Sosua Reports

[QUOTE=SavePros321;1615486]Come to think of it, I have never seen anyone smoking in Classicos either. And I would have noticed it because the one reason I stopped going to clubs at home (in the US) is that I hated coming out of there smelling like a pack of cigs when I don't even smoke them.[/QUOTE]As far as I know the law regarding this in the DR is that you can smoke in open air restaurants and bars as long as they are open to the air, but if it is enclosed (and thus air-conditioned,) then you are not allowed to smoke inside. I have never known smoking to be allowed in the the'Classico disco in more than ten years. Also I am pretty sure I have never seen anyone smoking in Cafe Tropical, either in Sosua or in Puerto Plata. Or in the cafeteria at La Sirena.

Of course with crowds in enclosed spaces there is also the fire risk and difficulty evacuation a large number of people quickly. I don't think the'Classico has alternative fire exits other than the front door, but someone can correct me if I am wrong.

[QUOTE=Frannie;1615572]As far as I know the law regarding this in the DR is that you can smoke in open air restaurants and bars as long as they are open to the air, but if it is enclosed (and thus air-conditioned,) then you are not allowed to smoke inside. I have never known smoking to be allowed in the the'Classico disco in more than ten years.[/QUOTE]I knew I wasn't crazy!

[QUOTE=Klove48;1615542]Thats Mellenes. She's definitely a pro.[/QUOTE]Hmm, that would explain why she was in Sosua about to go into Classicos then. It's a good thing I did not mistake her for a non-pro as I was negotiating a "pussy for pesos" exchange with her (lol).

[QUOTE=MrGogo;1615315]The Rosetta Stone guy is named Lionel. He has been in Sosua for years and I have many friends that have purchased his products without any problems. When buying the Spanish CDs make sure you specify if you have a Mac. Also make sure they play before he leaves to play it safe. There was a guy on this board who used to take Lionel to Santiago to pull chicas for him. The guy said Lionel pulled girls everywhere because of his familiarity with the territory.

Lionel was deported for distributing drugs in the DC area many years ago. I haven't been to Sosua in a few months but Lionel must of fallen on hard times if he is now asking for food. To me he is not a threat. He always works solo, always smiles and I have never seen him in an arguement.

I learned a lesson about these guys years ago because of my generosity. I used to always sympathize with the Haitians because I used to feel that if my ancestors were on a different slave ship that our situations could be reversed.

I was sitting at 4 Roses with BBL after just winning 100 dollars from a guy at Lou's after he lost a bet on a Monday night football game we were watching. On the curb outside of 4 Roses was a Haitian dude crying. I asked BBL why the guy was crying on the curb and he said "gogo leave it alone". I didn't listen and invited the guy to the bar for a drink so that I could hear his story. He said his girl was Dominicana and her family wasn't accepting him. He had lost his job and place and was also on the streets. He never asked for anything but my stupid ass handed him the the crisp 100 dollar bill I had just won. BBL got so pissed he walked away shaking his head. I figured the money was dirty money so spend it don't try to save it. The Haitian dude almost fainted and hugged me and said I was his brother.

Fast forward to my next trip two months later and the guy sees me in Sosua. He runs over and yells my brother. He hugs me and sits down. I tell him I'm in pussy hunting mode and he finally leaves. When I see him on the strip with other Haitian dudes he runs over so guys can meet the fool who gave him money. This shit was getting out of hand and I regretted my generosity.

I didn't see him on my next two trips but I saw him about a year later. I was seated in a chair in front of Dlatins when I saw him from across the street but something was different as I didn't acknowledge him. Later I walked right by him and he looked at me but I didn't make eye contact, great he didn't remember me. As I would see him on future trips his dress code changed and he appeared to have money. His walk and demeanor changed. Bingo, damn the guy had turned gay. I'm guessing he hit hard times and got turned out by some German dude. Now I never give money because it can lead to problems down the road. I just say no gracias and keep walking.[/QUOTE]Hey G man. Well about Lionel. I actually knew his name. I like using taglines for certain people. Yes he told me the whole story about being deported for drugs. He mentioned also to us about being in North Carolina at some point. I don't recall the DC part, but dont doubt it. My buddy who was with me at the time was from NC. So, did he really spend time in NC, or is he that good to adjust his stories to fit who he is relating to?

