camaro1257
11-17-2013, 02:26 PM
Introduction:
I have recently returned from spending time in the north coast of the Dominican Republic. I spent 3 days in Cabarete and 4 days in Sosua. Since Sosua has been covered at nauseam I wanted to view Sosua in contrast with Cabarete comparing the similarities and the differences. Some of the information contained in this synopsis is well known to veteran mongers but new information to others, my objective is to be as informative as possible to all who are interested. Below I have listed my thoughts:
Novice Mongers:
• Bring your own condoms and lube those products are generally inferior in the Dominican Republic.
• Carry any electronics in your carry on in order to avoid damage.
• Be sure to have the address of your lodging you will need it for your immigration paperwork.
• You will need $10.00 for your tourist card at immigration.
• Carry a color photocopy of your passport once you hit the ground and keep your original secured.
• Call your credit card companies and advise them when and where you will be traveling so your cards do not get declined in case you have to use them on the ground. It is advisable to only use your credit card at ATM's everything else you should use cash.
• Only carry as much money as you think you need. You might want to carry different amounts in different places such as socks, shoes or back pockets in the unfortunate event you are robbed or shook down by La Policia.
• The water is not fit to drink therefore only drink bottled water.
Airfare:
I have noticed different airfares for DR travelers using different airlines. Sometimes airfares are cheaper flying into Santo Domingo & Santiago as opposed to Puerto Plata. Since I am building miles on American Airlines I checked AA routes to all 3 major DR cities and there is no appreciable difference between airfares, therefore it cost approximately the same flying into POP as it would STI or SDQ. YMMV depending on your airline of choice.
Pre-Trip Preparation:
Many of us have become sick during our travels and I am no different. On my last trip I became sick and it almost ruined my vacation. There are conflicting reports but it is reported by some that re-circulated air through the cabin of the aircraft can be the culprit because when a person sneezes that air is re-circulated again. Others report touching tray tables or any other item on the aircraft that may be infected by some ones germs may be the culprit. Regardless as to the reason I decided to build up my immune system by taking Emergen-C and Echinacea & Golden Seal daily a week before my travel. My hope was a strengthened immune system would be able to ward off some of the typical infections that have the potential to spoil my vacation.
Cabarete:
Cabarete is a beach town in the north coast about 20 minutes west of Puerto Plata that is famous for tourism, and For our new members who are unaware the primary difference between Cabarete and Sosua is Cabarete does not have an international reputation for prostitution. PFP exist but is not as obvious as in Sosua. Cabarete is in many ways the reverse of Sosua, with older Euro and Aussie women chasing running young Dominican men, who are called "Sankie Pankies."
Sosua:
Sosua is also a beach town in the north coast about 10 minutes west of Cabarete that is also famous for tourism. The Sosua beach is different from the Cabarete beach because it is a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Sosua is also a vacation destination for local Dominicans who want to use the beach on the weekends. Sosua's most notable reputation is for being the primary PFP destination in the Dominican Republic.
Hotels:
Kite Beach Inn #5 Cabarete (Calle Principal)
The Kite Beach Inn is just outside Cabarete, it sits on Kite Beach were you can see the kite and wind surfers from the rear of the hotel as well as the balcony which faces the beach. If you use the hotel transportation will be required because it is 5 minutes by moto to Cabarete and 15 minutes by car to Sosua. Walking to Cabarete is doable but not advisable because the road is very narrow and very dark at night. The room reminds me of the basic New Garden rooms just a little more modern. I had good hot water in the shower but I had some WI-FI connectivity problems that were resolved and the air conditioner was not very cold. My room had a balcony that faced the beach which was very convenient for a cool evening if you wanted to chill outside. There was security at night and the front door was closed but not locked at night. There was no safe however the staff was very attentive and helpful, I paid $50.00 per night.
Mary Rose Apartments Drive Sosua (Alejo Martinez )
Mary Rose is about 5 minutes from El Centro Sosua by car or moto and 15 minutes walking. It is an apart-hotel with a living room, kitchen and bedroom. The grounds were clean and the vibe was laid back especially in the evening when some of the residents gathered around the bar in front of the pool. The hot water was slow and the air conditioner did not cool very well. There was security at night and the front gate had to be open with a key that you received separate from the door key. There was a rooster that let you know when it was sun up and the owner had dogs that made their presence known. If you do not like dogs this would not be your best hotel option as they were very vocal. There was an electronic safe in the bedroom and the staff was very attentive and helpful, I paid $75.00 per night.
Supermercados:
• Playero - Calle Principle Sosua: Has more selection than Janet's in Cabarete but the prices are about the same.
• Janet's - Calle Principle Cabarete: Not a very extensive selection, if you need some serious shopping you might need to go to La Sirena in Puerto Plata.
Both stores have cell phone stores I was able to get my SIM card and internet, phone and text data for a week for just under 800DP. In the past have misplaced my SIM cards I will definitely keep this one and keep it charged.
• Little New York- Little New York is a convenient store (colmado) just to the left of Mary Rose in Sosua. The selection is small it is no Puerto Plata La Sirena but it will do in a pinch.
Dinero:
• Wells Fargo US: 37-1
• POP Airport :36-1
• Casa de Cambio - Sosua: 42-1 *Pedro Clisante across from Rumba's. After my 3rd time changing $100.00 bills he gave me 4100DP instead of the 4200DP he was supposed to. I called him on it he gave me my 100DP and I moved my business for the rest of the trip to the below listed casa de cambio. In addition he is known to change the rate late at night when the other casa de cambios are closed.
• Casa de Cambio - Sosua 42-1 ***Calle DR Rosen across from Rockies
• Wally Cambio- Cabarete: 42-1 *Calle Principle Cabarete in the center of town
• Pesos Dollars
500 $11.80
1,000 $23.60
1,500 $35.40
2,000 $47.00
2,500 $59.00
3,000 $70.80
3,500 $82.60
4,000 $94.40
Transportation:
I talked with my taxista for information on transportation cost for those of us who do not want to rent cars. These numbers are ball park and like everything can be negotiated YMMV.
