I'd have a hard time believing I am unique in this respect, but I enjoy talking to the beach vendors. If I meet someone on 7-Mile Beach and I'm in the mood, I'll spend some time talking and of course, looking at what they're selling. But for the most part, I try to get philosophical with the locals, to understand better what it's like to live their lifestyle.
This September will be my 24th trip to CSA since 1999. But don't let the resort selection taint your opinion. I've walked south from CSA past Bourbon Beach many times. My footsteps were some of the first on the new sidewalk on Manly Boulevard as I've hiked from jerk center to drum cooker and back again. I've been to Couples on the Ocho Rios side of the island an additional 8 or 9 times since 1982 and spent plenty of time walking between town center and the two resorts, always talking to people along the way.
When I do stop and chat, I make it clear that I'm not buying anything, so they can either walk away or drop into sales mode. Yet many are just willing to talk, perhaps get political, perhaps even philosophical with me. The one question I ask all of them and the one that has the most consistent answer is, "If you had the money and you could leave Jamaica, would you go?" I'm no longer surprised by their overwhelming desire to live in Jamaica, regardless of what might be waiting over the horizon.
My point here is that for those of you who find annoyance in the vendors, remember they live here, this is their job, and they will be doing their job long after you've gone home. Instead of brushing them off, spend a few minutes and talk to them, not all of them, it'll make your time in their home much more enjoyable.
