We love the vibe in Negril. The people, the music and the freedom. The amount of poverty there is terrible. However, one of the reasons we go is because by leaving behind our tourist dollars, we are helping the locals. Our friend Kingsley shared with us how different things were when he was growing up in Negril before tourism. It wasn't a pretty story.

If I wish to buy something, I will haggle just a bit...it's all part of the vibe. However, I will never be disrespectful to them by offering a grossly undervalued amount. Everyone is trying to make a living and I respect that. However, by the same token, I work for a living too and spend plenty while I am there and I wish to just be able to say once, "No thank you" and be left alone. Respect. I respect that you are trying to make a living and I wish I would be respected when I politely say, "No thank you".

Did the beach stroll once and I was disappointed that I was not able to leisurely stroll with my hubby and just take in the sun, sand and water without keeping my head down in order not to make eye contact and be hassled.

We have been 6 times in 2-1/2 years and always stay on the cliffs. But our last visit was 2 weeks split among Catcha and Banana Shout. Couldn't walk out the gate to simply stroll down to Out of Town Pastry for a patty without being hassled so many times. Never did get our patties...ending up catching one of the cabs and heading back to Catcha.

Whenever I hear Reggae music and think of our friends there: Kingsley, Miss Delsie, Milo, Marianne, Champion, etc. it saddens me that we have no desire to go back any time soon because of not being able to just enjoy the location without the constant hassle.

Went to the Abaco's (out islands of the bahamas) last month and in January will be staying on St. Thomas. Maybe after a few different places, our minds will want to go back to where our heart loves...Negril.