Taxi:
• POP Airport - Sosua $25.00
• POP Airport - Cabarete $35.00
• POP Airport - Puerto Plata City $35.00
• POP Airport - Costumbar (Blackbeards) $45.00
• POP Airport - Santiago $100.00
• POP Airport- Santo Domingo $200.00
• Cabarete - Puerto Plata City $45.00
• Cabarete - Sosua $15.00
Gua Gua (mini bus run during the day but not at night) Carro Publico (public taxis that run 24/7these are beat up Toyotas & Hondas that may or may not have brakes and the fuel gauges are almost always on empty.)
• Cabarete - Sosua 50DP during the day
• Sosua - Cabarete Carro Publico after dark if there are no passengers it is totally negotiable. I have paid as little as 200DP and as much as 300DP. You can negotiate with the drivers to take you to many North Coast destinations YMMV depending on your negotiation and Spanish skills.
Motos:
Motoconchos is an in-expensive way to travel but it can be very scary as some of the drivers drive recklessly. Some are drug runners who work with the police so you can play at your own risk. Others are chulos for the chicas. Some are just Dominicanos just hustling to make some pesos.
• Around Cabarete & Sosua 1 way 35 - 50DP
• Cabarete - Sosua - I had a moto driver quote me 150DP while I was waiting for a carro publico. IMHO Cabarete - Sosua is entirely too long to be on a moto (10-15 minutes) Motos are scary enough on short trips but on long trips I definitely recommend 4 wheels over 2 wheels. Moto drivers will hard sell you because they are trying to eat, choose at your own risk.
For those who do not know riding in gua guas and carro publicos can be an adventure. First you experience la cultura de los Dominicanos first hand. Second it is an in-expensive way to travel. Imagine riding in a vehicle equipped for 5 that has 6 people in it and you are the 7th, you are in for a ride. Some drive so fast that the vehicles feel like they are going to tip over. One time the only way I could fit in one was to stick my head out the window because it was so crowded. I remember smelling the fresh country air complete with the scent of cow manure. As a person who has driven luxury and sports cars at home and doesn't use public transportation traveling with them is a humbling experience that I will never forget as long as I live.
Casas de Citas:
• Passions- Pedro Clisante, Sosua: Passions is still closed
• CMP- Pedro Clisante, Sosua: Caribbean Man's Parades is still closed
• Elvis- Calle Vello,Cabarete: behind Janet's Supermercado
I visited Elvis about 2 years ago when I was in Cabarete. The casa is an open air bar with a flatscreen tv over the bar. There are rooms in a house that is next door. There were a half dozen chicas all between 7-8. I remember being told the tarifa was about 1500DP for ST on premises. On my last trip one of their chicas quoted $200.00 and subsequently went down to $150.00. Needless to say they won't be seeing any of my money.
Cabarete Night Life:
The beach at Cabarete is absolutely beautiful at night, there is a light breeze and you can hear the waves crashing in the background. You can see a few stars and the pitch black sky. The beach is lit up with Christmas Tree lights and multi-colored lanterns. There are several bars, restaurants and clubs on the beach some have tables and chairs in front and others have couches and lounge chairs. The most notable venues are as follows:
• Ojo Club - Is an open air bar with a large dance floor. I enjoyed this venue more than the others because they consistently played salsa, merengue and bachatta but later on in the night they drifted over to Hip Hop. I don't understand why people travel thousands of miles to the Dominican Republic to eat hamburgers and french fries and listen to Hip Hop music but to each his own.
• Havana Club- Is an open air bar also but much smaller than the Ojo Club with a very small dance floor. The music was a mix between Hip Hop and Reggae with a decent crowd.
• Chino Bar- Is an open air bar and resturant with chairs and couches on the beach, it had a very laid back feel with quite a few couples lunging and talking.
• Eze Bar- Is an open air bar with mostley extranjeros sitting sround talking.
• Lazy Dog - Is an open air bar also but most of the people were sitting outside and the bar was relatively empty.
• Jose Oshay's - Is an outdoor bar also but it had a sports bar feel with tv's outside.
• The was a mix between live music and DJ's playing at the different venues with a variety of music from salsa to rock. The draw back with the clubs at the beach was there was no central meeting place like Sosua's D'Latins . It was a pain walking back and forth in the sand trying to get a good feel so I just settled for the Ojo Club and Havana Club.
• D Pepe Disco Bar-The D Pepe Disco Bar is on Calle Principal located upstairs across the street from Jose O'Shay restaurant and bar. There is 1 bar and 4 pool tables and a dance floor with a stripper pole. The music was bachata and the half dozen chicas that were there were 6 or less a mix between Hatianas and Dominicanas. There was a tin roof and concrete floors, it felt like I was in the middle of the barrio with no trimmings, authentic Dominicano.
My impression was Cabarete night life was a better place for couples with its ambiance than for hunting for chicas.
Sosua Night Life:
The below listed information is for people who are unfamiliar with Sosua. Pedro Clisante has a block where some of the major action occurs in Sosua at night below I have listed the major venues:
• D Latin's - The current primary night tourist bar for Sosua. It gets so crowded around 1 am that you cannot move with ease. If the venue had to meet US fire code standards it would be shut down as a fire hazard during busy time. If there was ever a fire or large disturbance and you were in the wrong location of the club you would be stuck. I recommend staying close to the doors. It was formally and open air bar with a very small dance floor. Now D' Latins has tinted glass all around and 3 front doors that serve as entrances and exits. There are ceiling fans and large fans near the 3 doors that help to circulate the outside air in. As long as you stay in the path of the fans you can stay comfortable. The music is a mix between American and local.
