Happy to be stuck in la Capital...! (Jan. 2011)

[BigLongBeach]

I dont have many good or pg13 pics to post from this last trip, but I got lots of good info so i want to post it before i forget or lose its accuracy.

I was planning on a little 4 day weekend. i was going to see my novia, and have dinner with the ex for her bday. Due to the bad weather i was stuck there for 10 days. What a crappy life! Since i was stuck i decided to do a partying on my own. I hit up all the Casa's on pasteur, the jaragua, GBP, and i saw some mongering in spot i hadnt seen it before.

I also broke some of my rules. Luckily nothing bad happened, but I did break them.

I had a ton of home cooked meals, and got to experience some dominicanisms while i was out there, and i got to meet my first board member so I want to share with the board to give back the intel that has been shared with me.

and as always a big Thank You to all the trip reports and posters before me.

Stuck in Santo Domingo
http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/showthread.php?t=326500

Trip Reports
#4
http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/showthread.php?t=319845
#3
http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/showthread.php?t=297016
#2
http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/showthread.php?t=293475
#1
http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/showthread.php?t=280574

Hotel Drama
http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/showthread.php?t=315100

[BigLongBeach]

I was flying out of NYC, and my flight got canceled due to the weather. Jet-blue did a good job of letting me know. You are allowed to check in 24hours before your flight, and they send you a reminder. Instead of the reminder i got a email letting me know the flight was canceled. I also got a phone call and voice-mail from them. They automatically book you the same flight the next day.

Due to the cancellation they also give you the ability to change both legs of your itinerary w/out any fees or fair difference charges. I had to do it over the phone. I was not able to do it on the website. Please also note that if you wish to change your seat online you cannot. The airline takes over the seats in these cancelation situations so you cannot pick your seat until you are at the airline even if you call jetblue. So even the seat jetblue gives you over the phone might not be guaranteed, so take a look at the availlable seats when printing your boarding pass on the kiosk or online before you leave to the airport.

The website is updated frequently with the flight status, and the mobile site is accurate too.

The numbers for jetblue do not work on cellphones in DR. I had to find landlines to call them when in Santo Domingo. I tried both the 800, and 809. I dont know if this was a orange or claro issue because i roam on both networks when i am out there.

Overall i am happy with jetblue. Their rewards program does suck. I have a ton of flights but not many points at all. It is based on cost not miles.

[Hoseman]

You are right about breaking your rules when ever I have seems like something bad happens.

[BigLongBeach]

I reserved 2 cars via priceline. i was scheduled to pick one up at the airport. I reserved a car from national, and eurocar. For about $25/day. Due to the flight cancellations i had to rebook my cars and i only booked the car with national. That was a mistake.

The cunt at the kiosk was old and cranky. I do not get the insurance because my credit card takes care of it for me. What priceline fails to tell you is that it is National's policy to charge you for 1 of their insurances, no matter if you need it or not. The lady did not try to sell me, or help me through this she was just a old cunt who's husband probably hates her. The total was going to be $42/night. If she was nicer i might have said yes but i said fuck it, fuck you, peace.

So what do i do now!

Since my first trip to Santo Domingo last summer, i have been using Dollar on independencia ave in gazcue. I did not use them this time because the rate at the airport was good. The reason i used Dollar in gazcue is because there are 3 hotties that work there, and i have been flirting with them on each trip, and have made friends out of them. I give my girl a call, and the conversation goes like this

Dollar Hottie: of course i remember you. You can have a car at the same rate you had last time, do you remember the rate?
Me: (of course not) well i think it was something like $19/day
Dollar Hottie: ok so i will reserve your car for you, i will see you soon
Me: gracias mi amor!

Now i just need to get there. I wasnt sure what the rate was for the taxi but i figure it cant be to bad. The cab driver starts at 1600pesos, i tell him 1000, he says 1200pesos, i tell him 1000peso, and i will give him the extra 200 as a tip. We take the local route through to avoid 27feb but i dont think it made much of a difference.

I get there and the other hottie is there and my main girl goes take care of him "elle es el cliente favorito mio"

I get the car i give the car checking guy 100peso and he marks up the sheet so i dont have to worry about destroying the car, and i am off.

