Sosua Reports

[Oakie]

I wish I could say that was the case all of the time. But I have observed and experienced many stuck up or socially inept guys that don't make much effort to greet or acknowledge others. They may not speak or acknowledge other mongers unless they are put on the spot. And even then their response may be weak. But lately, I have observed and experienced more guys who were just the opposite. Being friendly, greeting individuals or groups of other mongers even before they are greeted. Or as soon as they hear someone greet them, respond back heartily with a response.

Same when walking down the street. I usually make eye contact when someone is approaching. I have experienced and observed guys who will look you dead in the eye and walk past without acknowledging or speaking, and others who are just the opposite. I know a small handful of vet mongers that are just weird. They can walk right past you like they don't know you, or keep their eyes forward like they didn't see you, and then you see the dude later and he suddenly talking your ear off about something. Or you end up near him where he is drinking or socializing with other people, and now he wants to yak your dome off. GTFOOH with your flaky ass. Personally, I can do without flaky people like that. But most guys I've met lately from all over the world, have been pretty cool guys.

You raise an interesting issue.

When I'm down there I mostly interact with local residents, including ex pats. By choice.

I've done my duty in the past by helping newbies down there, and I'm usually a friendly guy, but I've posted stories here about some bad experiences with a few of them. Wanting to be part of the good time my GF and I seem to be having, but clinging, complaining about rip offs and not taking advice because they know better. So now I tend to leave them to their own devices.

I've been blamed for introducing them to chicas where they've had problems with their wallet, stuff, you name it. One asked for a room recommendation on the plane the way down, and never stopped complaining about that hotel where we, and everybody else were happy.

So since I don't need to spend time avoiding such people, I've learned to be picky about who I share my precious vacation time with.

This board probably reflects that wide range of attitudes, with its long drawn out disagreements on this or that way to roll.

I don't advocate ignoring fellow mongers on the street or in bars, but if a guy wants to be left alone. Let him be.

As you found out, he probably wasn't good company anyway.

[Wrx2005]

I have to comment on this one as you failed to mention the Putas or where you referring to them as the pests. On my last trip when my buddy arrived an older thinner Puerto Rican Puta (hardcore / speaks English) grabbed on to my buddy in the afternoon who was in a daze after taking two flights / red eye from LA. I tried to warn him that I didn't think she was a good choice but couldn't because she spoke English. He went with her and after banging for about 15 minutes she started bitching that it was taking to long, etc. Which typically is a boner killer and didn't end up finishing. Seems like the daytime Putas start making the rounds about 2 hours after the flights come into Puerto Plata looking for the dazed and confused newbies wandering the Strip, adjacent streets, and hotels.

I didn't get a lot of reports from some of the newbies I met. But some did experience issues with their chicas. It's unfortunate many of these guys may not be armed with enough information beforehand. And hardly a crash course sitting at Rumbas or Rockys is enough to prepare some dudes before they set out to enjoy their vacation. There were times some of these guys were drooling over known problem chicas. Of course you may want to warn them, but then you don't know how their experience (mileage may differ) maybe with the chicas they choose? He may tell you the next day, how great she was, how he had no problems. In some cases even a known barracuda chica might be on her best behavior at the start if she is playing the long game with a dude, or she is in deep deep covert actions mode, or he just caught her where she was in a better frame of mind?

I remember being in Rumbas and warning a dude that his friend's company (a chica) tried to bamboozle me out of my change at the restaurant she works at. The guy basically said really? Thats my boys girlfriend. I'm reasonably sure that the dude told his friend what I said, and his friend eventually talked about it with her. Because after that, I can tell by her body language and mannerisms that I'm likely on her shit list. It would not surprise me if they are no longer together, especially if the guy caught on to shit she may have been doing to him.

[Wrx2005]

It's almost impossible to not befriend other mongers in Sosua.

I wish I could say that was the case all of the time. But I have observed and experienced many stuck up or socially inept guys that don't make much effort to greet or acknowledge others. They may not speak or acknowledge other mongers unless they are put on the spot. And even then their response may be weak. But lately, I have observed and experienced more guys who were just the opposite. Being friendly, greeting individuals or groups of other mongers even before they are greeted. Or as soon as they hear someone greet them, respond back heartily with a response.

Same when walking down the street. I usually make eye contact when someone is approaching. I have experienced and observed guys who will look you dead in the eye and walk past without acknowledging or speaking, and others who are just the opposite. I know a small handful of vet mongers that are just weird. They can walk right past you like they don't know you, or keep their eyes forward like they didn't see you, and then you see the dude later and he suddenly talking your ear off about something. Or you end up near him where he is drinking or socializing with other people, and now he wants to yak your dome off. GTFOOH with your flaky ass. Personally, I can do without flaky people like that. But most guys I've met lately from all over the world, have been pretty cool guys.