• Rumba's - The primary afternoon and early evening tourist bar for Sosua. Sometimes it gets so crowded that there is very little space for movement. The venue has a open air sports bar feel with multiple flat screen TV's. The is a small dance floor next to the DJ booth. The frames for the glass is up but at the time of this report they have no glass. The music is a mix between American and local.
• El Flow - The primary local bar on Pedro Clisante. There is a bar backroom and tables. The venue has been closed in and has transparent glass on the outside. The music is local a mix between bachata, merengue and salsa.
• Merengue - Classicos - Merengue is the downstairs open air bar next to Classicos which is totally enclosed upstairs on the second floor. Classicos was closed at the time of this report. Merengue has a circular bar with chairs that surround it and chairs and tables along the outer perimeter of the bar. Since there is no music it is an excellent place to conduct interviews because you don't have to contend with excessive noise.
• Bar Central - Is Haitian Headquarters and chocolate city, it is the bar that most Hatianas hang at. The bar is has a open front and is not really a place where people listen to music and dance but it more like a meeting place. At the time of this report there was no glass and just a frame.
• Winners Circle- Is a sports bar that is totally enclosed with transparent glass on the outside. The bar is a place to drink meet and listen to music but it is not very large it also can serve as a good place to interview or chill with a chica or your friends.
• The Spot- Is a sports bar type venue that is totally enclosed with transparent glass on the outside. The bar is a place to drink meet and listen to music but it is not very large it also can serve as a good place to interview or chill with a chica or your friends if the music is not too loud.
• El Toro- Was a famous bar on the strip that is now closed.
For night owls in Sosua:
Night owls have 3 major venues they can attend after 3am. You are likely to see some of the same people you have seen on the strip.
• After One- Should be called After 3 because it doesn't open until 3 am. It is located in the same building as the Sosua Bay Casino. There is a 100 peso cover by some of the same security that you see in D Latin's. The music is a mix of techno, local and American. The venue has 2 bars, 2 dance floors and 2 balconies.
• Carpirina- Is an outdoor venue with a bar and tables and chairs on the lawn outside. It is on a side street off Aliejo Martinez.
• Copacabana (Chelo)- Is an outdoor venue with a bar and tables and chairs on the lawn outside. It is on a side street off Aliejo Martinez after you pass Carpirina.
La Comida Cabarete:
The Kite Beach Inn currently does not have a restaurant so I ate most of my meals on the restaurants on Cabarete beach. I enjoyed eating on the beach because the weather was decent with a nice breeze and the sound of waves crashing behind me was like music to my ears. The 2 problems I had were the dogs that expected you to feed them and the touts selling their trinkets who I had mixed emotions towards, part of me was annoyed and part of me felt compassion because that is the only way they eat. I realize how fortunate I am.
• Desayuno - Extream Hotel restaurant I had the "Boston Breakfast" with eggs, home fries, turkey bacon, sausage and 1 pancake. The presentation was outstanding on the plate and it was equally delicious especially the pancake but it wasn't enough, it was 300DP.
• Almuerzo- Kahuna restaurant I had a "Cesar Salad Wrap" and side salad. The wrap was very tasty with flakey soft bread and the chicken was tender with just the right amount of Cesar Salad dressing it was quite tangy, it was 400DP.
• Cena- Jose O'Shay's restaurant I had I think they called it "Pollo Maja". Chicken covered with tomatoes, rice and mixed vegetables. It looked better than it tasted it was 700DP.
La Comida Sosua:
Sosua has beach restaurants like Cabarete but I did not partake. The restaurants in town are far more diverse than in Cabarete there is everything from expensive Italian to "comida tipico." The restaurants are too many to count, there is also street food for those who want to eat inexpensively. Below I have listed some of my dining experiences in Sosua:
• Desayuno - Rocky's restaurant I had #50 eggs, bacon, ham and a pancake with a banana. The pancake with a banana was a different flavor that reminded me of when my aunt used to take old bananas and mix them in her pancake batter for some delicious pancakes. I believe the cost was 225DP.
• Almuerzo- Chez Mon Real restaurant I had the smoked salmon salad which reminded me of ceviche, because the salmon was not hot the way I normally eat it. The smoked flavor illuminated the fish taste and it was absolutely delicious. It was 300DP.
• Cena- The Victorian House Cajun Restaurant I had the Mai Mai with brown rice. The Mai Mai was thick and juicy the rice was spicy with just enough kick to make you want to wash it down with your favorite beverage. It was 750DP.
Other eating options:
• Baily's - My trips to Sosua would not be complete without eating crepes de helado especially on a hot day they are very refreshing. I paid 350DP.
• Hot Resturante en Merengue - Merengue only used o have pizzas back in the day but now they have a restaurant with snack items, burgers, wings etc. I had the Quesadas which were great the chicken was tender and spicy. I paid 250DP.
• Copacabana (Chelo)- I had Sopa de pollo con arroz. It tasted like sancocho without the corn different meats and yucca. It hit the spot at 5 in the morning. It was 100DP.
Cabanas:
Cabanas are short time love motels that are used as a sex get away. You drive a car into the "garage" and they close a curtain behind the car. Then you enter the room. Any food and drink etc, are delivered via a box in the wall and tunnels between rooms so they put stuff in the box, ring a bell and leave, and then you open the door on your side of the box and get your stuff.
Cabana Costa Mar outside Cabarete:
Cabana Costa Mar on Calle Principal right after you pass Janet's Supermarcado leaving Cabarete. I unwittingly got the Jacuzzi room for 1000DP for 4 hours. I was looking for the basic room but as fate would have it I thoroughly enjoyed the room and my company. The room had piped in music but I had no idea how to change the station. The room has a sitting area to your left when you walk in and big king size bed and 30 inch flat screen television hanging on the wall. My only complaint was the cable wasn't getting a signal but then again I was not there to watch television. The Jacuzzi was great the jets felt good and the room had a great aesthetic feel to it.