I will probably not use priceline again unless i see a outrageous price difference. I will definitely not use National again. It is important to make friends with all of these people in a place you travel to often. They will remember you, and hook you up if they like you.

[BigLongBeach]

since it was supposed to be a short trip, i thought about staying at one of the big nicer hotels. All the rates were too high.

I was planning on seeing both my current, and my ex so i didnt want to stay at the jaguar were they know my ex. I had a issue with privacy which i discussed in the thread linked below:
http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/showthread.php?t=315100

i just wanted to avoid any potential drama so i decided to look elsewhere I drove by calle Danae and wanted to check it out due to the great intel in Shredders TR linked below:
http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/showthread.php?t=324542
I found that street to busy for me, and too not enough parking.

So again im at a WTF moment. I just say man up and go to the jaguar. I overall just feel more comfortable there. The 1st thing i do is talk to the head security/hotel manager. I explain to him what was going on and he apologized for what happened and promised that my privacy is their main concern, and he will speak to the owner. I of course handed out the propinas to make sure the "you take care of me i will take care of you" vibe is understood. Later in the week i speak to the owner and he mentions that he had a meeting with the staff, and reminded them that privacy is what they specialize in. he told me that he had clients come in with their wife in one room, and hookers/girlfriends/etc.

For quick stays i will continue to use the Jaguar but for long stays it is getting too expensive for me. He is charging $55/night, plus taxes if you pay w/credit, and he hasnt offered to give me any breaks. just out of practicality i have to give the hotels on Calle Danae a chance.

[BigLongBeach]

I love driving in D.R. The craziness is annoying but once you get on a autopista i love going at 140km/hour and listening to music. I relaxes me. They are doing a good job on 27feb. They close it down to 2 lanes after the Lincoln ave but they have AMET (traffic cops) manning the main intersections, and they are doing a good job of controlling the traffic jams.

Women in D.R. have to be some of the worst drivers ever. Not to be sexist but fuck it women are usually shitty drivers but women in D.R. are a special kind of stupid. Maybe it's because women who own cars in D.R. are usually stuck up rich girls with SUVs but they lack any sense at all.

I also saw Truck with the propane kit rattling around the cab, and i also saw a platano truck getting a police escort on the autopista. It makes you wonder if the truck was really full of platanos.

[BigLongBeach]

OK, i hit up the casa's on 2 nights. I wasnt planning on take out but i like to stop in, have a beer, smack some asses, practice flirting, and practice my tigueraje.

1st night i went to 305. There are just so many girls there. The price is 3500 peso for 2hr. I saw this cute young hottie who just grabbed me by the shirt collar and dragged me to a booth where we had a few beers. Unfortunately she was pretty dull when we sat down to talk. That is where i 1st saw Koki in action. i recognized him from the pics of the rubia. i wanted to say hello but he had a hottie draped all over him, and i didnt want to disturb. I see the girl who i had pulled from 305 last sept. We had a great time and kept i touch since. We talk she is coming off the rag so she hadnt been feeling great, and wasnt in the mood for a salida, and was going home. We do meet later in the week for lunch, enough said.


On the 3rd night i decide to do a Casa run. I start with Lapsus. The talent was good their. i saw 3-5 chics i would salida from there. They are all quoting 3500peso/2hr. They have a diverse menu of flaquitas, thick, and fake girls.

Sky High was horrible. They were quoting 3500peso/2hr and 500peso for no perks lap dances. The girls just werent my type. Im sure people will find something they like there.

Next i go to girls house. Again wholey fuck the talent has been upgraded. I see this natural hottie from Santiago. i knew she was from santiago the 2nd i saw her. The skin, the body, the face, all said santiago. She was new to the game but.....she had fucked up breath. I dont know if she just finished a salida or something but her breath was bad! They quote 3500peso/2hrs but tell the boss you have been there before and you were charged 2500dop, and they will settle for that.

I hit up satin dolls but it closed the bar by 12am. WTF

I had a few free afternoons, so i felt like getting a massage y algo mas. I decided to find GBP. Thanks to Koki for giving me accurate directions. This is a little dominican spot just like piano bar (same owners and chicas) The girls are all wearing night gowns. They are doing strip shows and lap dances for free. I didnt see any 9s or 10s, but solid 6-8s. This is just a good place to dump a load. The girls will give you gfe, and BBJ. The 2 girls i had both gave great head, im assuming the owner taught them well. It is 1000peso for a massage, and a nut.

