Back in Negril!! November 2012 Trip Report

[Kiknback]

The past few years our November trip has been a group thing. We always have friends around, and people to hang out with. It's great. However, there are times that I like to be alone. Particularly in the morning, when I am not the friendliest person in the world. I regularly go for long walks on the beach, just me, no plans. I casually mention this, and when morning comes, all our friends want to join me. "Can I come with? Can we stop for some breakfast?" Uggh. Not in the mood for people. I had to put an end to it. "No! If you want breakfast, go get breakfast yourself. I am just going for a walk, and it will be on my schedule, and only my schedule! It's not social hour, and it is not a democracy! You can follow if you want, but I am doing my own thing." That did the trick. They all went to breakfast, and I was on my own for a few hours.

Unless I am walking into town or have a place I need to go, I usually walk to where the beach ends past Cosmos. Sometimes I'll continue to the all-inclusives at the next stretch of beach. But usually I just find a nice shady spot near the end of the beach, bring a drink, and chill out for a bit on this quiet stretch of beach before walking back. Usually there is a local higgler around, and I'll get to know them a bit. Some of my best times in Negril have been relaxing on this stretch of beach, just chatting, and usually befriending, a local.

I walk to my normal area, at the end of the beach, and Kyle, who I had met on a previous walk, waves me over to his shady spot. The usual requests. Need any smoke? Anything I can do for you? I decline all offers, I have everything I need, but have a seat next to him and chat a bit. He continues to try to sell me anything and everything, but soon realizes that I am not buying anything and leaves me be. That part of the beach is so peaceful. Rarely anyone around. And that is where I sat for a good part of the morning, relaxing, and watching a Negril hustler in action.

It was fascinating to watch. Like I said, very little traffic on that stretch. Mostly the all-inclusive folks out for a little walk. But Kyle had a little something for everyone who would walk by. Single guys, he would offer pot. Couples, he would try to sell souvenirs, then pot. "I want to be your Jamacian Boyfriend" was his line to an older, not particularly attractive woman that must have been someone's grandma. He had everything. This was Kyle the drug dealer/souvenir salesman/rum and vodka distributer/Gigalo/Pimp. A man of many talents. And I am pretty sure if there was anything else you wanted he could find it. But it was just really interesting to watch the reactions, and the interactions. Half the people walking by were afraid to even look in his direction. Most were simply dismissive and kept walking. A few were respectful. I think he had a shot with grandma, if she came walking back the same way.

I stayed for over an hour, just relaxing and watching the interactions. Just fascinating people-watching. In that time, he made nothing. Not one sale. Its a tough living being a Negril hustler. As I am getting ready to leave, a local girl walks up. She looks like the quiet, nice girl type. "Would you be interested in a massage?" No, thanks. She then looks my way. "I like your Bamboo." Excuse me??? I'm in a bathing suit, but its baggy, not a speedo or anything. She can't possibly see my bamboo. I must have misheard her, so I ask her to repeat herself. She looks me down, straight at my bamboo. "I like your bamboo." Ok, it's time for me to go! I walk back and join my friends, having had one of the more interesting mornings of my trip. So much more memorable than breakfast!


My peaceful little spot at the end of the beach