Hey Jam-man
 

I just wanted to thank you so very much for your kind response to my post below. It really makde me feel great. Why would you bother to respond to somebody seeknig advice with an attitude like that? Ah, I see...you are one of a number of freaks who is thrilled that the anonymity of the Internet gives you a license to be nasty and hostile because nobody will know who you are. In fact, I am sure that you never speak your mind in your day-to-day life but get on-line to "release" all of the pent up hostility. Get a life. Get off of the computer. Enroll in some anger-management courses and BREATHE. Or you could simply ignore posts that pi** you off. Thanks a bunch!

Liz,<BR><BR>Seeking advice? If that's so, then my question still stands:<BR><BR>What did you expect to get back from your post? <BR><BR>I disagree with your analysis of my post. I don't think it was nasty and hostile. Sarcastic? Maybe. But I stand by it. You've already decided you aren't going to enjoy your trip because you're afraid of what might happen.<BR>I also stand by my question: WHat did you think you were going to read that would set your mind at ease?<BR>By the way, I have a life, I don't need anger management classes, I do breathe on a regular basis, I do speak my mind in my day-to-day life, and I've yet to read a post here that pi**ed me off. But I do read some that I think are pretty dumb.<BR><BR>I ask again, what did you expect to see in the "I'm nervous" thread from your 'Help!' post?

Ugh...what do you want ME to say to YOU?? I expected advice from people wh have been to Jamaica. Clearly, you have a high sensitivity to wary travelers. Am I supposed to feel guilty for thinking bad things about an island that is currently getting a ton of press due to civil unrest and violence? I can see that you are very defensive about Jamaica. Why not just be honest about the place? I am going there for the first time next week and I am a little nervous. Shoot me. (Oops..bad choice of words.) Is it unreasonable for me to be afraid? I think not. I am bering cautious and I was looking for advice from a person who enjoys giving advice--not some wise-a**, angry, defensive, "chip on the shoulder" type.

I've been reading all these threads and I don't mean to interrupt butif I may...<BR>Jamaica is not for everyone, the turmoil in this country is not or has not been a secret for a very very long time. I don't understand why a NERVOUS traveller would even consider Jamaica. I am new to Fodors Travel Talk, but have been hearing these type of things about Jamaica through other people, NEWSPAPERS, the MEDIA and so on.....<BR>So Liz, where have you been?? Don't you investigate a country B4 booking a vacation. There are plenty of other destinations to choose from, so why would you choose one with a history of turmoil and un rest, or havent you been paying attention to all those BOB MARLY songs?????<BR>Jam Man is right!<BR>WAKE UP!!!!

Liz is clearly not the brightest bulb in the package. It is beyond my ability to comprehend why someone like this would choose a destination like Jamaica. "I don't get it" is absolutely correct. Jamaica's drawbacks are well publicized and well documented. The idea that NOW, a few days before she's leaving, she's suddenly going to get nervous is absurd. If she's for real and she's just now freaking out because she's just now finding out that there is violent crime in Jamaica, then she deserves to be nervous. <BR>If she's a troll just trying to stir things up then she has succeeded.<BR>Either way, Jam-man is correct.

Based on the nature of your post, I have a hard time believing that this is your first time here and I am not surprised to see that you agree with Jam man. Once again, the anonymity of these boards allows people to adopt a ton of different screen names, back up their own posts by posting under different names, etc. I appreciate how you also share the same anger and hostility that infect Jam man's posts. Wake up?? Ah, ok...yeah. I am going to a country that has both good and bad points, I asked advice and now I am getting these "anonymous" posts in response telling me to wake up and not bother going. Scre*. If I am concerned, I have right to be. I have a right to ask questions, etc. and not be told that I shouldn't go just for asking questions!! And if you are implying that I am some confused "Bob Marly" (sic) fan with idealistic dreams of Jamaica, you can screw again. I don't listen to Bob Marley. And you asked where I have been. Did you mean to imply that I am a sheltered traveler who only books package holidays to "safe" places (and therefore not a "real" traveler who soaks up the culture)? I certainly don't have to defend myself--but I have a traveled extensively. Or perhaps you meant that I don't look into places I am visiting. Hmm. Once again, no need to defend myself on that point but I will say that two months ago policemen weren't being shot to death in Kingston in braod daylight (or at least, it wasn't reported in my sheltered, mainstream newspapers, right??)

Holly-<BR>A troll trying to stir up the board? Not the brightest bulb in the package? Well, you people are part of just about the most helpful, reassuring message board I'vce come across. And a classy lass you are--to insult somebody's intelligence for merely asking a question. Well, now...