This is my take on my assessment of the RS guy. When I was 1st coming to the scene and would see him, he treated us just like dumb tourists that didn't know shit. And why not? He is the one who has more time and experience dealing with newbies. He knows exactly how to be persistent enough to pull off irritating or guilting someone to get certain individuals to buy his products. Not so much because they want it, but hopefully get him to go away. But breaking down to buy his products doesn't necessarily stop him from pestering and pretending he is your friend. In fact that may open the door for a full court press. Maybe with assists from others who need to cash in on a "good customer".

Now, I am not saying that is the case for me. I never bought anything from him, and I always refused. I have observed plenty of other guys taken in by him. Often resulting in them being irritated by him, and not knowing how to get him to stop coming around. In some cases inviting himself to a guys table, or standing around so he can hear what guys are talking about. Sometimes he may butt into a conversation going on between 2 or more guys. Participate long enough, and then at some point interject is RS products for sale.

What I'm trying to say, he is like a covert spy who comes around and studies his environment looking for weaknesses that he can exploit. I watch him do it to plenty of guys. Many guys that don't know better don't know how to handle the situation when he comes around. They tell RS guy, not now maybe later. Or they let him sit down. Get comfortable. Sometimes he may ask someone for their food. Especially if they arent going to eat it. I think he also does it, hoping some dude would feel sorry for him and just give him a little money. Or simply buy him a meal. That gesture sends a message.

When we were told about his drug selling and deportation, this was all unsolicited, un sought information he laid on us, in order to build a rapport with us. We were supposed to be impressed with his openess and transparency. The potential result? Thats the grease that opens up opportunity. From that I see guys buying him food, giving him clothes, money. This goes back a few years, but I recall the morning I had just finished breakfast at NG, and took the leftovers with me because I barely touched it. I was going to give it to a chica (I was banging) that worked in the salon nearby. He saw me with the container, and asked me if he could have it. I said no. because if I was hungry again, or she wanted it, that is why I took it with me to go.

Remember, that's when I was new to the scene. So in his eyes I was fresh meat. New enough for him to keep trying to size us up to get something out of us. Come to think of it, he was asking for change from us, to which we refused.

Another time I was eating at the Burrito Hut (RIP) on PC, and he came up, plopped himself down at our table and started getting all friendly and chummy. A few minutes later, started his spiel trying to get something out of us. I told him right then, that I don't appreciate that fake friendship and then moments later start asking for shit. That was the beginning of him never doing his usual with me again. Now he can walk right by me and not say a word. And I do likewise. I'm sure he has shared much intel on me from his perspective with whoever would value it. And I expect that.

So my overall issue is, much of the touts, beggars, "tourist helpers", CD sellers, shoeshine boys and anyone I missed, they mostly use the friendly approach to bait their targets into a false sense of friendship, but their objective is to get something from you. The difference is, some are very good at waiting things out, not moving too fast in order to end up being exposed or blow their cover. They impress the shit of some dudes who are easily taken in by someone who doesnt appear to be dishonest. I do understand the low standard of living they lead. I do understaand hard times. All my point is, it doesn't require a person needing to be conned or offered fake friendship so they can get something from somebody.

I will be the 1st to admit, many of these types do have something to offer. Like if someone needs information or a guide. I see plenty guys using these young and older dominican guys to do stuff for them. Run errands, get chicas, translation, riding with them in cars etc. What I've also observed is guys getting in trouble. Especially with chicas. Guys having disputes, stuff stolen, etc. And the "dominican guide" is conveniently right there to help. Whereas what I suspect is the "guide" sometimes sets guys up so they will have problems, and then act like they came to the guys defense or rescue. That successfully gives a dude the impression that his guide earned his keep.