Dulce Secreto Sosua near Playa Chikita:
Dulce Secreto is a cabana style apart hotel that is within walking distance of Hotel Voramar. It is a 20 minute walk from el centro Sosua and a 5 minute moto ride. Inside the complex there are several garage doors, you go inside the garage close the door and walk upstairs to your room. The rooms are very nice with condoms, candy, soap and towels on the bed. There is a flat screen TV for your viewing pleasure. There is a turn style inside the room where money is exchanged and you never have to see the staff. The tarifa is 590DP for 4 hours of time.
I wanted to go during my most recent Sosua visit but it just didn't work out. My intention was to use the cabana for my ST's with women that I didn't know especially if I didn't get a vibe that I could trust them .
Chicas:
Both Cabarete and Sosua have freelance PFP action. The primary problem with freelancers is there is no one for them to be accountable to like those who work in the casas are accountable to their mamasans. This lack of accountability subjects the monger to the whims of the chica. (i.e. a chica could work during her menstruation and not tell you until you get to the hotel. Under those circumstances you have to determine the best way to handle the situation for you.)
One of my favorite sayings is "quien tienes mas poder un hombre con dinero o una mujer con sexo?" (Who has more power a man with money or a woman with sex?) Mongers who travel to Sosua are sometimes paying ridiculous prices because they have no idea how much power they have. Consumers have a role to play in retail prices in the same way mongers have a say in the Sosua sex market. I suspect the problem in part has been the popularity of Sosua as a sex tourism destination which in turn has brought many travelers who are unaware of the Sosua market and pay whatever the chica ask.
Sosua Tier System:
Apparently there is a tier system for the chicas in Sousa, yes there are levels to this thing just like ISOC. Chicas rate themselves according to how they perceive themselves and any other factors they consider important such as experience etc. For example:
• Chica #A perceives herself to be a 9 because she has long natural hair and she is from Santiago she might want 3000DP for ST and 5000DP for TLN.
• Chica #B is a Sosua veteran and she perceives herself o be a 8 she might want 2500DP for ST and 4000DP for TLN.
• Chica #C is just in transit and not a part of the system and she may expect 1500DP for ST and 2500DP for TLN.
The above listed are simply examples. The problem with the tier system is that it is totally subjective and submission to it gives the chicas more power than I believe they deserve. It is always wisdom on our part to pay what WE believe the chica is valued at and not what she believes she is valued at unless it meets our criteria. I do believe with experience you can look at a Sosua chica and reasonably guess what she expects and negotiate accordingly.
Tarifas: Reasonable tarifas for the Sousa sex market should be as follows:
• Short Time ST -1000-2000DP
• All night TLN 1500-3000DP (As a rule you should avoid committing to TLN with a chica you just met because you may not have sufficient chemistry to stay the night.)
What you pay will depend on a myriad of factors to include:
• Chemistry and your ability to speak Spanish
• How attractive you are to the chica you choose (chicas have preferences also sometimes they quote outrageous tarifas because they don't want to be bothered.)
• Day of the week and time of day (The weekend at Rumba is prime time whereas The beginning of the week at After 1 should get you lower tarifa)
• What's going on in the chicas life is she hungry or is she holding out for the big payday.
Observations:
• I saw some chicas with the new Samsung Galaxy Note and I was like "WTF you doin with that damn phone?"
• Dominicanas love their hair and don't be messin with it while you're having sex
• Some of the oldies who have been on the strip for a while are getting quite thick...life must be good.
• Early in the week there were a lot of 5's out but toward the end of the week I saw some beautiful women.
• The gay and transgendered population is increasing in Sosua, the world is really changing. I saw I guy with what was apparently a transvestite. Why a man wants to be with a man that looks like a woman is beyond me.
• Apparently checking ID's is good thing. At D' Latin's. I saw a cute little Bonita that looked to be 21 walk in the door and after security checked her ID he sent her packing. It is hard to tell the ages of these girls sometimes.
• While in D Latin's I saw this real old looking chica I guess you can call her a mujer talking to 2 younger looking chicas. They were listening intensely and following her around like she was their Master Jedi. Apparently there is an apprenticeship for putaism.
• Why do chicas think we want to spend money on them when they have a stink attitude and a funk face?
• I noticed how many of the chicas interact with other Dominicanos especially the motoconchos as well as La Policia. In those instances I suspect the possibility of collusion.
• I like it when a chica looks at me and says "wha happon?" with that thick Dominican accent.
Conclusion:
Both Cabarete and Sosua are like sisters who are similar but different. They are both small beach towns that are primarily known for tourism. Cabarete has more of a tourist feel because of its international reputation for windsurfing and kite boarding which brings a more diverse group of tourist from as far away as Australia. The weather on Cabarete beach is more comfortable because of the breeze but the touts selling their trinkets can be quite annoying. Sosua beach has touts also but they are primarily situated at the entrance to the beach and after you get through the gauntlet of "my fren" you can generally enjoy yourself in peace.
For the mongering standpoint there is very little comparison between the 2 locations. Cabarete has PFP but it is less visible and the caliber of the chicas is not to the level of Sosua. Sometimes chicas will prefer to do their PFP in Cabarete because the competition is less fierce and in general there is a different demographic of tourist in Cabarete as opposed to Sosua. There are fewer fish in the Cabarete pond than the Sosua pond but IMHO fishing in the Cabarete pond is a worth-while if only for the experience to be able to say "been there done that!" In addition, Cabarete is a good diversion to Sosua because it does not have much of the negative scrutiny that Sosua has. Finally the best purpose for Cabarete for the single male traveler is a place to take a date, if she is not impressed with Cabarete beach at night you might need another woman.
