Dont always feel safe here solo

[congo1986]

Ok, Im a big guy, and I definitely think that works in my favor. I really havent had any problems here, save for one incident where I got mobbed by tons of chicas, and a few other times that I almost got ripped off. But last night I was going to dinner with one of my favorite chicas here, and when I left the New Garden Hotel with her, I saw a local guy that I see every now and then around here. I said "hi" and "buenos noches" to him. Seemed friendly enough. Well, I walked with my chica all the way down from NG past the classicos, and to a little resteraunt. I sit down with her, and this guy has followed me the entire way without me knowing. He sits down next to us, and asks me for a cigarrette. I think, what the hell, and give him one cuz me and the girl are smoking too. I figured he just happened to be coming the same direction, liked our company, and wanted a smoke with us. Ok, we finish the smoke, and then he asks me for 100 pesos. I say No, and tell him Im not just giving out money to everyone. I look over the menu, but notice this guy is really eyeballing me. I look up and he is staring right at my face with a blank expression. I look down at the menu, trying to read but feeling very distracted, and glance up again in a min to see that he is still staring at me with that blank stare, looking at my eyes. I ask him, hey man, we good? Bueno? He says Si, we are good, but he keeps staring at me.

I start to feel more and more unconfortable, because this guy is not leaving, and I even told him that I just want to chill with my girl alone. I start to get the feeling that this guy is going to shank me with a knife of something. I stand up, and ask him whats going on. The guy is looking kinda sweaty, still staring at my face with that blank stare, making no attempt at moving despite me telling him I wanted to be alone with my girl. Finally he leaves, and it didnt look right for some reason. So the rest of the night, I watch my back pretty close, and make sure not to drink too much.

Some people are pretty desperate for money here I think. I dont want to be an example for you guys or anyone else, to be careful here. Watch your back, especially if you dont have a good reliable wingman. My girl is really cool, but I know she doesnt have the muscle or threatening look that a good wingman will have for you. Im glad that nothing happened, but it really unnerved me. When I had to stand up out of my chair in the resteraunt because I felt that threatened, I was ready to defend myself. Thank God I am a big MoFo.

What you guys think? Similar experiences here?

[mikelodge]

Ok, Im a big guy, and I definitely think that works in my favor. I really havent had any problems here, save for one incident where I got mobbed by tons of chicas, and a few other times that I almost got ripped off. But last night I was going to dinner with one of my favorite chicas here, and when I left the New Garden Hotel with her, I saw a local guy that I see every now and then around here. I said "hi" and "buenos noches" to him. Seemed friendly enough. Well, I walked with my chica all the way down from NG past the classicos, and to a little resteraunt. I sit down with her, and this guy has followed me the entire way without me knowing. He sits down next to us, and asks me for a cigarrette. I think, what the hell, and give him one cuz me and the girl are smoking too. I figured he just happened to be coming the same direction, liked our company, and wanted a smoke with us. Ok, we finish the smoke, and then he asks me for 100 pesos. I say No, and tell him Im not just giving out money to everyone. I look over the menu, but notice this guy is really eyeballing me. I look up and he is staring right at my face with a blank expression. I look down at the menu, trying to read but feeling very distracted, and glance up again in a min to see that he is still staring at me with that blank stare, looking at my eyes. I ask him, hey man, we good? Bueno? He says Si, we are good, but he keeps staring at me.

I start to feel more and more unconfortable, because this guy is not leaving, and I even told him that I just want to chill with my girl alone. I start to get the feeling that this guy is going to shank me with a knife of something. I stand up, and ask him whats going on. The guy is looking kinda sweaty, still staring at my face with that blank stare, making no attempt at moving despite me telling him I wanted to be alone with my girl. Finally he leaves, and it didnt look right for some reason. So the rest of the night, I watch my back pretty close, and make sure not to drink too much.

Some people are pretty desperate for money here I think. I dont want to be an example for you guys or anyone else, to be careful here. Watch your back, especially if you dont have a good reliable wingman. My girl is really cool, but I know she doesnt have the muscle or threatening look that a good wingman will have for you. Im glad that nothing happened, but it really unnerved me. When I had to stand up out of my chair in the resteraunt because I felt that threatened, I was ready to defend myself. Thank God I am a big MoFo.

What you guys think? Similar experiences here?

I wouldn't have even said anything to him in the first place or given him a cigarette or anything else unless I knew him. I just ignore people or shake my head no once and keep walking. But you did the right thing by watching your back. That is always a must.

