First week in December visit...more beach "vendors"?
It is probably my imagination, but it seemed to me there were a greater number of beach "vendors" walking up and down the beach this year. Inquiring with other tourists who always visit at this time, some said "yes", some said "no". One guy's analysis was that it was a "labor overflow" from the closing down of the jet ski operations. I guess this is plausible.
While the usual vendors could be seen (Patties, cook lobster, cigareeeeet, fruit juice etc.), I saw a lot of guys with really nothing to sell (My guess is they had contraband on their person).
Your thoughts?
Re: First week in December visit...more beach "vendors"?
I saw this guy for the first time...good steel drum.
Walked up and asked him what key he was playing in...no hesitation.. F mon!
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Re: First week in December visit...more beach "vendors"?
Yes. I agree. It's unfortunate, but some are really desperate! And I need to be "smarter". we just got in. second day, good thing my wife got in between us, or there would have been a scuffle. I'm an easy going guy, but the disrespect shown towards us, was WAY too much. Man, I was mad! I DID NOT let it ruin the rest of our stay in paradise! It was a great trip, and as usual the NTH was great. I've got more threads coming. stay tuned mon' one love RnR Farmer + wife {thanks honey}
Re: First week in December visit...more beach "vendors"?
Glad I'm not alone. Found some really obnoxious locals working the beach last week. They had the usual Rasta bracelet foe sale and replied nastily when a "no thanks" was given. I stopped walking below Tonys toward town as the hassle wasn't worth it. Had one crackhead dragging his kid behind him begging for food. As my local friend said, that kid would not see a penny of any money. But the good still outweighs the bad. And hope that the busy season is good for the real vendors!
Re: First week in December visit...more beach "vendors"?
The bracelet thing is back to make up for no details and they are relentless
Re: First week in December visit...more beach "vendors"?
Just wondering if anyone has a link to buy the bracelet online? I saved mine and wear it each trip which saves me the hassle usually when I have someone trying to sell one to me. I will be traveling with some newbies this year. I figure if we can buy them online before we go may repel some unwanted attention.
Re: First week in December visit...more beach "vendors"?
You mean you don't want the newbies to get a FREE bracelet!
Re: First week in December visit...more beach "vendors"?
Haha yeah exactly. I would gladly pay more for it online to spare the newbies the REAL cost of the FREE bracelet...LOL!
Re: First week in December visit...more beach "vendors"?
Are the Red Stripes doing anything to crack down on the obvious interlopers? I know there was a lot of hub bub recently about the crackdown on what most of us would consider as "normal" vending. But the opportunists who ply the edges and harass people shouldn't be tolerated...
Re: First week in December visit...more beach "vendors"?
The "bracelet" scam is not something new or even limited to Negril - this is from the "Beware: 7 Scams Every Traveler Needs to Know About" article on Yahoo.com.
Where: Paris and Rome
Scam: As you’re walking near the famous Sacre Coeur or Spanish Steps, a charismatic man strolls up to you and starts a conversation. Before you know it, he’s tying a bracelet around your wrist or finger and double-knotting it better than a Boy Scout. Then he demands payment. Of course, you can say no. But if you do, he’ll scream that you are stealing his bracelet and embarrass you in public. Most tourists give in to the pressure and pay just to prevent a scene.
https://www.yahoo.com/travel/beware-...188966502.html
Re: First week in December visit...more beach "vendors"?
Was only comparing Negril to itself. I think Negril is tame compared to the street gangs of most European cities, where no one works alone. As the commotion grows the accomplices work the pockets of the distracted tourists and even slash backpacks. I guess I can put up with some pushy "vendors"
Re: First week in December visit...more beach "vendors"?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
justchuck
You mean you don't want the newbies to get a FREE bracelet!
I like that!
Re: First week in December visit...more beach "vendors"?
fyi - those bracelets are at the chinaman's store at times square for .99!!
i always bring a bunch to give away.
they are always a hit!!
Re: First week in December visit...more beach "vendors"?
One positive thing about the "vendors" is that they provide a pretty reliable weather report. If you see rain clouds, and you think they are coming your way, if the "vendors" have cleared the beach, its time to pack up and head to the bar! :p
Re: First week in December visit...more beach "vendors"?
my wife Lisa tells me she pays 100 ja each and no more, soon come
Re: First week in December visit...more beach "vendors"?
The wife and I had a great walk on the beach yesterday. Started at Point Village and ended at Kenny's Chinese Restaurant (close to Travelers) with several stops along the way. I had read this post before starting the walk and was prepared for the worst. Believe it our not we were not asked to buy anything or hassled in anyway for the entire section of the beach from the Point to Sun Beach. The wife had a great massage at Boardwalk village and we stopped for patties for lunch at Auntie's Cheap Thrill corner along the way (great patties). I was pleasantly surprised that the guy with the kid who had hassled us last year in the wooded section by the road didn't make an appearance.
We used to stay at Firefly and the locals at Sun Beach (next door to Firefly) were disappointed that I didn't want to buy any of their goods like in times past, but it was all handled with a sense of humor and no harsh words were ever exchanged.
After rehydrating ourselves with ice cold Red Stripes we walked to Tony's hut for sundown and more hydration. I was probably asked to buy the usual stuff about three times. The worse it got was that I had to say "no thanks I am all set" a couple of times to get some of them to realize that I was truly not interested.
After Tony's hut we walked to Keney's Chinese place to pickup takeout food for Dinner ( it was delicious) and called our driver for pickup. Again had to say " Thanks, I am all set a couple of times" along the way.
Based on yesterday's walk I do not think things are much different from any of our other visits and am looking forward to many more walks this reach.
YaMon,
TedP