I have recently returned from spending time in the north coast of the Dominican Republic. I spent 3 days in Cabarete and 4 days in Sosua. Since Sosua has been covered at nauseam I wanted to view Sosua in contrast with Cabarete comparing the similarities and the differences. Some of the information contained in this synopsis is well known to veteran mongers but new information to others, my objective is to be as informative as possible to all who are interested. Below I have listed my thoughts:
Novice Mongers:
• Bring your own condoms and lube those products are generally inferior in the Dominican Republic.
• Carry any electronics in your carry on in order to avoid damage.
• Be sure to have the address of your lodging you will need it for your immigration paperwork.
• You will need $10.00 for your tourist card at immigration.
• Carry a color photocopy of your passport once you hit the ground and keep your original secured.
• Call your credit card companies and advise them when and where you will be traveling so your cards do not get declined in case you have to use them on the ground. It is advisable to only use your credit card at ATM's everything else you should use cash.
• Only carry as much money as you think you need. You might want to carry different amounts in different places such as socks, shoes or back pockets in the unfortunate event you are robbed or shook down by La Policia.
• The water is not fit to drink therefore only drink bottled water.
Airfare:
I have noticed different airfares for DR travelers using different airlines. Sometimes airfares are cheaper flying into Santo Domingo & Santiago as opposed to Puerto Plata. Since I am building miles on American Airlines I checked AA routes to all 3 major DR cities and there is no appreciable difference between airfares, therefore it cost approximately the same flying into POP as it would STI or SDQ. YMMV depending on your airline of choice.
Pre-Trip Preparation:
Many of us have become sick during our travels and I am no different. On my last trip I became sick and it almost ruined my vacation. There are conflicting reports but it is reported by some that re-circulated air through the cabin of the aircraft can be the culprit because when a person sneezes that air is re-circulated again. Others report touching tray tables or any other item on the aircraft that may be infected by some ones germs may be the culprit. Regardless as to the reason I decided to build up my immune system by taking Emergen-C and Echinacea & Golden Seal daily a week before my travel. My hope was a strengthened immune system would be able to ward off some of the typical infections that have the potential to spoil my vacation.
Cabarete:
Cabarete is a beach town in the north coast about 20 minutes west of Puerto Plata that is famous for tourism, and For our new members who are unaware the primary difference between Cabarete and Sosua is Cabarete does not have an international reputation for prostitution. PFP exist but is not as obvious as in Sosua. Cabarete is in many ways the reverse of Sosua, with older Euro and Aussie women chasing running young Dominican men, who are called "Sankie Pankies."
Sosua:
Sosua is also a beach town in the north coast about 10 minutes west of Cabarete that is also famous for tourism. The Sosua beach is different from the Cabarete beach because it is a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Sosua is also a vacation destination for local Dominicans who want to use the beach on the weekends. Sosua's most notable reputation is for being the primary PFP destination in the Dominican Republic.
Hotels:
Kite Beach Inn #5 Cabarete (Calle Principal)
The Kite Beach Inn is just outside Cabarete, it sits on Kite Beach were you can see the kite and wind surfers from the rear of the hotel as well as the balcony which faces the beach. If you use the hotel transportation will be required because it is 5 minutes by moto to Cabarete and 15 minutes by car to Sosua. Walking to Cabarete is doable but not advisable because the road is very narrow and very dark at night. The room reminds me of the basic New Garden rooms just a little more modern. I had good hot water in the shower but I had some WI-FI connectivity problems that were resolved and the air conditioner was not very cold. My room had a balcony that faced the beach which was very convenient for a cool evening if you wanted to chill outside. There was security at night and the front door was closed but not locked at night. There was no safe however the staff was very attentive and helpful, I paid $50.00 per night.
Mary Rose Apartments Drive Sosua (Alejo Martinez )
Mary Rose is about 5 minutes from El Centro Sosua by car or moto and 15 minutes walking. It is an apart-hotel with a living room, kitchen and bedroom. The grounds were clean and the vibe was laid back especially in the evening when some of the residents gathered around the bar in front of the pool. The hot water was slow and the air conditioner did not cool very well. There was security at night and the front gate had to be open with a key that you received separate from the door key. There was a rooster that let you know when it was sun up and the owner had dogs that made their presence known. If you do not like dogs this would not be your best hotel option as they were very vocal. There was an electronic safe in the bedroom and the staff was very attentive and helpful, I paid $75.00 per night.
Supermercados:
• Playero - Calle Principle Sosua: Has more selection than Janet's in Cabarete but the prices are about the same.
• Janet's - Calle Principle Cabarete: Not a very extensive selection, if you need some serious shopping you might need to go to La Sirena in Puerto Plata.
Both stores have cell phone stores I was able to get my SIM card and internet, phone and text data for a week for just under 800DP. In the past have misplaced my SIM cards I will definitely keep this one and keep it charged.
• Little New York- Little New York is a convenient store (colmado) just to the left of Mary Rose in Sosua. The selection is small it is no Puerto Plata La Sirena but it will do in a pinch.
Dinero:
• Wells Fargo US: 37-1
• POP Airport :36-1
• Casa de Cambio - Sosua: 42-1 *Pedro Clisante across from Rumba's. After my 3rd time changing $100.00 bills he gave me 4100DP instead of the 4200DP he was supposed to. I called him on it he gave me my 100DP and I moved my business for the rest of the trip to the below listed casa de cambio. In addition he is known to change the rate late at night when the other casa de cambios are closed.
• Casa de Cambio - Sosua 42-1 ***Calle DR Rosen across from Rockies
• Wally Cambio- Cabarete: 42-1 *Calle Principle Cabarete in the center of town
• Pesos Dollars
500 $11.80
1,000 $23.60
1,500 $35.40
2,000 $47.00
2,500 $59.00
3,000 $70.80
3,500 $82.60
4,000 $94.40
Transportation:
I talked with my taxista for information on transportation cost for those of us who do not want to rent cars. These numbers are ball park and like everything can be negotiated YMMV.
