San Jose General Reports

[Prolijo]

JP,
I wouldn't worry about a big surge in business ruining these places. It may be news to ISG readers but its already been out there on CRT for quite some time now. And a lot of the other guys around here lately seem to prefer sticking nearly exclusively to the tried and true like the BM/KL or ZB/LH. OTOH, maybe the CRT publicity already is having the effect you feared. Are the prices at these places really up to 18K now? I heard they had recently gone up but just a year ago they were only in the 13-14K range.

These directions might add more help for the "navigationally challenged":

The Kama Sutra directions JP gave were pretty good. For a nearby landmark, you could tell the taxista the Hotel Torremolinos since KS is literally right next door. And if nothing there strikes your fancy there are lots of other popular MP's not too far away in that Paseo Colon area (e.g. Veronicas, Oasis and its sister MP across from the bingo place whatever thats called now).

Re Venus: I'm not too sure most guys around here would be able to figure out "below Iglesia Santa Teresita". To give them a better idea, this is in the Aranjuez neighborhood which is the area to the east of the SL and Hotel Amistad. You could walk there from those places but it is a pretty long walk. From the SL area go to the end of Avenida 9 (near the Cafe Mundo), turn left and go 3 blks to the end and then turn right (Ave 11), go 5 more blks and turn left on Calle 23 (1blk n of the church). This is the main street and only one that goes down and crosses the little river that passes thru SJ on this side of town (the bridge JP was talking about). Venus is 2 blks down on a side street (Avenida 15) to the right just before you get to the river. What is that, 10 blks or ~1km? Come to think of it, I like to walk but most guys will probably want to take a cab (tell the guy "trescientos metros de norte y veinticinco metros del este de la Iglesia Santa Teresita"). Once you're there look for the 1st unit of a green and white 3 unit building on the north (left) side of the avenida. Unfortunately, I don't know of any other MP's in that area to turn to if the selection at Venus turns out to be unacceptable, maybe JP can add further help in that area.

[JazzPlayer]

Hi,

I'm in CR tomorrow night, nice. I really like starting out with two stops Saturday morning about 10: 30. 11:00AM to my fave massejes.

Kama Sutra usually has five or more chicas. The rooms have beds on the floor but all have windows and are airy. One of my longtime favoritas is there, Carolina, and she always aims to please. It's out a ways from the gulch Avendia 5 and Calle 38, non-descript tan building on the left.

My other favorite first stop is Venus Massje. It's just below Ingelesia Santa Terisita on the street at the bottom of the bridge. Four new girls last time and Carolina moved to Kama Sutra. The rooms at Venus are really quiet and breezy.

Both are 18, 000c for an hour and there is never a knock.

These are off the path massajes, excellent service, nice cute chicas, safe, really my favorite type compared to the wholesale NF and HLH.

I hope I don't regret giving up that info

Regards,

Lifetime ignorant monger (jazz)

[Prolijo]

Once again Fantasy you're absolutely correct and I'm absolutely wrong. You didn't say DARK alley. I only ASSUMED this event occurred at night (as most such incidents seem to do) and that as a result the alley was dark. The only other alternative would be that crime in SJ has gotten so bad that these things now happen as often in broad daylight. Besides, you did also say that "he jumped into a cab to return to his hotel one night. The cab took him about 6 blocks and turned into an alley." and it seemed logical to assume that it didn't take all night and into the morning to drive those 6 blocks. Either way, does such a detail of whether the alley was dark or not really make any real difference in how dramatic the event was, which was really my whole point? You're just nitpicking now. My comments in my last post all went directly to the main point of your preceding post which was who is putting words in whose mouth.

You're also right that I've had more than my share of dance partners on this board. All that proves is that you're not the only guy who is "basically an asshole" (to use your own self description). The difference between me and them is that I don't lead in that dance. I didn't address you here. You ("know it all") and Katouey ("troll") started in with the personal attacks on me before I even addressed either of you directly. So how is that my fault?

Unfortunately, there are a lot of assholes on this board. There are also a lot of really decent guys like Jazz and WorldTraveler and even Mangera and Tiny12 (who agrees with me about HDR pricing) who have enough sense not to engage in this fight. I'll take my lead from them and leave you to dance with yourself and do what I've been suggesting everyone do in each of my last few posts - stick to the topics of real concern to everyone, express my views and respect those of others without making any personal attacks. Do you think you can do the same? Either way this will be the last of my replies to you on this subject.
___________

Mangera,
A horrible economy in the US, means fewer mongers going down, those going down making fewer trips and spending less on each trip and that means lower demand. Bad economic times in CR and everywhere else means more chicas from CR and neighboring countries plying the trade and (if that means less money per trick) putting in longer hours and more nights at the BM. Add to that temporary closures at various MPs and probably less business at them as well further adds to the numbers of chicas trying their hand at places like the BM. All that means greater supply at the BM. Put that together and there has to be more movement on the downward side of prices.