[SrSuerte]

Ok, Im a big guy, and I definitely think that works in my favor. I really havent had any problems here, save for one incident where I got mobbed by tons of chicas, and a few other times that I almost got ripped off. But last night I was going to dinner with one of my favorite chicas here, and when I left the New Garden Hotel with her, I saw a local guy that I see every now and then around here. I said "hi" and "buenos noches" to him. Seemed friendly enough. Well, I walked with my chica all the way down from NG past the classicos, and to a little resteraunt. I sit down with her, and this guy has followed me the entire way without me knowing. He sits down next to us, and asks me for a cigarrette. I think, what the hell, and give him one cuz me and the girl are smoking too. I figured he just happened to be coming the same direction, liked our company, and wanted a smoke with us. Ok, we finish the smoke, and then he asks me for 100 pesos. I say No, and tell him Im not just giving out money to everyone. I look over the menu, but notice this guy is really eyeballing me. I look up and he is staring right at my face with a blank expression. I look down at the menu, trying to read but feeling very distracted, and glance up again in a min to see that he is still staring at me with that blank stare, looking at my eyes. I ask him, hey man, we good? Bueno? He says Si, we are good, but he keeps staring at me.

I start to feel more and more unconfortable, because this guy is not leaving, and I even told him that I just want to chill with my girl alone. I start to get the feeling that this guy is going to shank me with a knife of something. I stand up, and ask him whats going on. The guy is looking kinda sweaty, still staring at my face with that blank stare, making no attempt at moving despite me telling him I wanted to be alone with my girl. Finally he leaves, and it didnt look right for some reason. So the rest of the night, I watch my back pretty close, and make sure not to drink too much.

Some people are pretty desperate for money here I think. I dont want to be an example for you guys or anyone else, to be careful here. Watch your back, especially if you dont have a good reliable wingman. My girl is really cool, but I know she doesnt have the muscle or threatening look that a good wingman will have for you. Im glad that nothing happened, but it really unnerved me. When I had to stand up out of my chair in the resteraunt because I felt that threatened, I was ready to defend myself. Thank God I am a big MoFo.

What you guys think? Similar experiences here?

I am 5'11 and only 189. I was 205 when I was in Sosua last December for 21 days. I flew in to town alone. I met wingmen there and I spent a lot of time hunting solo. I just stop drinking when I feel like I need to keep my eyes open. I never feel highly threatened in Sosua. Actually I walk to everywhere from La Passions to the casino while everything is open. I might catch a motoconcho after hours.

[congo1986]

Well, I didnt mind at first, because he has been friendly enough during the day before. I see him around and in the hotel area fairly regularly. I dont mind the company of some of the local guys here occasionally.

[husl2001]

Ok, Im a big guy, and I definitely think that works in my favor. I really havent had any problems here, save for one incident where I got mobbed by tons of chicas, and a few other times that I almost got ripped off. But last night I was going to dinner with one of my favorite chicas here, and when I left the New Garden Hotel with her, I saw a local guy that I see every now and then around here. I said "hi" and "buenos noches" to him. Seemed friendly enough. Well, I walked with my chica all the way down from NG past the classicos, and to a little resteraunt. I sit down with her, and this guy has followed me the entire way without me knowing. He sits down next to us, and asks me for a cigarrette. I think, what the hell, and give him one cuz me and the girl are smoking too. I figured he just happened to be coming the same direction, liked our company, and wanted a smoke with us. Ok, we finish the smoke, and then he asks me for 100 pesos. I say No, and tell him Im not just giving out money to everyone. I look over the menu, but notice this guy is really eyeballing me. I look up and he is staring right at my face with a blank expression. I look down at the menu, trying to read but feeling very distracted, and glance up again in a min to see that he is still staring at me with that blank stare, looking at my eyes. I ask him, hey man, we good? Bueno? He says Si, we are good, but he keeps staring at me.

I start to feel more and more unconfortable, because this guy is not leaving, and I even told him that I just want to chill with my girl alone. I start to get the feeling that this guy is going to shank me with a knife of something. I stand up, and ask him whats going on. The guy is looking kinda sweaty, still staring at my face with that blank stare, making no attempt at moving despite me telling him I wanted to be alone with my girl. Finally he leaves, and it didnt look right for some reason. So the rest of the night, I watch my back pretty close, and make sure not to drink too much.

Some people are pretty desperate for money here I think. I dont want to be an example for you guys or anyone else, to be careful here. Watch your back, especially if you dont have a good reliable wingman. My girl is really cool, but I know she doesnt have the muscle or threatening look that a good wingman will have for you. Im glad that nothing happened, but it really unnerved me. When I had to stand up out of my chair in the resteraunt because I felt that threatened, I was ready to defend myself. Thank God I am a big MoFo.

