4th Trip to the Sou.
Past mistakes learned from (don't repeat stupid shit): Don't carry a wallet, harder to lift bills and only bring out with you what you need. Don't wear expensive jewellery (last trip almost lost a gold chain, this trip 2 neck massages where the collar was flipped to look for a chain).
Most important thing learned: Try to find members, makes a whole new dimension to the trip. Haven't meet a bad member yet and have had the pleasure of relaxing with a few good BM's on all trips.
Not going to discuss sessions since nothing outstanding and nothing bad (besides the only names I usually remember are NEXT and LAST).
After 4 trips the shine is almost gone from Pedro Clisante, still check it but while quantity is still there it seems more aggressive and less quality. Only hopping places right now are Rumbas, Bar Central (Haitian Embasssy) and Classico's.
Have stayed previously at New Garden and Sosua Suites, both are good places with very few issues. Staying at Casa Cayena, best place so far. Central and quiet, decent price. Really good food and friendly staff. Get the bungalow if you can, nicer room.
My 2 favourite places have become the beach (Playa Sosua) and Rancho Tipico (RT).
If you want to smash and run go to PC, if you want to have a good time go to RT. Just my personal opinion but it seems a few people agree with me, it is usually busy every night and full of ex-pats (but what would they know, right?).
Best exchange places are Banco Popular and Western Union, other wise street changers are a little lower. I've used both this trip. On Sundays it seems the street vendors try to give you 2,000 notes which are a pain, just go to another place. They will either find smaller notes or the next guy will.
If you've never been here then be prepared that almost everyone is your new "fren" who has something they want to show or sell you, don't get pissed off, this is their living. Most days it feels like Dirty Harry in The Gauntlet (obscure reference) with moto? Chica? Viagra? Tony Montana (stay well away from Tony)?
They will smell your newness like sharks in the water.
For they Playa, there are usually board members around #142 area. For some reason there seems a statistically higher number of Haitianas (never a bad thing).
Average Day: Breakfast, nap, beach, Dinner, PC/RT. Rinse and Repeat.
Not going to get into budget because you do you and I'll do me (and NEXT and LAST). As trips add up the budget gets lower since you realize it is not your job to subsidize the whole island. Everyone will ask for something, doesn't mean you have to give them it. No Gracias, NO Gracias, NO GRACIAS or even just completely ignore them.
Average cost: Been quoted up to 3,000 for ST. Never gone above 1,500 and even got a TLN once, prefer ST. Never got my offer turned down. Last trip was once quoted $800US, never bit because I couldn't stop laughing.
To finish off. One piece of advice that most will ignore, but I still feel is important. Don't get stupid drunk unless you are with someone who has your back. Even then, you can have more fun buzzed than smashed.
Final note: I've never done a TR but as Irie pointed out, this board is all about give and take. I've been given plenty and if even one person gets something from this then at least I have given something back.
Originally Posted by distantvoyeur
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