i'd love to read about your experiences with vendors- funny- scarry- happy and sad
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i'd love to read about your experiences with vendors- funny- scarry- happy and sad
Near Sunbeach, a Rasta offered to make me a personalized bracelet. He was really a quiet guy, a little guy, with a weak sales pitch but I had him make me a couple of bracelets for people back home while I bought us a couple of beers. We ended up talking for an hour, mostly about the country and how he lived in the hills with land and chickens. I told him how cool I thought it must be, to wake up to fresh eggs and fresh veg. The next day I was told that he was looking for me. When we met up he pulled some rags from his bag and presented me proudly with 2 fresh Duck eggs and some Ackee. He also showed me how to prepare the Ackee. I tried to give him some money but he refused it. I didn't push it. The eggs were fantastic. Now one of my favorite moments is when we meet up and share some time over a couple of beers. Most of the other vendors usually bring out a chuckle in me.
My favorite happened last Oct when we were just in for a one day cruise docking. After hitting the usual Negril stops, we went to the little shopping center attached to the Hi Lo for some shopping. I avoided all the souviner shops with non JA proprietress, I want my money to stay in Jamican hands when all possible. I found a shop with a sweet lady, it had been raining all day and she was pushing me hard. I finally told her no worries, I was there to spend and got down to haggling. I ended up spending around 100 American and she was in tears with happiness and started throwing in bracelets for the kids and a lighter. I promised to look her up next time and I will this July.
Worst was my husband and mine first trip. Not Togo into to much detail, we were on the beach and an older guy asked if we needed any...uh...consumables which we were low on so I said yes. He walks me to the side of the stand and pulls the product out oh his shorts! Ew. Was to stunned to refuse and the crotch smoke ended up being wose than ditch smoke.
Crotch smoke....LMFAO!!!!
Ok we called it Crotch Weed and it was bad. I wasn't aware bad smoke even existed in JA!
Ditto on Kevin in PA! Crotch smoke. I can't think of a thing to beat that story. And the Oscar goes to .....
That's freakin' hilarious!
A few years backi met a gentleman who was missing a leg. We sat down at a picnic table for a chat. He pulled out a necklace with a small harmonica attached. I bought it from him and he said, "As long as you wear that necklace, you will never be without music." Probably not too interesting, but I thought it was kind of a profound statement.
Not wishing to spoil the man's business.
BUT
At a lovely beach ( not Negril) A young man was attracting tourists to visit at the Bob Marley Tree. This tree happened to be the only shade on a long beach close to several A.I. hotels. He had all his wares set up . Mostly CDs , beaded rasta chains and of course his main product He was telling how his Father Bob Marley used to sit under this very tree for inspiration and would have written many of his greatest songs there.
After some banter I asked him how old he was. He claimed to be 26 and I am sure he was exagerating. ( R.I.P Brother Bob, May 11 1981) I had such a laugh with him and his bredrin that when I visited the beach I would hang out at the Bob Marley tree to listen to the stories he would tell prospective customers. I also purchase some nice souvenirs from them
Lol
it was not my intention when i posted this but it really got me thinking about all the trips i've been on-
one time in romano DR, where you are hasseled all day by vendors, i noticed a very old lady i mean she must have been 90- she was walking around with and i'm not kidding at leaset 150 sun dresses, every morning she would pass and look at us but never approached to sell anything-
she just smiled as she passed-
on my last morning i approached her and gave her an american 50- i didnt want anything but out of the same respect for her she showed for us i had to do it.
she was beside her self- i got a picture and a kiss on the cheek
It takes a bit of getting used to but eventually you learn that sometimes its OK to say no. About six years ago on one of our first trips to Jamaica we stayed in Ocho Rios at a RIU property. We went with friends of ours. We walked down the beach to the craft market next door to the property. I watched for a half an hour while my wife and the other lady bought an item from everyone on the beach. I got rooked into a necklace to which I still wear today. We spent so much because we didn't know how to say no. I too now look for the one or two vendors on the beach that don't pester us too much and that is where I go spend money all the time.
In the early 90's I was searching the beach for a hamburger . Hard to find in those dayz . When i finally found a stand selling burgers I noticed that hamburgers were 350ja and cheeseburgers were 300ja . After some thinking I decided to let the bartender/cook know about the mix up ...at which he replied ..ya mon ..cheese is cheap on the island !!! I still get a chuckle every time I think of that scene .... tings aren't always as they appear to be ..especially in Jamaica...
