Island time? Why do we accept this excuse?
- Thread starter wildbill9
- Start date
Please register or login
Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.
Benefits of registering include
- Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
- A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
- You can make this box go away
markmud
Self Reliant Diver--On All Dives.
Hi Chilly,
Yeah, being friendly, kind and interested is definitely the most important. Leaving a big tip after being the south end of a north bound horse will not mitigate the problem.
cheers,
m
Underwater_Sati
New
Island time doesn’t refer to service. Bad service is bad service and it can happen anywhere. Bonaire has many restaurants where it rarely happens. Seek them out.
Bonaire also has cultural variation, thank god. Homogeneity is so boring. As someone previously mentioned, this variation includes small things, like slower time between a server checking in so you can enjoy your meal at a slower pace, as well as having to ask for your check even when you’re obviously finished and your plates have been cleared.
As a frequent traveler I would imagine you recognize the difference between cultural variation and poor service, and in that way are more than capable of differentiating between the two. For instance, when a car stops at a street crossing to let other cars turn even though there’s no requirement or need, this is “island time”. Much different than a server playing on their phone; this is rude.
It sounds as if you should file a complaint with the specific establishment for bad service. And then use your money other places on the island where a slower pace is not synonymous with disconnection and inattentiveness.
Bonaire is an extremely mindful island, and it’s important to remember that mindfulness can often take time. Talking to people for longer, more personal attention, stopping in the street to greet a friend, giving space and time to people on vacation, absent of intrusion, etc. Also important to remember, many of the employees are young, even interns with first time jobs, they too are learning. And the older ones, well, perhaps they’re jaded, working in a service industry delivering to people who are never satisfied. And lastly, bitching and complaining on message boards doesn’t solve problems. Proactive behavior does.
Five simple steps to help you in the future:
1. Not getting what you want how you want it but paying for it? Ask for what you want how you want it.
2. Still not getting it? Find someplace else that can give it.
3. Know the difference between cultural variation and rude behavior.
4. Be sensitive to a reality much different from expectations.
5. Let go of rigid expectations...you’re on vacation, man.
Bonaire also has cultural variation, thank god. Homogeneity is so boring. As someone previously mentioned, this variation includes small things, like slower time between a server checking in so you can enjoy your meal at a slower pace, as well as having to ask for your check even when you’re obviously finished and your plates have been cleared.
As a frequent traveler I would imagine you recognize the difference between cultural variation and poor service, and in that way are more than capable of differentiating between the two. For instance, when a car stops at a street crossing to let other cars turn even though there’s no requirement or need, this is “island time”. Much different than a server playing on their phone; this is rude.
It sounds as if you should file a complaint with the specific establishment for bad service. And then use your money other places on the island where a slower pace is not synonymous with disconnection and inattentiveness.
Bonaire is an extremely mindful island, and it’s important to remember that mindfulness can often take time. Talking to people for longer, more personal attention, stopping in the street to greet a friend, giving space and time to people on vacation, absent of intrusion, etc. Also important to remember, many of the employees are young, even interns with first time jobs, they too are learning. And the older ones, well, perhaps they’re jaded, working in a service industry delivering to people who are never satisfied. And lastly, bitching and complaining on message boards doesn’t solve problems. Proactive behavior does.
Five simple steps to help you in the future:
1. Not getting what you want how you want it but paying for it? Ask for what you want how you want it.
2. Still not getting it? Find someplace else that can give it.
3. Know the difference between cultural variation and rude behavior.
4. Be sensitive to a reality much different from expectations.
5. Let go of rigid expectations...you’re on vacation, man.
Sue Sue
Contributor
- Messages
- 1,748
- Reaction score
- 511
- # of dives
- 500 - 999
Overall, my DH and I look forward to Bonaire Island Time...or any other Island Time anywhere else for that matter... So....IMMHO....Either you are a Local Resident and are used to Island Time or you are a Visitor/Tourist and as a guest you need to go with the flow....Frankly, and again, IMMHO, it is nice to slow down once in awhile...sit back and relax... and take it easy. No Hurries...No Worries
Kharon
Contributor
devin95
Registered
I've eaten at blennies twice this week. Service is noticeably faster than when I was here in October, but still not real fast. On the flip side, I've also eaten at Eddie's and the service has been fantastic both times.
I think if someone explained that they'd get X more money in tips if they were 1 or 2x faster in service SOME would make a change. But they either don't see the connection or don't care about a 50% increase in their pay.
Similar threads
