Our 5th trip to Jamaica ******TRIP REPORT*****

[brasi]

As a regular stalker of this board, I regularly read trip reports posted here. I have really enjoyed every single trip report written. Shout outs to Manda, Clarity, Kahuna3, Brasi, Gerry, Patty, Poolguywindsor, Crusher, Markospoon, Hettie and Chad, Jim-Donna, Jasperpso, Guirigay and of course, Rob for starting Negril.com.

I make no promises as to reading enjoyment or spelling and if anything I say causes offense, well, sorry in advance and really, I don’t mind if you stop reading. All you have to do is hit the little back button or turn off the computer.

As to Brasi’s “Trip Report Inclusion Scale”. I am pretty sure this report will fall smack dab in the middle of the scale. What can I say? I am a good Catholic girl with a 21 year old daughter and a 62 year old mother who might read this report, so I will have to leave some of it to your imagination.

...I think we must have had gullible, stupid, and tourist written all over our faces.

Aw shucks.

In my opinion, you weren't any more or less gullible than most first-timers! Jamaican sales people are GOOD! They see thousands of tourists a month. They've learned techniques and tricks for each type. Their livelihood is based on getting you to spend money.

In that psychological battle, you were unprepared, only due to your lack of experience. The main technique I used after experiencing what you did the first time: I carried very little money with me ($40 max) so i couldn't goof up too badly and get talked in to something.

Now that I've been many times it's no big deal to be firm and walk away from those types of sales people. At the beginning though...it was really tough. Most are GREAT at what they do....and at recognizing tourists as a new to the island.

Thanks for a great report! Can't wait to read about your trip...be safe!