I like to walk Long Bay in the morning with barefeet and a walking stick....A few bucks in my pocket for a Red Stripe at the Far Bar or Captains (now gone) nice 4 mile walk..... A guy walks next to me to sell me a CD...Sorry ,I have no cash.......He says,no problem.....He walks with me and asked me my name where Im from etc.............He then improvises and sings a personal song for me in like 30 seconds.....Very cool....I found him later and bought his CD......
a first mate / booker for glass bottom tours, would supply me with consumable items of my choice. I was fully stocked and never need any of his services, however we enjoyed several weeks of coversations. Upon my departure i was able to give him my leftover reds stripes snacks and consumables. He wanted to pay me, i was shocked. I wittnesses the constant rejection he recieved day after day, and know he made very little money. I made a new friend free of charge
Sounds like this might be Elvis. Sweet guy, always cheerful.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian
Love hearing all the stories...nice thread!! As most woman, I love to shop and peruse vendors tables...full of so many unique(well, sometimes :)) items. After many trips and lots of shopping, I have learned to say no...and already have more items from JA that I really need. Now, I still love to check out everyone's items, mainly to show them respect. However, I love just talking to them and sharing my love for their island. Quite often, they end up sharing some of their opinions with me...or teaching me a few things about Jamaica, cooking..or just life.
My last visit in late Dec/early Jan was one of my best yet..and I didn't even think that was possible. Being a cliff dweller, I generally don't go to the beach much now, but I always have to take time to stroll the beach, see friends I have met along the years when I did stay on the beach. So, off I ventured for a day of pure relaxation. I generally stroll near the water so that I can feel the sea on mi feet. I stopped by several places we had stayed in the past, to meet up with old friends that worked there. Most of the folks were still there and it was heartwarming to see them all. After many "hug ups", I ventured further down to see my dear friend Niah.. The last 2 times in the past, I never got to see him. Guess it was slow season or maybe he just took a day off.
Anyhow, I reached the Wave Park area and was ready to venture in..when I noticed two tables of necklaces, and other goodies. I knew that I didn't need anything and quite frankly, was more focused on seeing Niah again. The two lady vendors were just sitting down on the sand talking to one another. I spoke to them and they both remained seated, as if they were more interested in having a nice "girl" chat rather than hit up a sales pitch. SO, we chatted for a while. It was GREAT..we talked about all sorts of things. I love to eat Jamaican food as well as attempt to cook it at home. So, we really got into some serious food talks. After about 20 minutes, I said that I must continue on to see mi friend from long time.
Then, I thought to myself...I haven't even looked at their wares....so, I told them I wanted to show respect and see what all they had,,even though I told them straight up that I really wasn't looking to buy anything today. Well, most of it was the normal stuff, but as usual, there was one necklace that was totally unique and had "me" written all over it. I picked it up and told the ladies that this one was really nice. She said the price was 10 US....which I knew was already a really reasonable price. I placed it back down on the table and told her the price was fair. I then decided to head off and thanked them for such a great conversation. They actually thanked me too!! Saying that they really enjoyed just chatting.
It actually warmed my heart. Then, the lady said, I know you don't need that necklace but you are really nice lady and I give it to you for 5 US. Trust mi mon, I knew that that was a TRUE bargain. Seriously, this necklace was da bomb.....with that offer, I had to smile. I told her, "Wow, that is a great price...and I can't possibly pass that up!" I reached into my purse, gave her the money and happily secured my new purchase. I then told her, don't worry yourself about a lada bag ,I'll just stuff it in my purse. With that, both ladies just cracked up that I knew the local name for those black plastic bags that everyone uses. I walked off with a smile that made my face hurt and thought again...just how wonderful this island is if you just take time to talk awhile..
And, yes, I did get to see Niah this time. He remembered me and we hug up. He invites me into his kitchen, introduces me to his sister and wife. Hands me a homemade carved coconut shell that he did himself...refuses to take anything for it. He keeps saying how good it was to see old friend and keeps repeating to the ladies how long we had known each other. He asked about mi husband, who was not shopping with me...imagine that!! Then cooked me up a patty to take to him. Friendship like this.....priceless.........
We met a guy named xxxxxxxxx who lived at Caribbean Delight about 8 years ago. He was originally from xxxxxxxxx. He sold smoke and did tours like a lot of the guys on the beach. The first day we met him we just hung out and talked for a few hours. He had to walk go into town to pick up his mail and asked if we wanted to tag along. First stop was down at one of the fish places by the craft market where he introduced us to his cousin and bought us a drink. Then we went to a place in town where he stopped to have lunch and he actually bought us lunch and wouldn't let us pay for it. Then he got his mail and took us to the caves at Xtabi and gave us the tour. He found out we had never been to Ricks so on we went. He had us give him the money to buy some drinks because the bartenders give the locals a discount. We visited him many times on our trips and had great times for quite a few years and he never asked us for a thing and very seldom would even let us buy him a drink. But about two years ago or so we went and he had gone back to Mandeville. We miss him but were blessed to have him as a friend to show us all the great things there.
