women traveling in jamaica

[Guest]

Re: women traveling in jamaica

Originally posted by IM:
[qb]Amanda, it is not that which is bothering me. It is all of the generalizing about all Jamaican men. You are correct though, they do go hand in hand, as single women travellers do encounter more than a share of "men" experiences.

But "everything isn't everything". Not ALL Jamaica men are thre to take advantage of foreign women, they ALL don't look for a purse ot ALL don't want thier relationships to get off the island, and the thread seems to be going downhill, that is all I am trying to say.[/qb]

IM is right. we can't generalize re Jamaican men or women who go to Jamaica.

[TeaOom]

Re: women traveling in jamaica

...Without a doubt, this one is for the archives [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this very useful thread. Single women traveling in Jamaica and the issues we encounter on a daily basis are near and dear to many board members here on Jamaicans.com and many woman have been faced with situations for which they were not prepared, when they reached our beautiful island that we all love and hold very dear.

This thread is very helpful in providing information regarding many of the aspects of the difficulties, obstacles and most of all we need suggestions so that single women travelers can be better aware ... to better prepare themselves to enjoy their time to the max, spent in Jamaica.

Everyone's experience is valid ... everyone's experience although they may be similar, are in fact unique ... making generalizations about Jamaican men is just that ... a generalization, it's just not valid ... a generalization does not hold up ... but we need Jamaican men to come here and speak for themselves on this issue.

I happen to have had wonderful experiences with the Jamaican people. I have found them to be warm, loving and very giving ... I have never been burned but once in traveling over 17 years to Jamaica and that was over a cassette tape recording ...

...however, I do wholeheartedly agree that some of the people that congregate around the tourist towns tend to be like people who congregate around most tourist towns in the world ... they are looking to make a quick buck. ... because they have a 'captive audience for just a 'set period of time' and 'selling' to tourists is their business ... their lively-hood ... and Jamaican people are very tenatious, some of the best salespeople in the world and I have done a lot of traveling in my life and Jamaican people are marvelous entrepreneurs ... they are marvelous salespeople!

Single women should be prepared for the sales pitches of their lives when traveling to Jamaica ... especially to the tourist towns of Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Runnaway Bay. With this in mind and the information from some of the other posts ... the single woman traveler should be mindful of this information and be cautious as one would be traveling to any destination in a foreign country and enjoy themselves in Jamaica! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Amanda ATL]

Re: women traveling in jamaica

Originally posted by sunshinechic2002:
[qb]Amanda ATL,
I have to disagree with you on this one. I can't think of a lot of things, but, one thing that women have to think about while on vacation in Ja is THAT DAMNED EXCHANGE RATE! It doesn't bother some people, but, since I count money all day long, all year long, I don't want to have to divide by $41 or $43 or $40 anything for that matter while I'm on vacation. Not to say that it ruined my vacation or stopped me from falling in love with the place and a certain person, that is just the one thing that came to mind.

And not to get back on the topic of Jamaican men, but, I was just thinking, the men right here in this big ugly city where I live want women to take care of them, too! I am at the point now where, if a man speaks to me and I don't hear that sweet syrupy sound like melted honey being poured all over me...then, whatever, I don't want to hear a word they have to say anymore. I have heard enough of "Yo Ma" and "Hey Redbone" for my lifetime. I know that is generalizing in the other direction and I try not to do it, but, that is where I am right now.

Peace [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] [/qb]

now that the rate is about 48 I just divide by 50 or take a calculator... that's good advice... bring a calculator

As far as men wanting women to take care of them... I never really encountered that at home in the states (in Atlanta) I usually saw women who were "gold diggers". Don't get me wrong I've heard of it happening (gigolos), but usually only in lower income levels (i'm sure that is going to get me in a lot of trouble)... I've found that most of the Jamaicans in the tourist areas are not from wealthy families so maybe that is the coalition.

[Amanda ATL]

Re: women traveling in jamaica

Tea'Oom, good post!

[Tiger Eye]

Re: women traveling in jamaica

having started this thread, i feel the need to remind even myself what my intention was...i wanted to explore womens different experiences so that women in the future could be aware of what has gone on...i say explore because i dont expect anyone but me to learn from my mistakes.

TIME!!! eventually the goodness of people will reveal itself, or the wickedness, whichever the case may be. the average tourist does not have much time/patience to wait this out. it is easy to get swept off your feet by the rum, beauty of the island, food, music, and yes, the men…to the point where you actually believe that every little thing is gonna be all right.

It is hard to speak on this without making generalizations about both men and women. I hope we all agree that not all jamaican men are looking for money or a chance to go foreign…and not all women go down to jamaica and get involved.

There was a song a while back that went… things that make you go hmmmmmmmm. if a woman goes to negril and should get involved, she should be smart about it. My mother always said, “If it walks like a duck, and talks like a duck, it’s a duck.” That’s always been an easy one for me…the ones that have gotten me are the wolves in sheep clothing.

