Here it is! The second installment of your questions asked via my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE. Again, these are all just my opinion and I’m sure I’ll be judged on a few of them but so it goes! Can’t please everyone all the time. I just have to say I REALLY love participation by you guys so thanks for posting all these questions and here we go!
Q: Would you ever consider visiting Guyana? It’s a beautiful country!
A: ABSOLUTELY!! I’m so glad you asked this question Albert because my next door neighbor in Jamaica was actually Guyanese and he is one of the BEST friends I’ve ever met in Jamaica. I miss being his neighbor so much! He used to cook me the best Indian food, or any food for that matter. Before him I never knew anyone from Guyana and he has inspired me to want to visit his country. He’s actually invited me to go next year, Feb 2012, when he goes home to visit his family. I truly hope I can make the trip!
Q: Are you ever going to move back to Jamaica?
A: The answer to this question better be YES! I was supposed to have already done this but the next question and answer will tell why I haven’t done it yet.
Q: What is the real reason you moved back to Canada?
A: There is not one answer to this question so without boring you to death I’ll try and touch on ALL the combined reasons why I ended up staying in Canada. #1 was originally money. I won’t lie, I ran out of money in the first round and when I came back after two months I was originally sitting here waiting for a next pile of cash to roll in from my old job that I quit. While I was waiting for that money some sudden health and medical issues with my son came up and it was the very day I went to see him in the hospital that I made the decision to let my apartment in Jamaica go. At that time I didn’t know how long his recovery would be or what the results of his recovery would be. About a month after that I did get my money but I was afraid to return to Jamaica because of my son so I made the decision to stay in Canada for at least the rest of the summer. Living in Canada costs a lot more than living in Jamaica and that pile of money started to deplete itself. So as it stands right now I’m just hanging out and trying to build back what I would need to do it all again. I did send off a truckload of sponsorship requests for my blog but I guess there are no free rides!
Q: What are your true feelings about the overwhelming amount of “relationships” that come out of Jamaica? Feel free to elaborate on all forms of relationships that you are PERSONALLY familiar with (eg. Significant others, bff’s)
A: Oooooh Erin, you are gonna get me shot in the head for this one LOL! I could go on for days answering this, ESPECIALLY since I returned from my long term stay. I observed enough in two months to confirm what my opinions were before that. I think the quickest way to say it is this: Do ladies REALLY and TRULY believe they are the ONLY tourist the man has ever met and said those things to? In my eight years of traveling to Jamaica and knowing billions of females who travel to Jamaica I think I can only think of two relationships off the top of my head that are solid and have lasted. The overwhelming majority of relationships that end up in Visa’s did not last once the man came abroad. 99% of the men I’ve observed in action while their woman is foreign are unfaithful. And after real life interviews with females who moved to Jamaica to be with a man, an overwhelming number of the men turned abusive once they had the female out of her home country. HOWEVER…..with all that being said these are just MY observations and opinions. I didn’t watch the entire island in two months LOL. And I happen to know a handful of women who’ve lived in Jamaica for years and years and are doing alright and have wonderful men. In my OWN experience with men there I have never met one who would be what I would look for in a partner. I’ve given a few guys brief chances and they always prove me right.
Q: How do you feel about the US and European economies causing fewer travelers to visit Jamaica? Do you think the smaller, independant resorts can survive? The roadside gift shops? I am so concerned for my dear friends in Jamaica, the economy there is certainly going to suffer (and is already suffering) as a ripple effect from the US and European economic struggles.
A: First of all I’m Canadian and lots of my travel friends are as well and I haven’t seen ANY decline in our spending to travel. But on the serious side of things, I don’t really think it’s affecting tourism to Jamaica yet! If you follow travel and tourism news you may hear that of all the islands, Jamaica is suffering the least in the tourism department. About the question “can the little guys survive”…..I hope to God they can and this is one of the number one reasons for this blog and for my other website DO JAMAICA YOUR WAY. Both sites completely promote local travel and support local guest houses and accommodations. So I guess I could turn the question back on you readers…..will YOU support the little guys? I find lots of people would rather go the convenience route and book all inclusive packages and eat out at expensive restaurants and party at giant franchise bars. So I guess my answer to this question bears no weight because I’m only one person who supports local Jamaica. But I can’t drill it into other people’s heads.
Q: When in Jamaica I always hear the expressions “kin teet” and “kiss me teet”. What do they mean?
A: It means that sound that all Jamaicans do when they’re pissed off LOL! That sucking of the teeth. I always thought it was best spelled like so – chhrrrpppps!
Q: If a Jamaican invited me to a “nine night” where would I be going?
A: You’d be going to a party/celebration of someone who passed away, and lasts for several days. Not to be mistaken for something like our version of a bawling, depressing wake though LOL. Nine nights and dead yards are NOT depressing! They’re fun as hell!