Taxi:
• POP Airport - Sosua $25.00
• POP Airport - Cabarete $35.00
• POP Airport - Puerto Plata City $35.00
• POP Airport - Costumbar (Blackbeards) $45.00
• POP Airport - Santiago $100.00
• POP Airport- Santo Domingo $200.00
• Cabarete - Puerto Plata City $45.00
• Cabarete - Sosua $15.00
Gua Gua (mini bus run during the day but not at night) Carro Publico (public taxis that run 24/7these are beat up Toyotas & Hondas that may or may not have brakes and the fuel gauges are almost always on empty.)
• Cabarete - Sosua 50DP during the day
• Sosua - Cabarete Carro Publico after dark if there are no passengers it is totally negotiable. I have paid as little as 200DP and as much as 300DP. You can negotiate with the drivers to take you to many North Coast destinations YMMV depending on your negotiation and Spanish skills.
Motos:
Motoconchos is an in-expensive way to travel but it can be very scary as some of the drivers drive recklessly. Some are drug runners who work with the police so you can play at your own risk. Others are chulos for the chicas. Some are just Dominicanos just hustling to make some pesos.
• Around Cabarete & Sosua 1 way 35 - 50DP
• Cabarete - Sosua - I had a moto driver quote me 150DP while I was waiting for a carro publico. IMHO Cabarete - Sosua is entirely too long to be on a moto (10-15 minutes) Motos are scary enough on short trips but on long trips I definitely recommend 4 wheels over 2 wheels. Moto drivers will hard sell you because they are trying to eat, choose at your own risk.
For those who do not know riding in gua guas and carro publicos can be an adventure. First you experience la cultura de los Dominicanos first hand. Second it is an in-expensive way to travel. Imagine riding in a vehicle equipped for 5 that has 6 people in it and you are the 7th, you are in for a ride. Some drive so fast that the vehicles feel like they are going to tip over. One time the only way I could fit in one was to stick my head out the window because it was so crowded. I remember smelling the fresh country air complete with the scent of cow manure. As a person who has driven luxury and sports cars at home and doesn't use public transportation traveling with them is a humbling experience that I will never forget as long as I live.
Casas de Citas:
• Passions- Pedro Clisante, Sosua: Passions is still closed
• CMP- Pedro Clisante, Sosua: Caribbean Man's Parades is still closed
• Elvis- Calle Vello,Cabarete: behind Janet's Supermercado
I visited Elvis about 2 years ago when I was in Cabarete. The casa is an open air bar with a flatscreen tv over the bar. There are rooms in a house that is next door. There were a half dozen chicas all between 7-8. I remember being told the tarifa was about 1500DP for ST on premises. On my last trip one of their chicas quoted $200.00 and subsequently went down to $150.00. Needless to say they won't be seeing any of my money.
Cabarete Night Life:
The beach at Cabarete is absolutely beautiful at night, there is a light breeze and you can hear the waves crashing in the background. You can see a few stars and the pitch black sky. The beach is lit up with Christmas Tree lights and multi-colored lanterns. There are several bars, restaurants and clubs on the beach some have tables and chairs in front and others have couches and lounge chairs. The most notable venues are as follows:
• Ojo Club - Is an open air bar with a large dance floor. I enjoyed this venue more than the others because they consistently played salsa, merengue and bachatta but later on in the night they drifted over to Hip Hop. I don't understand why people travel thousands of miles to the Dominican Republic to eat hamburgers and french fries and listen to Hip Hop music but to each his own.
• Havana Club- Is an open air bar also but much smaller than the Ojo Club with a very small dance floor. The music was a mix between Hip Hop and Reggae with a decent crowd.
• Chino Bar- Is an open air bar and resturant with chairs and couches on the beach, it had a very laid back feel with quite a few couples lunging and talking.
• Eze Bar- Is an open air bar with mostley extranjeros sitting sround talking.
• Lazy Dog - Is an open air bar also but most of the people were sitting outside and the bar was relatively empty.
• Jose Oshay's - Is an outdoor bar also but it had a sports bar feel with tv's outside.
• The was a mix between live music and DJ's playing at the different venues with a variety of music from salsa to rock. The draw back with the clubs at the beach was there was no central meeting place like Sosua's D'Latins . It was a pain walking back and forth in the sand trying to get a good feel so I just settled for the Ojo Club and Havana Club.
• D Pepe Disco Bar-The D Pepe Disco Bar is on Calle Principal located upstairs across the street from Jose O'Shay restaurant and bar. There is 1 bar and 4 pool tables and a dance floor with a stripper pole. The music was bachata and the half dozen chicas that were there were 6 or less a mix between Hatianas and Dominicanas. There was a tin roof and concrete floors, it felt like I was in the middle of the barrio with no trimmings, authentic Dominicano.
My impression was Cabarete night life was a better place for couples with its ambiance than for hunting for chicas.
Sosua Night Life:
The below listed information is for people who are unfamiliar with Sosua. Pedro Clisante has a block where some of the major action occurs in Sosua at night below I have listed the major venues:
• D Latin's - The current primary night tourist bar for Sosua. It gets so crowded around 1 am that you cannot move with ease. If the venue had to meet US fire code standards it would be shut down as a fire hazard during busy time. If there was ever a fire or large disturbance and you were in the wrong location of the club you would be stuck. I recommend staying close to the doors. It was formally and open air bar with a very small dance floor. Now D' Latins has tinted glass all around and 3 front doors that serve as entrances and exits. There are ceiling fans and large fans near the 3 doors that help to circulate the outside air in. As long as you stay in the path of the fans you can stay comfortable. The music is a mix between American and local.