The presidente's at all these places were 150peso which is a little on the pricey side, in most other bars a jumbo is only 120pesos. Another thing i do to check to see if a chica is hardcore or not is see what they drink. They will all ask you for a drink, if she gets presidente's or cuba libre she is a keeper if she wants hennesey or a beer other than presidente she better be cute or kick her to the curb. I just think that is the sign of a clock watcher, and i wouldnt want to deal with one.

[MrHappy]

I love driving in D.R. The craziness is annoying but once you get on a autopista i love going at 140km/hour and listening to music. I relaxes me. They are doing a good job on 27feb. They close it down to 2 lanes after the Lincoln ave but they have AMET (traffic cops) manning the main intersections, and they are doing a good job of controlling the traffic jams.

Women in D.R. have to be some of the worst drivers ever. Not to be sexist but fuck it women are usually shitty drivers but women in D.R. are a special kind of stupid. Maybe it's because women who own cars in D.R. are usually stuck up rich girls with SUVs but they lack any sense at all.

I also saw Truck with the propane kit rattling around the cab, and i also saw a platano truck getting a police escort on the autopista. It makes you wonder if the truck was really full of platanos.

I think I saw you.

I saw a big guy walking on Independence singing "I did it myyyyyyyyyy wayyyyyyyyy"

Was that you?? LOL

[BigLongBeach]

I think I saw you.

I saw a big guy walking on Independence singing "I did it myyyyyyyyyy wayyyyyyyyy"

Was that you?? LOL

LOL, unfortunatly it wasnt. Next time im in town i will try to crash one of the show and tell lunches w/Koki. Unfortunatly i was really busy the first weekend i was there, and had to be on the road early. Next time that situation will be relocated closer by, and i wont need spend a day venturing out there.

[Mr Hillbilly]

I rented from National last trip out of Santiago but dropped it off at SDQ airport no problems [really nice car] BUT I take the full coverage from the rental car company--I ain't going to the dungeun again [not voluntarilly anyway]they will have to catch me........

[The Sage]

The insurance National forces on you is the liability coverage that pays the other party if the accident is your fault. I believe not proving you had this coverage was the reason for your previous problem. The coverage costs $7 a day. Since most of the time you will be accused on the spot of being at fault even when you weren't, having the coverage dies provide some amount of protection without having to shell ot the $20 bucks plus tax for full coverage

[BigLongBeach]

The insurance National forces on you is the liability coverage that pays the other party if the accident is your fault. I believe not proving you had this coverage was the reason for your previous problem. The coverage costs $7 a day. Since most of the time you will be accused on the spot of being at fault even when you weren't, having the coverage dies provide some amount of protection without having to shell ot the $20 bucks plus tax for full coverage

I cant remember what the insurance was but from checking the website you are right. But it brought the cost from $24/day up to $37/day + tax. AMEX, and Mastercard cover this for me since they are provided by work and i travel for my job. (i could be wrong, i will go back and read the fine print.)

I copied this from the national website



"Important Policy Information:A major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express, Discover)and a valid driver's licence (in the name of the renter) will be required at the time of rental. A $1,000 USD authorization (HOLD) will be placed on customer credit card at time of rental. This authorization amount may be used towards damage to the rental vehicle and/or any applicable late charges. Rental vehicle can only be driven within the country of Dominican Republic. It is mandatory to purchase Collision Damage Waiver/Theft Protection (CDW-TP) and can only be declined if renter provides proof of credit card coverage for damages to the rental vehicle. Third Party Liability (TPL) is included in CDW-TP. CDW-TP has a deductible of up $1,000 USD. Deductible Protection (DP) reduces CDW-TP deductible amount to $0. DP can only be purchased in conjuntion with CDW-TP. If CDW-TP is declined, Third Party Liability (TPL) insurance will be mandatory. In the event CDW-TP is declined, customer is responsible for the full value of the rental vehicle. All one-way rentals are subject to a dropcharge. "

[BigLongBeach]

i got some time so i can continue my SD update.