Q: Are most places in Jamaica handicapped-accessible?
A: I don’t think I’ve ever seen an accessible place in Jamaica! There must be some in Kingston though….aren’t there?
Q: If I want my Jamaican friends to chill out with me (or stay with me) at my hotel, will there be any problem with that?
A: There will be at an all-inclusive resort that’s for sure. Ahhhh I love winning when it comes to supporting small business. Unless you know at the time of booking at a resort that you will have company, YES you will have an issue. They want your “guest” to be a registered guest at the resort. You can always bring them in on a day pass for $50 or so extra dollars per day but they will be kicked out by 10 or 11 pm. If you book into a privately owned guest house (like the ones I promote) there are typically no problems bringing people in and them staying over. In a few cases there might be an extra person charge of maybe $10 per night. And I can’t blame them, it’s extra utilities!
Q: Suggest some local crafts or other items you think would make the best souvenirs from Jamaica?
A: Ones that are MADE IN JAMAICA. If you’re shopping where the tour buses take you those are not authentic Jamaican crafts!! Buy from people on the beach or the road that you can SEE them sitting there making the craft! Always buy from the little guy!!! OMG I’ll go crazy here if I keep talking about people who shop at resorts and tourist spots LOL.
Q: I am white. Will people try to shoot at me when I’m in Jamaica?
A: LOOOOOOOOL!!!!! I think this is my favorite question on the whole questionnaire!! I am white too! I’m not dead yet and I have hung out with people who put guns under their pillows! The real answer is you will be FINE!!! Unless you’re a member of the Shower Posse you have nothing to worry about. No one’s shooting at you. I love you Theresa!!
Q: Are there big scary bugs in Jamaica?
A: YES. Please refer to THIS POST. Or how about THIS POST? If that wasn’t enough proof you can also try THIS POST.
Q: Is Jamaica safe for lesbians and gays?
A: From everything I’ve heard and read, as a general rule NO it’s not very safe for Jamaican gays and lesbians. I don’t know about tourist ones. That’s what Hedonism Resorts are for I guess. Lately I’ve been hearing that some form of tolerance is coming about in Jamaica and they even have their own pride marches now. But that’s about all I know. I personally, won’t pretend I’m gay just to find out.
Q: Is it true that most Jamaican men have more than one woman and often many children with different mothers? What’s up with that?!
A: I think it’s true and I’ve seen it’s true. I completely believe it’s true and I think the reason is because it’s culturally accepted. I’m not passing judgement on the whole island but wifey’s and matey’s are a way of life it seems. And now I will plead the fifth because lots of Jamaicans read my blog LOL!
Q: How do you deal with the horrible poverty in Jamaica when you visit?
A: Tough question. I guess I deal with it in a case by case situation because I can’t help everyone. In cases where I’ve had the opportunity to meet people in rough situations I’ve done things like give toys and fun things to their kids, buy food for them to cook for dinner. In one case I even raised over $900 to donate to someone who needed medical attention. I do what I see fit at that time with my own budget and the person’s needs. I would love to say that over 2000 members in a Facebook fan group contribute regularly to help a much larger cause but sadly, they don’t LOL. Imagine though….if every fan gave $1.00 per month, some amazing cause in Jamaica could be completely funded! The “donation” button on my sidebar remains unclicked (except the two people who donated, they know who they are and I love them).
Q: Is it safe to eat the food that’s sold from stands alongside the road?
A: Absolutely! That’s the only kind of food that’s in my budget on a normal day and I’ve never died from it nor been sick. It’s dirt cheap, you KNOW you’re supporting the actual man standing there cooking it, and it tastes better than all the fast food joints!
Q: If you lived in Jamaica full-time, what are the things from home that you would miss most?
A: I believe I covered a lot of this answer in my postings when I did live there. A friggin good internet connection was at the top of my list along with GOOD customer service!
I knocked off a couple questions to keep this post reasonable enough to read and it’s still LONG! I loved your questions again and thanks to everyone for asking! Can’t wait for the comments….I’m sure they’re coming!
Comments
14 responses to “Reader Questions Part 2”
Regarding the question “I am white, When Im in Jamaica will be shot”……I think you should have elaborated on your answer to include find out where the ‘safe’ areas are before you venture out. A lot of areas in Montego Bay are not safe for black people let alone white (i.e Salt Springs, Flanker) as well as other areas in Jamaica (parts of downtown Kingston, areas in St Catherine, Spanish Town)….and its better not to go out alone at night in the residential areas (stick to the tourist areas) as these can also be unsafe.