[sunshinechic2002]

Re: women traveling in jamaica

[/qb][/QUOTE]now that the rate is about 48 I just divide by 50 or take a calculator... that's good advice... bring a calculator

As far as men wanting women to take care of them... I never really encountered that at home in the states (in Atlanta) I usually saw women who were "gold diggers". Don't get me wrong I've heard of it happening (gigolos), but usually only in lower income levels (i'm sure that is going to get me in a lot of trouble)... I've found that most of the Jamaicans in the tourist areas are not from wealthy families so maybe that is the coalition.[/QB][/QUOTE]

Amanda ATL,
I don't think anyone will take offense to your comment about men in lower income levels wanting women to take care of them, I just don't agree with it. Here I go generalizing again, but, I feel that most men want that feeling of "being taken care of" by a woman and not just financially. I don't want to get too deep because I would really be straying from the topic. It just occured to me one day, "Any man that I give my heart to is going to get all that I have(be it physical, financial, emotional, etc.) so why should I say that just because a man is from a certain place he does not deserve to get what any other man I love would get? It's one thing to tell people to be careful, but it is something totally different to make comments that reveal the true psychological effects of elitism.

Also, what does being from a wealthy family have to do with anything? "Self-made" people need love, too!!! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

One more thing, I bang on a calculator all day, I am not taking one on vacation with me!!!BOAL [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]
I'm out....

Amanda--check your PM.

[brukbak]

Re: women traveling in jamaica

I don't dispute the fact that there are men out there waiting to manipulate and use women in all walks of life. To generalize and state that MOST Jamaican men are awaiting rescue from any woman not from Jamaica is probably the most shallow and ridiculous statement Iv'e heard in sometime. If a woman can't recognize game as it's being played then she should check herself. How can you not realize when you are being played? I mean, are you so lonley that you are willing to overlook traits that you wouldn't tolerate in an American or European man, just because youre on vacation (in Jamaica or anywhere else)? Women have created a chattel industry for "Rent a Dread" in Jamaica. Now whose using who again?

[sunshinechic2002]

Re: women traveling in jamaica

Originally posted by Brukbak:
[qb]I don't dispute the fact that there are men out there waiting to manipulate and use women in all walks of life. To generalize and state that MOST Jamaican men are awaiting rescue from any woman not from Jamaica is probably the most shallow and ridiculous statement Iv'e heard in sometime. If a woman can't recognize game as it's being played then she should check herself. How can you not realize when you are being played? I mean, are you so lonley that you are willing to overlook traits that you wouldn't tolerate in an American or European man, just because youre on vacation (in Jamaica or anywhere else)? Women have created a chattel industry for "Rent a Dread" in Jamaica. Now whose using who again?[/qb]

.....and then they want to get all mad and bitter when the truth is revealed!! if two people that BOTH have jobs happen to meet while one of them is on vacation, so be it!! sometimes you get what you're NOT looking for.... [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
the women that try to use their "racial" and "income" differences to attract men in Jamaica make it look bad for everyone. i don't buy into that "chattel" industry mess because I know that certain things can happen only if you allow them to....i'm just thankful that i don't have to pay for any man any where in this world [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

PEACE

[Marilyn]

Re: women traveling in jamaica

Mi can solve dees whole problem. Travel with De Girlfriend TOurs and you will not be single and alone in Jamaica. Angie and I will see to it that nothing hopen to you mon!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Marilyn]

Re: women traveling in jamaica

Some common elements to look for in the Jamaican Rap (come on)
1. He does not usually hang out in that club/beach area/street corner, he just "Hoppen" to be there this day because blah blah blah.
2. He does not even live in this area, he is from...... and was visiting because.....
3. He "noticed" you, and can usually tell you everyplace you have been so far that week. He did not approach you at first because........, but now he is overcome with your lovliness and can't help himself.
4. He wants to know where you are from, how long you have been here, how long you are going to be here, where is your husband/boyfriend (that would be the insane man who let such a lovely/sexy/desirable woman like you out alone unescorted), where are you staying ?(Tell them someplace else other than where you really are, although this does not work well in Negril because all they have to do is watch you and see where you turn in off the beach. This works better in Ochii. I always say I am at SANDcastles. I often laugh about this one because after years I am sure the staff there wonders who this Marilyn person is.)
5. Yes, he has a job, but he is off today. (I met one in Negril who said he worked at the airport. Daddy Alberto told me to ask him the first three numbers of the phone number at the airport, bet he can't tell you. This would be the same guy who got thrown out of Risky Business for selling drugs to tourist).
6. He wants to take you somewhere in Jamaica to show you something that takes you away from the immediate area.
7. He tells you in a confidential, conspiratorial manner how evil/sneaky/dishonest everyone else is he sees tryng to befriend you . They are telling you the same thing about him in the other ear. What's a girl to do??????
8. You and only you can make his life complete. (This works in America too.
9. He gently asks on the day of your departure if you have any of that useless Jamaican money you can't use at home that you might want to leave with him.
10. All of the above does not really matter, because if you keep your head on straight and make him one of the fun parts of your vacation, you will live.

[Tiger Eye]

Re: women traveling in jamaica

Originally posted by Marilyn:
[qb]
9. He gently asks on the day of your departure if you have any of that useless Jamaican money you can't use at home that you might want to leave with him.[/qb]

my favorite of them all. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[stargirl911]

Re: women traveling in jamaica

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

PRICELESS!

[Marilyn]

Re: women traveling in jamaica

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]
Tank you

[Caligirl2002]

Re: women traveling in jamaica

Marilyn!!! please help me find your original trip report! i am new here but, i read page one and four of this thread but, i so want to read yours!!!
thanks bunches!!
And thanks to you all for your words! I agree with you all one way or the other!!

[swedishrasta]

Re: women traveling in jamaica

Marilyn,
You crack me up...love this...

Caligirl..check the forum in the previous dates. Marilyn's report is there. She was there the same time as me...and she and the other ladies had a wild time...

one love.
s