Sosua Reports

The CubaDave effect? It's typically low season this time of year. CubaDave can write all the negative news he wants, it has no affect on many regulars in Sosua. When I first visited Sosua, I did read some of the glowing comments / reviews that CubaDave had written but my decision to go was a personal decision and his literature had nothing to do with it. His comments started to change and there was more negativity. I still went to Sosua. I still had a very good time. And I will still visit Sosua until I decide I'm either tired of it or have just found another location which is as convenient (only an hour and 40 min. Flight from Miami) and offers the best value for my money. I have seen changes sure, but I've been able to adjust to the changes and my experiences have been great. The CD effect is non-existent for me, and while he continues to whine about Sosua in general and pitch other locations as being better (yawn), I'll be enjoying Sosua and adjusting my gameplan as changes happen.

Seems like you had a fairly positive experience for one night even though early on it seems a bit uncertain, the best action is always after 8-9 PM in Sosua anyways and I have not seen a dip in quality at all in the last several months.

[QUOTE=Lou32;1624690]Quick update from last Friday (yeah, I only stayed in town one night):

=Less gringos than I've seen before.

-could be due to low season or could be due to CubaDave effect. Don't know.

=6 pm - 8 pm. Most of the action still at Rumba.

-larger number of heavy set women waltzing around.

-very few stunners (by my standards) but since the number of guys were few very little competition between men for the few 8's that were around at that time.

=8 pm - 11 pm. The big chicas, 5's and 6's are slowing being replaced by 7's and 8's.

-Rumba still the center of action but the street itself is getting a larger crowd of both men and chicas.

-Line starts forming at Classicos before 11 and Merengue is getting busy.

=11 pm - 1 am. Classico opens up and the true 8's and 9's start to filter in.

-Most of the people on PC around midnight are crowding the entrance to Classicos.

-Starting at midnight the A-Team of chicas start to flood into the zone.

At this point in the evening, if you've got pesos you can have your pick of top shelf putas because the men were far, FAR outnumbered.

I didn't go inside Classico and this info is probably very familiar to the frequent travelers but overall I have to say that if you are fearful of less women coming to town due to the changes then your fears are NOT justified. At least for now.[/QUOTE]

En route to Sosua on Caribe I was texting with a non-pro DR Cupid. Mid 20's, taking morning hair style classes and evening english clases. Lives with her mother in Puerta Plata. While on the bus she wanted to meet; we ended up meeting at the Caribe stop in Puerta Plata (I had a ticket to Sosua but figured it wouldn't hurt to get off the bus a little early).

We talked on Skype frequently but this is the first time meeting. Paid $150 pesos for a taxi to her sister's apartment. Her sister (fluent in english) and her friend both work in the tourist industry and share an apartment. Not long afterwards her mother arrived, enjoyed talking and hanging out with them for about 2 hours. She is just learning english so most of the conversation was in Spanish. Took in a goodbye kiss and continued on to Sosua. The apartment wasn't a terrible walk to the public taxi between Puerta Plata and Sosua (50 or 60 pesos, dirt cheap).

The taxi terminated right across from my hotel, Don Antonios. A few things I really like about the Hotel:

1) Its cheap, $38 a night.

2) Its relatively quiet, especially compared to the New Gardens of the world.

3) Its a close location to the strip.

4) Allen the bartender; however unfortunately he was on vacation during my stay.

5) Obie the manager.

Arrived around 9:00 or so, caught most of the Monday Night Football game at Rumbas. Afterwards I went to Club Meringue for a few pre-disco drinks. Went to the disco around 12:30 or so. I really didn't feel like pulling anyone (although the talent level here was the best, ration of 3-1 high quality to guys). This was the ratio on Monday, the ratio actually kept falling out of our favor as the week progressed. I didn't there on Thursday but by the looks of the line the quality was still there, but the number of guys greatly increased; I think the weekend crowd arrived.

As I wasn't looking to pull anything on Monday I did take down a few numbers from some that I thought were particularly attractive. Went to After One after the disco closed, keep in mind this was on a Monday Night. Total number of Guys - 4; normally this would be a good thing. But not including the staff that meant that there were 4 more guys than girls there. Not surprisingly the power there conveniently went out around 3:45 and they closed.

The next day I went back to Puerta Plata to hang out with english class chica for the afternoon. We went to one of those beach bars; the 4th or 5th one in from the start of the malecon (directly across we could see that statue on the island). Made in back in time for a Tuesday beach swim at Susoa Beach, had some dinner and hit the strip. Told one of the contacts from the disco the night before to meet me at the disco tonight. We did some dancing, actually a lot of dancing; and went back down to the Meringue bar for a after dance drink. Felt a good rapport with her, price was $2,500 for the night (2 sessions, night and morning).