That doesn't mean that they've stopped initially asking for cien or that there still isn't any downward stickiness in negotiations. These gals have never shown the greatest business acumen when they've held out for cien in the past, turning down several lower priced offers and often winding up going home with an empty pocket. It may be a pride/ego thing as much as anything else but many of them are not as quick to realize the economic realities as purely rational market forces would have you believe.

It is also interesting to note that the rates at several of the more popular MP's, such as IDEM or ZB/LH (w/o the CRT discount) have actually gone UP in recent months not down. With inflation being what it is in CR, there may be only so far that any of these businesses and individuals can afford to lower their prices.

[Fantasy]

The factual story as he told it was him getting dropped in an alley. You decided to change it to a "dark alley". Perhaps you were just pointing out more factual errors I have made. After looking back at some of your Posts, It seems you have had many "dance " partners. You just can't seem to leave someone elses post alone.

[Tiny 12]

I don't want to become part of this debate, but if a room costs $130 to $180 now at the DR that does seem like a rip off. Reading through this thread I remembered that the hottest woman I've seen posted on ISG was in a photo by Fantasy, and she was standing by a white limousine in front of the Veneto in Panama. The Veneto from time to time throws its doors open to freelancers, and becomes like an upscale Del Rey, but only during the night and with less women. I'd pay $180 for a room at the Veneto, it's a nice hotel. But there's no way I'd pay $180 at the DR.

[Mangera]

Gentlemen, anyone know if the tough economic times in the USA has effected the pricing in any way at this time at the blue marlin?

Are the ladies caving in and adjusting their pricing? Just curious since I will be there in a couple of weeks.

[Prolijo]

Just who is the kettle here or putting words into the other's mouth? Let's look at what you just wrote point by point:

1) "Dramatic? No, just factual." - Wrongo. Dramatic? It definitely IS dramatic. Sure, it is ALSO factual but I NEVER said it WASN'T (perhaps you're just confused because I included your handle at the end of that remark?). So who is really putting words into the other's mouth here or mischaracterizing those words?

2) "One should not call anothers decision crazy or Dramatic for any reason." - Wrong again. Where did I ever call yours or anyone's DECISION "crazy" or even "Dramatic"? All I said was that I couldn't understand that decision and wouldn't make the same one myself. I did call what HAPPENED to the guy you MET as dramatic and I'd still do that. Wouldn't you also call innocently getting into a cab and winding up being driven to a dark alley where you get attacked by 2 muggers and having a huge scar to show for it as being pretty dramatic? But even if I did call a DECISION dramatic (not crazy) what would be so bad with that? Again, who is putting words into the other's mouth or mischaracterizing those words?

3) "you "Know it all", and find it impossible to believe anyone but yourself could make a valid point." - Huh? Didn't I say in my very first paragraph " I think those are both very good points." For that matter, didn't I also open with this comment "I think our discussion, if everyone can remain civil, can help all sides better understand the other" and close with "Anyway, that is my take, but I'd be interested to hear other perspectives."? That should suggest to you and everyone else that I don't claim to "know it all" but rather need (and want) to hear other people's ideas so that I can understand them. What I don't want to hear are personal attacks like yours which go completely off the valid subject of discussion (the relative merits of the HDR) and force me to have defend myself against ridiculous assertions. So, again I DON'T claim to know it all and WANT to hear VALID points (just not personal attacks) and YOUR saying anything different is putting words in MY mouth.

4) "Putting words into the mouth of others seems to be your hobby. No where did I say that San Jose is a shooting Gallery, or that everyone should avoid Taxis." Yeah right. I still haven't seen even one instance where I've put any words into others' mouths, let alone where I've made it a hobby. You're absolutely right that you never said San Jose was a shooting gallery but where did I ever say you did? I DID say that it was understandable if the GUY felt that way and had become paranoid about the situation in SJ given what happened to him. I also said that what happened to him was unusual and did not mean one should try to avoid having to take cabs by staying at the HDR. We both may agree on that but, again, I never said you yourself said otherwise. Clearly, all my further commentary on that point was about what that OTHER guy was doing because of what happened to HIM and nothing at all to do with what you yourself said or do. So again I'M NOT putting words into your mouth as you claim I am but YOU are putting words in MINE.

