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So sorry to hear what happened, but happy to hear how the locals and the police are responding. I too hope they find these idiots so you can put this incident behind you and enjoy the rest of your trip.
Like you, I'm now thinking of the need for a local phone and no more roadside pickups...
Goldilocks,
I think you are allowing your paranoia to get the best of you. The post you quote was made on Wednesday morning at 6:45am, making no mention of the time or day they were going to Time Square. In fact, it rather reads that they would be heading to Time Square that day - Wednesday not Thursday.
The vehicle in question comes from Lilliput - past the Rose Hall area in Montego Bay on your way to Falmouth and Duncan's Bay. That is a long way to travel even if the date and time were known since there are probably nearly 50 duty free jewelry stores between there and Time Square and many other possible chances for them.
Hussyband and his wife made it safely from Time Square and went to Chicken Lavish for lunch, which was not announced in advance at all. They passed up the first route taxi since it was full - had it not been full they would have taken it.
Only then did the Lilliput route taxi come up and offered a ride.
So, for the quote you mentioned to make any possible difference in this incident, the Lilliput taxi would have had to stake out Tensing Pen in Negril for two days without being noticed, and then somehow make the judgement that the people leaving Tensing Pen were indeed the ones heading to Time Square. They would have then followed them to Time Square, and wait for them to leave and follow them to Chicken Lavish.
They would have then had to wait for them to finish eating and hope that they would not get into the first route taxi. Only then would they have the opportunity to ask them for a ride.
Something tells me it was more a matter of being in wrong place at the wrong time as opposed to something caused by a vague trip report....
Hussyband,
Sorry for repeating some of what you already stated, I posted it before reading your comments...
Just sayin' sometimes some folks are a little free with their plans on the internet and intelligent criminal minds will take advantage of that and use their networks for evil doing. Thanks for diagnosing "my paranoia," LOL
At least you got in a good shot on these Jerkoffs....Can we please now stop acting like there is no crime in Negril.......Do NOT get into any cab with 2 people in it.....I also always have my wife in last and 1st out of the cab,just in case........
I agree that some folks are way too free with their information, especially on Facebook! But that is not the case here. In no way did Hussyband post anything more than an outline of what his next few days were about - it is rather insensitive to suggest otherwise after what they have been through.Quote:
Originally Posted by goldilocks
While I still think the best, safest advice is not to use the route taxis, your advice about not getting into a taxi with 2 people in it could be helpful should someone choose to use a route taxi. But I am not sure how letting your wife in last would make much of a difference with a knife pulled on her. Doors can be locked remotely so I dont really see a strong benefit there.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fred Stripe
And no one here or anywhere else I can think of has ever stated or acted like there is no crime in Negril. There is crime everywhere on the planet - no place is immune. As I mentioned, I was woken up to the news this morning. But there is no real point in allowing stories when they start "I just heard from my friend in Negril that his cousin told him that...." - anyone who knows the Negril Rumor Mill knows how fabricated most of those stories tend to be...
We live here and can find out the truth, if there is any, behind most of those stories in minutes. And unlike this case which was explained very accurately, in many cases the stories are half truths at best - which is not helpful to anyone.
I would like to personally thank Hussyband for relaying this difficult story and reminding us all to remain cautious...
I simply wondered if someone had read his report, not insensitively suggesting he did anything wrong. My heart goes out to them, and I think they are brave. If it happened to me, it probably would almost ruin my vacation because I would not enjoy a knife in my face and cannot afford to lose my little possessions so far from home. Plenty of crime has been initiated by information gleaned from social media. I posted in the interest of people being alert and aware, which is unfortunately becoming more of a requirement in this world.
Gee,Rob...How BOUT they take off in the cab with my Wife,as I am outside? Ever think of that? I mean the guy put the knife to the womans throat not the mans. Get it?????
As an optomist...at least you're in the best place in the world to destress from your horrible incident....wishing you all the best on the remainder of what I hope is a great trip!
Ive spent 1 year in Jamaica and 2 seperate six month trips backpacking through Mexico Guatemala and Honduras and was never robbed or threatened. BUT was swarmed and robbed in Charolette NC, and robbed a gun point in Chicago!
