Hang with locals

I called this post “part 1” in case any of the other crazy things I’ve done pop into my mind. I’ll be sure to post them if they do. But for now I can think of one or two ways to meet Jamaican locals that stand out in my head. Being a white female doesn’t hurt but I’m not going to focus on that because it will perpetuate stereotypes.

I see a lot of people have searched “meet Jamaican locals” and stumbled on to my blog so I thought I’d share how I’ve met some. Not all of them turn out to be lifelong friends but each of them has contributed to making every trip something to talk about, positive or negative. There are a lot of people in Jamaica that I’ve known for 4+ years and still stay in touch. And then there are lots that are forgotten as soon as I come home.

I’ll tell you the most memorable way I’ve met a Jamaican. It was 2.5 years ago and I was STILL just laughing about it today, thinking I’m lucky he didn’t turn out to be a serial killer or something! Every once in a while him and I still talk about it, reminisce about it, or just plain don’t believe it turned out this way. Complete fluke.

In winter of 2006 I was planning my 5th trip to Jamaica and decided I should try somewhere I’ve never been before, and where I didn’t know anyone. That would force me to make new friends and explore again, I felt I was getting complacent in my trips planning. So I chose Ocho Rios and had NO CLUE what it had to offer me. So what did I do? Got on my trusty computer and hit up Myspace, doing a general search for Jamaicans in the St Ann area. I had absolutely nothing to go on so I kept flipping through the pages until I stumbled onto the profile with the biggest smile. He had to be friendly!!

Now I’m not under-exaggerating when I say that all I did was send this message to the person: “Hi. I’m coming to Ocho Rios for my first time from Dec 1 – 6. Would you like to take me out?” When I re-read that NOW it makes me laugh to tears and shake my head at my own self at the same time! My mother would have shot me if she knew! But to my surprise the next day I had a message back saying SURE. He left his phone number and told me to call when I reach Jamaica.

The rest is history! 2.5 years and 4 trips later we’re planning to go into business together. He’s been a tour guide for me, a personal chef (YUMMM), a Sumfest partner, a valuable resource when I have questions about Jamaica, and just a great friend. Next month he’s taking me to some parts of the island I’ve never seen to get more material for this blog! I would have never guessed. He just said that to me the other day, “did you ever think way back when you first saw me on Myspace…….”. I said NOPE!

So anyways, I’m not saying you’re guaranteed to find the same thing I did by trolling Myspace or Facebook for the biggest smile, but you never know what’s out there! I guess if you’re going to do what I did the only word of caution I can give you is to meet in neutral territory…..like your hotel is a good place. Guests have to sign in or register so its a safe way to go.