San Jose General Reports

[Manizales911]

[QUOTE=Fuddzie]

Prostitution has been around everywere forever. Some cities/countries where it is illegal, there are red light districts permitted to contain and protect the activity. Costa Rica, ie, San Jose is well contained and protected. To have any government remove the " fence" would allow discontrol which other places find beneficial. I continue to support my thinking that there is too much money and legal jobs generated to shut down the establishments carte blanch. Just my ideas like everone elses. Fuddzie

Very simple, they change the law first then shutter the businesses, duh.

It won't happen though.

[Fuddzie]

[QUOTE=Paddy Also, I have read that prositution has been LEGAL in CR since 1895. How can you shut down a private enterprise for allegedly doing something that has been legal and acceptable for over a hundred years???
QUOTE]

Prostitution has been around everywere forever. Some cities/countries where it is illegal, there are red light districts permitted to contain and protect the activity. Costa Rica, ie, San Jose is well contained and protected. To have any government remove the " fence" would allow discontrol which other places find beneficial. I continue to support my thinking that there is too much money and legal jobs generated to shut down the establishments carte blanch. Just my ideas like everone elses. Fuddzie

[Lexb]

Does Chinchilla or do people in her administration have the ACTUAL legal or constitutional power to simply shut down a private enterprise without due process? I mean, does she have the legal authority to issue an executive order to shut down a privately owned business like Del Rey on a whim?

Don't believe the Costa Rican president can do this as the procedure is initiated and carried through by votes of the Cost Rican legistature(probably by the president's own political party either with legistation initiated at the president's request or just from within her party, with the full knowledge of the president's position).

Also, I have read that prositution has been LEGAL in CR since 1895. How can you shut down a private enterprise for allegedly doing something that has been legal and acceptable for over a hundred years?

Simply stated, YES, by changing the law to make what was legal, illegal!

I'm sure it is general knowledge that elected representitives, in a democratic republic form of government, have the ability and power to make, eliminate and change laws(even those that have been "in place" for many years!). It is no secret that this is done, in most situations, it is perceived to be "in the public's best interest" and/or as a reaction to "public pressure"!).

As, I stated in my previous report, outlawing the Costa Rican sex trade, full or in part, would effect countless individuals economically(the workers) and socially(those who find enjoyment patronizing it) and serves no logical purpose except to attempt to regulate morality!

[Paddy]

Many goods points have been rendered by Lexb, Fuddzie, Sky Rider, etc. I could not disagree with any of the points they have made.

So, OK, this may be the key issue. Does Chinchilla or do people in her administration have the ACTUAL legal or constitutional power to simply shut down a private enterprise without due process??? I mean, does she have the legal authority to issue an executive order to shut down a privately owned business like Del Rey on a whim??? If you tried a stunt like that in the US the corporation would fight back and hang the government in court for 5 years minimum. I fully understand that we're talking about CR here and due process may be a novel concept.

Also, I have read that prositution has been LEGAL in CR since 1895. How can you shut down a private enterprise for allegedly doing something that has been legal and acceptable for over a hundred years???

Any CR legal scholars out there???

Paddy

[Lexb]

It's hard to predict what will eventually happen, if anything, to the sex trade in Costa Rica with the election of Laura Chinchilla as president!

This forum, from what I have been reading, seems to contain two "camps" of thought; that either nothing will happen and the "status quo" will be maintained or that there will be some negative intervention, but, to what extent, only questions and speculation!

These comments are directed to the posters that have voiced their opinion and believe that the new president will leave the sex trade "as is" as she MUST know that, if the sex trade suffers, the general Costa Rican economy will suffer and it is really not a good time for this to happen!

Guys, with all my heart and soul, I hope you are correct but, I believe, that social conservatism(I perceive Ms. Chinchilla to be a social consevative) and tolerance of a sex trade are, usually, mutually exclusive!