Hussyband, so sorry to hear of your robbery. Very sad that you had this happen. Glad you and Cindi were not injured. Hope this gets sorted quickly. Thanks for sharing your sorrows along with your joys on this trip. We all benifit from each other's experiences. Wish you hadn't of had that one.
Glad you are still intending a great vacation. Let the sea wash some of that angst off you, and know that we all care about your family in this trying event. Good vibes toward you and may the rest of your trip be solidly dull after all that.
Rob
Let me start off with thanks for everything you do and have done for all of us who visit Negril.
Your post and knowledge are valuable to us as well as your experiences and the experiences of everyone that post here on Negril.com. If it were not for you and this message board many people in Negril and many of us would be lost. I have learned so much here over the years.
What has Happened to Hussy and Cindi is terrible, In no way was it their fault. I am so glad they posted what happened and also happy that you have responded to the situation so well. This could have happened in any country at anytime to any one of us. It should be a reminder to all of us to be aware of our surroundings and pay attention.
Hopefully justice comes to these cowards.
We are headed to Negril a week from today and still plan on doing our thing and having a great vacation. I am sure we will still use the route taxi system as it is convent but this same thing could have happened in any taxi whether it was a route taxi or regular taxi.
Again Rob thanks for what you do,
Hussy and Cindi our hearts go out to you!! It is sad this happened yo you.
I look back on my trip to Negril, and the only time I felt the least bit unsafe, as a solo traveler, was
getting into route taxis.
I always thought "oh, its such a small town, what will happen ''. Especially during the day. Reading this made my stomach
hurt. This is such a wake up call, I have hired a driver on this thread for all my needs on my upcoming trip.
Hussyband, so sorry to see this happened to you and your wife. I hope together you can somehow enjoy the
rest of your trip.
Hussy & Cindi my thoughts, prayers, condolences and admiration go out to you both. As someone who has been held up three times (twice by gun and once by knife) I empathize with you. On my knifepoint robbery I too get my shots it, it was 4 17 to 21 yr olds that tried to attack me. Two had knives and I was in a suit but I had a 8 foot pole used to clean pools. I must have looked like an easy mark walking out of Sears with this pool cleaning pole! 3 were removed by ambulance and one ran away, (a side note, I studied martial arts and gave them an opportunity to leave), to this day I feel bad because one was seriously injured. I by no means am advocating violence, especially when a wife is in potential danger but I've learned if you have a shot you MUST defend yourself. Some of these thugs would just as soon kill you once they get the $, leave not witness mentality is the attitude of very dumb people who are desperate enough to pull crap like this.
I let it ruin my day, my week and a long time after, glad you are taking a positive approach to the rest of your vacation. This will not deter me from the beautiful people of Jamaica! Blessings and peace to you both
Hussyman & Cindy. I’m so sorry to read of your horrifying incident. I’m so glad to know neither of you were physically harmed. I hope your wife is holding up as well as you. Thank you for sharing. I have been there only it was in Montego Bay, I was traveling solo and the blood that was shed way my own. However, like you, I learned from it and refused to let it run me away from Jamaica. If it is any consolation, unlike the outcome of my incident, I feel confident that the Negril authorities will deliver justice to you and your wife.
so sorry to hear......glad you two are okay......jah bless
really glad that you smashed dat windshield.....
that is certainly a very rare occurrence on the West End.....
I can't remember the last time mi have heard sumthin like that happening in Negril.....
especially on da Cliffs......
glad you are able to move on from this......make for good story telling someday.....lol
Cool Runnings, Marko
Glad everyone is ok! Sounds like you are making the best of it, and not letting this get you down. At least I hope so, because I'm sure I'd still be freaking out. On the brightside, it will certainly make a memorable trip!
So sorry to hear about your event. Hopefully the bad minds will meet justice and she will not treat them nicely :-) Looking forward to more of your trip report!
Sending you good thoughts and glad to hear that you are both alright. I suspect that these cowards will be caught - in large part thanks you leaving your mark!
I walk with one of those fat spiral walking sticks they make on the beach.....
Oh, my! I'm so sorry for this to have happened to you both! I hope you both are OK mentally after such a horrible thing to have happen to you. Positive light and love to you, bless!
