San Jose General Reports

**Dan D Dick** · 10-24-08 04:00

...but I don't think so. At the Sleep Inn Casino I put the money directly in my off-side flapped cargo pockets, which they avoided. I didn't flash it or count it (I saw the cashier count it out). Your points are well taken and that time is always a risk-point. In this case I'll go with my novia's thoughts (mirrored by another friend who is a local) - They saw the "fat" wallet, saw a rich gringo & the deal was done.

Good points though & you may be correct.....

Thanks.

/dddick

Originally Posted by Gatorman

Hello to Dan D D. I noticed in your report that you said that you had just changed money. Maybe they were watching the cambio place from a distance waiting for someone who had just changed money.
I think it is a good idea to minimize your time in the street after changing money. It is best to get back to your safe box or apt/hotel to unload the money there. Maybe they thought they were going to get some big money.
P.S. I know how you feel. I was mugged in Rio De Janeiro at knifepoint with lots of people around--who did nothing to help. However I did not lose much, as I always carry a minimal amount. Instead of splitting the money between different pockets, I think it is best to simply carry the smallest amount possible.

**Gatorman** · 10-24-08 02:26

Hello to Dan D D. I noticed in your report that you said that you had just changed money. Maybe they were watching the cambio place from a distance waiting for someone who had just changed money.
I think it is a good idea to minimize your time in the street after changing money. It is best to get back to your safe box or apt/hotel to unload the money there. Maybe they thought they were going to get some big money.
P.S. I know how you feel. I was mugged in Rio De Janeiro at knifepoint with lots of people around--who did nothing to help. However I did not lose much, as I always carry a minimal amount. Instead of splitting the money between different pockets, I think it is best to simply carry the smallest amount possible.

**Acenva** · 10-24-08 02:02

Originally Posted by Prolijo

Starting from your last comment, I hate to be a doom and gloom sayer, but could that just be the last hurrah of the guys who booked their flights before the latest market upheavals? How soon will many of those guys be coming back? I'm not saying I know the answer to those questions. Also, it may not just be about how many chicas and gringos are IN the bar. How frequently were those chicas and gringos LEAVING the bar together? Were guys shopping around more carefully before they pulled the trigger? And how far did they push (and chicas let them push) in negotiating their prices? I think the chicas are in the best position to evaluate because they're the ones that see the bottom line (in their own pocketbooks). OTOH, chicas always like to complain about money.

Regarding the first part of that quote, at the risk of rehashing a worn out topic, I'd like to offer a few new (or at least less discussed) aspects of it.

1) Like I think we've said before these are all just opinions. You shouldn't care what other people think about a hotel if YOU like it. If you prefer to stay in "shabby rooms" and others prefer to compete over the few available rooms at the SL, how is one siding hurting the other? In fact, those guys competing over SL rooms should actually be glad that you're one monger who prefers to stay somewhere else.

2) Here is just a thought. If the SL is always so full and so many guys are still willing to go to the extra bother of booking far in advance and the HDR much more often has space to put you despite its much wider fame, isn't that by itself saying something about the relative desirability of these places for many guys.

3) I hesitate to suggest this because it may raise a firestorm of protest by the fans of the SL and I'm not even saying I would want it to happen, but if rooms are that scarce at the SL maybe Bill should really raise the prices. That's just Econ 101, excess demand over supply. If Bill raises his rates judiciously supply and demand will eventually reach some equilibrium where the place is still mostly always full but Bill is not turning away so many guys (and thus making more money for himself as well). At some point, the prices relative to the benefits of the place will be too much for some of the guys who will turn to other places (perhaps the HDR) while those who continue to stay there will be the ones who are most stuck on the place and willing to pay the higher rates. OTOH, do the much higher rates at the HDR (considering room quality) reflect demand or are they pricing themselves so that there is much more often excess supply?

4) I've said this before that there are more than just 2-3 hotels to stay at in SJ, but I'd add this new wrinkle. If the SL is booked up for all or part of your stay or even if you're a HDR habitué, why not experiment with a different place for at least 1-2 nights of your stay or, if you're a regular CR visitor, even just every few trips. You might just find some place that doesn't have "over-priced shabby rooms" or rooms that you have to book a year in advance and that might become your new favorite.

I have used Bill's services the last couple trips and never have a reservation and just show up. I was not turned away at the end of September. Even a friend I meet down there got a room when he just showed up no reservations. The best times are during the week and not just for a long weekend.

Just my 2 cents

**Prolijo** · 10-23-08 17:07

Originally Posted by JazzPlayer

I still don't care what anyone says about the shabby rooms at the Del Rey, it is ground zero. I'll stay there any day. Bill never has any freakin rooms available anyway. He told me to keep try

All the chicas discussed a downturn in travel for the last twenty days. I really did not notice it. There seemd to be a lot of girls and a lot of dudes.