My guess is, there are instances when a guy is getting conned, and later the chica and the guide are splitting the proceeds from the poor monger who doesn't have a clue what went down.

On a side note. I went to Cabarete with a chica for lunch the other day. We ate at the Kahuna outside. The chair guy who I have seen many times over the years sees us, acknowledges us, and asks if we will be sitting out on the beach. I said maybe. Eventually we expressed interest in lounging on the beach. He darted out there to set up our chairs and the umbrella. Now, I already am aware that if you eat at the restaurant, and then decide to lounge on the beach, the chairs are complimentary. I know that, he knows that.

However, I sized him up. I asked him how much are my chairs? He told me 300 pesos. I looked him dead in the eye and told him that I know lounging out here is free if I ate at the restaurant. Of course he had that, "oh shit I'm busted" trying to get over on a customer look. He acknowledged that fact I presented, and then realized his money would only be earned from anything else we ordered through him. And this is the issue I have here in the DR. Muggs are so fucking "in the moment" with their thinking. I got to get as much as I can when I see a dumb ass tourist/vacationer that needs to be relieved of his/her money. When I asked him how much the chairs cost, he must of heard a bachata symphony up in his head. Until I shot that shit down. Once a mugg is caught being dishonest, it's hard for that person to redeem themselves. Because they may always be seen as the dude that was dishonest.

I respect anyone who has to hustle. But I want to pay only for what I request. I don't need the hard sell, or the friendly bait and switch method. Nowadays most of everybody with a hustle that comes near me keeps it moving now. They see me and go straight for those that they probably think they can work on better. There are a few un kept Haitian boy beggars that come around. They will stand in front of you for maybe 10 to 15 minutes, occasionally blurting out a "Yo, Yo, give me something please". I tell them, I live here, and I point to several dominicans or other locals standing around. I say did you ask them? The reason why I do that is because them stepping to me clearly is done because I'm someone they perceive who has money to give. They won't dare ask anybody body else. So I feign like I'm offended that I'm being targeted because of how they perceive me.

I believe it makes sense to insist that they treat me like they would everyone else that's standing around that they won't even go near. Thats why I direct their attention to other people nearby. If you won't talk to them, then don't talk to me. They will stand there looking sorry, bewildered, hurt, or whatever. But once they realize you mean business, then their attitude and demeaner changes. I see this moreso with chicas, and the young dominican beggars. Thats when they start calling you names, like cheapy. No more hola, no more you are my father, my friend all the other shit they offer to individuals they are getting their guilt money from.

I don't think a lot of cats realize how much people in the DR and Sosua particularly study the people that come into their environment. And how simple gestures and mannerisms can be perceived as weaknesses, that enough who are paying attention would consider opportunities that they can benefit from.

Great article, a must read. After the Politicians and Police are finished closing businesses, evoking Dress Codes and silly rules and literally killing the Goose with the Golden Egg, what will force Authorities to abandon these crazy ideas are the people that it is affecting. These people are now out of work, their families starving, they cannot buy food, goods and services thereby causing the trickle down effect to the businesses they are hurting. The article states 'dozens of employees, including bar attendants, waiters, disc jockeys, porters, cleaners and kitchen staff are left penniless by this closure. Of the income of these workers entire families depend. But not only that, also supermarkets, fashion stores, hair salons, pharmacies, motorcycle taxis etc. depend on it and have seen their sales decline."

Once they start hearing from the people and businesses, and get voted out of office. Things will return as was once normal. Unfortunate for us but this is a waiting game cycle of " clueless do gooders" fu $king up a good thing only to eventually realize that Sosua cannot survive without our dollars We need a regime change. GOOD LUCK MAYOR WILLIE.

[QUOTE=BoredInIN;1612395][URL]http://www.sosuanews.com/mobi.php?id=3808&article=1[/URL] If this is true I'm a little bummed that I'm about 2 weeks too early.[/QUOTE]

On or about 8/18 I left my rental parked in front of Sosua Suites. I took the bus that morning to La Vega. One of my buddies saw my car there but did not realize it was my car. He took notice at about 10 pm that night that the front pass tire was flat.

