Social Graces

[halfwaytree]

In Negril, most of the locals who will greet you are higglers who will try to sell you things (any and everything). Usually a fist bump will suffice. If you are not interested in buying anything from them don't stop to fist bump or chat, just keep walking and smile and say "not interested" in a firm but friendly way! Never say anything like "maybe later" or "not today". To them, that means you will buy next time they see you.

If they try to hand something to you to look at don't accept it. You hold onto it you buy it. Don't let them put a bracelet on your wrist without your permission, it is a scam.

As far as your girlfriend is concerned. Any unwanted physical contact or inappropriate sexually suggestive verbal dialogue would be crossing the line, just like home.

[JDd]

check this out ..........http://www.negril.com/discus/messages/9472/51312.html

[Bnewb]

check this out ..........http://www.negril.com/discus/messages/9472/51312.html

The first part of this list offers decent basic information (Negril 101: The Basics)...but the rest of the link/list is 10 years old and is quite outdated...just so someone doesn't go looking for some of the businesses listed in that link...'cause many are no longer there.

[LivinInThe603]

The first part of this list offers decent basic information (Negril 101: The Basics)...but the rest of the link/list is 10 years old and is quite outdated...just so someone doesn't go looking for some of the businesses listed in that link...'cause many are no longer there.

It was interesting seeing some of the old places and how things have changed, but agree... even some the "latest" maps aren't accurate! Things change so quickly!

[Accompong]

Wow. I didn't realize that interacting with Jamaicans required so much of an education. I just seem to treat everyone pretty much the same wherever I go in the world and don't really have many problems.

Just be yourself. Jamaicans will know if your "real" or a "fake".

[madtowndan]

Wow. I didn't realize that interacting with Jamaicans required so much of an education. I just seem to treat everyone pretty much the same wherever I go in the world and don't really have many problems.

Just be yourself. Jamaicans will know if your "real" or a "fake".

I'm sure interacting with Jamaicans doesn't require that much of an education. I'm not looking to act like a local or try to speak patois. However, there are certain things that are good to know. For instance, as several have pointed out, Jamaicans greet with "good afternoon" and "good evening" as a matter of course, and that is considered polite behavior. I didn't know that, and while I'm in the habit of saying "good morning" quite frequently, I rarely do the same in the afternoon or evening - good to know, and something I will make a conscious effort to do in Jamaica. Being genuine and polite is one thing, but there are different ways to interact with people in different parts of the world, and not following their customs can be misinterpreted. Would you have reacted the same way if I was asking about customary behavior if I were travelling to Japan?

[Seamuis]

Wow. I didn't realize that interacting with Jamaicans required so much of an education. I just seem to treat everyone pretty much the same wherever I go in the world and don't really have many problems.

Just be yourself. Jamaicans will know if your "real" or a "fake".

Accompong, perhaps you missed this comment? "Please do not characterize all Jamaicans by my points, most Jamaicans are absolutely wonderful, friendly and warm people especially given the economic and political oppression they deal with."

I'm not sure what's fake about that, perhaps it's the smoke that has not cleared yet?

[Accompong]

Accompong, perhaps you missed this comment? "Please do not characterize all Jamaicans by my points, most Jamaicans are absolutely wonderful, friendly and warm people especially given the economic and political oppression they deal with."

I'm not sure what's fake about that, perhaps it's the smoke that has not cleared yet?

Perhaps turning on a fan and clearing the air around you would help. I never implied that Jamaicans were "fake". I hearken back to the '60s in California when everyone wanted to look and act like a hippie (for the free love I think! ) A real "hippie" (just like a real Jamaican) can spot a poser from all the way down the street.

Knowing the latest thumb-rubbing handshake won't get a tourist mistaken for a Jamaican. Again, be yourself and the vibe you send out will dictate how you are treated. When you meet a Jamaican that you want to be good friends with, he or she will teach you what is the newest fad and not the other way around.

My point at the beginning is that being "real" and "genuine" in how you approach Jamaicans is more important than being a Phd in Jamaican Culture with a degree from the Internet majoring in DIY Travel Expert 101.

[Summer]

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thi is awesome information.....thx