Why do Jamaicans think Americans always need something?

[MoFromMonroe]

First time to Long Bay coming up in Dec. We are not newbies to Negril but are to Long Bay. Sorry but after 9 previous trips we have all the trinkets we need so if it's not food and drinks we won't be buying it. Hope after a few days we won't have to keep saying No Thank You. Hate shopping at home so I certainly don't do it on vacation. The hating shopping is what affords us 2 trips to Negril a year.

[DConkle]

Thanks Rob! My thoughts exactly.

[JJandMel]

I hate when the "Fruit Lady" runs out of star apples or june plumbs before she gets to my section of the beach!!!

"Any fruuuuuuuit" - ..................gotta love her and bless her heart I love watching her peel it, cut it and bag it for you!!

[ed kennedy]

Rob....let me be the first? to observe that you all too frequently rush to defense of anything Negril, when you should try understand both sides. I realize that you have a need to be a mouthpiece for the Chamber...but the originator of this thread was making some very legitimate points...to which, unfortunately, there is no solution. Many visitors,, even the seasoned Negrilite, often becomes frustrated with the over the top higgling.......

Over the years, not much progress has been made in 1) educating the local population as to what is and is not in their best interests, and 2) on a much broader scale, dealing with the inappropriate harrassment....

Why do you think this is an American thing? Are no other country's tourists subject to the same?

You are visiting a tourist area in a developing country. Tourist areas ALL OVER THE PLANET cater to their visitors. If no one would ask a tourist what they would like, then many people (not you obviously) would never have the gumption to ask.

Why are they asking you for a jetski ride? Maybe because tourists like jetski rides. Why are they asking if you want to go parasailing? That is because tourists do like to parasail. Why are they asking you if you want ganja or coke? Maybe that question is better answered by why is the demand for marijuana and coke so astronomically high in the good ol' US of A?

Asking if you want a girl? Hmmmm, isnt that referred to as the "world's oldest profession"? Can Jamaica stop something that has existed since mankind has been mankind?

A handmade bracelet? Dont you think millions of tourists like yourself have bought handmade bracelets?

Fruit? Dont you need to eat? And something healthy at that! The lobster thing does kind of creep me out too, but to each their own...

When it comes to respect, isnt that a two way street? Does one automatically deserve unconditional respect, or does one earn it? Have you considered what it is like to live in a developing country and seeing people who are much better off than you come to your country and then say they dont want anything of what you are offering? How long would be able to take it? I am not saying you need to buy anything, but why in the world think everyone is trying to scam you?

Was the person who offered the jetski not going to get you a jetski ride at the agreed price? Was the fruit vendor going to scam you on the fruit? Why think everyone you meet is a scammer?

It is perfectly fine if you dont want to give anyone on the beach a dime - that is your dime to give. But why not try to be a bit more open minded and understanding. If you want to walk a beach without anyone disturbing you, you can find that in Jamaica. But dont expect there to be resorts, beach bars or activities of really any kind in those locations. Negril is unique in what it does offer, and that is something for everyone.

[dash]

Hey Ed...FREE ENTERPRISE. Not just for Americans. I get dizzy when I go to Time Square. (The one in NY) The" in your face" ads and hustlers could overwhelm our Negril salesmen. As you say there is no solution ...except perhaps market reaction by demand. Lets bury this subject!.....ROB As mouthpiece for the chamber..do you get free parking???

[booger]

Rob,
I'm going to cancel my next two trips unless you can guarantee me that before I arrive that you have reached out to and trained every single higgler in Negril on how to interact with all visitors. Can you make this happen? I need to know as I do not want to lose my deposits.

Oh, and how can I forget the need for sidewalks on the West End. I know with the relationships that you have built over the last 20 years that you can make this happen. Problem is, around 5 PM or so I have simply partake'd way too much and I become a hazard while walking the road to all motorist whom are driving.

Oh, can you get someone to deal with the Lionfish. A lot of us out there are deathly afraid of these little buggers and we need to wipe them out quickly. Maybe a daily fish fry where it's buy one lion fish get one free?

And one last thing, stop defending Negril. If it wasn't for guys like you I would have never come. And now that I have found it and love it I do not want anyone to book my favorite rooms when I want to use them.

[captaind]

Things must be pretty boring out there to dig this thread up again...Sheese

[Kiwifrench]

When we stayed on The Cliffs we *Missed* The Beach vendors!

As soon as we got the Beach, we were looking for Norm (with binocuars) -- We wanted our Patties!

[BCBud]

Things must be pretty boring out there to dig this thread up again...Sheese

I agree. I think it's time to start a funny thread. Stay tuned!

[Jenn]

gerryg123 ~ I literally laughed out loud at your "be proud in what you do" convo. OMG...still giggling.

Booger ~ Let me know the progress on your..er...demands...um...requests? You also made me laugh out loud.

Other than those comments...I'm staying outta this one.