Whats going on everyone? I've been to Jamaica twice in the past two years and both times I had a great time. My friend and I are going to visit someone I met in November at one of the resorts in Jamaica next week. I am planning to stay with him in Ocho Rios and go to the beach for a few days and also go to sumfest for a day. Everyone is so negative around here and I am constantly told that I am going to be somewhere that I am not wanted and possibly kidnapped (I think they have the wrong idea). Now this guy I met has been there for me when I lost a friend due to heroin, g/f problems, etc. We talk all the time and he calls me a lot. He is a great person and because of him I got to meet the dummer of Sanchez (one of my fav groups besides sizzla and jah cure). Does anyone else from the US visit and stay with locals every once and awhile? Any tips for visiting? Will I be ok if I stay in Ocho Rios since it is more a tourist spot?

Thanks,

Matt

I stay with my frien when I go

No one can predict your safety no matter where you travel. Wether it's down the street from your own home or if it is in a totally different country. Use your common sense and street smarts no matter where you travel.

As for Ocho Rios, I stayed there many times in my past visiting an ex. I stayed in the Ghetto and made the best out of it. My last visit to ochi, I did run into a scary situation with the ex...but I used my common sense and finished up my visit to once I left I never turned back. But that is my story...everyone's is different. Every man or woman is different. There are many many safe and comforting tales of romance from peeps that visit there man in JA. But at the same time there are horror stories. I would take from what you read on this forum as great knowledge on both aspects on getting yourself involved with a holiday romance. There is nothing like being fully aware of any possibilities.

Enjoy your stay in Ochi and juss be aware of your surroundings... Oh...and try avoiding going in debt for anyone or anything...always value yourself first.

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LOVE LOCKDOWN

BTW... Welcome to ETJ Smigs

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Thanks for reading my post and I hope for more replys from others that visit friends in JA. Basically I don't know of any white 23 year old jersey boys that go to JA to experience another culture safely ya know? I agree with your "value yourself" as money turns people into negative people. More too my story is that I have a g/f that is in Spain for school for only 6 weeks so I decided to visit our Jamaican friend who is 26 years old. I was told by her friends mother that goes to Negril 4 times a year that where I will be in JA has way less crime then Philly and Camden NJ so I feel better about that. Hopefully I can come back with positive thoughts and words about off resort life in JA. Once again I thank you for reading my post everyone and hope to hear more honest answers.

Matt

Well.. I never knew anyone that was a white, blonde, young (yes..I said young ) ooman from Mormon country and alone to travel to Kingston and then onto Ochi and it's surrounding areas before!

Anyhow....I had some absolutely great times on my travels. The people are just absolutely amazing and very kind. Bring some peptobismal for the tasty food (ok..I at least had too and it saved me on many occasions!) And don't forget to try some Magnum (a wine of sorts)...although if your not looking for a ooman..maybe you should stay away

On a serious note....if you have any more questions..please ask

BTW...where exactly around Ochi are you heading too??

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Welcome... and gl on your travels... but you should be fine....

listen to your inner radar

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"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies"

Proverbs 31; 10

Thanks again JASpice! Im very exited to go and I will def bring some pepto and toilet paper. Thank you so much for your replies and I will let everyone know how my trip went. I should be back on July 17th.

-Matt from NJ

Have a great time....juss bring the common sense..be safe..and have a blast!!! Oh..and dont forget to come back with some fun stories to share!!!

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Magnum is more jagermeister then wine

Naw... jagermeister is like eating a handful of black licorice... magnum is like drinking cheap wine with a kick to it... but everyone's taste buds are different!

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jagermeister or cough syrp

Hon, i would really use my street smarts....

this person in JA is prolly friendly and nice and completley safe....BUT do you really consider this person a freind...sometimes just for safety sake (dont let your head, stomach or life) sit on someone elses hands...

Meaning, If i were going ( and i will be there the same time as you ) i wuld secure my OWN spot to lay my head. I wouldnt depend on anyone (unless it is a true freind that I KNOW I CAN TRUST)

considering the dynamic that you are white...i would be EXTRA cautious bout staying with someone that you have only met a couple times and conversed with on the phone a few times...........it doesnt sound like a good decision..
as far as getting kidnapped....that is a little extreme.LOLOLOL

wish you luck

Matt....go to JA have a great time...you will see Jamaica differently after you stay with friends there. I have done it before and am planning to go again in August. Use your common sense, listen to what your freinds tell you about how tings ah run deyah....ochi is not a bad place to be..you will be fine!

Matt where in NJ are you from I live in NJ near princeton......just curious