What you guys think? Similar experiences here?

Crazy places attract crazy people. He could have been a chulo, a hustler, or just some tiguere who spent too much time in Sosua.

That said, I've been going since '02, and Sosua's generally pretty safe, as long as you use some (increasingly uncommon) common sense.

[getrhythm]

Two years ago when I first started going to Sosua I really thought things were pretty chill, and never felt unsafe pretty much anywhere or anytime I walked around.

Maybe its the global economic downturn negatively affecting tourism and thus killing the goose that laid the golden egg, but things do seem a bit different these days. You do get the feeling some people around there are getting pretty desperate. It definitely behooves anyone going there now to keep a low profile, don't engage with anyone unless there's a definite reason for it, try not to walk around without a wingman (particularly at night), and always be aware and keep on your toes.

That's not to say you should avoid going. Just be aware that you may in fact be a target for someone, so best to be a moving one...

[weyland]

I dont mind the company of some of the local guys here occasionally.
This is a big mistake. What do you need these guys' company for? So you can act the generous Yank and feel better?

Any local with whom you don't need to interact for a specific purpose you should just ignore. If they persist brush them off as politely as possible, and get increasingly firm if necessary.

You are just giving them an entry into your private space which you may later come to regret.

[congo1986]

Your right. Im learning on my own step by step. I guess I made a mistake, and was lucky enough to not reap any consequences.

[imrealareyou]

Ok, Im a big guy, and I definitely think that works in my favor. I really havent had any problems here, save for one incident where I got mobbed by tons of chicas, and a few other times that I almost got ripped off. But last night I was going to dinner with one of my favorite chicas here, and when I left the New Garden Hotel with her, I saw a local guy that I see every now and then around here. I said "hi" and "buenos noches" to him. Seemed friendly enough. Well, I walked with my chica all the way down from NG past the classicos, and to a little resteraunt. I sit down with her, and this guy has followed me the entire way without me knowing. He sits down next to us, and asks me for a cigarrette. I think, what the hell, and give him one cuz me and the girl are smoking too. I figured he just happened to be coming the same direction, liked our company, and wanted a smoke with us. Ok, we finish the smoke, and then he asks me for 100 pesos. I say No, and tell him Im not just giving out money to everyone. I look over the menu, but notice this guy is really eyeballing me. I look up and he is staring right at my face with a blank expression. I look down at the menu, trying to read but feeling very distracted, and glance up again in a min to see that he is still staring at me with that blank stare, looking at my eyes. I ask him, hey man, we good? Bueno? He says Si, we are good, but he keeps staring at me.

I start to feel more and more unconfortable, because this guy is not leaving, and I even told him that I just want to chill with my girl alone. I start to get the feeling that this guy is going to shank me with a knife of something. I stand up, and ask him whats going on. The guy is looking kinda sweaty, still staring at my face with that blank stare, making no attempt at moving despite me telling him I wanted to be alone with my girl. Finally he leaves, and it didnt look right for some reason. So the rest of the night, I watch my back pretty close, and make sure not to drink too much.

Some people are pretty desperate for money here I think. I dont want to be an example for you guys or anyone else, to be careful here. Watch your back, especially if you dont have a good reliable wingman. My girl is really cool, but I know she doesnt have the muscle or threatening look that a good wingman will have for you. Im glad that nothing happened, but it really unnerved me. When I had to stand up out of my chair in the resteraunt because I felt that threatened, I was ready to defend myself. Thank God I am a big MoFo.

What you guys think? Similar experiences here?

lol that's false but think what you want.

[gdogg]

There's big and tough, but also big and goofy. They can smell the difference.

[imrealareyou]

more than likely see before they smell, unless you stankin really bad.

[gdogg]

more than likely see before they smell, unless you stankin really bad.

You know what I meant.

[imrealareyou]

You know what I meant.

of course i did.

[Beads]

If your eating on the strip just ask the server or any male working there that you want to eat alone. If your in the NG hotel area just tell the security guy or Wilfred this guy is following you.

This should get him the hint and just dont give him anything more than a hola if he does same and walk by.

In these cases its usually best to not interact with locals you do not know. A simple no gracias and keep it moving.

In a worse case scenario possibly on the strip if your a frequent customer in El Flow , Sosua Life or Merengue Bar go there and if he follows mention it to security and let them deal with it.

If this doesnt work find a politur or policia as they are always wandering the strip and let him have a talk with the guy.

In case of using someone you dont know slipping them a few pesos usually does the trick especially with the policia.