Liz,<BR><BR>I'm sorry my posts upset you so much. I've re-read my posts, and I can't see how you concluded I'm being defensive about Jamaica. I don't think I am. Jamaica can stand or fall on its own, I really don't care that much (well, I do a bit, as I enjoy going there, meeting the people and absorbing the local culture) but if the place implodes due to the violence and PJ the PM's inability to control it, well, I'll find another place to go, but I'll sure miss it.<BR>And, I still don't think I'm being nasty and hostile. But that's opinion, and everybody has one.<BR>If what you're looking for through your posts is validation of your fears, then I agree, you are afraid, and you have every right to be afraid. <BR>And disappointed.<BR>You've saved and planned for what you thought and hoped was going to be a wonderfull vacation. I've seen your posts asking about Strawberry Hill (an absolutely wonderful place -- the food is to die for) and some of your plans about driving through the Blue Mountains (beautiful) to MoBay. And just as you start to decide what to pack, you see/hear about the civil unrest in the island, and your spirits fall. Your vacation is in jeopardy.<BR>So you post to Fodor's looking for...looking for...well Liz, this gets back to the crux of the bisquit -- what were you looking for? There is nothing anyone could have posted back to you that would have eased your mind. No one on this board has any control over what might or might not happen to you. That's what I was trying to say. You need to decide in your own mind whether to try to cancel and get your money back, forgoing the dream vacation you've planned, or go, grit your teeth and try to enjoy it.<BR>But it's my opinion that if you go, you will not enjoy it, as there will always be that undertone of unease about what's going on around you.<BR>I could be wrong, I have been on a lot of other things, and you could go, enjoy yourself, have the great vacation you've planned for, and forget the bad stuff. That's what a lot of people go on vacation for. It's one of the things I go for.<BR>But only you can decide that Liz, not anyone posting to your thread.<BR><BR>

Thank you Jam-man for that thoughtful intelligent response to the nonsense on this thread. <BR>Hopefully Liz understands now that you weren't being "nasty" or "angry", that you were merely trying to figure out what she was looking for. <BR>I for one, hope that she can relax enough to go and enjoy her vacation. Jamaica, even with all it's problems, is still an amazing destination.

Liz,<BR>I think you are the angry one here all your *** and #*&! I guess I would be angry too, if all I had to do is call a travel agent and ask a few simple questions. It appears as though you are surprised at the turmoil of the country, almost like you're the last to know. Hmmmm, doesn't seem too smart to me. Where you have travelled to is also not in question here, but where you're going. And theres another little secret I'll let you in on, nobody gives their real e-mail address because of idiots like you. If you want to post moronic posts like getting nervous, what do you expect anyone out in cyber world to do for you. If you're a big enough girl to buy an airline ticket then you should be more responsible for yourself and choose a vacation you are comfortable with. If you can write a post I'm sure you can read them as well. Have you not read anything about Jamaica good or bad before booking this trip. As I said before it's only news to you, everyone has known about this for years.<BR><BR>Have Fun!! and don't be nervous I'm sure you can buy a bullet proof bathing suit in the gift shop:)

I feel bad for Liz that she is afraid about her JA vacation, let's all stop picking on her. I think it's obvious that what she was looking for on this forum was some words of comfort and reassurance - and she reacted to some of the posters who unfortunately fueled her paranoia.<BR><BR>Try to relax and enjoy yourself Liz, don't let the crime reports ruin your holiday. Most likely you won't encounter any of it anyway, and you will probably meet some locals who will change or ease your mind - keep in mind that the people are often the best part of the island, most are gentle and warm and interesting to talk to, so I hope your fears don't dissuade you from experiencing what they have to offer. Jamaica needs your business and I sincerly hope that you will come back with positive experiences to share with us. <BR><BR>Jam-man, I commend you for your level headed reply. Nice to see that some people don't resort to name-calling and insults. This Jamaica topic sure gets people going! You either love it or hate it, and nothing in between.

I kind of felt sorry for the Liz bashing until I ready on. She never did explain why she would wait until a few days before she leaves for Jamaica to post this question. Did her travel agent tell her Jamaica was crime-free? Did she just assume Jamaica was crime free after seeing those (deceiving) Sandals commercials on TV? Did she do research but just not enough? Or if she did know about the crime, why did she choose Jamaica? C’mon Liz. Why?

Jam-man - you must be commended once again on your respetful response. Same for "I don't get it". Unfortunately, I cannot be that respectful. I have to say that Liz seems rather unstable and she is the one bearing the hostility. Sorry Liz, but you lost all credibility with your responses.

Liz, why dont you listen to Bob Marley??<BR>Boy-o-boy, you are going to be in for a real surprise....I hope you are taking your Britney Spears cd's.

I am leaving for negril and staying at beaches and plan on having a wonderful time.I am taking one camera body and one lens,and want to photograph some beatiful sunsets as well as some of the area, what should be my concerns with carring camera equipment? thanks

Tony<BR><BR>You will have no problems. Just behave as you would in a poor part of city back home.<BR><BR>If you want to photograph people, treat them with respect and ask permission first.<BR><BR>I wouldn't go out of the resort at night on foot.<BR><BR>I wouldn't wear my camera around my neck on a strap. Carry it in a bag and take it out to use it (particularly if its expensive).<BR><BR>If you go walking out during the day away from your resort people will come up to you and try to sell you trips, ganga, carvings, jewelery etc. Don't take offence. They are only trying to make a living. Just say "No thanks" and keep walking.<BR><BR>I didn't feel threatened walking about during the day. Don't just stay on the resort (as loads of people do) there are some very picturesque places to see. Even the shacks/shops are painted up in bright colours and should be good to photograph.<BR><BR>The Jamaican people are very friendly and will always greet you when you pass. Return the greeting and smile. Say "No thanks" if they offer you anything to buy.<BR><BR>If you do decide to buy something DON'T offer the asking price. Negotiate. It is expected. If, say, the price is $20, offer $10. Don't pay above $12. Just a rule-of-thumb but you get the idea?<BR><BR>Enjoy your trip to Jamaica. It is as safe as at home if you are sensible.

Take lot's of US1.00 bills, you will have better bargaining power.<BR>I have found in the past that they never seem to have change. Have a great time, Jamaica is wonderful.