[Lou32]

I have to comment on this one as you failed to mention the Putas or where you referring to them as the pests. On my last trip when my buddy arrived an older thinner Puerto Rican Puta (hardcore / speaks English) grabbed on to my buddy in the afternoon who was in a daze after taking two flights / red eye from LA. I tried to warn him that I didn't think she was a good choice but couldn't because she spoke English. He went with her and after banging for about 15 minutes she started bitching that it was taking to long, etc. Which typically is a boner killer and didn't end up finishing. Seems like the daytime Putas start making the rounds about 2 hours after the flights come into Puerto Plata looking for the dazed and confused newbies wandering the Strip, adjacent streets, and hotels.

I think you are talking about "Flora". Cute, bad dental work, hyperactive. Did she take your buddy to the Casino too?

[TomJackin]

Anyway, that is the last time that I deal with Tomjackin's sloppy seconds.

Dude!

You are making it sound like it was my fault.

I had trouble with her in the clubs for one night, I told her to fuck off. She was square from then on out. I never mentioned money, and she always took what I gave her; but no sleep over's!

If and when I see her in August, I will give her hell for fucking with one of my friends; you can count on that for sure!

[Oakie]

I've mostly use cabs or private drivers in DR, and Sosua is walkable so it's very rare for me to even use a cab within the city itself. One time I rented a car in Santiago for two nights, what an adventure that was. Definitely think twice about driving in DR. It's dangerous, and it's mostly because other people don't really care. If you have driven in a 3rd world country before, you might be OK but it's still a challenge. I rented an SUV which was not the best to drive. National gave me a Nissan Patrol, very interesting to drive and I wouldn't rent that again. Oh and make sure to get insurance, but also check the insurance policy etc. Some of the main roads are not that bad like from Santiago Cibao Airport driving into the city, but then once you get into the city it gets worse. But having a car can be convenient, especially if you are traveling all over town.

I know one thing, I would not try to take the mountain road between Sosua and Santiago. When I take a private cab, the driver will usually take that route. In the daytime it's OK, but at night time it is quite risky to say the least. The one good thing about it is when going to Santiago from Sosua, you get to a point on the drive (down the hill) where the views of Santiago are simply spectacular.

I always think about driving down there for the obvious benefits, but I guess I'm intimidated by the thought of another layer of stress, rental, insurance, parking, damage, all that stuff. But the big thing for me is I drink more down there than I do at home, so I'm drinking every day.

But I do take moto conchos everywhere locally, especially between Sosua and Charamicos and that's probably the most risky thing I could do in the long run.

For everywhere else my GF makes cheap transportation appear as if by magic, and as mentioned before, we can always get a driver for outings or to take her home at the end of my trip to save her the 8 hour bus trip. Transportation has never been a problem, but if I had my own car down there I wouldn't hesitate.

For 4 years, just after The Wall came down, my partner and I ran summer English schools in Eastern Europe, and we'd spend two or three weeks driving from England and hitting as many countries as we could on the way. So I've driven in all the major cities, London, Paris, Berlin, Prague, Budapest, Milan, Rome, Vienna and Warsaw.

So Sosua shouldn't faze me, but it does.

[Puntz79]

I agree. I suggest leaving driving down there to the pros.

But there is another alternative I can recommend if you develop some connections.

I can get a Dominican to drive me most anywhere (in an old borrowed car) for little more than lunch, a few beers and the price of gas. No problem with having him wait for me to come back. He, like most Dominicans, seems to have friends and relatives everywhere to hang with.

If I was down there for an extended period of time though, I'd probably drive too.

I've mostly use cabs or private drivers in DR, and Sosua is walkable so it's very rare for me to even use a cab within the city itself. One time I rented a car in Santiago for two nights, what an adventure that was. Definitely think twice about driving in DR. It's dangerous, and it's mostly because other people don't really care. If you have driven in a 3rd world country before, you might be OK but it's still a challenge. I rented an SUV which was not the best to drive. National gave me a Nissan Patrol, very interesting to drive and I wouldn't rent that again. Oh and make sure to get insurance, but also check the insurance policy etc. Some of the main roads are not that bad like from Santiago Cibao Airport driving into the city, but then once you get into the city it gets worse. But having a car can be convenient, especially if you are traveling all over town.

I know one thing, I would not try to take the mountain road between Sosua and Santiago. When I take a private cab, the driver will usually take that route. In the daytime it's OK, but at night time it is quite risky to say the least. The one good thing about it is when going to Santiago from Sosua, you get to a point on the drive (down the hill) where the views of Santiago are simply spectacular.

[Mr Enternational]

Moca is located in the Cibao valley and the problem getting from Santiago or Moca to Puerto Plata or Sosua is that you have go through one of the passes over the range of mountains that defines the north side of the Cibao valley. In times of heavy rain, these roads may get washed out on sharp hairpin bends with scary drops below. The route via Navarete is longer, but the road is less extreme and the new Santiago beltway (toll road) may make it easier to get to the Moca area.