Its definitely great to have some Dominican friends but its not always a good idea to make friends with the ones you see wandering Pedro Clisante if you dont know them. Most of those guys on Pedro Clisante make their living off tourists in one way or another. To them all they see is pesos and how can they get some from you in any way possible.

Now is the worst time as there are less targets for them since there are so few tourists in town they need to work harder.

[swiggy]

the fact that you got nervous probably made him think you would flinch and give in. and trying to ignore them never works after you have given them something... even something as small as a cigarette. i dont smoke but if i did and he wanted a cig i might have said "ill give you one if you leave". if he didnt leave i wouls have stood up and told him to leave and i wouldnt have sat down until he left. you seem like a nice guy, but maybe too nice. im done doing the nice guy thing in sosua because they always take it for weakness and/or stupidity.

[TONYTNT40]

The problem is the guy knows you're solo and he's trying to do is job,(begging for money). I had a similiar issue in Santo Domingo, but I didnt consider it a problem.One of the street huslers on the condi, recognized from my last trip, saw I was solo and was thinking how he could hustle some money from me. Everyday he saw me, he would say ,"hi my friend, come here ,let me talk to you." I would keep walking, and say, "dude I got somewhere to go". I was having a drink at a restaurant one night and he walked by and said, "you dont want to talk to me", I was thinking, "you damn right, keep it moving groupie." The next day I walked past him on the Condi, and gave him a whats up, and he gave me a dirty look, and I responded by busting out laughing, because, we both knew the only thing he could have done is give me a dirty look. I saw him again and this time I gave him a dirty look, (I'm not the one). Try keeping those Domincans at arms length, you have enough male friends and you dont need them for anything. The next time one of the guys follow you in a restaurant and you tell him to leave,and he doesnt ,then you leave, its that simple.Being there solo, you will be a target, so walk with a swag and keep your head on a swivel.

[imrealareyou]

The problem is the guy knows you're solo and he's trying to do is job,(begging for money). I had a similiar issue in Santo Domingo, but I didnt consider it a problem.One of the street huslers on the condi, recognized from my last trip, saw I was solo and was thinking how he could hustle some money from me. Everyday he saw me, he would say ,"hi my friend, come here ,let me talk to you." I would keep walking, and say, "dude I got somewhere to go". I was having a drink at a restaurant one night and he walked by and said, "you dont want to talk to me", I was thinking, "you damn right, keep it moving groupie." The next day I walked past him on the Condi, and gave him a whats up, and he gave me a dirty look, and I responded by busting out laughing, because, we both knew the only thing he could have done is give me a dirty look. I saw him again and this time I gave him a dirty look, (I'm not the one). Try keeping those Domincans at arms length, you have enough male friends and you dont need them for anything. The next time one of the guys follow you in a restaurant and you tell him to leave,and he doesnt ,then you leave, its that simple.Being there solo, you will be a target, so walk with a swag and keep your head on a swivel.

i like the walk with a swag line.

[TONYTNT40]

i like the walk with a swag line.

there are a lot of shady people in sosua,and they are looking for victims
You have to let them know, "you aint the one." Either your walk, your look, you know your swag. Believe me, they know who to fuck with.

[imrealareyou]

there are a lot of shady people in sosua,and they are looking for victims
You have to let them know, "you aint the one." Either your walk, your look, you know your swag. Believe me, they know who to fuck with.

indeed indeed...you going anywhere soon tony? i got a couple onthe internet in santiago, might make a weekend trip or something to see whati can get into and get out.

[JD426]

there are a lot of shady people in sosua,and they are looking for victims
You have to let them know, "you aint the one." Either your walk, your look, you know your swag. Believe me, they know who to fuck with.
Ever see a fat white dude do a Sherman Hemsley ...
Noone will fuck with you ... trust me...:rofl:

[TONYTNT40]

indeed indeed...you going anywhere soon tony? i got a couple onthe internet in santiago, might make a weekend trip or something to see whati can get into and get out.

I am trying to put a Santo Domingo trip together in Aug, and 1 in Oct. I only passed through Santiago, but I have 3 chicas there, must put it on my to do list, problem is, I have 10 in SD. Man I got problems. I have to send you an email, want to talk about your couple in Santiago.

[TONYTNT40]

Ever see a fat white dude do a Sherman Hemsley ...
Noone will fuck with you ... trust me...:rofl:

thats funny JD!

[whatever]

Yeah watch your back is right. I've seen similar stuff
before. He was up to no good.

[mikelodge]

thats funny JD!

Would anyone have done Wheeezie the gravel voiced big wife or Florence the lazy cunt maid if they were at their best looking time in the show if they were in Classicos??