As i mentioned in the OP, i broke some of my rules. They are:
- No driving late at night (autopistas/careteras)
- No going to the ghetto

There are obvious reasons not to drive on the highways late at night. They are poorly lit, they are full of trucks & tractor trailers, the roads can be in poor condition, it can rain at any moment, and of course ladrones.

I was at my novia's place 20mins past san cristobal. The plan was to go back to my home base in santo domingo but something came up. Her house was full of children. It was her daughters bday the day before, all the kids in the family in the same age group were over, and their parents didnt come to pick them up since they were having such a good time. The novia was exhausted. I was exhausted watching her but its my vacation and i want to go to have some fun. I made the call that i was going to try the drive. I can get back to the capital in about 40mins if nothing happens. We argue about it but my stubbornness prevailed. I get on the highway, im flying at about 120km/hr, and i am pleasantly suprised. The highway from Santo Domingo accross the south coast is new, has very few potholes, and has reflectors so its fairly well lit. Once you get past San Cristobal the highway is still in good condition but there are no reflectors so you have to be dominican and high beam everyone. I tryed to turn down my lights when i got close to someone, or a car was coming in the opposite direction. That is one thing that kills, but i understand it. Dominicans high beam about 90% of the time but its due to the poorly lit streets, and potholes. I did this twice, and luckily came away without any issues. i feel comfortable with the Drive but i do not plan on doing it again.

I broke the 2nd rule because i was bored, and wanted to spend time with my novia. She was in the capital visiting some family in los rios, and wanted to see me. I had been there before when i got lost one time, and my novia wanted to kill me when she realized where we were. I have heard nothing but bad things about this place. They say its the kind of neighborhood that strangers (not just gringos) show up fully clothed, end up getting robbed, and sent home butt naked. But then again Dominicans say the same thing about every ghetto in DR. My novia is cool with me going this time since i have made many visits to DR now, and my tigueraje is strong. I looked it up on google maps, and decided that the most direct route from gazcue was go on gomez to jfk/duarte, and i should run into the entrance to los rios where there is a shell gas station. I hadnt been on the jfk/duarte yet and that was a mistake. The thing about the autopistas in the capital is that they go all over the place with the express lanes and detours. The signs are also poorly placed and not visible. I ended up passing los rios, and looked at my google gps and made a turn. it was in los rios, and luckily not deep into the barrio, i was still on the outskirts where the houses, and apartments are actually pretty nice. I make it back to the main street into los rios and meet up w/the novia where a delicious plate of sancocho was waiting for me.

In the future when going to areas i do not know very well i will be taking the highways, and streets i feel comfortable on. Next time i will just take 27feb to the rotonda de la bandera, and make the first right, and that should take me straight to were i wanted to go.

[BigLongBeach]

I have only made a handful of trips to Sosua, and have been making most of my trips recently to Santo Domingo. I like Santo Domingo because its a big city, it has major arteries, east/west/north which allow me to venture out to new places, and all the women arent hookers but highly availlable.

Since i am in Santo Domingo it's hard to just run into a member. Koki had read my posts, and mentioned that he would be there as the same time as me, and staying at the jaguar. I had a pretty tight schedule but i did want to go on some casa runs so i was hoping to run into him. Well on my first night there i go to 305 to have a drink with a friend, and who do i see being violado by a tall hottie. Mr Koki himself. It was pretty late, and he looked like he was having fun so i didnt want to bother him. It didnt matter because by the time i turned around he was going to the back area with his hottie.

I ran into him in the hotel the next day and introduced myself. He is cool down to earth guy with lots of experience dealing with these chicas, putas, non-putas, profesional girlfriends, etc. We talked for a few minutes, did a little show & tell with our laptops, and found out we had a few things in common. He invited me out several times but since my flight was delayed to start with i was on a time crunch to see some people, and i wasnt very availlable. If this man invites you on a casa run you go. I wont waste that oportunity again. I saw the pics of his novia and the man does not play around.

[MrHappy]

i got some time so i can continue my SD update.