The next day when I got back, I went to get the car, and saw the flat tire. I said to myself damn. I went home and came back with some flat fix in a can. In the trunk of that car I had a small compressor I brought with me from the states. I have had mysterious flat tires before. But seeing the flat this time, I assumed the tire had a slow leak in it.

When I got back, a heavy set dominican dude seemed to be waiting for me. He pointed to my flat tire. He was all up on me. Telling me he was going to help me, poking around near my trunk to show me my spare. Tried to open my passenger door when I unlocked it so I could put the plug into the cigarette lighter for my compressor. Told the dude I don't need his help.

He stood around anyway. I hooked up the compressor and the tire inflated within 7 to 10 minutes. There was no hole in the tire. My guess is somebody let the fucking air out the tire. And perhaps was going to be there in the morning prepared to help and earn a few pesos. Like my heavy set friend. LOL You should have seen the look on his face as well as my buddy who was with me, and me, as my tire inflated with that little ass compressor. Then I drove off and added air at the Texaco station. Over the next few days, I'm expecting the tire to lose pressure. But it never happened. There was no slow leak. Leaving my car there over night unattended, apparently made my car a target. Especially since there were no other cars parked there over night. If I'm correct that someone brazenly let the air out, maybe next time they'll put a hole in the tire for smart asses like me with a compressor and a can of flat fix.

[QUOTE=Wrx2005;1615713]On or about 8/18 I left my rental parked in front of Sosua Suites. I took the bus that morning to La Vega. One of my buddies saw my car there but did not realize it was my car. He took notice at about 10 pm that night that the front pass tire was flat.

The next day when I got back, I went to get the car, and saw the flat tire. I said to myself damn. I went home and came back with some flat fix in a can. In the trunk of that car I had a small compressor I brought with me from the states. I have had mysterious flat tires before. But seeing the flat this time, I assumed the tire had a slow leak in it.

When I got back, a heavy set dominican dude seemed to be waiting for me. He pointed to my flat tire. He was all up on me. Telling me he was going to help me, poking around near my trunk to show me my spare. Tried to open my passenger door when I unlocked it so I could put the plug into the cigarette lighter for my compressor. Told the dude I don't need his help.

He stood around anyway. I hooked up the compressor and the tire inflated within 7 to 10 minutes. There was no hole in the tire. My guess is somebody let the fucking air out the tire. And perhaps was going to be there in the morning prepared to help and earn a few pesos. Like my heavy set friend. LOL You should have seen the look on his face as well as my buddy who was with me, and me, as my tire inflated with that little ass compressor. Then I drove off and added air at the Texaco station. Over the next few days, I'm expecting the tire to lose pressure. But it never happened. There was no slow leak. Leaving my car there over night unattended, apparently made my car a target. Especially since there were no other cars parked there over night. If I'm correct that someone brazenly let the air out, maybe next time they'll put a hole in the tire for smart asses like me with a compressor and a can of flat fix.[/QUOTE]I bring my tires to a gomero and get them fixed for around a dollar, Dominicans can and will help, expecting a tip. I am never in the mood to change a tire it is always too hot out. And for a very small tip, someone will change it for me.

I do agree that there are people that will mess with your car. I now live in a gated community with armed guards, but in the past I lived in a regular apartment in a dominican neighborhood. I got the feeling the neighbors did not like me banging so many of their women. I had flats, someone jammed paper in my wheels, I had cocktail straws cut off in my locks I finally moved to the safer gated community and have had no issues.

I would not leave my car unattended in another location due to past experiences. I still get flats, but due to the lovely roads down here.

Thanks for your reply to my post below, I agree with everything you said. When I first started going to Sosua in 2006 I welcomed the touts selling things and I got some good deals. From belts, Cds, phones, to pictures. I even have the bottle of mamma guana I purchased on my first trip. I think when you are in a tourist area in a foreign country it goes with the territory. I,like you also size them up while they are sizing me up. I used to love the interaction with the touts. But sometimes it is a bit overkill. From the change guys who offer change when you have just refused the three guys standing next to him, or when walking down the hill to the beach and the same guys being persistent with the same sales pitch. Over time we become immune to all this.