Come on some of you are thinking about it. I would have preferred Jenny, Lionels girlfriend. :rofl:

[gdogg]

Ever see a fat white dude do a Sherman Hemsley ...
Noone will fuck with you ... trust me...:rofl:


:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

YouTube- George Jefferson Disco Fever

[Tigerr]

You guys funny...haven't been there in 18 months, but...got to use common sense and a little bit of wagger goes a long way. Got to express confidence for them to leave you alone.

[hugrad95a]

YouTube- The Real George Jefferson Dance

[Mr. Smooth]

God....The Jeffersons. What a classic show that was!

[jimrock187]

its true.. I went solo in january.. I def got the vibe that things are getting a little shady.. I stayed at SEABREEZE and rolled with a couple of heads from my hotel..
All my future trips will def be with a wingman..

Seems like sosua is attractiing more thugs

[LJDMV]

I have made a few trips to the DR now and have not had any problems with anyone bothering me. Also I have been there solo each time. I will say that it is much better to go with a wingman for many reasons including safety. I know there is a lot of wild stuff that goes on there but I try to keep my head up there at all times and walk like I belong there and mind my business. Good times so far for me.

[mikelodge]

its true.. I went solo in january.. I def got the vibe that things are getting a little shady.. I stayed at SEABREEZE and rolled with a couple of heads from my hotel..
All my future trips will def be with a wingman..

Seems like sosua is attractiing more thugs

Yikes I made 6 trips all with driving a rental car not knowing about the mandatory jail for up to 2 days with hot half naked men in a sweat box in POP if a person is in an accident causing serious injury regardless of what insurance you purchase.

Now the increased violence that has escalated continuely over the past year from robberies, murders, mace in the face gold chain grabbing, stalking and following local thugs.

Then and in Aids and Gonarhea confirmed cases right in Sosua opening and willingly passing it around in some cases on purpose to get back at gringos.

Hmmm makes me want to book another trip :eek: Please be careful out there.

I still have one booked for December and will be watching the posts. The airline might be getting a call to change that one to somewhere else Latin.

But I hope NOT. I love it there.

[TONYTNT40]

Sosua isnt that bad, the key is trying not to look like a victim. Rio is way more dangerous. I knew a guy, who got robbed a few feet from the entrance of Help disco, he said he was angry because, people just watched while the kids beat his ass, and took his money. Walking home from Help was like walking in a mine field. You see a guy on one side of the street, you cross to the next side, you would have to do that until you reached your Hotel. My Hotel was 3 blocks from Help, and I usually had to cross the street 4 times to make it to my Hotel safely.

[slipheed]

Man, I am definitely gonna have a wingman next time I go! I hate those damn "my friend" guys, they annoy the shit out of me. I normally ignore them and keep walking. That didn't work with one of those fuckers on my last trip. He actually grabbed my arm and started begging me to look at his boss's store.

[Beads]

Man, I am definitely gonna have a wingman next time I go! I hate those damn "my friend" guys, they annoy the shit out of me. I normally ignore them and keep walking. That didn't work with one of those fuckers on my last trip. He actually grabbed my arm and started begging me to look at his boss's store.

Yea sometimes they try to grab your arm so you have to be aware of this and push them off. Sometimes they are still desperate and these are the stores of course with no prices.

Great way to deal with this make sure you have small coins or a 20 peso note. Grab say 20 items or more items and even get the guy to take down hard to reach items. Then say ok no prices ill pay 20 pesos for everything.

When he gets pissed put everything down and walk away. Now he wasted his time and puts everything back too.

I find it rare these days for venders in Sosua to bother me anymore. I am not there very often but apparently I leave a lasting impression.:rofl:

[imrealareyou]

Sosua isnt that bad, the key is trying not to look like a victim. Rio is way more dangerous. I knew a guy, who got robbed a few feet from the entrance of Help disco, he said he was angry because, people just watched while the kids beat his ass, and took his money. Walking home from Help was like walking in a mine field. You see a guy on one side of the street, you cross to the next side, you would have to do that until you reached your Hotel. My Hotel was 3 blocks from Help, and I usually had to cross the street 4 times to make it to my Hotel safely.

id have to say sosua isnt bad at all. been in worse spots in the states by far.

[TONYTNT40]

Yea sometimes they try to grab your arm so you have to be aware of this and push them off. Sometimes they are still desperate and these are the stores of course with no prices.

Great way to deal with this make sure you have small coins or a 20 peso note. Grab say 20 items or more items and even get the guy to take down hard to reach items. Then say ok no prices ill pay 20 pesos for everything.

When he gets pissed put everything down and walk away. Now he wasted his time and puts everything back too.

