Love hearing all the stories...nice thread!! As most woman, I love to shop and peruse vendors tables...full of so many unique(well, sometimes ) items. After many trips and lots of shopping, I have learned to say no...and already have more items from JA that I really need. Now, I still love to check out everyone's items, mainly to show them respect. However, I love just talking to them and sharing my love for their island. Quite often, they end up sharing some of their opinions with me...or teaching me a few things about Jamaica, cooking..or just life.

My last visit in late Dec/early Jan was one of my best yet..and I didn't even think that was possible. Being a cliff dweller, I generally don't go to the beach much now, but I always have to take time to stroll the beach, see friends I have met along the years when I did stay on the beach. So, off I ventured for a day of pure relaxation. I generally stroll near the water so that I can feel the sea on mi feet. I stopped by several places we had stayed in the past, to meet up with old friends that worked there. Most of the folks were still there and it was heartwarming to see them all. After many "hug ups", I ventured further down to see my dear friend Niah.. The last 2 times in the past, I never got to see him. Guess it was slow season or maybe he just took a day off.

Anyhow, I reached the Wave Park area and was ready to venture in..when I noticed two tables of necklaces, and other goodies. I knew that I didn't need anything and quite frankly, was more focused on seeing Niah again. The two lady vendors were just sitting down on the sand talking to one another. I spoke to them and they both remained seated, as if they were more interested in having a nice "girl" chat rather than hit up a sales pitch. SO, we chatted for a while. It was GREAT..we talked about all sorts of things. I love to eat Jamaican food as well as attempt to cook it at home. So, we really got into some serious food talks. After about 20 minutes, I said that I must continue on to see mi friend from long time.

Then, I thought to myself...I haven't even looked at their wares....so, I told them I wanted to show respect and see what all they had,,even though I told them straight up that I really wasn't looking to buy anything today. Well, most of it was the normal stuff, but as usual, there was one necklace that was totally unique and had "me" written all over it. I picked it up and told the ladies that this one was really nice. She said the price was 10 US....which I knew was already a really reasonable price. I placed it back down on the table and told her the price was fair. I then decided to head off and thanked them for such a great conversation. They actually thanked me too!! Saying that they really enjoyed just chatting.

It actually warmed my heart. Then, the lady said, I know you don't need that necklace but you are really nice lady and I give it to you for 5 US. Trust mi mon, I knew that that was a TRUE bargain. Seriously, this necklace was da bomb.....with that offer, I had to smile. I told her, "Wow, that is a great price...and I can't possibly pass that up!" I reached into my purse, gave her the money and happily secured my new purchase. I then told her, don't worry yourself about a lada bag ,I'll just stuff it in my purse. With that, both ladies just cracked up that I knew the local name for those black plastic bags that everyone uses. I walked off with a smile that made my face hurt and thought again...just how wonderful this island is if you just take time to talk awhile..
And, yes, I did get to see Niah this time. He remembered me and we hug up. He invites me into his kitchen, introduces me to his sister and wife. Hands me a homemade carved coconut shell that he did himself...refuses to take anything for it. He keeps saying how good it was to see old friend and keeps repeating to the ladies how long we had known each other. He asked about mi husband, who was not shopping with me...imagine that!! Then cooked me up a patty to take to him. Friendship like this.....priceless.........