Any last words of wisdom for a nervous newbie?

Flying out on Thursday. :D I don't know why I'm nervous lol! Here are our plans/carefully noted tips I've learned from lurking over the last few months...

Don't take route taxis & only red plates
Be careful walking the West End
Don't walk alone at night or if we do take a flashlight and don't be drunk (so looks like taxis for us)
Be careful with the special cakes
Have a burger at Ahh Bees
Breakfast at Just Natural and/or Out of Town Pastry
Fried Chicken at Chicken Lavish
Jerk Pork at Red Dragon
Go to Ricks just this one time just to say we did (we'll see about that...)
Keep small bills for tipping
Be patient
Careful of Overproof
Booked the One Love crawl for Friday - remember to tip Lenbert (how much?)
Contemplating Pelican Bar...bringing water shoes if we go
Sunscreen & bug spray
Don't tell anyone we are Negril 1st timers (why?)
Don't let the guy put a bracelet on your wrist (whats up with that? I don't get it)
Can I put a towel over that window in the Sagi outdoor shower at Catcha (unless I want to give the patrons @ Rick's a little show)?

What did I leave out? (...biting nails...)

Just go and have a blast on the island,you will fall in love with the island!!-hit up some webcasts!-3 dives on Tuesdays-just go and enjoy!-sleepless nites ahead;)

Sounds to me like you have it covered - you'll need small bills in general, not just for tipping. "I have no change" is a familiar line in Jamaica :)

Most people tip Lenbert $10 pp, I've tipped him more when it's been a small group.

Don't tell them your first timers because some of the higglers won't leave you alone, if they think you know the ropes, you'll have less issues

Most of all - relax and enjoy - if you were lucky enough to get Sagi at Catcha you're off to a good start!

Hi Kitchen, I love the comment about Sagi, don't remember a way to cover the window, it mainly looks out to sea, not really facing Rick's. My wife was nervous as well, BUT once she got it there, listening to the ocean hitting the cliffs, looking out at the horizon and felt the beautiful sunset falling upon her body she could care less. As a matter of fact a party boat went by (about a few hundred yards away) and they blew an air horn, she started to laugh and just wave at them, they loved it and about 30-40 people aboard wave back. You will love it, one major thing you forgot... RELAXMON !

Don't worry about the guys putting bracelets on you...Sometimes you get great conversation and is worth the 150J. Eat on the beach! We had one day of strictly beach/street food..mmm..smile...it really gives and gets great vibes..DANCE!

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Originally Posted by KitchenBeeotch

What did I leave out? (...biting nails...)

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Have fun, and enjoy your trip ! :cool:

Don't worry if you don't hit all the places on your list, just a reason to go back. We've been to Negril 6 times and there's still so many places that I want to hang out or eat at.

Enjoy Catcha Falling Star and Ivan's, they are the best.

Some things I bring that don't take a lot of space but valuable to have on your travels (just some ideas as you near wheels up) . Yes I am very much a den mother but like to know you cubs are prepared out there :rolleyes:

PLENTY of Small bills. Two dollar bills play well and make good conversation pieces and spend for recipients.
Collapsible cooler VERY handy
Bottle opener
Bubba or other travel mugs
Can coozies
Articles from home to leave your mark at favorite bars that welcome that ( lic plates, team flags stickers pennants or hats)
Small pad of paper to write down thoughts and contact info of new friends
Backpack for day trips
Bank bag for cash ,passports, valuables , etc to put in your safe
Lanyard if you have one for room key
Lip balm..
Pens for plane to fill out customs and immigration docs
Ziplock Baggies
A couple of trash bags ( again for impromptu day trip clean up)
Dryer sheets to keep your clothes fresh...


Hope some of these help. Have a blast!!

den mother...lol @ kid rick....