Unfortunately, it is an emotional "thing", and "logical" thinking, usually, takes a "back seat" as to get rid of a sex trade, labeling is as a "national shame" and/or against "family/religious values", usually becomes a "slogan of action"!(I welcome any information regarding ANY major city and/or country that openly encourages sex tourism in their of Dept./Ministry of Tourism's official literature!).

Ms. Chinchilla, I believe, was, in part, elected because of her perceived high "ethical" and "moral" standards and her political "base"/constituency, as well, is conservative and is expecting her to "do the right thing" and close down the Costa Rican sex trade, "once and for all"!.(Unfortunately, I believe, she knows that those who work in the sex trade, directly or indirectly, could and can not be counted as part of her "base"!).

Unfortunately, on many levels, the sex trade numbers are too small relative to the general Costa Rican population(and many of this group are legal/non-legal foreigners with a non-voting status) and just doesn't "give credence" to the fact that this is group she needs to maintain her power base!

Unfortunately, the argument that countless jobs will be lost is often "countered" by the opinion that these "sex workers" were employed in a "disgraceful manner"(in strip/p4p bars and MPs) and do not deserve the same consideration that people in "normal" jobs receive!

What may be acknowledged, however, depending on how strong the downtown San Juan hotels and restaurants are "politically connected", is the loss of revenue that they will suffer as a result of the lack of sex tourists. But, then again, I don't believe many social conservatives will "shed many tears" for them. either!

So, it's a real "crap shoot" and we can only hope that "cooler heads prevail" and our beloved opportunities for mongering remain the same as they have been since 1894(the year prostitution was legalized in Costa Rica!).

[Fuddzie]

[QUOTE= The one thing I am sure of, it a rare, enlightened gov't official that will look at the economic impact before taking action in this arena, let's hope it happens in this case![/QUOTE]

In addition to my diabtribe; how much money are the US airlines making off us? Mrs. Pres will be coming to see Sr. Obama in true Latin American style..her hand out. I can't imagine there isn't someone who know's someone in D.C. who might be able to have her see the consequence of she is serious.

[Dgfd]

The profession is far too ingrained in their culture. No Del Rey? Another place, and then another, or only on the street, or whatever, but finito? Nunca in CR.

[Sky Ryder]

In reference to the new election and its possible implications for life in The Gulch, we can only speculate. I tend to agree with people who believe that nothing of a substantive nature will transpire. The president and her administration have a lot bigger issues to deal with than closing down the Del Rey. Also, if she went after the Del Rey and other places she would be putting an enormous number of people out of work. Hotel workers, bartenders, waiters, technicians, etc. not to mention a lot of girls who depend on P4P to support themselves, their children and mothers.

On the other hand, local governments have very recently shut down famous venues like Help Disco in Rio and the Riviera Club in Barcelona and it could happen here, too. So, it can and does happen! Chinchilla has also specifically singled out the Del Rey I've heard. If any actions can be taken to PREVENT this from happening it would be wise to enact them now and be proactive.

Paddy

Paddy, it seems interesting that you choose both of those venues closing to illustrate you point, since my "fun times" where negatively impacted on each occasion. The Riv in Barcelona was a great place, but the closing of Help was a little like a death in the family......lol The one thing I am sure of, it a rare, enlightened gov't official that will look at the economic impact before taking action in this arena, let's hope it happens in this case!

[Fuddzie]

[QUOTE=The president and her administration have a lot bigger issues to deal with than closing down the Del Rey. Also, if she went after the Del Rey and other places she would be putting an enormous number of people out of work. Hotel workers, bartenders, waiters, technicians, etc. not to mention a lot of girls who depend on P4P to support themselves, their children and mothers. [/QUOTE]

I am wondering how much money we pump( seem like a good word to use ) into San Jose; Airport and hotel taxes, food, taxis, site seeing, alcohol and stuff we take back home for friends and family. And thats just from our trips, howabout the thousands of dollars each day that the girl puts into the system. We are very important people and Mrs. Pres. would be ill advised to screw ( seems like a good word to use too) with us.