Please come back on the board and let us know you are doing OK. We are all family and are concerned for you both.
Hussyband, I am so sorry to hear about you and your wife's ordeal, how scary. Thank you so much for making us all aware of it. We will definitely keep this in mind when getting a cab on our next trip to Negril. Hopefully you telling of your experience will save someone else from having this happen to them. Hope you and your wife are able to enjoy the rest of your vacation.
One thing to remember is that some red plates like Linston have a route but also do charters.
As long as you know if the red plate is a sponsor here you can trust them.......
Especially Linston 376-3652 or www.redplate-negril.com
Fri/sat have been entirely up eventful. Days full of swimming in the cove, relaxing in one of the hammock huts, and hanging with the dogs here at the resort. They seem to have adopted us, and are even sleeping on our patio at night.
Had a fantastic dinner at Ivan's last night, and have been watching the wedding preparations for a party here at our resort today... Been kind of like watching models at a fashion show!
Tomorrow is our last full day at tensing, then it's off to the all inclusive madness of couples for a week.
We went in to town today, and deliberately repurchased every item the thieves got from us from our first trip (souvenirs, the rest will be bought back home). It is hot, hot, hot today!
I love those Ridgebacks at TP…..is Sugar still there? First met her in January 2007 when she was just a pup….I hung out with her the whole week!Attachment 31549Attachment 31550Attachment 31551
Hussyband - Uneventful is good :) Good on you for repurchasing your stolen souvenirs!
loritilson - love the pictures, esp the one with the hat!
Hussyband - I felt a bit broken when I read what happened. Given what I knew 3 days ago, it could have just as easily been us. It is a lot easier to share the good stuff, tougher to put words to the bad. I feel I have learned so much in the last 2 days because you made that choice. Thank you.
I felt relief to read your post today. I'm glad you've gotten back into the swing. If you meet anyone at CN that you figure doesn't deserve to ever find out about the true magic of Negril, feel free to terrorize them with the tale ;)
All the ridge backs are still here, and have literally been living in our cottage this week. I woke up this morning, the oldest wanted in the bedroom, sugar was asleep in the hall, and beezy was crashed put on the couch in the dining area. There was a. Wedding here yesterday, some guests were afraid of the dogs, so the staff locked them up. Sugar made such a pitiful face when they came to get her. Think tensing must have escaped to come back, as he is collarless this morning I noticed.
We did pushcart last night for dinner, used a JTB bus to take us there. I really enjoyed pushcart, seemed to be more of a Jamaican menu than a lot of places. Got to try roast plantain for the first time. Have had many fried plantains, roast wasa. New experience.
Last full day at tensing today, then off to couples tomorrow afternoon.
So happy to see you posting again. Now for the beach! Will you do some walking and visiting along the beach? Eat some food? Stop for some refreshments?
Hussyband I am so sorry for what happened to you and your wife, God bless both of you.
I have enjoyed your posts very much and I truly believe many have learned from this thread.
Most importantly I just wanted to say how much I admire your attitude in dealing with this ordeal. Not only do you refuse to let punks dictate how you spend the rest of your stay and your outlook but to even back track your steps and go and repurchase what was taken is an incredible testament to your spirit.
And to top it off you are still posting a trip report for others to enjoy !!!!!!! Wow............ simply amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can only hope I am lucky enough one day to meet you on the beach. I hope you and your wife have the best of times the rest of your stay.
Jamb
Glad to learn that you are not going to let it ruin your vacation. I am so happy that neither you nor your wife were injured. Thanks for the report so that others can learn from your experience.
Hussyband, go to Hi-Lo and buy a bag of Animal Crackers. They are in the cookie (biscuit) section and J.B. (my mongrel dog) loves them. The Hi-Lo folks probably think I buy them for myself. Actually, the Pecan Sandies are for me! --Fadder Jim
Well, we made it through travel day without an incident. That ride from Tensing to Couples is a slight but less hard on the body than a whole day of flying :)
We had a fantastic time at Tensing Pen. The hotel literally feels like home for you after being there a few times, and the fact that the resort dogs really never left our side wasa huge bonus. We have booked foe next year, and will be spending Thanksgiving on the rock.