I was at my novia's place 20mins past san cristobal. The plan was to go back to my home base in santo domingo but something came up. Her house was full of children. It was her daughters bday the day before, all the kids in the family in the same age group were over, and their parents didnt come to pick them up since they were having such a good time. The novia was exhausted. I was exhausted watching her but its my vacation and i want to go to have some fun. I made the call that i was going to try the drive. I can get back to the capital in about 40mins if nothing happens. We argue about it but my stubbornness prevailed. I get on the highway, im flying at about 120km/hr, and i am pleasantly suprised. The highway from Santo Domingo accross the south coast is new, has very few potholes, and has reflectors so its fairly well lit. Once you get past San Cristobal the highway is still in good condition but there are no reflectors so you have to be dominican and high beam everyone. I tryed to turn down my lights when i got close to someone, or a car was coming in the opposite direction.

A perfect example of not understanding just how cautious one has to be.

Anyone who purposely drives 120 KM/hr or the 6 de Noviembre has either got a death wish, is crazy, or plain doesn't know.

I'm surprised you didn't see any accidents. You can imagine what it was like when it was a two lane road.

Even the four lanes from SD to San Cristobal can be a challenge.

Not dissin' ya, BTW. You're learning the main routes, which isn't the fastest way to get somewhere, but sure helps you get oriented.

(I live in Arroyo Hondo, and go through Los Rios every day. It ain't THAT bad.. Cristo Rey is bad)

[prtyr2]

A perfect example of not understanding just how cautious one has to be.

Anyone who purposely drives 120 KM/hr or the 6 de Noviembre has either got a death wish, is crazy, or plain doesn't know.

I'm surprised you didn't see any accidents. You can imagine what it was like when it was a two lane road.

Even the four lanes from SD to San Cristobal can be a challenge.

Not dissin' ya, BTW. You're learning the main routes, which isn't the fastest way to get somewhere, but sure helps you get oriented.

(I live in Arroyo Hondo, and go through Los Rios every day. It ain't THAT bad.. Cristo Rey is bad)

Cristo Rey aint THAT bad. . . .Capotillo and Simon Bolivar are BAD;-)

Been to simon bolivar but even I aint crazy enough to enter capotillo. . . . .neither are most cops!

[MrHappy]

Cristo Rey aint THAT bad. . . .Capotillo and Simon Bolivar are BAD;-)

Been to simon bolivar but even I aint crazy enough to enter capotillo. . . . .neither are most cops!

I've been in all of them many a time, but not at night. I may look dumb, but even I ain't that dumb.

[BigLongBeach]

A perfect example of not understanding just how cautious one has to be.

Anyone who purposely drives 120 KM/hr or the 6 de Noviembre has either got a death wish, is crazy, or plain doesn't know.

I'm surprised you didn't see any accidents. You can imagine what it was like when it was a two lane road.

Even the four lanes from SD to San Cristobal can be a challenge.

Not dissin' ya, BTW. You're learning the main routes, which isn't the fastest way to get somewhere, but sure helps you get oriented.

(I live in Arroyo Hondo, and go through Los Rios every day. It ain't THAT bad.. Cristo Rey is bad)

You're right, it's a bit of both. i usually dont go to crazy until after i pass san cristobal heading west. i usually gun it once i get to [2] caretera sanchez. The roads wind up and down so i can usually see into the valley to make sure im not going to make a highlight out of a motto. This is in the day time. i do scale it back once it gets dark.

When i head back east probably about 5-10mins after paya i tone it down because it gets a lot darker.

unfortunately i have seen a few accidents. mostly the mottos being turned into road kill, and sometimes stray animails. 6 de nov is pretty dark at night so i do tone it down because you never know whats going to pop out.

[hugrad95a]

http://www.maplandia.com/dominican-republic/santo-domingo/capotillo/

[KoKi9290]

I've been in all of them many a time, but not at night. I may look dumb, but even I ain't that dumb.

How about Los Guandules? Down next to the river Ozama. Went into there one time with my former next door neighbor but he was the local priest so no one messed with me. Even during the day, he told me I wouldn't have gotten out if I hadn't been with him.

[BigLongBeach]

How about Los Guandules? Down next to the river Ozama. Went into there one time with my former next door neighbor but he was the local priest so no one messed with me. Even during the day, he told me I wouldn't have gotten out if I hadn't been with him.

one of my friends has the same story. He was going to pick up a girl and going into a narrow street were his car barely fit. My friend is a dark native dominican, He said all the local tigueres were sizing him up but once the girl got out of the apartment they stepped back since they all knew her. He said the girl saved him that day but he made her take a cab back.