Thanks for the comment Janet. Although not many tourists are going to just wander their way into Flankers or Shelter Rock LOL. To end up in those places they’d have to be with a local who knows those areas and I don’t think a local would be dumb enough to take them there if it wasn’t safe. I’ve been into Flankers with residents of that area and they were quick to show me the invisible line that we shouldn’t cross.
And on the flipside of that, I’ve been to lots of areas that are deemed “unsafe” and they still aren’t going to shoot at white people. If ANYTHING, if you’re in those areas and something does go down the foreigners would be the first people to be protected.
Love reading your blog and so excited to see Part 2 of Reader Questions. It was fantastic – as usual. I have a love for Jamaica too… hence, my 3rd trip this year is coming up at the end of October. Hopefully/maybe you’ll be there too and we can connect for a drink… a group of us are going and staying in Ocho Rios… can not wait!! Thanks again for great reading! 🙂
Thanks Sandie! Glad you enjoyed my answers 🙂
If a miracle blows my way before the end of October I might get the chance to meet you! But it’s not looking good.
WHAT PRIDE MARCHES?
Did u under-sell your apartment?
Maurice, I never owned the apartment! I was just renting it.
Kristi – I love, love, LOVE your answers! As for the “I’m white, will they shoot at me?” question, I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve been asked that question by Americans! So I just HAD to submit it. I am white too, I have a Jamaican “husband”, a small business, and many wonderful friends in JA. I can honestly say I have NEVER felt unsafe when I’m there but I am usually in a non-touristy area (Portland). People know me on sight (it’s pretty easy to pick me out of the crowd LOL) and have always been very friendly and welcoming. I drive around, go shopping, etc by myself often and have never been afraid. Honestly, I can be accosted here in Los Angeles if I don’t use good judgment! That being said, tourists are targets all over the world for thieves and pickpockets. In Naples, Italy, we were warned that guys on Vespas ride up alongside you, slit your purse straps with razors, and ride off into the night. Sheeeessshhh! In my experience, Jamaica gets a bad rap. Yes, there’s PLENTY of violence but it’s typically directed at fellow Jamaicans and RARELY at tourists. Just use your common sense when traveling to ANY foreign destination (even Canada, LOL!!!)
I also asked the question about having my Jamaican friends stay at my hotel because this happens more often than people think. AIs are particularly bad about it, but I have also encountered it in smaller hotels. I was so offended and insulted the 1st time it happened that I came home and removed the hotel from the ones I list on my KeepItJiggy site. RIU in Ochi gave us 30 minutes in a specified confined area of their lobby to visit some English family/friends staying there, and they were not allowed to even buy us a drink or feed us anything. WOW – talk about “second class citizens”!! I refuse to support policies of banning “locals” from the hotel property or advertise places that do. Seriously folks, tourists can be worse thieves and vandals on any given day! Just another great reason to SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES where people are treated with respect. And, if you plan to invite your guests, be sure to ask before you go.
Love you too!!
Thanks for the AWESOME reply Theresa!! I think you and I share a lot of the same sentiments about Jamaica and about life in general. That was pretty obvious when I met you the couple times we’ve met. And your business partners are just as great as you. Good people.
Keeping my fingers crossed that a miracle happens to come your way and you’ll be in Jamaica before you know it…
I love your stories and adventures and really hope to meet you one day!
Thanks Sandie! I like miracles LOL!
Hi JC,
I hope you do make it to Guyana (and that you write about your visit).
Oh, just a small detail, “kin teet” (“skin teeth”) actually means “smile”. I almost said that it meant “fake smile” because that is a common meaning, but “smile” is probably better because it covers all the meanings.
Hey Stew thanks for the clarification. I was mixing it up with “kiss teeth”. And you can bet that if I get to Guyana I will most definitely write about it!
Kristi: If you go to Guyana, don’t expect a Jamaica. It is a completely different country because of its geographical location; also their culture, lifestyle, history and demographics are different. They do not have beaches like the Caribbean because of the silt and mud that is being drained into the ocean from two rivers, the Orinoco River (North West of Guyana) and Amazon River (South of Guyana). They are now trying to bring in eco tourism. It is not really a tourist country like some of the Caribbean islands but if you go with friends they will make sure that you have an enjoyable time. I am quite sure that you will enjoy the experience. And, yes, there is crime like everywhere else. I was just born out of Guyana by chance and have been there many times. Feel free to email me if you ever need to know what to expect. I am sorry to hear that you had to give up your place and I hope that your son is doing much better.
Thanks Angela! If I go to Guyana it would be with my neighbor from Jamaica. I don’t think I’d venture there alone first time. I have no idea what his country he said he’d make sure it was an awesome time! I love learning new cultures and traditions and food and all that. I also have a friend from here (Canada) who just spent a year volunteering in Guyana who could probably give me some insight on what to expect.
Thanks for the comments about my son too. Life happens eh?