Saturday, we made it out to Push Cart. I had something that inexplicably I'd never gotten on the island before. Roast plantain. I'd had the fried version many times, never a roast one. Their jerk pork was good, but does not hold a candle to what I had from Red Dragon.
Again, I will mention Ahhbees. His burgers are insane. I am not sure what he is putting in them, but I rarely eat a burger back home, yet I wanted those every day.
We are at Couples now. It's a beautiful place, the grounds are immaculate, but it feels incredibly impersonal after the week we just experienced at Tensing Pen. Did the repeat guest dinner last night, sat at a table for 11. Four of the wives were named Cindi, so the husbands all decided our names were Cindi as well.
Big beach day ahead of me. The four hours we sat there yesterday were like a non stop show after the secluded feel of Tensing. I may not even need a book this week, the people watching is so much fun. Like every place we travel though, my general need to get up between 4-5 am lets me see the resort in absolute peace... Everything looks so quiet for just those few hours as the sun starts to lighten the sky.
Very well said, I couldn't agree moreQuote:
Originally Posted by Jambarney
I LOVE people watching on the beach. Makes it hard to read a book. And an early morning start is so sweet on the beach. Peaceful and sereneQuote:
Originally Posted by Hussyband
You hit the nail on the head with the transition from Tensing to Couples (impersonal). We stayed 2 nights at Catcha last month and then moved to CSA. Even though CSA was great, for the first day or so I really missed Catcha and wanted to go back even though I was at this gorgeous beach resort.
Thank you for your report it really is an eye opener! And Sorry to hear about the incident and happy to hear you and your wife didn't let it ruin your vacation...
Blessings to you both
We had our first full day at Couples yesterday, and it was not the same as the feeling you get from the West End resorts. I love couples, don't get me wrong, but it is not the same thing as what we had seen in years gone by. My wife mentioned that although this used to be our favorite place on earth, our experiences at a non-ai have probably spoiled us. For my part, the red flag service on the beach for a drink, and the ability to just get up and leave after dinner are real treats -- But the drinks and food do not make a whole vacation.
We took the group walk over to the Rutland point craft market yesterday. We have been travelling to Couples since 1999, and there is a family we have come to know well. It was interesting that one of the girls originally latched onto Cindi in about 30 seconds as "Valentines Day Girl" (we always used to travel here in February, was a fun V-Day treat). We have seen this girl grow from a pre-teen who we slipped a little extra $$ to because she was going to her first dance one year; and then into a mom herself. Last time we were here in 2010, she had one baby, baby, now she has three, and is running her little shops the best way she can. Mom and grandmother are also all at it after all these years.
A stroll down to the "Office of Nature" was also interesting. Again, back to the first time I went there, that name was just starting to catch on. They have a full blown bar there now, and most of the same guys are still grilling the lobsters they take fresh from the cages set up at waters edge.
This trip, I noticed the whole bay is developed now. There is really no room, other than the small space left where the office of nature and their craft stall counterparts remain. It seems like the parish of Hanover is all larger resorts, and less on the way of the more personalized hotels/resorts you find in Westmoreland Parish. The change feels visible almost immediately upon crossing from one side to the other.
But back to people watching. Couples has Riu on one side, and Grand Lido on the other. The whole bay is walkable, and we have covered a good amount of it the last couple days, might see more today. A beach walk is extremely relaxing at the cooler part of the morning. The stroll is literally like a united nations walk. Yesterday, I recognized people speaking spanish, italian, german, french and the ubiquitous patois. Walking towards Lido is an interesting sight. The nudie beach is on that side of the resort. One gentleman, who I had seen in the resort at the managers reception on Monday night could pass for Santa, but had decided to braid AND bead his hair and somewhat prodigious beard. Seeing him Butt Naked walking towards me as I headed to walk the Lido beach has most certainly placed a new image of Christmas in my head for the upcoming holidays.
This will be our last Couples trip for at least the foreseeable future. While enjoyable, I just cannot get the feeling I would be much happier at Tensing Pen with it's more intimate location and personalized service. I think the grounds here beat just about anything I have ever seen on the island (think a well manicured Jurassic Park setting... the flora is simply that big), and the beach is just stunning... The cliffs however have entered our souls, and are not to be denied.