Rob, what you say is so true and also makes me very sad. For years we have always booked a couple weeks in the August time frame at LTU Gardens (formerly Catcha Gardens). It's good for us because there are a lot fewer tourists around and we can spend more time with our friends who don't have much work then. But knowing that, we bring sufficient US cash to pay for our stay and help our friends during the slow time.

Over the years like so many others on this board we've come to have a caring bond with our "little Jamaican family". I'm in New Orleans and recently had surgery, making it doubly unsafe to make a trip my wife and I have routinely made since 1983. We keep in touch locally so I know what you say is true.

We can't go this year but if you can, please do. Take cash and be generous. Don't always try to nickel and dime your way into a "great deal". In normal times "haggling" is a part of Jamaican life. But keep in mind the Jamaican you're dealing with is not trying to take advantage of you. He or she is just trying to make a living and put food on the table.

Respect