Why do Jamaicans think Americans always need something?

[garysteph1018]

Steph just respectfully but firmly let them know you are not interested and keep walking if they continue, no problem

Thanks Tizzy Hope all is well in your world!

[negrilaholic]

chill out,if the world was tilted a llikkle bit it could be you!

respect

semi

exactly.

[Jbizek]

I don't mind the beach vendors at all. As someone up thread said, there not standing there holding a sign looking for a hand out. We have a lot of panhandlers in Austin, if your stopped at a stoplight, any stoplight chances are there is a new sign to read. I respect folks that do whatever they can to provide for themselves and their families. A smile and no thank you is all that I've ever had to do.

[RyanP]

It was a little startling with the drug dealers and annoying with the vendors when we first arrived for our first trip to Negril back in April. You need to understand that you have the money, so you have the power. Those guys selling things are just trying to make a living. The sooner you get used to and understand that in Negril, the better. Yes, I had to deal with them all week, but eventually you figure out how to respectfully say, "No". Going to Negril was one the best trips I've ever taken. If you want to go to the beach, and be left alone all week, Negri's not your place.

[keef]

WOW ... this be a mercurial thread, mon! Such an education for a newb like mi.

[tfw73]

Steph, don't let anyone hand you anything. That's the best way to avoid any arising problems. I have always been friendly, but I just use a "No thank you!" with a smile and keep walking. I don't stop, I don't let myself be called over to anyone...unless I am specifically looking to buy something. Last trip with our ten year old, I kept pushing over and over to her not to let anyone give her anything. Well, a guy selling bracelets walked up to her and was talking to her. I saw him put the bracelet in her hand so I rushed over and said, "My child has to do what her mother says and she doesn't have any money! They are beautiful, but no thanks!" What could he say with that? He knew that Mama was her boss, lol.

Bottom line, they are there. They aren't going anywhere. That's how they make their dollars. You don't have to stay while they are trying to get you to buy something. You can say no thanks and walk away. They certainly don't ruin my good time!

[TizzyATX]

Thanks Steph, back atcha! Have a pretty good idea of how you're doing LOL, look at your ticker!!!

What Tfw said is spot on...some will try to tie a bracelet on your rist (and they are quick!) LOL. But then again, this last trip while I was on the beach, one of the guys I had been chattin up went to tie one on my wrist and I did the back away and "no but thank you" routine and he said...."what you cant recieve my gift?" He gave me and Sandie bracelets and we still got em on. Super sweet guy. So...ya know

Honestly, as many others have said, I enjoy interacting with locals on the beach whether they are trying to hustle me or not. Some more than others hahahaha The only other thing I would say be on gaurd for would be the aloe ladies, lol. My first trip it really tripped me out when a woman walked up and started trying to rub aloe on me, totally unsolicited. She was pretty persistent but that was really the only time I've ever got even kindof irritated.

[MoFromMonroe]

Haha Tizzy- they always come after me too saying "Look at your skin. It's terrible. You need aloe!".

[TizzyATX]

Mo, that's so funny. I'm always like....what do you mean?? My skin doesnt burn?!?! No...just NO. lol

[Flipadelphia26]

Damn. I actually like the aloe ladies. I am a ginger and I burn easily. Aloe massage = awesome.