I think we've lost something in the modern western first world. Jamaicans are much friendlier than Americans or Europeans. Everywhere I went, locals started conversations with me. This was not just true in the tourist areas. Some of us took a 1 1/2 hour ride into the mountains and walked up the falls. We met many locals along the way at roadside stands selling jerk chicken, convenience items and the ever ubiquitous ganja shack. Everyone everywhere was much friendlier and open in starting conversations - even if it was as simple as a "yeah, man". People seemed to be genuinely happier too. After I arrived back in the US I was standing next to a lady waiting for an elevator to pick up our cars. I almost started a conversation with her and then realized I was back in the USA. Shut up, get in and stare at the LED that tells us what floor we are on. Can I get off now?
Jamaicans spend a lot of time outdoors. You see people standing or sitting outside their homes and they seem to be more in contact with their neighbors than we are. There's also more of a barter society which might also contribute to the increased contact and friendliness with neighbors. We in the first world have an impersonal trip to a large grocery store or mall where many of us can't even be bothered to say hello to the cashier.
Maybe part of it is that so many Jamaicans aren't trying to be better than their neighbors. "One World". "Respect, man".
No one in Jamaica is in a hurry either. Slavik and I went to a jerk chicken shack on the beach at 1pm. There were just a few other customers. We didn't leave until 3pm. We received our chicken about 2:45, I think. After a few days you actually start to relax. There's always a nagging feeling that you are wasting time though. Jamaica is in a different time zone. Slow Standard Time.
We first worlders used to have friendlier relations with our neighbors. It used to be that when you moved into a new neighborhood that your neighbors would come greet you and make you feel at home - maybe even bake you an apple pie. Many of us now only wave at our neighbors on our way to work. That's as friendly as we get. What happened? Now we have enough in-home entertainment and conveniences that we don't need our neighbors. Neither for leisure nor out of necessity.
Well, at least most of us have large indoor living spaces, air conditioners and big screen TVs.
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