the times they have changed

[takinitslow]

Hey Spanky I haven't been going near as long as you but I have encountered the same thing and the answer for me was going to a different part of the island less touched by tourism it was the best experience I have had. This year I will spend less time in Negril and more time elsewhere. I met a lot of down to earth people who I didn't feel like they were expecting something from me. It opened my eyes.

[johng]

Hey Spanky I haven't been going near as long as you but I have encountered the same thing and the answer for me was going to a different part of the island less touched by tourism it was the best experience I have had. This year I will spend less time in Negril and more time elsewhere. I met a lot of down to earth people who I didn't feel like they were expecting something from me. It opened my eyes.

takinitslow, Good move on your part. I first visited Negril in 1975 and visited there 6 or 7 times before I realized there was more of the island to see. I traveled along the North Coast to Buff Bay and then up into the mountains. I was last in JA in 2012 and spent time in Kingston and up the mountains. Kingston has really changed but off the tourist track things are still very much the same (except everybody has a cell phone). Live and let live, no problems, cool runnings. People don't expect anything but if you leave them with gifts they are very grateful.

Kingston is a nice city (much different than you have heard) but crowded, hectic and noisy. Driving there can be a challenge as in addition to driving on the left hand side there are some really crazy car and motorcycle drivers honking their horns wildly so keep that in mind.

Consider a hike up to Blue Mountain Peak. Hire a driver and guide and you will have an awesome time!!

[takinitslow]

takinitslow, Good move on your part. I first visited Negril in 1975 and visited there 6 or 7 times before I realized there was more of the island to see. I traveled along the North Coast to Buff Bay and then up into the mountains. I was last in JA in 2012 and spent time in Kingston and up the mountains. Kingston has really changed but off the tourist track things are still very much the same (except everybody has a cell phone). Live and let live, no problems, cool runnings. People don't expect anything but if you leave them with gifts they are very grateful.

Kingston is a nice city (much different than you have heard) but crowded, hectic and noisy. Driving there can be a challenge as in addition to driving on the left hand side there are some really crazy car and motorcycle drivers honking their horns wildly so keep that in mind.

Consider a hike up to Blue Mountain Peak. Hire a driver and guide and you will have an awesome time!!

Trust me johng Kingston is on my bucket list. I am going to stay 8 days in Long Bay this year It will be my first non hotel experience. So I am really stoked about it. Blue Mountains are a def a possibility.