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offers decent basic information (Negril 101: The Basics)...but the rest of the link/list is 10 years old and is quite outdated...just so someone doesn't go looking for some of the businesses listed in that link...'cause many are no longer there.Originally Posted by JDd
Last edited by Bnewb; 02-27-2017 at 05:33 PM.
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!
I'm gonna be Iron like a Lion in Zion
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".
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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?
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.
Free Opinions Offered. No tipping required. Hours: Open when I feel like it.
First, I was not suggesting you be anyone other than yourself.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!
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.
Second, there is nothing wrong with saying "Wa Gwan" in Jamaica or "Buenos dias" in LatAm.
Third, I was not insinuating those traveling to Jamaica are best served learning the secret handshake of the day, what I was saying is many higglers use handshake as a 'hook.' You try and walk past with a pleasant "No Thank You" and the higglers roll into a big handshake routine. It's a great rapport building technique employed by higglers, which really is no different than any handshake at a business meeting. For some the business is questionable and that is not just in Jamaica.
I agree you will meet cool friendly Jamaicans who will show you the latest newest fad.
I also agree that trying to be anyone other than yourself is a losing proposition, but that is true anywhere.
Apologies if I came across any differently that was not my intent.
-Seamuis
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