Why do Jamaicans think Americans always need something?

[Maryann]

I have ran into vendors that remember my name from trips before. Jamaicans have great memories! Usually the first couple days the vendors will see me as a new face and there will be a hard sell, but once you've been there a while, they move onto the "newbies," and I can more easily "go with the flow" and get to know some of the vendors more personally as I walk the beach every day. I've met some of the nicest vendors and had some really great conversations. Like someone said, it's all part of the "Negril experience." Some can be obnoxious, like the massage lady, but most are really cool people just trying to make a living.

[brasi]

I have a game I play with some of them...this is a daytime-only deal though....and was in fact suggested to me by someone on this board...it kind of sets higglers off balance...and evens the playing field!

Ex:
Higgler
"Hey mon, they yell, hey mon come here!...smoke/etc?"

Me:
"Nah, I'm set but...heyyy! Remember me?"

Higgler:
"Yeh mon! Yeh mon!"

Me:
"What's my name?

Higgler:
pregnant pause/
"Uhhh..Bob/etc?"

Me:
"Ha..gothca! We never met bro!"

This inevitably sets them off guard, gets a laugh, and then I chat and say "respect" with perhaps a fist-bump. I also let them know I'll be sure to let THEM know if I want anything, for sure, no need to ask me, I'm set. Saves the whole routine next time.

Back to the whole "the beach walk is an experience" idea.

Oh: and I come to Negril a lot, like 5-6 times a year and I've been here two weeks, leaving in a month etc. (Anything but the truth)....