[Paddy]

In reference to the new election and its possible implications for life in The Gulch, we can only speculate. I tend to agree with people who believe that nothing of a substantive nature will transpire. The president and her administration have a lot bigger issues to deal with than closing down the Del Rey. Also, if she went after the Del Rey and other places she would be putting an enormous number of people out of work. Hotel workers, bartenders, waiters, technicians, etc. not to mention a lot of girls who depend on P4P to support themselves, their children and mothers.

On the other hand, local governments have very recently shut down famous venues like Help Disco in Rio and the Riviera Club in Barcelona and it could happen here, too. So, it can and does happen! Chinchilla has also specifically singled out the Del Rey I've heard. If any actions can be taken to PREVENT this from happening it would be wise to enact them now and be proactive.

Paddy

[Nixonbd]

Would a phone (with minutes) that I purchased in Panama in November work in CR?

Also, I posted details on the Panama site about an unbelieveable Columbiana, who really earned her keep when I was with her a couple months ago. If anyone has a "go to" girl that they'd recommend in SJ, please send me a private message. I'll be there Wed. through Sun. this week.

[Member #2964]

had a great trip mid december – mid january.

hung out in san josé for a week, then off to the beach for xmas and new years
.
tried out a couple mps: masajes oasis, veronica massge terapeuta profesional, new fantasy, calle 6, hostel marruecos, idem, relax to name a few; the del ray, key largo, sportsman’s; was so occupied i did not have a moment to step into havana cigar bar (prices are high and girls have not been as good as in the past).

i found the prices to be the same if not a little cheaper. the most i paid for a del ray or key largo session was 20 mil. i even paid 15 mil for an afternoon session out of the del ray. all the girls from the mp’s were willing to come back to the hotel for 15 – 20 mil. for 1.5 – 3 hours session’s. this was true the week before xmas and the week after new years. look for pics in photo section

had a few great meals at hotel la amistad and restaurante lamma fortune and the friday / saturday night buffet at the colonial is a great deal: free if your playing at the tables or slots and get a ticket.

i had taken the bus out of coco cola last november and it worked well so i thought i’d give it another try. i arrived at coca cola at 5:45 am to find the bus already loading and a line that i was now at the end of. needless to say the bus; people standing and sitting in the aisles left without me and three other chica’s (american & english) at 6. after a brief conversation i got on the phone and called a friend who has a van / taxi (he works the airport and is available for trips to jaco /puntarenas etc. pm me for contact info) he showed up 20 min’s later and we were off to puntarenas, we made a stop for gas and coffee and were on the same boat as the bus that had left without us. i had called a friend at the beach during the ride and he hooked me up with another taxi who met us at the ferry and helped carry the bags. after stopping to shop for groceries we arrived 45 min’s ahead of the bus, merry xmas.

i returned to san jose after the new years via the new high way (it was only opened to orintina) but what a fast ride ( taking bets as to how long it will take to totally litter the sides of the highway and when the first pot hole will appear). i like the ride up and over the mountain from orintina and when the buses & trucks start to use the new autopista i will consider using the old route’s as well as the new, less buses and trucks means a faster / safer trip; especially at night.

the new president has her hands full with structurally obsolete infrastructures, attacking new jobs in this global recession, crime on the streets as well as in the governmental offices, drugs and i for one will not waste my or anyone’s time speculating as to when she will shut down the trade. or why a guy in his 80’s is trying to sell his pink hotel / bar / casino. i will and have bought future plane tickets for 2010 thru november and i am looking for that affordable ticket for xmas / new years but so far they want $1100.00 +/- and pricing like that and $100.00 punta’s will do more to shut me out & shut down the cr / san jose trade then laura ever will.

