Why do Jamaicans think Americans always need something?

[suzengrace]

If you want hustle and bustle and cool bars, great restaurants and a beautiful beach than Yes, Negrils beach is where it's at..But some people just want to chill and not say no thank x 20 day, not worry if their being P.C., not feel forced to buy stuff, not want to figure out or play "the game", not worry about someone else's welfare,not come up with the appropriate no thank you, and not have to wear a certain shirt with a certain saying !!! ..I usually hang out on the cliffs-but when I want to "take a walk on the wild side" I head to the beach..and when I get tired of the shanaingans i stroll up to Long Bay public beach..where the locals tend to go and for $100J I can enjoy the beauty of the of the 7 mile beach in a more natural setting with less higglers( less-tourist area=less higglers) If I want a wonderful meal or drink i walk over to Cosmos next door...
I have respect for the people on the beach trying to make J..I also know they aren't fools (far from that) and yes, some are scammers..I also respect the people who have come to Negril for a vacation (with their hard earned $$ and time).
But to tell someone that if they don't want to deal with it "not to come to Jam".. is not only ridiculous but plain ignorant..There are many other places just as beautiful if not more so where saying no thank you x 20 day is non-existent ..The N.Coast and PA area for sure....

And everyday I wake up I give thanks to Jah/God...

[Maryann]

Yes, well said. Like the many people who frequent this board, I've been to Negril a few times in 18 years and keep going back, so it's obviously not a big issue [for me]. There are other parts of the island I have yet to see (Port Antonio), but there is something about Negril that keeps pulling me back. I love it!

[phineasfreakears]

I love yakking it up with the vendors, be it on the beach or the west end road. Some rcognize me, some do not. Usually when they find out you have all you need, and you have been there, done that, the conversation turns to a wha-gwan tone. Soon the word is out that you are a Jamerican, and you have less and less sales pitches. Try to put yourself in their sandals, money is scarce.
Respect is given when respect is received, no matter where you vacation, or the nationality of the vacationer.
Peace to all, Jah bless!!

[Ann Theresa]

Read all the threads....Love Jamaica. Not as much a veteran as many here, but have been there a few times. My family first went to the FDR, a very secure family AI....loved it so much we went back twice. Our third trip, kids a little older, thought Negril would be a nice change. Now I wish I had researched it more. I like to relax on vacation. Did not realize how much "traffic" there was on the beach and how noisey it is. One time I was out in the water and was just saying how nice and quiet it finally was and my husband can now read in peace, when a woman walked up and started talking into a bull horn about a concert coming up. Now really! A bull horn! And I can't forget the time when we weren't even at the resort 5 minutes and they approached my son to buy pot! It was definately a rude awakening. Yes we were definately sheltered at the FDR and thought this was what Jamaica was like. Well, we made the best out of the rest of the vacation and took in as much of the beautiful island sun, sand, surf, and restaurants. We love the Jamacan people, music and culture. We will return to Jamaica again, but, next time, I may take Marko's advise and do the cliffs. It was too busy for me on the beach....some people may enjoy this, and I guess if I was younger and not traveling with my family, it may have been ok....but I want peace and quite. That's why I don't do cruises....I want to get away from people. I believe this site, the good and the not so good, is important. It gives information that can help people know what they are getting into and make choices that are good for them. Not everyone is going to agree with everything, but at least they have different opinions as a guide. Can anyone give me a suggestion of a place to stay at the cliffs, where we can still have access to the beautiful Jamaican water's to swim....I'd hate to go to the cliff's and not be able to go swimming in the beautiful blue waters of Jamaica....Love-Peace and Respect

[phineasfreakears]

Can anyone give me a suggestion of a place to stay at the cliffs, where we can still have access to the beautiful Jamaican water's to swim....I'd hate to go to the cliff's and not be able to go swimming in the beautiful blue waters of Jamaica....Love-Peace and Respect

Most places on the cliffs have steps or ladders to get down to the ocean. Xtabi is very nice and very reasonably priced, you can swim and snorkel below the bar & restaraunt or from the caves. Rock House and Tensing Pen are a bit higher price, but have superior rooms and food.
Enjoy!!