I find it rare these days for venders in Sosua to bother me anymore. I am not there very often but apparently I leave a lasting impression.:rofl:

EXACTLY, I got dirty looks from them also, walking by their shop, when someone tried to grab my arm and got pushed off (caught an elbow). They need to learn," there is no touching." I keep my elbows sharp when I am in Sosua.

[deezl]

id have to say sosua isnt bad at all. been in worse spots in the states by far.

No doubt.

I've been a few places where I was catching serious bad vibes, some people looking at me like I was the fucking devil, and I've yet to catch any of that directed at me in Sosua (at least, not to any degree where I was legitimately concerned). I'd rather walk through downtown Sosua alone at 4am than some neighborhoods in NYC.

Always be aware of your surroundings. That goes for pretty much any potentially unfriendly environment.

[Black Soprano]

This is a big mistake. What do you need these guys' company for? So you can act the generous Yank and feel better?

Any local with whom you don't need to interact for a specific purpose you should just ignore. If they persist brush them off as politely as possible, and get increasingly firm if necessary.

You are just giving them an entry into your private space which you may later come to regret.

Weyland, You took the words right out of my mouth. Very well said.

I have seen beggars in Boca Chica and Sosua. In Santiago some asshole that realized we were from New York tried to use that as leverage to steer us to some local strip joint.

I swear it looked like City of God on that street. LOL. Real dark, and when we got to the block everyone in the building across the street from the spot turned their lights on and looked out the window. I thought we were dead, and this was 3 or 4 blocks from Aloha Sol, for those who know that hotel.

I don't fuck with any locals whether they are posing as tour guides or Middleman Pimps. I try to move over there like I do in the states. Usually works for me.

[Maretti]

...Im a big guy, and I definitely think that works in my favor...
How can that work in your favor when there's more target to hit? Given the right insentive, a lion will kill and eat and elephant.
In those places, don't be friendly to anyone, sometimes not even a chica if you're not interested in hooking up with her because you might have a hard time getting rid of her. Over there act like if you were a New Yorker! :biggrin:

[Black Soprano]

How can that work in your favor when there's more target to hit? Given the right insentive, a lion will kill and eat and elephant.
In those places, don't be friendly to anyone, sometimes not even a chica if you're not interested in hooking up with her because you might have a hard time getting rid of her. Over there act like if you were a New Yorker! :biggrin:

LMAO @ your first sentence.

The rest is on point though. I am just as unapproachable over there as I am in NYC. LOL. If I wanna fuck with U, I will. If not, get out of my face.

Sometimes one look says volumes.

[Passport Playa]

If I wanna fuck with U, I will. If not, get out of my face. Sometimes one look says volumes.

Black,

I totally agree with your assessment because although one of my "road dawgs" is a big dude (who can & will "break em up"/"smash em up"), he is usually the one that is accosted by the chicas and sometimes the hustlers (probably because he's always grinning like a big teddy bear until it's time to catch the plane back) whereas both of them usually stay the fuck away from me (probably because I keep a scowl on my face and posses that keep-it-moving type of attitude).

The irony of this is while we're on familiar soil (home) he's the one you will most likely see with all types of artillery, whereas I am the one you will see coaching kids and mentoring.

Moral of the story: Know your audience and pay attention to your surroundings!

Dr. Bangkok

[imrealareyou]

No doubt.

I've been a few places where I was catching serious bad vibes, some people looking at me like I was the fucking devil, and I've yet to catch any of that directed at me in Sosua (at least, not to any degree where I was legitimately concerned). I'd rather walk through downtown Sosua alone at 4am than some neighborhoods in NYC.

Always be aware of your surroundings. That goes for pretty much any potentially unfriendly environment.

i guess it just matters on where you at, where you been and what you have seen. i just dont think sosua is dangerous at all. its grimey as far as pick pocketing, overcharging, girls robbing or settng you up, etc. but that doesnt equal not feeling safe to me.

[Seville]

My first trip I was in SD checking out the cathederal. A well dressed guy approached and said he worked for Tourism Dept and had ID. He showed me around and explained the works of art. When I was leaving he walked with me the three blocks to my hotel, talking. Then he wanted money. He explained that while he did work for Tourism he only received tips. I sent him on his way telling him that if he was going to expect money he should have told me that upfront.

The lesson is just say "No gracias" to anyone that approaches you offering to help you with anything. I prefer traveling with a local or experienced ex-pat but only one I know. Weyland is very experienced but he walks to damn fast!!:wink:

[gdogg]

Weyland is very experienced but he walks to damn fast!!:wink:

He definitely has a pep in his step, that one.
:lol:

[weyland]

I prefer traveling with a local or experienced ex-pat but only one I know. Weyland is very experienced but he walks too damn fast!
At the age of 70 I want to make sure I get to my destination before I either drop dead in the street or forget where I was supposed to be going.