Starting from your last comment, I hate to be a doom and gloom sayer, but could that just be the last hurrah of the guys who booked their flights before the latest market upheavals? How soon will many of those guys be coming back? I'm not saying I know the answer to those questions. Also, it may not just be about how many chicas and gringos are IN the bar. How frequently were those chicas and gringos LEAVING the bar together? Were guys shopping around more carefully before they pulled the trigger? And how far did they push (and chicas let them push) in negotiating their prices? I think the chicas are in the best position to evaluate because they're the ones that see the bottom line (in their own pocketbooks). OTOH, chicas always like to complain about money.

Regarding the first part of that quote, at the risk of rehashing a worn out topic, I'd like to offer a few new (or at least less discussed) aspects of it.

1) Like I think we've said before these are all just opinions. You shouldn't care what other people think about a hotel if YOU like it. If you prefer to stay in "shabby rooms" and others prefer to compete over the few available rooms at the SL, how is one siding hurting the other? In fact, those guys competing over SL rooms should actually be glad that you're one monger who prefers to stay somewhere else.

2) Here is just a thought. If the SL is always so full and so many guys are still willing to go to the extra bother of booking far in advance and the HDR much more often has space to put you despite its much wider fame, isn't that by itself saying something about the relative desirability of these places for many guys.

3) I hesitate to suggest this because it may raise a firestorm of protest by the fans of the SL and I'm not even saying I would want it to happen, but if rooms are that scarce at the SL maybe Bill should really raise the prices. That's just Econ 101, excess demand over supply. If Bill raises his rates judiciously supply and demand will eventually reach some equilibrium where the place is still mostly always full but Bill is not turning away so many guys (and thus making more money for himself as well). At some point, the prices relative to the benefits of the place will be too much for some of the guys who will turn to other places (perhaps the HDR) while those who continue to stay there will be the ones who are most stuck on the place and willing to pay the higher rates. OTOH, do the much higher rates at the HDR (considering room quality) reflect demand or are they pricing themselves so that there is much more often excess supply?

4) I've said this before that there are more than just 2-3 hotels to stay at in SJ, but I'd add this new wrinkle. If the SL is booked up for all or part of your stay or even if you're a HDR habitué, why not experiment with a different place for at least 1-2 nights of your stay or, if you're a regular CR visitor, even just every few trips. You might just find some place that doesn't have "over-priced shabby rooms" or rooms that you have to book a year in advance and that might become your new favorite.

**Prolijo** · 10-23-08 14:42

Originally Posted by Fantasy

... Don't we all.........

Some here would call your story "dramatic" and not typical but I for one appreciate your information ...

Originally Posted by Msaisme

Please stop clogging up the thread with your nonsense.

PM each other if you want to have a one on one conversation.

Fantasy,
In case you missed it, the post from Msaisme was directed at the "KiddieS" (plural) which includes BOTH of us and I'm certain reflects the attitude of the VAST majority of the board. Since it was posted, I've tried to stop and let it go, but here it is 3 days later and you're still playing with matches with these obvious references to our previous (and I thought dead) dispute. I HAD let you get what I THOUGHT would be the last word 3 full days ago (actually 2 last words since you took 2 posts to do it). Since then I've made at least 8 constructive posts to other members without so much as a veiled reference about you until this latest post of yours. I'd like to continue to do that.

Unfortunately, your PM box is either full or somehow turned off so I'm left with no alternative but to post this here. Fantasy, PLEASE grow up, let it go and move on. That is what I've been trying to do. If you feel you absolutely have to respond to this, then PM me directly and spare everyone else your little jibes.

**Prolijo** · 10-23-08 06:41

DDD,
First of all, I TOO am sorry to hear of your misfortune. Not "I for one", but I'm sure ALL of us are. However, I don't think you posted this looking just for sympathy anymore than any criticism.

Your story certainly is "dramatic", but I don't see how that makes it a bad story or one that should not be told. Quite the opposite. It also may not be "typical" in the sense that most of the robbery stories you hear usually involve guys who fail to take all the precautions you took. But I think that is exactly why your own story is so important. It shows that even if you do everything right (or even nearly everything), things like that can still happen. The best ANY of us can do is improve our odds and minimize our possible losses but never completely eliminate them.

Frankly, its hard to see anything you really did wrong. Your ideas to fine tune your tactics are just that - fine tuning. They might have reduced the chances of what happened to you or at least minimized the consequences, but if so I don't think by much. You were already wisely doing all the major things that any guy should do.

