I had been a bit of a "stalker" on the board for some time. I finally started jumping in with comments over the past few months. I was able to make the Luciano event at Seastar on April 21. It was so nice to ride in with a group - much of my activities are on a much smaller scale. It was funny how I could pick out some folks immediately - not so much by pictures but descriptive items I remembered from their posts. Rasta Stan - he was an easy pick. The minute I saw that hat, I knew who it was. Kudos to the "shadow" photographer - it was a great shot. (i know you told me your name, 3 times even, forgive me for being on overload... brain drained post trip)
There were so many folks on the bus, I could not get all the names & faces straight but everyone was delightful. I enjoyed the lively banter. Funny stuff. Then as a group got on, I heard a comment about having to match the outfits...Matching? That must be Patty Sather! and it was. My gentleman friend was sitting there trying to follow all the nonsense going back and forth. Just as we have can have trouble following the patois when it is flowing, our North American English is just as confusing to someone who is not accustomed to it. I was glad for the chance for him to see what I go through when the patois gets really thick. But he enjoyed the friendly atmosphere. It was a good experience for us both.
It was a real pleasure to meet some of you in person. We met up with some friends who had arrived at Seastar ahead of us, so there was a reserved table waiting. The show was FANTASTIC!!!! Rasta Stan made a real classy move when he grabbed the tip bucket to "drum up" some support for the band. HEAR HEAR! Folks need to remember that in this type of industry, TIPS play a very important part of people's income. I was really glad to see that happen. Sometimes people forget or just don't think to do it. Alton is not attached to the tourist industry in any way and never had exposure to any of this before. I explained to him that even though we paid for dinner and the show, it is customary to tip the bartenders, band, etc. And how even though Seastar arranged for complimentary transportation, I felt it appropriate show a little appreciation to the driver. Not having been around that before, it was a foreign concept for him. Life in the countryside, in the little villages and in the bush, is much different than this. People may share, but the concept of gifting (tips) for service or performance as being socially appropriate (or even expected) is not something he has encountered much. I had worked as a cab driver for years and had very short stints as waitress & barmaid, so that gives me a certain perspective.
During the evening I met a few more people I had conversed with here in the forum. Lisa - it was so nice to meet you. You and Rob do a great job promoting these events and making for a fun way for folks from all over to be connected. Sweetie Pie, Gurigay, and others - I had hoped to meet up and spend more time getting to know some of you at Brasi's Belly Flop Contest but fate intervened and there was something that needed attending to. That's just part of my semi-schizophrenic Jamaican experience, tourist - friend - task manager. It's definitely another story on it's own. But for now let me just say how sorry I am that I did not get to come back for the Flop and get to interact some more - I will definitely be back again and hope to meet some of you then. Thank you to everyone who was so welcoming and helped make for a fun evening. Thank you Rob, Lisa and all the boardies who make Negril.com what it is.
