All valuable input - I like the idea of trinkets to offer. Certainly,
there are lots of people who panhandle. I stayed at a 5-star hotel in
downtown San Francisco, and was approached all around the square as well
as immediately outside the hotel. Can't avoid begging anywhere.
However, in the U.S., one often finds begging by people who appear
perfectly functional and able to support themselves. In other parts of
the world, I've rarely found that to be true.
We're staying at a condo in Ocho Rios, and have a local contact who will
brief us. We'll also be renewing wedding vows, and will receive advice
and direction from the pastor officiating at our celebration.
Thanks to everyone who has been willing to provide input. We're not new
to travel, just to Jamaica. We don't do dumb stuff - unlikely to do so
on this trip, either.
Kind Regards to All, and Happy Holidays.
Originally posted by Juliana L Holm
> Redlocks wrote:
>
> >> All one has to do it aquire the ways of one who has been there
> and >not
> > LOOK like a newbie.
>
> > This is so true. First time visitors to New York City often look
> up at the
> > tall buildings in amazement while walking the streets. It is
> easy for
> > scam artists to recognize those who walk with a purpose as
> opposed to those
> > who are on vacation.
>
> Real important tip here. You can get hit on/scammed/hassled
> anywhere. It may
> be more intense in Jamaica (I have not yet been there) but it is just
> a higher
> level of something that is just as true wherever. New York,
> Naples, Berlin,
> anywhere. When I go to work here in Washington DC I daily have
> several people
> ask me for money (I work fairly close to a major homeless shelter)
> and there
> are always street vendors hawking their wares at me. (try
> walking around
> without an umbrella in a rainstorm in downtown DC).
>
> Being aware, saying no politely, are just important skills for
> travelers
> ANYWHERE.
>
> Julie
> --
> Julie
> **********
> Check out my Travel Pages (non-commercial) at
http://www.dragonsholm.org/travel.htm"]http://www.dragonsholm.org-
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