So here are my "constructive ideas", if you can call them that, starting with the ones you already mentioned:

1) Do all the things you were doing here,

2) Try to remember to do the few minor things you think you slipped up on,

3) And, sure while you're at it, add in the other new ideas you mentioned

PLUS

4) Accept the fact that no matter how many new ideas we come up with, all of us will at times slip up and let down our guard or forget some critical measure, no matter how "smart" or security conscious we think we are (it can happen to the best of us)

5) Realize that even if you do absolutely everything you thought of before and everything we might dream up now, the best any of us can do is reduce our chances of getting hit or losing much if we do. Again, we can never totally eliminate all risk. Starting to think one has got on some sort of bulletproof vest by itself is an invitation to a nasty surprise, eventually.

6) And, finally, most of any further things you might do to reduce your risks will come with trade-offs. For example, you could look back over your shoulder every 2 seconds, take cabs everywhere you go even if it is only 1 block during the day, or avoid bad areas like all of downtown San Jose altogether, but I don't think anyone here would seriously want to do any of that.

Of course, I'm exaggerating a bit with those last few examples, but you see my point. Everyone needs to find their own balancing point between simply prudent safety precautions and becoming so paranoid about things that it detracts from their enjoyment of being there, between cost/convenience and risk/consequence. I hope that this experience makes you a little more cautious and safe but at the same time not so nervous about going around SJ that spoils your time while there.

**JazzPlayer** · 10-23-08 05:33

I'm in love with CR...still.

Plenty of chicas Friday night, but many dudes, nonetheless gold was to be found. I enjoyed two delights Friday night and was up and ready for the 9:AM rounds. The two rails were as full of little darlins as any time I've seen in the last three years.

I would say at least fifty percent new talent. Many, many 9's and 8's.

Sunday I had a special twosome treat with Wanda and Hellen. Turns out Wnada is karaoke singer and we sang out tunes like guantonamera and la bamba up on the balcony. What fun with those chicas.

I still don't care what anyone says about the shabby rooms at the Del Rey, it is ground zero. I'll stay there any day. Bill never has any freakin rooms available anyway. He told me to keep try

All the chicas discussed a downturn in travel for the last twenty days. I really did not notice it. There seemd to be a lot of girls and a lot of dudes.

Regards,

Jazz/

**ChiliMike** · 10-23-08 03:08

Hey Dan,

I'm glad you are ok. I to got robbed but they got 90. 00 from me and my sence of saftey will be gone forever, thanks for sharing and with my trip less than 20 days away. I will use your post to keep me on guard even more.

Thanks

**World Travel 69** · 10-23-08 01:52

Sorry to here what happen. At least you are OK.
Here is something of interest. Instead of carrying your passport or photocopy while walking around, the Government has a new ID Passport Card.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/pp..._card_3926.html

Originally Posted by Dan D Dick

I share this to help the others who might visit here or any other similar location.

/dddick

**Toadtamer2** · 10-23-08 01:41

Thanks for sharin that.

Makes you realize how vulnerable you really are in a foreign country.

**Dan D Dick** · 10-23-08 01:16

I share this to help the others who might visit here or any other similar location.

I'm 56 y/o semi-retired, do independent consulting, travel a lot (entered into foreign countries 37 times last year & spent 219 nights in hotels; this year will be about the same). I'm not new to SJO, this is my 11th time here this year & I have a 31 y/o novia who's teaching me Spanish. I have 25 years experience in law enforcement so though I'm old & grey I'm pretty familiar with the other side's mentality.

We were walking hand-in-hand from the Sleep Inn down the hill to Avenida Central at 11:30 this morning. I typically wear my gringo camisa (brightly colored shirt) & long cargo pants. Even without the gringo shirt it's clear I'm a gringo with my face color & shape and my blue eyes. Even though my Spanish is vastly improved over a year ago, it's obvious it's not my native language. My novia said my shirt choice made no difference because of the other obvious-gringo issues I can't control.

Within less than two seconds my novia's senses went off, she looked over her left shoulder & pulled me a bit to the right. Two hands went in my pockets at the same time - my right rear pocket with my wallet & my right front pocket. Two young men were involved. Before I could be certain what had happened they were 50 ft down the hill but my first reaction was to make sure my novia was okay. No practical way to catch them. And probably no sensible reason to do so anyway.

Bottom line - I lost C20K ($40USD) or so from my right front pocket. He didn't get my wallet out because I wear cargo pants (Magellan from Academy Sports) that have a bit of velcro in them to latch them down. I also carry a 2nd wallet when I travel that's snake skin which tends to stick to the fabric. I use it for that reason. That wallet had about $10 US in it, my CRT card, a SL business card & a xerox of my passport photo page & police ID. They didn't get the wallet. I had about $400 stuffed in other cargo pockets (had just changed some money) & that wasn't touched.