After the morning session and a joint shower I went to open the safe and it wasn't responding. Being that the problem appeared electronic no amount of reading the instruction manual was going to help (which is just as well, as I think I locked that in the safe as well). Got dressed, thankfully Obie was down there and the reception, had the skeleton key; turns on the battery went dead. Had a ton of fun with her, wanted to meet her at the beach in the next afternoon, she agreed.

So I am back at my hotel after breakfast and a knock at the door. Who arrives? A girl from my last trip. She stayed a total of 2 days with me last trip, plus a day in Santo Domingo (even gave me a city tour on her motorbike). Apparently she saw me in the public taxi and took a guess that I would be staying at the same place. She comes in, wasn't really ready for a session but she makes the move and I couldn't help myself. She wanted to hang out later but I told her I already had plans. Percent chance I thought this would screw things up later. About the same percentage change of a naked selfie somehow ending up on the internet. After 1,100 pesos she is gone and I await heading to the beach.

11:30 arrived and I head to the beach, so naturally at 12:45 (Dominican time) she arrives; with her Sosua roomate on hand (henceforth to be referred to as the anchor). All in all it wasn't half bad, about 90 minutes or so; a few presidente grandes; some appetizers. We were at the Coral Reef bar, not a half bad place.

I had to run at 2:30 to catch a soccer match, we agreed to meet up later that night at the Disco. After the game I had to catch some afternoon sleep, had dinner and went to the Disco. I was still pretty tired and didn't plan to stay long, which was the economically feasible thing to do as she showed up with the anchor on hand. After one drink each we went back to the hotel for a night and morning session, same price ($2,500). After a joint shower we went for a New Garden breakfast together. She wants to meet again tonight (Thursday) but I said I may be too tired.

I'm off to meet my Puerta Plata gal, went directly to her house in Puerta Plata between her classes. Talked for a while, and had a fantastic session; so much better when you have known each other for a period of time beforehand. Afterwards we went to La Sirena, I took care of a $2,200 grocery shopping bill and we caught a taxi back to her place for another (and unfortunately last; for now anyway) session.

Back in Sosua I caught the Thursday night game (route) at Rumbas. My disco girl and the anchor arrived right at the end, told them I was too tired to do anything tonight. A lie, but it was still early and I didn't want to end up paying multiple rounds of drinks for the night. Afterward the game I went to a walk to the beach (not the public beach); on the way back to PC about a block south of the ice cream shop 4 policias nationales pull up on two bikes. After a short talk and 100 pesos later I am on my way. This was the first time I was ever shaken down in Sosua (or anywhere else in the DR for that matter, this was my 4th trip); I probably could have got away with not paying them but I wasn't going to make a stand on principle for 100 pesos. Went to Merengue bar and talked with Diane the bartender that has worked there since I started coming. Went across the street to Winners Circle to see what has happening, or I should say hear what's happening. Interesting place and music but no really my scene.

Afterwards (3:00) everyone was standing outside the Disco. I really wasn't feeling a session was in store, but ended up pulling a 19 yr old. Generally speaking I avoid them this young as it seems only to attach drama. There wasn't any drama but it wasn't much of a session, no real rapport; very mechanical. Had another morning session and it was the same. Paid her the $2,500 amount and went off to Santo Domingo for the remainder of the trip.

Santo Domingo report coming tomorrow.

Sosua Observations:

1) I really do not see how some of the restaurants are going to make it much longer. Not at this rate anyway, it seems like the only ones who go there are locals and they get next to nothing from the tourist crowd. This may change during weekends; I left on Friday.

2) For as much grief as the NYC crowd gets, I will say one thing in there defense. If it were not for them, at this point there would be no Sosua. Outside of the locals there were very very few people outside of this crowd that were there during the week.

3) It is so much nicer to establish a rapport with the girls before you arrive. If you want to sportf*ck it probably doesn't make much of a difference.

4) I would never do them, especially there; but there are plenty of drugs available. I'm assuming the motorbike drivers aren't Al Pacino fans when they mention Tony Montana to me.

5) Some of the places had a only accompanied ladies signs, however best I could tell this was minimally enforced; if enforced at all.

6) Not a lot of daytime activity, best bet there may be the beach. Or failing that head to a bar and find a seat; it won't take long before you attract attention.

7) I don't know how you guys can go here on multiple week excursions, I get worn out after less than a week.

[QUOTE=Puntz79;1624712]The CubaDave effect? It's typically low season this time of year. CubaDave can write all the negative news he wants, it has no affect on many regulars in Sosua. When I first visited Sosua, I did read some of the glowing comments / reviews that CubaDave had written but my decision to go was a personal decision and his literature had nothing to do with it. His comments started to change and there was more negativity. I still went to Sosua. I still had a very good time. And I will still visit Sosua until I decide I'm either tired of it or have just found another location which is as convenient (only an hour and 40 min. Flight from Miami) and offers the best value for my money. I have seen changes sure, but I've been able to adjust to the changes and my experiences have been great. The CD effect is non-existent for me, and while he continues to whine about Sosua in general and pitch other locations as being better (yawn), I'll be enjoying Sosua and adjusting my gameplan as changes happen.
........[/QUOTE]We give Cuba Dave and others far too much credit for influencing what goes on in places like Sosua. Indeed, I think some guys place far too much importance on their own abilities to influence what goes down. They complain, threaten not to go back, as if a monger can change anything except his own way to spend time.

