the times they have changed

[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!!

[original spanky]

i guess most of the comments i must agree with . guess i long for the good old days at home also.
anyone else been to kenny's on the beach road. it is in my opinion very unique .

[Bnewb]

i guess most of the comments i must agree with . guess i long for the good old days at home also.
anyone else been to kenny's on the beach road. it is in my opinion very unique .

How do you find it unique?

[booger]

"When there's so much left to do, why spend your time focusing on things you've already done, counting trophies or telling stories about the good old
days"

The amazing Dave Grohl

[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.

[LivinInThe603]

"When there's so much left to do, why spend your time focusing on things you've already done, counting trophies or telling stories about the good old
days"

The amazing Dave Grohl

Old timers in any circle like to talk about the way things were.... but all wise men live in the way things are... the only constant is change and one would be a fool to think otherwise. I have had a wonderful time in Negril, but I too know things have changed, even over the course of 12 months things have changed! Every action has a reaction... you can change, too, or stay stagnant and watch the world around you change... if we were meant to grow roots, we'd be trees.....

Need any more metaphors???

Jamaica has always been powered by the upper class, and there has always been turmoil in the lower class... why would 2016 be any different.... things are still done with back alley handshakes (and that happens everywhere, you know it's true!) and the rut force of those in charge. It is the youth who have the strength to rise up, and look who their role models are...Look at their hopes for a quality education.... for a decent job.... what message do the receive? Of course things are changing....

[LoveinBlackandWhite]

We have made many friends over the years (locals (people born and/or raised here), expats, and regular visitors), and Negril is like a second home for us. We especially like to hang out at places that welcome, and are frequented by, locals.

Negril has been economically depressed for as long as we've been coming here, but I have wandered (on foot) all over Negril at any time, night and day, no problem. The recent shootings near Blue Cave Castle (admittedly in a well known drug-dealing area), and a friend being "ethered" last year, have been disturbing. However, we shall continue to frequent (Have Dominoes, Will Travel) our usual haunts (Collette's, Red Dragon, De Bar, [Yacht Club re-opening?], etc.).

I'm not surprised about Blue Cave's recent troubles. We had been staying there for 15 years, but, when they (Susan, the owner, and her new man) fired Teddy (brilliant chef and Petrona's man) and then Petrona herself (beloved manager since it was built), not to mention prohibiting the staff from interacting with the guests anymore, the magic was gone for us. You will find us at Sunset on the Cliffs from 11/30 - 12/28 this year.

[original spanky]

i did not know those details about blue cave . my mom was put in a nursing home during a trip there several years back and i will never forget the kindness Petrona showed to us

[eddiemingus]

By remembering the past it helps you know where your going in the future, a reference point. And yes it is nice to talk about the past whether its my childhood or my teen years I love the memories. As for negativity, speaking the truth and making people aware of the possible dangers is never a negative thing, knowledge is freedom.