Now I don't even want to play the game. I don't want to size them up or have any conversation with them. They can curse my Momma as I walk by and I won't blink an eye. Their is no need to even acknowledge them. As a Sosua vet I'm now more of a spectator than participant. I love watching the newbies lose their mind and go overboard. Even if I warned them they would probably fall into the same traps. These are the guys the touts wait for. Sosua is a hustle and I don't chase the hustle anymore, I usually wait for the hustle to come to me then say no. I love the average girl in a corner not getting any attention when the other pretty girls are getting all the attention. I love the bum who has never asked me for nothing as I slide him a 50 p note as I walk by. My point is that I don't mind being charitable but I do it when its not expected. The smart ones won't try to overplay the situation but they will continue to stay in their lane.

[QUOTE=MrGogo;1615769]Thanks for your reply to my post below, I agree with everything you said. When I first started going to Sosua in 2006 I welcomed the touts selling things and I got some good deals. From belts, Cds, phones, to pictures. I even have the bottle of mamma guana I purchased on my first trip. I think when you are in a tourist area in a foreign country it goes with the territory. I,like you also size them up while they are sizing me up. I used to love the interaction with the touts. But sometimes it is a bit overkill. From the change guys who offer change when you have just refused the three guys standing next to him, or when walking down the hill to the beach and the same guys being persistent with the same sales pitch. Over time we become immune to all this.

Now I don't even want to play the game. I don't want to size them up or have any conversation with them. They can curse my Momma as I walk by and I won't blink an eye. Their is no need to even acknowledge them. As a Sosua vet I'm now more of a spectator than participant. I love watching the newbies lose their mind and go overboard. Even if I warned them they would probably fall into the same traps. These are the guys the touts wait for. Sosua is a hustle and I don't chase the hustle anymore, I usually wait for the hustle to come to me then say no. I love the average girl in a corner not getting any attention when the other pretty girls are getting all the attention. I love the bum who has never asked me for nothing as I slide him a 50 p note as I walk by. My point is that I don't mind being charitable but I do it when its not expected. The smart ones won't try to overplay the situation but they will continue to stay in their lane.[/QUOTE]I'm with you regarding all the touts, its relentless at times. The funniest thing about some of the "change guys" is that they also sell Viagra. It's funny to hear guys shouting "change" followed by "Viagra". Just what you need in Sosua, change to pay the Putas and Viagra to get hard. Sometimes I tell the guys who are just selling Viagra that I just got a box at Latinos market and they immediately shut up.

I did have an interesting experience one day after leaving the Playero market in Sosua in August. Somehow after leaving the market a 100 Peso bill fell out of my pocket which I was unaware of. A Dominican picked up the bill and said it had fallen out of my pocket and handed it to me. I was in disbelief and gave it to him for being so honest. This was a very pleasant surprise in contrast to all the "touting" that takes place.

[QUOTE=OldKool;1615529] Because of my charm the girls can not wait to show me how loving they can be. Non pros who want to make me their man. I hAVE TO LET THEM TRY.[/QUOTE]My OG told me. "In their eyes we are walking atms. By DR standards we are very wealthy men. If you think she was with you for your good looks or (your charm LOL) you need some smelling salt to wake up.

[QUOTE=OldKool;1615529]I got some hot stuff lined and may not have time for sport fucking. I have picked a a couple of cupid girls have turned up the heat on me. Because of my charm the girls can not wait to show me how loving they can be. Non pros who want to make me their man. I hAVE TO LET THEM TRY.[/QUOTE]Dam I was coming down to hang with ya. You aint going to have time to hunt conmigo!