It seemed the 10 or so people that saw what happened all were good citizens & concerned; they just didn't have time to react. No complaints with them. My novia immediately removed her earrings & asked me to put them in my shirt pocket. She was MUCH more upset than I was; I had planned for this ~ I just didn't expect it then ~ & all they got was my C1K notes and C2K notes for cabs & propinas.

Bottom line recommendations (these are the standard ones)

1) Don't carry all your stuff even in broad daylight on a busy street. Leave it in the room safe.
2) Have a throw-down wallet with little in it
3) Have your throw-down wallet reasonably protected (like snake skin & velcro)
4) split your money up between pockets
5) I don't care how fast you are, these are opportunistic criminals - they'll be faster

Now for a few changes....as recommended by my novia

1) If you're a gringo, do NOT carry a wallet at all. They know you're a gringo & therefore you're rich (her words). If they see the outline of the wallet, that's where the money is & you'll get hit even if it's a decoy. Kinda like getting robbed for a fake Rolex. Makes sense & I never thought of it that way before. She said she thought they just saw a gringo then looked & saw the mark of a wallet on the back pocket. After that the deal was done.

2) In my case one guy had his hands in & out of my pockets in about one second or less & the other guy was "security". Okay, I saved my throw-down wallet but probably would have avoided the issue altogether if I didn't carry a wallet. In fact I lost more from my propina pocket than I had in my decoy wallet.

3) In my case my prep work with multiple pockets & splitting the money paid off. I also had left my cell phone in the room or it would have been gone too (right front pocket).

From now on I'll not have any wallet on me; I'll get my passport copies put in a small plastic holder (like they put your room keys in at the hotels) & I should be fine. I'll also keep the larger bills in flap-type cargo pockets on my off-side like I usually do. These guys hit both my strong-side pockets in a flash.

Hope this helps out there. Again, for me it was pretty much a non-issue; nobody got hurt & what I lost was insignificant to me. It's also the first time I've ever been "robbed" like this in my life but it showed me there's still room to improve your practices. My novia couldn't walk 50 ft afterwards without looking over her shoulder. I often do that ~if~ suspect something but I don't care to go through life scared either. So I'll abandon the wallet altogether & move on. Otherwise it seems most of my normal practices paid off.

This newsflash was FYI and was intended to be constructive. I have no interest in entering into debates over what I might have done "wrong" (my apologies to 99% of the guys out there; I just get tired of some of the non-constructive dialogues on this site).

Other constructive ideas would be appreciated though the basics worked pretty well this morning.

/dddick

**Fantasy** · 10-22-08 13:51

I enjoyed it! Her tits are second to NO girl I have ever fucked. Simply a work of art. She has no kids (of course), a Tica and 23 years young. She has braces, but will give a carefull Uncovered BJ if pressed! (Ouch).... Tight Pussy, Anal is out of the question. Small gold ring in her Pussy Lip, No toes missing, nails looked manicured, What else can I say, If you are into this crazy look (as I was), than fuck her! She had no problems with Nudes, but I do not post Nude Photos at all, period. Hope this helps..........

**ChiliMike** · 10-21-08 02:38

Fantasy. Let me tell you about her. I have seen her at the delrey for years and has the hottest looking belly of any girl in the delrey also her photos are all over the crt in the old photos. Any way one night she sees me checking her out like I always do (but never pull the trigger) she walks right up to me and asks "why don't you fuck me" I sat there in shock! She left and I was on a mission to do her. I said if I find her I am doing her. She won't come off 80 (good job on the 75) please tell more if you can, and as you said never wears a bra, I just know those tits are perfect.

**Tiny 12** · 10-21-08 00:40

Originally Posted by Fantasy

She was $80.00 all night. We had breakfast at Manolos across the street from the Veneto, and I never saw her again!

Wow!!! If her performance was anything like her looks that was the bargain of the century.

**Fantasy** · 10-20-08 21:45

After seeing her at HDR on about eight different trips in the past 18 months or so I finally had to see what she was all about. Those of you who have seen my photos over the years will be scratching your heads at this one, but something made me do it. With her Many piercings (including her pussy) and too's everywhere, i was ready for a very rough session. She turned out to be one of the softest, most likeable *****s I have ever fucked. Now we are friends, and always speak. She even bought me a beer!! She never wears a bra, and the sight of her natural tits as she came out of the shower wearing only a towel was unforgetable. Her overall looks leave her solo without a client on many occassions, but I can highly recommend her for a night when you are in the mood for a change from the normal colombiana hot air balloon!

3 hours.............................$75.00
(on September 29th)