• Rumba's - The primary afternoon and early evening tourist bar for Sosua. Sometimes it gets so crowded that there is very little space for movement. The venue has a open air sports bar feel with multiple flat screen TV's. The is a small dance floor next to the DJ booth. The frames for the glass is up but at the time of this report they have no glass. The music is a mix between American and local.
• El Flow - The primary local bar on Pedro Clisante. There is a bar backroom and tables. The venue has been closed in and has transparent glass on the outside. The music is local a mix between bachata, merengue and salsa.
• Merengue - Classicos - Merengue is the downstairs open air bar next to Classicos which is totally enclosed upstairs on the second floor. Classicos was closed at the time of this report. Merengue has a circular bar with chairs that surround it and chairs and tables along the outer perimeter of the bar. Since there is no music it is an excellent place to conduct interviews because you don't have to contend with excessive noise.
• Bar Central - Is Haitian Headquarters and chocolate city, it is the bar that most Hatianas hang at. The bar is has a open front and is not really a place where people listen to music and dance but it more like a meeting place. At the time of this report there was no glass and just a frame.
• Winners Circle- Is a sports bar that is totally enclosed with transparent glass on the outside. The bar is a place to drink meet and listen to music but it is not very large it also can serve as a good place to interview or chill with a chica or your friends.
• The Spot- Is a sports bar type venue that is totally enclosed with transparent glass on the outside. The bar is a place to drink meet and listen to music but it is not very large it also can serve as a good place to interview or chill with a chica or your friends if the music is not too loud.
• El Toro- Was a famous bar on the strip that is now closed.
For night owls in Sosua:
Night owls have 3 major venues they can attend after 3am. You are likely to see some of the same people you have seen on the strip.
• After One- Should be called After 3 because it doesn't open until 3 am. It is located in the same building as the Sosua Bay Casino. There is a 100 peso cover by some of the same security that you see in D Latin's. The music is a mix of techno, local and American. The venue has 2 bars, 2 dance floors and 2 balconies.
• Carpirina- Is an outdoor venue with a bar and tables and chairs on the lawn outside. It is on a side street off Aliejo Martinez.
• Copacabana (Chelo)- Is an outdoor venue with a bar and tables and chairs on the lawn outside. It is on a side street off Aliejo Martinez after you pass Carpirina.
La Comida Cabarete:
The Kite Beach Inn currently does not have a restaurant so I ate most of my meals on the restaurants on Cabarete beach. I enjoyed eating on the beach because the weather was decent with a nice breeze and the sound of waves crashing behind me was like music to my ears. The 2 problems I had were the dogs that expected you to feed them and the touts selling their trinkets who I had mixed emotions towards, part of me was annoyed and part of me felt compassion because that is the only way they eat. I realize how fortunate I am.
• Desayuno - Extream Hotel restaurant I had the "Boston Breakfast" with eggs, home fries, turkey bacon, sausage and 1 pancake. The presentation was outstanding on the plate and it was equally delicious especially the pancake but it wasn't enough, it was 300DP.
• Almuerzo- Kahuna restaurant I had a "Cesar Salad Wrap" and side salad. The wrap was very tasty with flakey soft bread and the chicken was tender with just the right amount of Cesar Salad dressing it was quite tangy, it was 400DP.
• Cena- Jose O'Shay's restaurant I had I think they called it "Pollo Maja". Chicken covered with tomatoes, rice and mixed vegetables. It looked better than it tasted it was 700DP.
La Comida Sosua:
Sosua has beach restaurants like Cabarete but I did not partake. The restaurants in town are far more diverse than in Cabarete there is everything from expensive Italian to "comida tipico." The restaurants are too many to count, there is also street food for those who want to eat inexpensively. Below I have listed some of my dining experiences in Sosua:
• Desayuno - Rocky's restaurant I had #50 eggs, bacon, ham and a pancake with a banana. The pancake with a banana was a different flavor that reminded me of when my aunt used to take old bananas and mix them in her pancake batter for some delicious pancakes. I believe the cost was 225DP.
• Almuerzo- Chez Mon Real restaurant I had the smoked salmon salad which reminded me of ceviche, because the salmon was not hot the way I normally eat it. The smoked flavor illuminated the fish taste and it was absolutely delicious. It was 300DP.
• Cena- The Victorian House Cajun Restaurant I had the Mai Mai with brown rice. The Mai Mai was thick and juicy the rice was spicy with just enough kick to make you want to wash it down with your favorite beverage. It was 750DP.
Other eating options:
• Baily's - My trips to Sosua would not be complete without eating crepes de helado especially on a hot day they are very refreshing. I paid 350DP.
• Hot Resturante en Merengue - Merengue only used o have pizzas back in the day but now they have a restaurant with snack items, burgers, wings etc. I had the Quesadas which were great the chicken was tender and spicy. I paid 250DP.
• Copacabana (Chelo)- I had Sopa de pollo con arroz. It tasted like sancocho without the corn different meats and yucca. It hit the spot at 5 in the morning. It was 100DP.
Cabanas:
Cabanas are short time love motels that are used as a sex get away. You drive a car into the "garage" and they close a curtain behind the car. Then you enter the room. Any food and drink etc, are delivered via a box in the wall and tunnels between rooms so they put stuff in the box, ring a bell and leave, and then you open the door on your side of the box and get your stuff.
Cabana Costa Mar outside Cabarete:
Cabana Costa Mar on Calle Principal right after you pass Janet's Supermarcado leaving Cabarete. I unwittingly got the Jacuzzi room for 1000DP for 4 hours. I was looking for the basic room but as fate would have it I thoroughly enjoyed the room and my company. The room had piped in music but I had no idea how to change the station. The room has a sitting area to your left when you walk in and big king size bed and 30 inch flat screen television hanging on the wall. My only complaint was the cable wasn't getting a signal but then again I was not there to watch television. The Jacuzzi was great the jets felt good and the room had a great aesthetic feel to it.