Love hearing all the stories...nice thread!! As most woman, I love to shop and peruse vendors tables...full of so many unique(well, sometimes :)) items. After many trips and lots of shopping, I have learned to say no...and already have more items from JA that I really need. Now, I still love to check out everyone's items, mainly to show them respect. However, I love just talking to them and sharing my love for their island. Quite often, they end up sharing some of their opinions with me...or teaching me a few things about Jamaica, cooking..or just life.
My last visit in late Dec/early Jan was one of my best yet..and I didn't even think that was possible. Being a cliff dweller, I generally don't go to the beach much now, but I always have to take time to stroll the beach, see friends I have met along the years when I did stay on the beach. So, off I ventured for a day of pure relaxation. I generally stroll near the water so that I can feel the sea on mi feet. I stopped by several places we had stayed in the past, to meet up with old friends that worked there. Most of the folks were still there and it was heartwarming to see them all. After many "hug ups", I ventured further down to see my dear friend Niah.. The last 2 times in the past, I never got to see him. Guess it was slow season or maybe he just took a day off.
Anyhow, I reached the Wave Park area and was ready to venture in..when I noticed two tables of necklaces, and other goodies. I knew that I didn't need anything and quite frankly, was more focused on seeing Niah again. The two lady vendors were just sitting down on the sand talking to one another. I spoke to them and they both remained seated, as if they were more interested in having a nice "girl" chat rather than hit up a sales pitch. SO, we chatted for a while. It was GREAT..we talked about all sorts of things. I love to eat Jamaican food as well as attempt to cook it at home. So, we really got into some serious food talks. After about 20 minutes, I said that I must continue on to see mi friend from long time.
Then, I thought to myself...I haven't even looked at their wares....so, I told them I wanted to show respect and see what all they had,,even though I told them straight up that I really wasn't looking to buy anything today. Well, most of it was the normal stuff, but as usual, there was one necklace that was totally unique and had "me" written all over it. I picked it up and told the ladies that this one was really nice. She said the price was 10 US....which I knew was already a really reasonable price. I placed it back down on the table and told her the price was fair. I then decided to head off and thanked them for such a great conversation. They actually thanked me too!! Saying that they really enjoyed just chatting.
It actually warmed my heart. Then, the lady said, I know you don't need that necklace but you are really nice lady and I give it to you for 5 US. Trust mi mon, I knew that that was a TRUE bargain. Seriously, this necklace was da bomb.....with that offer, I had to smile. I told her, "Wow, that is a great price...and I can't possibly pass that up!" I reached into my purse, gave her the money and happily secured my new purchase. I then told her, don't worry yourself about a lada bag ,I'll just stuff it in my purse. With that, both ladies just cracked up that I knew the local name for those black plastic bags that everyone uses. I walked off with a smile that made my face hurt and thought again...just how wonderful this island is if you just take time to talk awhile..
And, yes, I did get to see Niah this time. He remembered me and we hug up. He invites me into his kitchen, introduces me to his sister and wife. Hands me a homemade carved coconut shell that he did himself...refuses to take anything for it. He keeps saying how good it was to see old friend and keeps repeating to the ladies how long we had known each other. He asked about mi husband, who was not shopping with me...imagine that!! Then cooked me up a patty to take to him. Friendship like this.....priceless.........
On our first non AI visit to Negril, my wife bought a bracelet from Elvis, and got his "lifetime guarantee" on the purchase. He told us that the bracelet would last a lifetime and if it ever broke to bring it back and he would replace it. Upon our return home, my wife snagged the bracelet and broke it. Being the frugal person she is, it was placed in her jewelry box and was to be repaired at a later date.Quote:
Originally Posted by Yvonne
About a year goes by and we are back in Negril taking our first stroll up the beach and we stop in to see Elvis. He doesn't remember us and goes into his sales pitch and mentions the lifetime guarantee. My wife tells him that she bought a bracelet last year with the lifetime guarantee and proceeds to pull it out of her bag in two pieces. As he sees the broken bracelet a look of shock came to his face that was soon interrupted by hysterical laughter by the two other vendors set up next to him. The male vendor was pretty easy on Elvis, but the woman was relentless going on about how she told him over and over his guarantee was going to come back to haunt him one day. After the laughter subsided my wife then proceeded to pick out a new bracelet that she bought from him instead of asking for her free replacement.