[QUOTE=MrGogo;1615315]The Rosetta Stone guy is named Lionel. He has been in Sosua for years and I have many friends that have purchased his products without any problems. When buying the Spanish CDs make sure you specify if you have a Mac. Also make sure they play before he leaves to play it safe. There was a guy on this board who used to take Lionel to Santiago to pull chicas for him. The guy said Lionel pulled girls everywhere because of his familiarity with the territory.

Lionel was deported for distributing drugs in the DC area many years ago. I haven't been to Sosua in a few months but Lionel must of fallen on hard times if he is now asking for food. To me he is not a threat. He always works solo, always smiles and I have never seen him in an arguement.
.[/QUOTE]This guy is a hustler. He tried to sell T a cd for 5 k and they agreed, but I stop the transaction to remind him we were in the DR. T end up buying it for 2 k. He still tries to speak with me. When ever I see him. The cd didn't work when T got back in the US. I will pass your advice- it might be a Mac.

[QUOTE=GrownMan1;1615907]This guy is a hustler. He tried to sell T a cd for 5 k and they agreed, but I stop the transaction to remind him we were in the DR. T end up buying it for 2 k. He still tries to speak with me. When ever I see him. The cd didn't work when T got back in the US. I will pass your advice- it might be a Mac.[/QUOTE]It was not a MAC GrownMan. The guy selling Rosetta Stone is a scammer with a funky goatee as I recall. Unless you have a laptop and can insert the CD's to see if their real don't even think of buying any CD's from him. I have Rosetta Stone and it is very difficult to make pirate copies of it. Next time you see him tell him you will pay whatever he wants and that you will meet him with your laptop to try the CD's out. He will never show up!

[QUOTE=Surfer500;1615920]It was not a MAC GrownMan. The guy selling Rosetta Stone is a scammer with a funky goatee as I recall. Unless you have a laptop and can insert the CD's to see if their real don't even think of buying any CD's from him. I have Rosetta Stone and it is very difficult to make pirate copies of it. Next time you see him tell him you will pay whatever he wants and that you will meet him with your laptop to try the CD's out. He will never show up![/QUOTE]Fair enough. I haven't seen him in some time so maybe he has changed for the worse as you guy say.

Word is from my guys on the ground is to buckle up for more craziness to come in Sosua. The "Willy" storm is brewing. Willy is on home turf in Sosua and he knows how to operate with the right ideas and financial backing.

[QUOTE=GrownMan1;1615907]This guy is a hustler. He tried to sell T a cd for 5 k and they agreed, but I stop the transaction to remind him we were in the DR. T end up buying it for 2 k. He still tries to speak with me. When ever I see him. The cd didn't work when T got back in the US. I will pass your advice- it might be a Mac.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Surfer500;1615920]It was not a MAC GrownMan. The guy selling Rosetta Stone is a scammer with a funky goatee as I recall. Unless you have a laptop and can insert the CD's to see if their real don't even think of buying any CD's from him. I have Rosetta Stone and it is very difficult to make pirate copies of it. Next time you see him tell him you will pay whatever he wants and that you will meet him with your laptop to try the CD's out. He will never show up![/QUOTE]You guys can't be speaking about Lionel. He's a hustler for sure, and you can't blame him for trying to get as much money as possible because he does know when he'll make more money, so it's your responsibility to negotiate price on whatever, and you should definitely check-out or examine the merchandise before purchasing it, but I've never know him to rip people off. Like it was said, he lives in Sosua, you'll see him everyday if your there. He can't afford to out & out rip, you off because everybody knows him, and he is easy to find. I've seen him hustling in Puerto Plata to make money, so he's a go getter. I've seen him down and out and he has asked for help to eat or for other necessities to live; and I have helped. He might not pay me back in actual cash, but he has made it up with doing a few errands here and there for me. In all the time I've known him I've never had a problem or serious concern about him. Peace.

Having money makes all of us much more attractive. Often the ladies fall for the lure of having a wealthy amigo.

[QUOTE=GrownMan1;1615894]My OG told me. "In their eyes we are walking atms. By DR standards we are very wealthy men. If you think she was with you for your good looks or (your charm LOL) you need some smelling salt to wake up.[/QUOTE]