Dulce Secreto Sosua near Playa Chikita:
Dulce Secreto is a cabana style apart hotel that is within walking distance of Hotel Voramar. It is a 20 minute walk from el centro Sosua and a 5 minute moto ride. Inside the complex there are several garage doors, you go inside the garage close the door and walk upstairs to your room. The rooms are very nice with condoms, candy, soap and towels on the bed. There is a flat screen TV for your viewing pleasure. There is a turn style inside the room where money is exchanged and you never have to see the staff. The tarifa is 590DP for 4 hours of time.
I wanted to go during my most recent Sosua visit but it just didn't work out. My intention was to use the cabana for my ST's with women that I didn't know especially if I didn't get a vibe that I could trust them .
Chicas:
Both Cabarete and Sosua have freelance PFP action. The primary problem with freelancers is there is no one for them to be accountable to like those who work in the casas are accountable to their mamasans. This lack of accountability subjects the monger to the whims of the chica. (i.e. a chica could work during her menstruation and not tell you until you get to the hotel. Under those circumstances you have to determine the best way to handle the situation for you.)
One of my favorite sayings is "quien tienes mas poder un hombre con dinero o una mujer con sexo?" (Who has more power a man with money or a woman with sex?) Mongers who travel to Sosua are sometimes paying ridiculous prices because they have no idea how much power they have. Consumers have a role to play in retail prices in the same way mongers have a say in the Sosua sex market. I suspect the problem in part has been the popularity of Sosua as a sex tourism destination which in turn has brought many travelers who are unaware of the Sosua market and pay whatever the chica ask.
Sosua Tier System:
Apparently there is a tier system for the chicas in Sousa, yes there are levels to this thing just like ISOC. Chicas rate themselves according to how they perceive themselves and any other factors they consider important such as experience etc. For example:
• Chica #A perceives herself to be a 9 because she has long natural hair and she is from Santiago she might want 3000DP for ST and 5000DP for TLN.
• Chica #B is a Sosua veteran and she perceives herself o be a 8 she might want 2500DP for ST and 4000DP for TLN.
• Chica #C is just in transit and not a part of the system and she may expect 1500DP for ST and 2500DP for TLN.
The above listed are simply examples. The problem with the tier system is that it is totally subjective and submission to it gives the chicas more power than I believe they deserve. It is always wisdom on our part to pay what WE believe the chica is valued at and not what she believes she is valued at unless it meets our criteria. I do believe with experience you can look at a Sosua chica and reasonably guess what she expects and negotiate accordingly.
Tarifas: Reasonable tarifas for the Sousa sex market should be as follows:
• Short Time ST -1000-2000DP
• All night TLN 1500-3000DP (As a rule you should avoid committing to TLN with a chica you just met because you may not have sufficient chemistry to stay the night.)
What you pay will depend on a myriad of factors to include:
• Chemistry and your ability to speak Spanish
• How attractive you are to the chica you choose (chicas have preferences also sometimes they quote outrageous tarifas because they don't want to be bothered.)
• Day of the week and time of day (The weekend at Rumba is prime time whereas The beginning of the week at After 1 should get you lower tarifa)
• What's going on in the chicas life is she hungry or is she holding out for the big payday.
Observations:
• I saw some chicas with the new Samsung Galaxy Note and I was like "WTF you doin with that damn phone?"
• Dominicanas love their hair and don't be messin with it while you're having sex
• Some of the oldies who have been on the strip for a while are getting quite thick...life must be good.
• Early in the week there were a lot of 5's out but toward the end of the week I saw some beautiful women.
• The gay and transgendered population is increasing in Sosua, the world is really changing. I saw I guy with what was apparently a transvestite. Why a man wants to be with a man that looks like a woman is beyond me.
• Apparently checking ID's is good thing. At D' Latin's. I saw a cute little Bonita that looked to be 21 walk in the door and after security checked her ID he sent her packing. It is hard to tell the ages of these girls sometimes.
• While in D Latin's I saw this real old looking chica I guess you can call her a mujer talking to 2 younger looking chicas. They were listening intensely and following her around like she was their Master Jedi. Apparently there is an apprenticeship for putaism.
• Why do chicas think we want to spend money on them when they have a stink attitude and a funk face?
• I noticed how many of the chicas interact with other Dominicanos especially the motoconchos as well as La Policia. In those instances I suspect the possibility of collusion.
• I like it when a chica looks at me and says "wha happon?" with that thick Dominican accent.
Conclusion:
Both Cabarete and Sosua are like sisters who are similar but different. They are both small beach towns that are primarily known for tourism. Cabarete has more of a tourist feel because of its international reputation for windsurfing and kite boarding which brings a more diverse group of tourist from as far away as Australia. The weather on Cabarete beach is more comfortable because of the breeze but the touts selling their trinkets can be quite annoying. Sosua beach has touts also but they are primarily situated at the entrance to the beach and after you get through the gauntlet of "my fren" you can generally enjoy yourself in peace.
For the mongering standpoint there is very little comparison between the 2 locations. Cabarete has PFP but it is less visible and the caliber of the chicas is not to the level of Sosua. Sometimes chicas will prefer to do their PFP in Cabarete because the competition is less fierce and in general there is a different demographic of tourist in Cabarete as opposed to Sosua. There are fewer fish in the Cabarete pond than the Sosua pond but IMHO fishing in the Cabarete pond is a worth-while if only for the experience to be able to say "been there done that!" In addition, Cabarete is a good diversion to Sosua because it does not have much of the negative scrutiny that Sosua has. Finally the best purpose for Cabarete for the single male traveler is a place to take a date, if she is not impressed with Cabarete beach at night you might need another woman.