to remember, this is for sure one amazing rasta family we won't forget. You have made us feel so welcome that we hope to return.
We wish you both and the family many blessing, Thank you for everything. Lots of Love.
Aimee and Neal, ENGLAND
Dear Viking and Stephanie,
Thanks for all your kindness and hospitality. Our vacation was a thousand times better than we anticipated. We hope to see you all again soon.
Love, Respect, Peace,
Philippa and Joe, CANADA
See pics and trip report on the website they made http://webhome.idirect.com/~pcarter/25th
To our new friends-
For the many new adventures- we thank you.
For the use of our companion-Rastacat- we thank you
For the loan of your children- we thank you.
For the lesson of humility- we thank you
We thank you for sharing your paradise
Maura and Marcy, Indiana USA - http://www.friendsofphoenix.com