I certainly fall into your "local" ex-pat category but not into your "experienced" one. I am still at the early learning stage on how to survive in the DR, let alone thrive in the DR.

[MrHappy]

My first trip I was in SD checking out the cathederal. A well dressed guy approached and said he worked for Tourism Dept and had ID. He showed me around and explained the works of art. When I was leaving he walked with me the three blocks to my hotel, talking. Then he wanted money. He explained that while he did work for Tourism he only received tips. I sent him on his way telling him that if he was going to expect money he should have told me that upfront.

The lesson is just say "No gracias" to anyone that approaches you offering to help you with anything. I prefer traveling with a local or experienced ex-pat but only one I know. Weyland is very experienced but he walks to damn fast!!:wink:

That is correct. The old city is full of tourist guides trained by the dept of tourism, who work for tips only.

The idea is to use them, instead of hustlers. They usually do the whole walking tour with you for a couple of dollars, and are full of interesting facts and info.

It goes without saying however, that if a person is going to spend all that time showing you around, you should be offering them something for their time. Did you think they do that kind of thing for free?

[LJDMV]

i guess it just matters on where you at, where you been and what you have seen. i just dont think sosua is dangerous at all. its grimey as far as pick pocketing, overcharging, girls robbing or settng you up, etc. but that doesnt equal not feeling safe to me.

I agree, i have never felt unsafe there yet in any of my trips there.. i have gone out late at night early morning solo walking around 5AM by the After one club and still never felt unsafe. I am probably more worried about a chica trying to steal something from me than anything else. I just use many precautions to try and prevent that.

[Seville]

That is correct. The old city is full of tourist guides trained by the dept of tourism, who work for tips only.

The idea is to use them, instead of hustlers. They usually do the whole walking tour with you for a couple of dollars, and are full of interesting facts and info.

It goes without saying however, that if a person is going to spend all that time showing you around, you should be offering them something for their time. Did you think they do that kind of thing for free?

It was my very first trip and I had no idea he worked only for tips. If I had known he wanted money in the beginning I would have declined his assistance.

[MrHappy]

It was my very first trip and I had no idea he worked only for tips. If I had known he wanted money in the beginning I would have declined his assistance.

I hear ya.

But don't get me wrong. You're not the first to do the whole walk around thing with one, then walk away without giving them anything.

They should be able to communicate upfront that they do walking tours for a small fee.. If they can't do that, they need to go back and study some more.

[stevereds]

great stuff here..

I usually ignore people saying "Hi my friend, where are u from?" or anyone for that matter who approaches me.

People have said I dont smile much and looked pissed off, might be might goat tee I have or whatever. But I usually walk by them all and ignore.

My freaking wingman and best buddy has crashed early and left me out alone many a time in Sosua. I never had any problems. I do drink Presidentes and mamajuana shots, But I usually keep to myself.


So are we in agreement that the best thing to do is simply ignore these "Hi my friend " people..be it guy or street rat chicas?

Some give me back dirty looks. But fuck em'.

[gdogg]

People have said I dont smile much and looked pissed off, might be might goat tee I have or whatever. But I usually walk by them all and ignore.


You sorta smile!

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/87334bc32a8780233.jpg

:)

[PHIL007]

Ok, Im a big guy, and I definitely think that works in my favor. I really havent had any problems here, save for one incident where I got mobbed by tons of chicas, and a few other times that I almost got ripped off. But last night I was going to dinner with one of my favorite chicas here, and when I left the New Garden Hotel with her, I saw a local guy that I see every now and then around here. I said "hi" and "buenos noches" to him. Seemed friendly enough. Well, I walked with my chica all the way down from NG past the classicos, and to a little resteraunt. I sit down with her, and this guy has followed me the entire way without me knowing. He sits down next to us, and asks me for a cigarrette. I think, what the hell, and give him one cuz me and the girl are smoking too. I figured he just happened to be coming the same direction, liked our company, and wanted a smoke with us. Ok, we finish the smoke, and then he asks me for 100 pesos. I say No, and tell him Im not just giving out money to everyone. I look over the menu, but notice this guy is really eyeballing me. I look up and he is staring right at my face with a blank expression. I look down at the menu, trying to read but feeling very distracted, and glance up again in a min to see that he is still staring at me with that blank stare, looking at my eyes. I ask him, hey man, we good? Bueno? He says Si, we are good, but he keeps staring at me.