WOW...what great stories!!!!!
Jbizek...just a bit curious as to how one would know which places have non JA proprietors?Quote:
Originally Posted by Jbizek
Quite simple. Anything that has been "hand made" and doesn't say "made in China" on the label. :)
Nice thread....I couldn't help but notice that there few no "worst" stories... I guess that's why we love JA!
I can't think of a good personal Negril vendor story, since it's been a few years since I've been...but....woohooo...10 more sleeps untill I get to re-visit paradise! Soon Come!
Last year in Mo-Bay, we re-visited a resort for only the 2nd time...with 2 years between visits... 2 of the beach vendors remembered us, with a story of our previous meeting. Wow, how many millions of folks do they see every year and how is that even possible?? Always freaks me out when remembered by someone in JA from a previous visit.
hey gailco- r u comming to negril- if so be sure and stop by the fun holiday and say hi
"Upon our return home, my wife snagged the bracelet and broke it."
Most places, that would void the warranty :-)
so...you want a worst story? Offered a special lobster dinner from a jerk chicken guy on the cliffs......resulted in eosonophilic meningitis....got back to states quickly...in a wheelchair; ten days in hospital; continue to have symptoms of neuropathy.....and before you ask how do I know......I know...because my wife and had the lobster and she came down with slight symptoms that fortunately went away.....
I avoid businesses that are ran by non Jamicans and if I have any questions I ask my driver. Im sure it's not full proof but I try my best.
Last March the Mrs.and I were staying at Seawind.We were in the beachouse[right on the beach]The first night we start heading down the beach and run into a guy selling...whatever we want.WE talked far a while,and i tell him no thanks maybe later...no problem.After a couple hours at for Real walking back we run into him again.He's holding his arm,with a wet towel around it.He tells me he fell off his bike and he appears to be in a great deal of pain.He's still selling ...whatever,and again we talk for a while but i'm still not buying.This guy seems to really be hurting,so...we're like 100 ft from my room,so I tell him hang on a minute,I'll be right back.[quick note, this trip is to celebrate my recovery from Nov. heart surgery, i've got my own medication,heart stuff but also pain stuff[percs].So I return with a couple of pain pills for the guy with a warning about being careful after he takes them.The next day,I run into the guy again,I'm in a little hut useing a guys laptop and in he walks.You would think I saved this guys life.He's telling everyone I'm the guy that gave him the medicine,his eyes are huge and he asks me what that stuff was.I now have 15 new friends, everytime I see any of these guys,they're knuckle knocking me,grinning treating me like family.The rest of my stay anytime we saw any of these guys we talked,all these guys were asking me if they could do anything for us but no one tried to sell me anything. We're coming back again in March,I'm confident that I've got some good friends on that stretch of beach.
Hey Newfiesub, We may just do that!
One of my few and worst Jamaican vendor experiences was on my first visits to Jamaica. I was travelling on a mini bus out of Ocho Rios bus park with a Jamaican female friend, We had to wait a little untill the bus filled up so I reckoned to just chill and buy a beer and juice from one of the many vendors, The beer was HOT as in not cold at all. I said to the vendor that I didnt want it,
A huge drama ensued, Where many people joined in on the incident I took the good advice of my Jamaican friend and paid up and shut up.
it was my own niave mistake for not testing/feeling the tempeature of the bottle by holding it before the vendor had opened it. Plus once the beer was opened the vendor could not sell it to another customer . I bit my tongue paid the price and learned from my little mistake,
If I fancy a cold beer I always handle it to see if it is the one for me.
Cold and nice Red Stripe.
I have only ever had one or two bad experiences with vendors.
i'd like to give a compliment to the young guy who sells porridge in the morning at the taxi station whgich is next to the police station.
he is just a pleasure to deal with.
I had a roadside cafe owner chase me down with a machette........thats is how I got my nick-name "Rambo"...I was so" silly" I laughted at the guy..........some likkle pickneys said "he like Rambo", no afraid"........lol
read the whole story in our blog, its funny
Years ago ordinary things were difficult to get or costly in Negril. Most days a young man, about 16, would walk down the road selling peanuts in the shell. He was very friendly with a ready smile and we bought from him several times. We chatted up a lot and the day before we were to fly out he traded me a bag of peanuts for my shoe laces. I went home through the airports with my sneakers saying clop, clop, clop.
Respect,
Col. Andy & "Wildcat" Pam
some great stories thanks