"with a quarter and more of the tourist trade coming from our adventures, and desires"

fuddzie,there are drugs and professional help that can help you get over this delusion / misinformation.

pura vida.

[Fuddzie]

Good points, Fuddzie....is this election why the HDR has reportedly been on the selling block for the past several years? I would imagine when the economy was booming was their best opportunity to sell. Any new owner would have to spend mucho dinero as all the rooms are showing the wear, tear and DNA stains. However, the newly elected Pres is the one responsible for shutting down gambling in the early am hours. All that did was eliminate income for city workers. It didn't impact prostitution.

Who knows what's going to happen..to be sure sex ain't going anywhere regardless of who does what. I believe the new pres is a psychologist, and as a mental health professional myself, I can appreciate where she is coming from why she wants to do away with our sport. It's difficult for me to disagree with her reasoning. On the other hand, there needs to be other choices for the woman than dealing with us mongers. We do show care and concern. We do respect the woman, city and country. Her job will be to show the woman a better life than what we have to provide them. Until that time, we will continue to be a good employer. Otherwise if she takes our license to hunt, crime and abuse and drugs will rule as never before. We do have a positive role to play for the well being of Costa Rica

[Nixonbd]

with a quarter and more of the tourist trade coming from our adventures, and desires; i don't believe she is going to change anything except close the mp's and strip clubs. my guess is thst establishments like the dr and sl, are self controlled for ****d and drug trafficing woman.
with this all said, i'm not worried. as a matter of fact, i would expect additional placed like the dr and sl to pop up

good points, fuddzie....is this election why the hdr has reportedly been on the selling block for the past several years? i would imagine when the economy was booming was their best opportunity to sell. any new owner would have to spend mucho dinero as all the rooms are showing the wear, tear and dna stains. however, the newly elected pres is the one responsible for shutting down gambling in the early am hours. all that did was eliminate income for city workers. it didn't impact prostitution.

[Lexb]

but how do you think others more "connected" with the costa rican sex trade than you are dealing with the possibility that your predictions will come true!

i don't believe she is going to change anything except close the mp's and strip clubs. my guess is thst establishments like the dr and sl, are self controlled for ****d and drug trafficing woman.

with this all said, i'm not worried. as a matter of fact, i would expect additional placed like the dr and sl to pop up

these three sizable groups of people may not be in the your "don't worry, be happy" mode of thinking regarding the election of the new president and are deeply concerned about the possibility that closure of all/part of the costa rican sex trade will affect them adversely!

to be sure, the "outlawing" of mps and strip clubs is eliminating the affordability/convenience of sex that most "users" have become accustomed to(and, for a good many ex-pats, especially the single males, imo, the affordability/convenience of sex played a significant role in their decision to move to costa rica to begin with!) and is their "worse nightmare"! to whit:

group i-the gringo ex-pats(many being pensioners/retirees) who live on a limited budget or fixed income and can not afford to spend the $60. 00+/hour for a "roll in the hay" with an sp from the bmb, kl and sl(the "gringo bars", so to speak)! add to this, if they have no choice(assuming the mps and strip clubs are closed down) but to go to the gringo bars to seek sex; they don't live in a "gringo gulch" hotel so they would have the added expense of using a local "hot sheet"(st) hotel!

group ii-the sex workers themselves who work in mps and strip clubs who would lose their livelyhood and (because of looks, age, competition, "working" hour requirements, etc.), have very little chance of moving into the gringo bar "arena" to resume "making a living"! in addition, imo, but i'm fairly certain of this, the sp populations of the mps combined with the strip bars far exceeds those of the gringo bars!

lastly, group iii-the tico men themslves, who can, imo, for the most part, barely afford the reduced tico pricing of either/or of the mps and the strip bars as, for most, buying "company" at a gringo bar, is even beyond a "pipe dream"!

so fuddzie, some groups are worried as, if the mps and/or the strip bars are closed down, their quality of life will "take a direct hit"!