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*TRIP REPORT* Very interesting "welcome" to Negril for first-timers...
Okay, I hadn't planned on writing a trip report while I was here, thought maybe I'd take some notes and write one when I got back. Well, things have been a little crazy so I thought I'd find a place to use the internet and get some of this off my chest while its all still fresh in my mind.
Our flight arrived on time about 6:15 at Sangster, I think I saw Rasta Stan at the front of the plane and was going to say hi but we stopped to exchange $50 US so we would have a little Jamaican cash, then we went to get our baggage but Stan was already gone. I had decided to bring 2 checked bags, of course my duffel bag was missing. We made a report and they were very nice, even called our driver (Kenny) to let him know we would be coming soon. So we exit the airport and there is Kenny waiting for us. Beside him is another man holding a sign with the name of the place we are staying. In our correspondence with the woman who owns the rooms we were booked at we had not discussed a ride, other than my mom telling her that we would likely use my mom's friend's husband's brother. We knew of this place from my mom's friend, her and her Jamaican husband know the family. We found out the brother lives in Ocho so we looked for a Negril based driver instead and booked with Kenny. So were were confused to say the least. The driver was agitated and called the owner. I spoke to her and she was angry asking us why would tell us what time our flight was coming in (we did so she would know when to expect us as we knew we wouldnt get there til 8 or 9pm) and saying that my mom had asked her about a ride and that she had written back telling us that "D----" would be picking us up. My mom has forwarded me all the emails between them and I have been present for all the phone calls as well, I know this did not happen. I told her we did not ask about a ride and that we wouldnt have booked a driver if she had said she was sending one. She kept insisting that we did ask for a ride, I asked her what do you want me to do at this point? She said to take it up with the driver. I am standing there on the phone, steps outside the airport, I couldn't really believe what was happening.
I had done tons of research on this place, never heard anything bad about it. Not only was it recommended by my moms friend, but boardies have stayed there for many years and loved it. We were really looking forward to meeting them and staying there. I paid the driver $50, I didn't want to but I didn't know what else to do, just felt completely blindsided.
On the way to Negril I was getting more and more upset about it. I HATE confrontation and will do just about anything to avoid it...my mom is the same way. I just wanted things to go smoothly...but I didnt know how that was going to go since she was clearly lying about setting up the ride for us. And hostile right from the beginning. I decided that when I spoke to her face to face I would tell I was not comfortable giving her any more money when I KNOW we did not book the ride. Turns out I would not have an opportunity to speak with her face to face.
We arrived at the property about an hour after talking to her....no one around. Kenny walked us around the property, he asked someone where we go for reservations. Someone called for someone else, after a few more minutes a young lady came out...the owners daughter. I asked if I could speak to the owner because I had a problem. She said she was not there...but she would try and call her. She called and said there was no answer, said she had gone somewhere where the reception wasnt good but that she would keep trying. I'm not stupid...I know she was there. Then she said she would go and try the landline. She came back a few minutes later with a cellphone, the owner on the line. I told her we know we didn't discuss or book any rides with her and that we were out $50 and not happy about it. She layed into me...accusing my of lying and insisting we did book the driver, she was beyond rude saying "why would I do that, I must be stupid etc etc." Well I guess I must be stupid because why would I book Kenny if she had told us she was sending someone? I told her I didn't feel comfortable giving her any more money and she said there were plenty of other accomodations in Negril. I said thats fine and hung up the phone.
Its funny, my mom just checked her fb and had a message from her friend telling us about who were were going to meet there, and one of the has the same name as the driver she sent.
We are very easygoing people, we totally would have used her driver if she had offered that. But she didn't, and we know that. Needless to say its kind of put a damper on our first day here. We are trying to let that go and relax and have a good time, but as I said we were very much looking forward to staying at this place and meeting the family who we have heard such great things about.
Here's hoping the rest of our week goes better, today we woke up at the place we found last night (had read many board recommendations about it and so far so good). Had breakfast then took a route taxi to the roundabout, went to the Digicel store and got our phones going. Called WestJet about a million times to let them know I was NOT staying at the place I had indicated on the missing luggage report, have left several messages now but they havent called back 
Was going to go to the Jungle tonight, by myself, but to be honest I kind of have an uneasy feeling now because of last night. I'm sure I'll get over it...I'm trying hard! I really want to have a good time this week, and I know I will...I just HATE drama. All over a stupid cab fare...which I hope was worth it to them since they lost a week's worth of money from us for it, they must not need it.
Anyway..done venting now, just had to get that off my chest. On a brighter note....I cannot say enough about Kenny (kennyjamaica@gmail.com). He has gone above and beyond for us, I'm so happy we booked him, he's been incredibly helpful.
Going to go back to our room now and maybe hit the beach this afternoon, still havent been to the ocean yet...was looking forward to just waking up and wandering out there...but that was not to be unfortunately. Still deciding whether to go to the Jungle tonight or not... I'll see how I feel tonight.
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what an unfortunate welcome to Negril for your first trip. Please try to shake it and don't give that negative situation any more power over you by letting it put a damper on your well-deserved vacation. It happened and is over and done with, so now it is time to get busy enjoying beautiful Jamaica! The woman you were dealing with was very rude and unprofessional, and should have handled the situation with the driver herself and recompensed him out of her own pocket. I am sorry you were out 50 dollars--but I probably would have done the same thing myself if put in that spot. Shake it off and enjoy. And maybe to get it out of your system you could write a letter to the business that screwed up your arrival, just to further clear things off your chest.
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Too bad you lost out on the $50.
Have a good time and try to forget about the little money and the "lady" at the other place.
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You were within your rights to refuse to pay the other driver. That said, I believe that you did the right thing. Things happen, and sometimes things that happen tend to work out Karmaicly. If you happen upon that driver again, say hello, That you are sorry that there was that confusion and that you didn't want to put him out...and you might end up with a friend in Negril for life, worth ten times the price that you paid.
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so where did you end up staying? Are you on the beach? Maybe you can go to the webcast at Canoe today and meet some other boardies, etc.
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Hey Cdn 79 & Mom...come on by Canoe tonight....we're webcasting from 5-7pm....enjoy the nice steel band...have a nice dinner AND...we'll help make a better start to your trip. This is crappy this happened...but it'll all be fine & Jungle will rock!
Lisa & Rob
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you're probably going to have to go the airport to get your luggage . . .
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Take Lisa up on the webcast offer. They are a great local resource and can recommend anything and all things. Also, other boardies who are in town will most likely be there.
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OHHHH and did I mention that it's Happy Hour here at Canoe....Rum Punch, Dirty Banana, Blue Canoe, Rock-d-Boat 2 for 1...wooohooo!!!!
Hehe...come to the happy place!
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