Why do Jamaicans think Americans always need something?

[Manda81]

Ooooh my bad .. I assumed. Very cool business though and great website!

[Negrilmom]

sorry I am not Jamaican I am still learning how to live like or with Jamaican

[gerryg123]

i tell 'em i live in Kingston. Always raises eyebrows ....

[Manda81]

LOL@GerryG

NegrilMom- No need to be sorry I made an assumption would love to hear more about your experience moving and adjusting to a Jamaican lifestyle

[Ohio_Buckeye_1]

negrilbound - it seems like maybe you read just the first 2-3 pages of replies before posting.

Many people chimed in later with the consensus being that it was not the experiences of the OP that they disagreed with. In fact most people agreed the hagglers can be a problem and offered techniques on dealing with them so they don't affect the vacation.

What many of us objected to was the OP's calling them "scammers" and "fools". Rob's post probably said it best, but also many others explained, that if someone makes a post with such a disparaging tone - it's only natural they will get back replies of a like kind. Posts complaining about hagglers and asking for advice is probably one of the most common topics here. Most times the replies acknowledge that and offer helpful tips. Very few get flamed, unless they start off with the attacking tone like this one did.

Read the entire thread and I think you will agree. If not, no problem - everyone is entitled to their opinion.

[Jaherring]

Very well said Negrilbound!!! >>>> :::: and War Eagle!!!!

[M&G Montreal]

Rob said it best, as always! It's a living for a lot them. It means their family eats tonight. 99% will take no for an answer (and if not there is a T-Shirt you can buy - No, I don't want a taxi; No I don't want any ganja - What part of "NO" do you not understand! and for every pushy one, there is usually some other calmer hustler who will watch for a bit and come to your rescue. I don't speak Patois, but I know that guy was telling the other one to back off and not bother the tourists. So next time, as the hustler walks away after your firm, but polite no, thank you - before you nod off on the beach with your rum punch, maybe offer up a prayer to the Diety of your choice and thank him (or her) for the fact that they chose for you tolive in a land of opportunity; say thanks for my job that pays well enough that I can come here to get away; say thanks for the opportunity and job so great that it affords your food every day AND a Jamaican vacation!!!! Stop counting hustlers; start counting blessings.

[TiCtOc]

Stop counting hustlers; start counting blessings.

[Lax1724]

My first trip to Negril (2nd to Jamaica) was the week before Christmas last December. The beach was pretty much deserted the first few days so we were easy pickin's for the vendors. Most days, we were on the beach from about 8:30 am until darkness fell (see: sand gravity). That is approximately 600 minutes (36,000 seconds) per day. The bull horn took away about 45 of those seconds (spread out over 3 trips down the beach over the course of the day). Neville took up another 2 minutes every day but those don't count because I couldn't wait to see him. The fruit lady was welcome at first but I can only eat so much fruit so, she ruined about 45 seconds each day. The pot/cocaine guys wasted a total of about 6 minutes total (72 attempts at 5 seconds each) over the first three days but then got the message and left us alone. The other vendors combined took up maybe 3 or 4 minutes a day total. I'm not great at math but I was left with peace and quiet and Red Stripes and dirty bananas and great food (some of which I didn't even have to get out of my chair to get) and beautiful sights and new friendships for the majority of the day. I make my triumphant return in 103 days and may just hug Neville when I see him. I am glad that all 36,000 seconds of beach time each day will not be spent in isolation inside the friendly confines of an AI. Just one man's opinion.

[Muck]

I am glad that all 36,000 seconds of beach time each day will not be spent in isolation inside the friendly confines of an AI. Just one man's opinion.

Don't knock the AIs....for many, it's quite relaxing to not have to worry about carrying cash around with you all day and still be able to drink copius amounts of booze and eat as much food as you like, and at the same time, not have to worry about budgeting your $$ during the stay.

Plus, who says your days need to be spent in isolation? As far as I can tell, most AIs don't put up a wall to keep guests confined. Believe it or not, they are actually free to stroll off the grounds whenever they choose.

For me, I get the best of both worlds. I do the majority (not all) of my eating and drinking at the AI, and I also get out and enjoy the vibe of the local scene.