Respect Mon (Montego Bay, Jamaica)

I heard that phrase over and over when I was in Jamaica. Mostly or mainly from guys, it was form of a greeting. They would come up and say “Respect Mon” and give me a pound/dap (for the ebonicly challenged, that’s when you bump fist), not a pound of weed. But I did have a bet before I left; to see how many times I would be asked to buy some of the Ganja. The over/under was 7 ½….it came out to be 3. I bet if we would have ventured into town more, it would have been higher.

What can I say about Montego Bay? I had an awesome time, went with “the one”. All inclusive is always a good way to go. Food was decent, drinks were wonderful; I think we had some of the best pina colada’s we ever had. The resort that we stay in was very nice with a lot of activities, games, nice beach, and events to participate in. Overall, I think the resort was good; my only problem was with the bed. The rooms were nice and since I am spoiled on HDTV, I see how TV looks not in HD; back to the beds…..it seems like the fitted sheets did not fit so well. They would unravel when you turned over, plus it was very humid so it was like they were sticking to you also.

Shopping in Jamaica is an adventure itself. We went to the craft market that is where they have a bunch of little shops all clustered together and you can get some good souvenirs and nic nacs. Well everyone once you to come into their space, their favorite expression is “I patient, I will wait for you to come in”. But after going to 3 or 4, they are basically the same and we could not please everyone. Some wanted you just to come in and look but it was like a sweat box and then they would try and make you a good deal on something. It got to be too much and we had to go. Going to the Hip Strip was a lot better, places there were more like stores….so all of that pulling and trying to go to each place was eliminated.

Things I learn in Jamaica
The colors on the flag...green stands for the earth, yellow for the sunshine, and black for the people.
Learn how to say “no”, no I don’t want my hair braided, no I don’t want a ride in your taxi, no I don’t want to buy any ganja.
Everything is somewhat negotiable
If someone asks you for $50, they are probably asking for Jamaican currency and that is about 80 cents USD
The jerk chicken is more spicy here than in Jamaican and I am assuming that is because people here just go crazy with the seasoning.
Take extra clothes, because it is humid and you will take lots of showers and need more clothes.