Converting from TA

[Jame]

How's it going everyone? I have recently discovered this amazing site and love the board much better then TA. Real quick about my Negril experience, my first trip was 8 days in January 2017 stayed with some friends that live in the "village" across from tensing pen, behind Ras Rodys and Sharks. I have my next trip booked this October for 12 days and cannot wait. I was instantly hooked to Negril a d hope to go back at least once a year(want to stay a couple weeks in the future too). I love to eat and drink at the local places more then the larger expensive places. Plus enjoy meeting the locals and expats. Love enjoying my all day smoke and the acceptance and one love the west end offers!! Look forward to hearing everyone's tips, advice, stories, etc through out the forum!

[Bnewb]

Welcome Jame!
You've got Negrilitis...like many of us...not such a bad thing to get!!

[RonMon]

West End is the best end~!

[Jame]

Thabks Bnewb! I have never been so happy post diagnosis as I am now haha RonMon, I couldn't agree more!! I love places like Ras Rodys, Canoe, Eddie's, Seastar, Qualities, some of the smaller places in the village/"shanty town"(hate it called that). But anyways, I am wanting to know where is a place I can meet some expats and locals and other cool places like I listed above. It would be nice to have someone that can help me find different things(insider tips, recommendations, recipes, cheap ganja, space and special brownies/cakes, etc). I am excited to try Red Dragon, Collettes, Sir D's, Peewees, Etc when I return. I not afraid to try something new and step outside my comfort zone. I love socializing and experiencing different lives and cultures. Thanks for the welcome to the community and thanks in advance for everyone's help!

[LivinInThe603]

Hello!

I'm wondering if the friends you stayed with could provide you with some of the insider information you are seeking. If they can't, there are so many great people here. I learn something new almost every log on! Expats and tourists have a very different culture than the local people, in my experience. Luckily, there is something for everyone in Negril

Best!

[Jame]

Yes they definitely do provide a ton of insider info but there is so much more out there and I like to get different peoples opinions.

[M&G Montreal]

Welcome to the home away from the home away from home! The people on this board are awesome! And just because you're new, be sure to share YOUR experiences with the old timers, too! Not everyone knows everything .... except maybe Rob and Bnewb! LOL. When you're confused, ask one of them.

There's a lot of great information on this board, and a lot of wonderful people - many I have met and many I have corresponded with for years now that I have yet to meet. Who knows! These people are from all over the world ... but you just may connect with people in your own neighbourhood who share your love of Negril! We did - twice!

Oh. When people ask you why you ALWAYS go back to Negril? Why? What's so special? You can't explain it ... just tell them ONCE YOU GO, YOU KNOW!

Beinvenue,mes nouveaux amis!

[Bnewb]

Hello!

I'm wondering if the friends you stayed with could provide you with some of the insider information you are seeking. If they can't, there are so many great people here. I learn something new almost every log on! Expats and tourists have a very different culture than the local people, in my experience. Luckily, there is something for everyone in Negril

I agree there are sooo many great people on this board...great advice from a variety of perspectives.

LivinIn...I'm curious about your comment on expats, tourists and locals. Logically you can't compare someone that lives here with someone that visits...but, what do you see as the cultural difference between expats and locals? There's not a lot of "true" expats down here and I'm interested on what you may be basing your information.

This is such a diverse country and just within the boundaries of Negril we have...Jamaican returnees coming back to Negril after living in foreign for many years...there are people transplanted from other parishes that are now living in Negril...there are those that are born and raised in Negril and have never left or only visit foreign...and then there are retired expats versus working expats; some whom have been here for decades and some that have just moved here...and...of course there are economic differences in all of these groups...
I've only scratched the surface...I could write a book on this.

[Jame]

Bnewb, I would definitely read it!! ha I met a handful of locals while I was there and absolutely loved every minute of it. I also got the opportunity to meet a couple expats. Yes some are only there 8-9 months out of the year and some are there year round and I have found I connect very well with the expats. Similar mindset and a common positive vibe.

[LivinInThe603]

Bnewb, your comments mirror my thoughts almost exactly. I shouldn't have grouped people so broadly, perhaps, as each individual has a unique point of view and purpose.