To me, I need to feel that the general outlook of the people who live where I am going is welcoming and not totally cynical towards tourists. This can happen and I often don't blame people because we often show a kind of over the edge side of our personality or an arrogance. For me, that's why I've often stayed away from spots like Negril. But i have found it to be great of course i do stay out of alot action, good and bad by staying at the Westender!

If people don't see you as a "person" then it's easy to disrespect or take advantage of and this goes both ways. I see Jamaicans, as I see most people in the world, as interesting, creative, family oriented, friendly and welcoming people. I believe they do their best to sort out the difficult balance to be helpful, professional and smart in the tourist scene but also true to themselves and genuinely warm. Like anywhere, however, there are people who do what they need to survive and get what they want. I've never had any money...so this is easy but I never take expensive toys, flash a lot of jewelry, or money. Not drinking a lot helps because its easier to see what is up and who is who and also watch my own behaviour. To me, beside just being frigging warm and swimming in the aqua water, the best part is learning from and enjoying the people. Sorry this is long.