In addition the price has gone down on that new toll road. When I took it at the end of March it was 400 pesos. When I took it the week before last it had fallen to 100 pesos.

I finally took that mountain pass from Santiago to Sosua. It was in the late afternoon and I arrived in Sosua before dark. It was much faster than my usual Navarrete route, but so many pot holes, unpaved parts and hairpin turns as you have stated. There were some nice mountain views. I will probably stick with the fully paved Navarrete route seeing that I like to drive fast and I am used to that way.

[Combo]

Been bumping into quite a few guys lately who are visiting Sosua for the 1st time. Many of which ended up coming by themselves because their friends backed out for personal reasons, or they were acting flaky. Enough of them, after few days have no regrets coming alone. They have found it very easy to get around, and enjoy themselves.

What is interesting to watch is the many touts, venders, panhandlers and pests going to work on the new meat in town. And them watching me probably hoping I mind my own business. But I can't do that. I'm there offering some input in case I see something that is worth sharing with the newbies.

It's almost impossible to not befriend other mongers in Sosua.

[Surfer500]

Been bumping into quite a few guys lately who are visiting Sosua for the 1st time.

What is interesting to watch is the many touts, venders, panhandlers and pests going to work on the new meat in town. And them watching me probably hoping I mind my own business. But I can't do that. I'm there offering some input in case I see something that is worth sharing with the newbies.

I have to comment on this one as you failed to mention the Putas or where you referring to them as the pests. On my last trip when my buddy arrived an older thinner Puerto Rican Puta (hardcore / speaks English) grabbed on to my buddy in the afternoon who was in a daze after taking two flights / red eye from LA. I tried to warn him that I didn't think she was a good choice but couldn't because she spoke English. He went with her and after banging for about 15 minutes she started bitching that it was taking to long, etc. Which typically is a boner killer and didn't end up finishing. Seems like the daytime Putas start making the rounds about 2 hours after the flights come into Puerto Plata looking for the dazed and confused newbies wandering the Strip, adjacent streets, and hotels.

[Wrx2005]

Been bumping into quite a few guys lately who are visiting Sosua for the 1st time. Many of which ended up coming by themselves because their friends backed out for personal reasons, or they were acting flaky. Enough of them, after few days have no regrets coming alone. They have found it very easy to get around, and enjoy themselves.

What is interesting to watch is the many touts, venders, panhandlers and pests going to work on the new meat in town. And them watching me probably hoping I mind my own business. But I can't do that. I'm there offering some input in case I see something that is worth sharing with the newbies.

[Oakie]

When I grow up I want to be like you guys. I have yet to develop the heart to drive in the Dominican Republic for now it's the, gua gua, Caribe Tours and Metro. LOL!

I agree. I suggest leaving driving down there to the pros.

But there is another alternative I can recommend if you develop some connections.

I can get a Dominican to drive me most anywhere (in an old borrowed car) for little more than lunch, a few beers and the price of gas. No problem with having him wait for me to come back. He, like most Dominicans, seems to have friends and relatives everywhere to hang with.

If I was down there for an extended period of time though, I'd probably drive too.

[Wrx2005]

When I grow up I want to be like you guys. I have yet to develop the heart to drive in the Dominican Republic for now it's the, gua gua, Caribe Tours and Metro. LOL!

It does take a daring spirit to drive in the DR. I've driven all over the country starting in 2008. Cities like Puerto Plata, Santiago and Santo Domingo, they are some of the worst places in the DR to drive. Along with trying to drive through unpaved streets in the campos and barrios.

Driving around in and around Sosua or the main highways is a welcome relief. I haven't been tested yet in terms of having an accident and seeing how a situation may get resolved. I feel like I'm getting close though, because I've had numerous near misses all caused by stupid ass drivers. Spoke to some local bomberos in Sosua, they said they had responded to about 4 serious accidents recently, I think all involving a fatality. Not all in Sosua, but in the whole region area they cover.

[Camaro1257]

SUV? Thats a useful tip. Because I am driving a small chevy right now with questionable tires on the rear. I already took a chance by driving to and from Santiago with my rental. I will try it as you suggested when I feel like exploring with no destination in mind, but probably with a decent SUV with good tires.

When I grow up I want to be like you guys. I have yet to develop the heart to drive in the Dominican Republic for now it's the, gua gua, Caribe Tours and Metro. LOL!

[Wrx2005]

And I was on my motorcycle. This road is for SUV's and motorcycles. Much is unpaved or full of pot holes. But it is a spectacular ride and the scenery is awesome. While on my motorcycle I got stuck in the middle of a herd of cattle, must have been two hundred of these bovine ilk. Encountered a lot of rain, but this is the highlands. I would recommend this ride to anyone, with conditions.

SUV? Thats a useful tip. Because I am driving a small chevy right now with questionable tires on the rear. I already took a chance by driving to and from Santiago with my rental. I will try it as you suggested when I feel like exploring with no destination in mind, but probably with a decent SUV with good tires.