Its interesting to note that we've gotten into this sort of dance before (about 3-4 months ago) where you've claimed I'd put words into your mouth and was somehow denying your right to having your own personal opinion. In that case, as in this one, I wasn't mistating what you wrote or questioning your right to your views. What I did then was point out some factual errors with some of your comments and apparently you still haven't gotten over that.

I really believe most members here have no problem at all reading the different views people have on various subjects of concern to SJ visitors. What they don't want to read are posts by guys with chips on their shoulders, personal attacks on other members or, I'll also recognize, my own defensive responses. So why can't we just get back to a serious but friendly, civil and on-topic discussion that can help us all better understand each other?

[Fantasy]

That's a good story, Fantasy. I wouldn't exactly call what I've been doing "questioning" someone's motives so much as simply saying I don't understand them. And I think our discussion, if everyone can remain civil, can help all sides better understand the other. Jazz mentioned the sheer joy of always being on the frontline's of SJ's biggest circus. Your drinking buddy mentioned the feeling of greater security. I think those are both very good points. I just don't think for me (and prehaps most other CR vets) they're sufficient to outweigh the disadvantages.

I think the HDR could be a really great place for a newbie down on his first trip to spend a few days (or at least one or two) IN SPITE of the excessive amount I feel they charge and EVEN IF he is not that ignorant and is aware of other places. The first time you see what goes on in the Blue Marlin Bar it is a real eye-opener that initially you just can't get enough of. You want to be around it all the time and really experience it. Eventually, though, the novelty starts to wear off, you still enjoy going there but you need to take your breaks from it and you also start to want to explore other things. Maybe it takes just a few nights on your first trip maybe it takes a few trips but eventually the BM is seen as just one piece of what draws you to CR, perhaps an important piece, but still one of many. I know many vets who are totally burned out on the BM and all its mercenary cien-demanding chicas. They may go yo enjoy the floor show or to chat with their buddies but the number of new chicas they pull out of there becomes less and less. That is why, for me, popping in an out of there once or twice a day or even skipping a night altogether brings me more than enough joy.

As for the security aspect, that story was very dramatic, but if things have really gotten so bad in SJ that one has to stay inside one building rather than taking a cab then maybe the time has come to seek other mongering venues altogether. Frankly, I don't think things really have gotten that bad. Its understandably why that guy feels so paranoid given what happened to him, but I think he was just very unlucky. Unless he got into a unregulated pirate taxi, I think what happened to him with that cab driver is still very unusual (ie does not make it necessary to avoid cabs by staying inside the HDR).

I like to complain about the chica fee at the HDR, but I rarely if ever bring more than one chica per day back to my room and if that $10 extra surcharge were all it was then the HDR wouldn't be so bad. Actually, one of the biggest problems I have with the HDR, doesn't even have anything to do with the nickel and diming they do, but is precisely the security. Sure, if I stayed inside the building all the time I'd feel very secure, but eventually almost everyone has to step out. And the area where I usually feel least secure is the area immediately outside the HDR's doors. You can not take one step outside of the HDR, even to step into one of the overpriced cabs that park by the curb, without getting accosted by all sorts of street riff-raff. Sometimes, they're just very persistent beggars who are probably harmless enough but are a distraction for the real threat of the potential muggers who trail behind only to jump you when you get far enough away. You get street riff-raff anywhere in SJ but nothing like the concentration of ones that prey on the drunk rich gringo traffic that goes through the doors of the HDR. If you stay elsewhere, you may be subjected to that 2-3 times day or whenever you visit the BM bar . If you stay at the HDR, you get subjected to it whenever you go ANYWHERE, which could mean dozens of times.

Anyway, that is my take, but I'd be interested to hear other perspectives.

Dramatic? No, just factual. I do not, and will never stay at HDR, Sportsmen, or the like, But the Point being: One should not call anothers decision crazy or Dramatic for any reason. But I did forget that you "Know it all", and find it impossible to believe anyone but yourself could make a valid point. Putting words into the mouth of others seems to be your hobby. No where did I say that San Jose is a shooting Gallery, or that everyone should avoid Taxis. Matter of fact, I stated that the target himself said he was in the wrong place at the wrong time............

