To Fly

Statue of Sir Noel Coward

How is everyone? Hope your weekend was great. Did you do anything special? I did, and it was definately an essential experience. Posted pics so you can enjoy too ;). Most of my experiences I have not captured - as most moments are best enjoyed, treasured and then etched in the memory. One of the places mapped out to visit was St. Mary. The whole idea was to go to James Bond Beach to swim and frolice with but decided to surprise to detour, and boy was I happy I did! 

The drive up, was on a rugged unimproved road to the most beautiful place I have ever seen! FIREFLY. Having been a long fan of the English playwright and celebrated man of letters, Sir Noel Coward and am also a fan of  Ian Flemming (James Bond), at last I was finally in the creative place of one of them! Firefly is where the most talented playwright, songwriter and accomplished actor penned most of his remarkable works.

Originally named "Lookout",  he paid homage to the luminous lightning bugs or "peeniewallies", (as we Jamaicans call them) by renaming the place Firefly. Perched high atop a hill, midway between Oracabessa and Port Maria, this historic house/museum is set on Eden-like grounds and was his retreat and sanctuary, from the constant social whirlwind and the hurly-burly world of the theater. Coward also hosted famous friends and admirers, as the place became a retreat for them during winter.

Upon entering the house I was surprised how simple it was, considering that he often entertained royalty and famous people. Although completed with an outdoor swimming pool (now covered), a small simple white stucco house is not what you might picture as the home of a world famous playwright. Pictures were taken with my iPhone 4s (which I'm so impressed with), so forgive me, as I have no images of the inner part of the house as my battery died and the husband's own barely had any charge too. But check out this youtube video I found and also this one featured on fire-fly.com. We were shown a biographical video of his life and achievements, saw a photographic exhibit of his many celebrated guests, and displays of Sir Noel's paintings and belongings.

With expansive lawns and a panoramic view of the Caribbean sea, one can imagine how at peace he must have been especially when it was time to write. A peace that was indeed valuable. Here Sir Noel is buried on the exact spot where he enjoyed his nightly cocktails.

 Check out the rest of my pics:

Entrance To Firefly

The Stage where dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth were entertained

Cottage apart from the main house

Outdoor Bar

 

 

Excuse me, how beautiful is this place?

Next Stop Golden Eye....I Hope :)

NB: Given to the people of Jamaica by his friend Graham Payn, it is administered on behalf of the Jamaican National Heritage Trust by Island Outpost. 

Also:

 A FEW INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT NOEL COWARD
 - In 1965 he was one of the first men to undergo plastic surgery.
 - He turned down the following roles (all of which brought great acclaim to the actors who played them): Professor Higgins in "My Fair Lady" (which went to Rex Harrison), the King in "The King and I" (which went to Yul Brynner), Colonel Nicholson in "The Bridge on the River Kwai" (which went to Alec Guiness) and Harry Lime in "The Third Man" (which went to Orson Welles).

Have a Happy Monday!

xxo

G