I go to ricks for about 20-30 minutes each trip to people watch...i usually dont jump from there but like to watch all the folks...it IS one of the best bars in the world, why wouldn't you?

agree if they think you are new, they think you need everything...when i 1st get there, i tell them that i have been there for a week, just on the cliffs or the other end of the island...Along those same lines, never tell anyone where u are staying , when u are leaving, or that u will buy something tomorrow, because they will remember u tomorrow and expect it....

if it goes on yoiur wrist, u pretty much have just purchased it...and prob higher than u want to spend...

always settle on a price beofre u use the service, regardless of what the service is.....

sand gravity will take over and ruin most of your plans....

bug spray.....any over the counter meds, bandaids, ointments, sample size

webcasts are great way to meet like minded people...

If you are staying at Catcha, it will be hard to go anywhere else. That place is heavenly.

staying in Sagi --- all you'll do - is wake up and go - hmmm- hmmm-hmmm :-)

Good list except for one small mistake: No need to be careful about the overproof. With the right mixer, it goes down like water and feels GOOD.

Snorkel at Xtabi
Go To Whoopies for the view and hammocks.
Take a bell to put on the inside of your door at night, if worried about security.
Go see the drummers at Seastar on Sat. night and, buffet if you like.
Get off the resort to really meet the people.
It is up to you to do as much or as little as YOU enjoy on your vacation. I must see and do everything! I guess that is why I have been back 15 times? lol
Eat a Niah's patty on the beach, go for drink specials at White Sands, eat fish & chips at Alfreds, Eggs Benedick at Pee Wee's, Pizza at the German Bar, Fried chicken at Chicken Lavish.....
Go into the little grocery stores, see how things are sold in single servings.
Watch a sunset from Blue Cave Castle.
Bring small gifts for everyone.....candy, nail polish, small flashlights, hats, etc.
Parasail, go to half moon bay for an afternoon, walk to Redground for the adventure of going through the little community. We walk everywhere and have never had problems....
Relax, slow down and breath in the life the island offers. The people are beautiful and the scenery is wonderful....enjoy!
Once you go, you'll know.

Don't eat "the cake" and the guys who put the bracelets on you Are aggressive then they act like you bought it.So,just let it fall on the sand and walk away.

Ivans bar at Catcha may be the Best bar you will ever see. Be carefull swimming there,lots of urchins in the sea wall.

Wave naked from your room to the boats passing by as they ask themselves "gee,that looks like a cool place,whats the name?"

Buy a 50 pack of singles. This is important. Always use large bills when you can and keep the small ones. Street vendors and route taxis never have change. Never tell ANYONE where you are staying or for how long. Never take your eye off your drink. Never leave money out while you are drinking. Bad habit for me. Buy a beer with a large bill and leave it next to my bottle. Common sense and smart tourist goes a long way...

Go to several webcasts to meet boardies - see schedule at WWW.RealNegril.com
Seastar Inn Saturday night Party - call for a free taxi.
Remember they drive on the other side of the road in Jamaica, look both ways twice before crossing.
Be careful walking the West End
Don't walk alone at night or if we do take a flashlight and don't be drunk (so looks like taxis for us)
Be careful with the special cakes
Have a burger at Ahh Bees
Breakfast at Just Natural and/or Out of Town Pastry
Fried Chicken at Chicken Lavish - Doc has some great fried chicken
Jerk Pork at Red Dragon - Ragga Bones serves very cold beer and very spicy pork, watch out for the scotch bonnet peppers
Go to Ricks just this one time just to say we did (we'll see about that...) - one beer only!
Keep small bills for tipping
Be patient
Careful of Overproof - Definitely can lead to major hangover problems!
Booked the One Love crawl for Friday - remember to tip Lenbert (how much?)
Contemplating Pelican Bar...bringing water shoes if we go
Sunscreen & bug spray
Don't tell anyone we are Negril 1st timers (why?) They will target you less if they think you know the score.
Don't let the guy put a bracelet on your wrist (whats up with that? I don't get it). Once it's on, it will cost you $$. They offer it as a gift, but expect a $$ Gift in return.
Can I put a towel over that window in the Sagi outdoor shower at Catcha (unless I want to give the patrons @ Rick's a little show)?