[Prolijo]

That's a good story, Fantasy. I wouldn't exactly call what I've been doing "questioning" someone's motives so much as simply saying I don't understand them. And I think our discussion, if everyone can remain civil, can help all sides better understand the other. Jazz mentioned the sheer joy of always being on the frontline's of SJ's biggest circus. Your drinking buddy mentioned the feeling of greater security. I think those are both very good points. I just don't think for me (and prehaps most other CR vets) they're sufficient to outweigh the disadvantages.

I think the HDR could be a really great place for a newbie down on his first trip to spend a few days (or at least one or two) IN SPITE of the excessive amount I feel they charge and EVEN IF he is not that ignorant and is aware of other places. The first time you see what goes on in the Blue Marlin Bar it is a real eye-opener that initially you just can't get enough of. You want to be around it all the time and really experience it. Eventually, though, the novelty starts to wear off, you still enjoy going there but you need to take your breaks from it and you also start to want to explore other things. Maybe it takes just a few nights on your first trip maybe it takes a few trips but eventually the BM is seen as just one piece of what draws you to CR, perhaps an important piece, but still one of many. I know many vets who are totally burned out on the BM and all its mercenary cien-demanding chicas. They may go yo enjoy the floor show or to chat with their buddies but the number of new chicas they pull out of there becomes less and less. That is why, for me, popping in an out of there once or twice a day or even skipping a night altogether brings me more than enough joy.

As for the security aspect, that story was very dramatic, but if things have really gotten so bad in SJ that one has to stay inside one building rather than taking a cab then maybe the time has come to seek other mongering venues altogether. Frankly, I don't think things really have gotten that bad. Its understandably why that guy feels so paranoid given what happened to him, but I think he was just very unlucky. Unless he got into a unregulated pirate taxi, I think what happened to him with that cab driver is still very unusual (ie does not make it necessary to avoid cabs by staying inside the HDR).

I like to complain about the chica fee at the HDR, but I rarely if ever bring more than one chica per day back to my room and if that $10 extra surcharge were all it was then the HDR wouldn't be so bad. Actually, one of the biggest problems I have with the HDR, doesn't even have anything to do with the nickel and diming they do, but is precisely the security. Sure, if I stayed inside the building all the time I'd feel very secure, but eventually almost everyone has to step out. And the area where I usually feel least secure is the area immediately outside the HDR's doors. You can not take one step outside of the HDR, even to step into one of the overpriced cabs that park by the curb, without getting accosted by all sorts of street riff-raff. Sometimes, they're just very persistent beggars who are probably harmless enough but are a distraction for the real threat of the potential muggers who trail behind only to jump you when you get far enough away. You get street riff-raff anywhere in SJ but nothing like the concentration of ones that prey on the drunk rich gringo traffic that goes through the doors of the HDR. If you stay elsewhere, you may be subjected to that 2-3 times day or whenever you visit the BM bar . If you stay at the HDR, you get subjected to it whenever you go ANYWHERE, which could mean dozens of times.

Anyway, that is my take, but I'd be interested to hear other perspectives.

[Fantasy]

Glad to see you got your dental work done! I had a bunch of work done in Cartagena and also some done in Lima.


I haven't been to Sosuer in about 2 years with no plans on returning.


Why don't you shag yourself down to St. Maarten this thursday and we will hang out old school style?

When I saw you had booked, I was shocked. I know that you and I have a different style than most here who like the w-b-thank you maam.... Both St. Maarten and Curacao are geared more toward "in house" fucking. I like the confines of my own temporary fuck palace(aka my room).
Because of the wealth on these two islands, hooking up with regulars is quite difficult, even for a seasoned veteran like yourself. I never really was thrilled about doing house girls exclusively. Once in awhile in between 'the chase' is fine, but not every night!
St. Maarten is full of specialty houses. Seamans for the Colombiana lover, But why not go to Colombia? The White House (Casa Blanca, located almost on top of the Dutch/French border), full of Dominicans. Why not go to the DR? And more........ You can grab some of these girls during the day, but to me, its just not the same.
But I do know you, and you sat there and said, "I want to go somewhere new!" I hope you have a good time, and I am ready to "Old School" with you. Maybe somewhere in November. I look forward to hearing whether I was right, For your sake, I hope not. Have a safe flight Tomm. I enjoyed the little bar directly under the main runway of the airport. It sits directly under the flight path and right on the ocean. Pretty cool. You will find it. It is next to the Maho Beach Resort.

DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME VISITING THE NUDE BEACHES ON THE FRENCH SIDE. DISGUSTING!!!

Sorry guys for posting this on the Costa Rica Board!

[Fantasy]

I'll just add these quick "off-topic" comments before we go back to discussing chicas and other CR travel issues:

Thanks a lot guys! Its gratifying to know that both of you (and probably many more) don't share the hostility of the few. I'd also like to add that I'm glad that Jazz didn't take my comments about the HDR personally and I'm sure he really isn't a lifetime "ignorant" monger . While I still can't really understand why he and some other CR vets like to stay at the HDR, I'm sure they have their reasons even if they just call it personal preference. Heck, some guys like BBW's too and I can't see that either, but different strokes for different folks. Personally, I get more than enough "sheer joy" just VISITING the BM and don't feel the need to live in an overpriced shabby room just because it happens to be located right above it. Obviously YMMV.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program...

Last week while sitting at the Del Rey, I was talking with a long time Monger. He said he was staying upstairs for six nights. I, of course, replied:"why in the world would a Spanish speaking, experienced monger stay upstairs? Why? it is stupid? Only a newbie would do it?" He took a sip of his beer, and turned to me and lifted his shirt. their was a huge scar up his left side. He went on to tell me that during a regular mongering trip he jumped into a cab to return to his hotel one night. The cab took him about 6 blocks and turned into an alley. The cab driver told him to get out, he was going home. He was jumped, stabbed and robbed by two young guys. They got $30.00. He was experienced and had no cash, no jewelry, no watch, no camera, nothing. He stated he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
His dilemma was: do I give up mongering, or do I change the way I monger. He chose to greatly increase his level of safety. He is a light drinking, 48 year old fit and trim spanish speaking monger.

Fantasy: Open mouth, Insert foot.

I will never, ever question why anyone does what they do ever again.

[Prolijo]

I'll just add these quick "off-topic" comments before we go back to discussing chicas and other CR travel issues:

Thanks a lot guys! Its gratifying to know that both of you (and probably many more) don't share the hostility of the few. I'd also like to add that I'm glad that Jazz didn't take my comments about the HDR personally and I'm sure he really isn't a lifetime "ignorant" monger . While I still can't really understand why he and some other CR vets like to stay at the HDR, I'm sure they have their reasons even if they just call it personal preference. Heck, some guys like BBW's too and I can't see that either, but different strokes for different folks. Personally, I get more than enough "sheer joy" just VISITING the BM and don't feel the need to live in an overpriced shabby room just because it happens to be located right above it. Obviously YMMV.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program...

[World Travel 69]

Check my Posts, on the ISG sites and AP.
A lot of the info comes from Prolijo.

He has added so much info to the Lists.
YOU have not!
So what are you going to say about where we can find Chicas?
Come on Where is your Info?
I have so many Blanks on the List.
Are you just peaking Johns?

[JazzPlayer]

Please stop trying to respond to prolijo. He ruined a former website with a few others by constantly making personal attacks and trolling. It appears he is up to the same here.

I don't see it that way. I've read his stuff for a long time including on another board. He knows a lot about CR.

On another note, I'll be in CR this Friday night enjoying the scene, Oh staying in the DR too.

Regards,

lifetime ignorant monger

[JazzPlayer]

Jazz,

You conveniently deleted this part of my "rant":Apparently, you fall into one of those OTHER groups. I NEVER said that there weren't ANY vets that stayed there TOO. All I was suggesting was that the HDR gets a huge portion (probably the vast bulk) of their business from first-time/one-time visitors who are much less familiar with the various alternatives AND that was the main reason that they are able to charge the (IMHV) ridiculous premiums that they do (such as $10 chica fees that would make any other place be considered not exactly chica friendly if they charged it).

Are you suggesting that the HDR ISN'T famous to the point that there are many guys who know little else about the CR mongering scene other than HDR and its Blue Marlin Bar? Do you normally find such newbies frequenting other venues in SJ once they get to SJ to the same extent you find more regular and knowledgeable visitors? I think most people would say no and agree with me on those last 2 points whether they agreed with me that the HDR is over-rated or over-priced or not. As for the rest of my "rant", its normally called "stating an opinion". I never said you or any one else had to agree with all of it.

Every single thing you wrote is correct. Including the original post. I've followed your posts for several years and learned a ton from you and other CTRers' as well as this great ISG.

The $10 chica fee is a drag but I just overlook it for the sheer joy of being in the DR.

Regards from a fellow monger,

Jazz/