I start to feel more and more unconfortable, because this guy is not leaving, and I even told him that I just want to chill with my girl alone. I start to get the feeling that this guy is going to shank me with a knife of something. I stand up, and ask him whats going on. The guy is looking kinda sweaty, still staring at my face with that blank stare, making no attempt at moving despite me telling him I wanted to be alone with my girl. Finally he leaves, and it didnt look right for some reason. So the rest of the night, I watch my back pretty close, and make sure not to drink too much.

Some people are pretty desperate for money here I think. I dont want to be an example for you guys or anyone else, to be careful here. Watch your back, especially if you dont have a good reliable wingman. My girl is really cool, but I know she doesnt have the muscle or threatening look that a good wingman will have for you. Im glad that nothing happened, but it really unnerved me. When I had to stand up out of my chair in the resteraunt because I felt that threatened, I was ready to defend myself. Thank God I am a big MoFo.

What you guys think? Similar experiences here?

btw im fairly new to this site but ive been to sosua at least 10 times since 2005 and would like to know which thread or link to go to where there might be a hall of shame. i would like to avoid the undesirables and at the same time post the 2 or 3 women that i know have done my friends or i wrong. i would appreciate it thabks.

[gdogg]

btw im fairly new to this site but ive been to sosua at least 10 times since 2005 and would like to know which thread or link to go to where there might be a hall of shame. i would like to avoid the undesirables and at the same time post the 2 or 3 women that i know have done my friends or i wrong. i would appreciate it thabks.

There's a "Hall of Shame" in the premium section of the site.

[sirbus]

Hey tonytnt40, have u ever been to cuba. i met a guy from the USA in cuba who showed me around and i remember he told me he was often in DR

[weyland]

Hey tonytnt40, have u ever been to cuba? i met a guy from the USA in cuba who showed me around and i remember he told me he was often in DR.
An American who is often in the DR? That's too much of a coincidence. There cannot be two of those around! It's got to be TONYTNT40!

[vewdew]

I been to a few latin countrys including Argentina, Mexico, Paraguay, Brasil, Puerto rico, Costa rica, Peru and a few more.
And I have to say this, from my first experiences I got very paranoid and it can drive you crazy and make you see thugs all over the damn place.
Last 5 years I just walk around very confident and I am nice to certain ppl and will brush off some others, knock on wood that I Never had any more probs since I got Wiser and used more of that so called common sense.
The only major prob I ever had while travelling In Barcelona Spain, got mugged by 2 teenagers and I was scared to even attempt to punch any of them since I had 2 knives against my ribcage.
Now finally Goin to Sosua March 2011, and by what I read it looks like a very relaxed place.

[continentalmike]

It might be wise to place yourself in their shoes sometimes...

Here are a few tips:

1. Do not panic unnecesarily, these people for the most part are just trying to make a living...

2. Start out polite, just a simple 'no gracias' will do wonders in most cases. Be polite but firm.

3. When this doesn't work, walk away, there is no need to confront everyone on the street.

4. Only as a last resort when 2 and 3 fail, can you justifiably become more firm. Even then don't overdo it (or you might end up being beatin in a backroom in the disco:mrgreen:) because it will be remembered.

5. Sosua is a small place, to step softly and avoiding confrontations is much better strategy most of the time.

Lastly, bear in mind that the tourists have created this situation by giving handouts in the past, thus teaching the Dominicans that it is better to beg in the street then to get an education and work... we are at least partly responsible for this!

[daddy999]

:rofl::rofl::rofl:. My friend you have that place down to a science!




At the age of 70 I want to make sure I get to my destination before I either drop dead in the street or forget where I was supposed to be going.

I certainly fall into your "local" ex-pat category but not into your "experienced" one. I am still at the early learning stage on how to survive in the DR, let alone thrive in the DR.

[el toro]

If you speak any Spanish you also have to be selective of when you use it. As my Spanish has improved sometimes I only speak Spanish there even to those that speak English. Sometimes however, I learned that this brings uninvited "amigos" when you acknowledge them at all in Spanish. It's fun to practice there, but the best rule is unless you know some local dudes and determined that they are ok, just practice with more chicas if you want to use your Spanish skills.

[weyland]

... sometimes I only speak Spanish there even to those that speak English. Sometimes however, I learned that this brings uninvited "amigos" when you acknowledge them at all in Spanish.
Good point. I always shrug off pests with "Soy ruso". One day I suppose I will get called out on it but useful so far.

[stevereds]

You sorta smile!

Click to see pic (http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/87334bc32a8780233.jpg)

:)


haha good one.....well it's hard to not smile when a chica sticks her tongue in your ear..plus many Presidente's too ;-)