Enjoy,

VVHT

Been said many times: Take half of the clothes you planned and TWICE the money.

Kitchen 'lady' - lots of advice given here and I say this to my friends who are newbies ... be as smart and aware as you would in any unknown city you visit, use the manners you would use if your grandma was watching, and above all - relax and open yourself up to new experiences including conversations with the local shop owners and vendors.

I had the curried conch at Chicken Lavish. I thought it was really good! Boat bar on Friday afternoons for the band and party. Archway Pizza is a good place to eat also. Like luvmylabs mentioned, there are so many places to see and things to do. Just another reason for another trip sometime. Already booked for December. Have a great time! Respect. One Love. Oh, and hang out at Sunbeach bar and Sunnyside Bar with Robert & Maureen.

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Originally Posted by Thatswhatshesaid

Been said many times: Take half of the clothes you planned and TWICE the money.

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Boy is that ever sound advice! 70% of my time is in a swim suit and t shirt... That attire seems to make me thirsty. Most of my clothes come back clean. If you could bring plenty of bug spray and lotion on the plane I would really love to attempt just a carry on on of these times.

I have a Fever,,,and the only cure is More Negril!!!! Then Cowbell....

Preach it Bruce Dickenson!

Words of wisdom??? Don't invest All your money in Pork Bellies,,diversify.

LOL Fred! Thank you everyone for your Words of Wisdom! I have copied & pasted all of your answers for my husband to have some reading material on the way. Side note...is there Karaoke anywhere? He lost a bet & I'm making him sing Hold on Loosely in his Elmer Fudd voice. (Howd on wooswy but don't wet go. If you kwing too tightwy youw gonna woose contwow...) He does it to perfection...it's his hidden talent. ( :

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Originally Posted by Fred Stripe

Words of wisdom??? Don't invest All your money in Pork Bellies,,diversify.

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My husband has already invested all of our money in Beer Belly...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KitchenBeeotch

Flying out on Thursday. :D I don't know why I'm nervous lol! Here are our plans/carefully noted tips I've learned from lurking over the last few months...

Don't take route taxis & only red plates
Be careful walking the West End
Don't walk alone at night or if we do take a flashlight and don't be drunk (so looks like taxis for us)
Be careful with the special cakes
Have a burger at Ahh Bees
Breakfast at Just Natural and/or Out of Town Pastry
Fried Chicken at Chicken Lavish
Jerk Pork at Red Dragon
Go to Ricks just this one time just to say we did (we'll see about that...)
Keep small bills for tipping
Be patient
Careful of Overproof
Booked the One Love crawl for Friday - remember to tip Lenbert (how much?)
Contemplating Pelican Bar...bringing water shoes if we go
Sunscreen & bug spray
Don't tell anyone we are Negril 1st timers (why?)
Don't let the guy put a bracelet on your wrist (whats up with that? I don't get it)
Can I put a towel over that window in the Sagi outdoor shower at Catcha (unless I want to give the patrons @ Rick's a little show)?

What did I leave out? (...biting nails...)

---

Come visit us at St. Anthony's Kitchen :)

Elmer Fudd,,,Great actor.

Travellers Beach Resort has karaoke. You can call them at 957-3039 to find out what nights. Have FUN :cool:

Just have big fun and relax

Yoo baby needs thumwone ta bewieve in
An a hoe wot of thpace to bweade in

Don't wet her swip away
Thentimental foowl
Don't wet your hart get in de way
weah, weah, weah way yaa

Monday night karaoke at Seastar! It's a lot of fun, plus it's hosted by Sasanya. $2 rum punches {watch out} and $2 wings, plus, they'll pick you up too. Tell Junior Hi from Farmer!

If your experience in Negril is like most of us on this board, you won't be a newbie for long. Negril is all what you make it, so relax and go with the flow.