[TiCtOc]

Read all the threads....Love Jamaica. Not as much a veteran as many here, but have been there a few times. My family first went to the FDR, a very secure family AI....loved it so much we went back twice. Our third trip, kids a little older, thought Negril would be a nice change. Now I wish I had researched it more. I like to relax on vacation. Did not realize how much "traffic" there was on the beach and how noisey it is. One time I was out in the water and was just saying how nice and quiet it finally was and my husband can now read in peace, when a woman walked up and started talking into a bull horn about a concert coming up. Now really! A bull horn! And I can't forget the time when we weren't even at the resort 5 minutes and they approached my son to buy pot! It was definately a rude awakening. Yes we were definately sheltered at the FDR and thought this was what Jamaica was like. Well, we made the best out of the rest of the vacation and took in as much of the beautiful island sun, sand, surf, and restaurants. We love the Jamacan people, music and culture. We will return to Jamaica again, but, next time, I may take Marko's advise and do the cliffs. It was too busy for me on the beach....some people may enjoy this, and I guess if I was younger and not traveling with my family, it may have been ok....but I want peace and quite. That's why I don't do cruises....I want to get away from people. I believe this site, the good and the not so good, is important. It gives information that can help people know what they are getting into and make choices that are good for them. Not everyone is going to agree with everything, but at least they have different opinions as a guide. Can anyone give me a suggestion of a place to stay at the cliffs, where we can still have access to the beautiful Jamaican water's to swim....I'd hate to go to the cliff's and not be able to go swimming in the beautiful blue waters of Jamaica....Love-Peace and Respect

LOL at the bull horn part-That is to wake people like me up from a rum induced stupor and to remind us that Negril is up and awake and everyone best start thinking about the next session of rum fun in the sun!

[A_J]

I actually got into a fight the other day with one of these hustler/drug-dealer/beggar types in Negril. I was out for an early morning run (empty beach), and he followed me and harassed me halfway across the beach and back onto the hotel grounds where I was staying. One of those persistent types who wanted money and wouldn't go away, even after I said I wasn't carrying anything (true) and wouldn't give him anything. I finally lost my temper and hit him, which I shouldn't have done, but lawd these guys annoy me and I just lost it. Hotel security showed up and broke it up & I went back to my room and never saw the guy again, fortunately.

Almost enough to spoil a good vacation :-(

I have no problem with vendors who are actually selling something, but I hate these hustler types who want money for nothing and are very aggressive about it. I don't agree with the "life is hard there" excuses. I mean yes I know it is but that doesn't justify the hyper-aggressive attitude. If you're going to beg, you have to politely take "no" for an answer. Sorry, but that's my opinion.

[Rambo]

There are many places with wonderful beaches, and you will be completely left alone, unfortunately most of us cant afford to get to those places................but going back not all that long ago 7 mile beach was just like that.........
in fact many places in the US were and some still are like that......

what brings out those "salespeople"are two things......poverty and Tourists............and it has become a "clash" of societies in Jamaica.....
those who dont have, see how it is to have "tings" so di "clash"................

because of the somewhat rarity of firearms on the low street level...it yet hasn't reached "US Gang Standards".............
but no longer can you "throw your cares and worries to the wind"..............just keep a eye on the lookout.....

[Irie_Dawta]

One has to wonder why some people have issues with the people workin the beach and others dont....I for one dont have issues. Maybe it really is all about how you respond/talk to them.

[Muck]

One has to wonder why some people have issues with the people workin the beach and others dont....I for one dont have issues. Maybe it really is all about how you respond/talk to them.

You can't lump everyone into the same category, tourists or vendors.

Personally, I ALSO have an issue with vendors who won't take "no" for an answer or put stuff in your hands and then demand payment. I don't however, begrudge vendors for attempting to earn a living.

Another thing...."Respect" is a two way street....if they show me respect, I'll give it back in return. Harassing people and demanding sales is NOT showing "respect". All it takes is a polite "sell pitch" and a polite response, and everything would be cool, IMO.