What I see going down there reminds me of 2 friends I had who did business in the Bahamas. One owned the main taxi business in Freeport and had happily lived there for years. They changed the rules one day and decided not to renew his visa / work / stay permit whatever, and he was forced to sell his business. But there were no takers, because the local mafia politicians made it clear they didn't want any. He was forced to give everything up for basically nothing and move back, broke, to Canada.

The other guy, was sent to Nassau to boost the sales of a national soft drink brand, by reorganizing an old inefficient bottling plant. He took his wife there and bought a house to live there permanently. After two years, when the business was a success he too was given notice to leave.

So when I see the list of all the business people arrested, deported whatever, from Sosua, and they are all foreigners and victims of unpredictable "rule changes" it looks like an old game. The foreigners are making too much money, and the local pols and their friends want in. So they make the "rules". Get rid of the outsiders.

If they are really deporting these foreigners to "clean up" Sosua, and they really do get rid of the prostitution over the next couple years, I'll be happy to eat my words.

There's a bigger game going on here, and it's far above the heads of us mongers, no matter how much "intel" some guys think they have.

So in the meantime I share your great big "yawn", and will like you, continue my happy experiences there.

[QUOTE=Puntz79;1624712]The CubaDave effect? It's typically low season this time of year. CubaDave can write all the negative news he wants, it has no affect on many regulars in Sosua. When I first visited Sosua, I did read some of the glowing comments / reviews that CubaDave had written but my decision to go was a personal decision and his literature had nothing to do with it. His comments started to change and there was more negativity. I still went to Sosua. I still had a very good time. And I will still visit Sosua until I decide I'm either tired of it or have just found another location which is as convenient (only an hour and 40 min. Flight from Miami) and offers the best value for my money. I have seen changes sure, but I've been able to adjust to the changes and my experiences have been great. The CD effect is non-existent for me, and while he continues to whine about Sosua in general and pitch other locations as being better (yawn), I'll be enjoying Sosua and adjusting my gameplan as changes happen.

Seems like you had a fairly positive experience for one night even though early on it seems a bit uncertain, the best action is always after 8-9 PM in Sosua anyways and I have not seen a dip in quality at all in the last several months.[/QUOTE]Fair enough but my only experience in Sosua has been each month of summer 2014 so I've only seen the low season there. I was only in town one night this time so I can't make an overall judgement about last weekend as a whole and Saturday may have picked up a lot, I don't know.

I wonder how many guys that go are veterans with a lot of Sosua experience and how many are first or second timers who may indeed be influenced by CubaDave or other such self promoters. My thought was that the newcomers may have been turned off to Sosua by his rants and that could be one reason why this last Friday was especially slow. I figure those who've been going for years just ignore him. By the way I feel that less dudes and more hungry chicas is wonderful, LOL.

As far as the chicas go, the only difference I noticed before 8pm was a noticeable increase from my other couple of trips this summer in heavy-set girls.

[QUOTE=Lou32;1624690]Quick update from last Friday (yeah, I only stayed in town one night):

=
=-I didn't go inside Classico and this info is probably very familiar to the frequent travelers but overall I have to say that if you are fearful of less women coming to town due to the changes then your fears are NOT justified. At least for now.[/QUOTE]Great write up of a timeline as things were happening.

I was there Friday night as well and can confirm your account.

It was my first time in Sosua so I had nothing to compare to, but the number of women there was mind blowing to me.

My apologies to the board I didn't mean to cause panic. After talking with Surfer yesterday; he pointed out how my statement may have been viewed. I have been coming to the DR for 5 to 15 day for the last year and a half. I have made 8 trips to Sosua not including this weekend. So I have seen the changes. The statement I made was not "Sosua is dead" or done. I said say "the Sosua as we know it". Its for the people that come here for the weekend on a regular. Anyone who has been coming here like me may or may no see the same changes. I was just passing the info being say by reliable locals. Mr Gogo and Camero have been trying to get our heads ready for possible changes. I now see and agree with their call for preparations. If you are new you will not notice anything. I also agree with Oakie when he states there a huge conflict of interest going on. Seeing how the employees of Rumba were working with the chicas and not the police. They could clear the streets of chicas and keep them clear, however, they just do an occasional walkthrough.

As far as my trip its was live as usual within the clubs. Not so much action outside. The smaller clubs are really feeling the crunch as I observed this round. Rumba was pack as well as Classico. After one was trying to pull the after 3 am crowd and classico was promoting them. Rumba doesn't charge so its a safe place for many Haitians and Dominicans on the grind. As a result, Rumba stays open a lot longer than usual. Classico is the choice for a lot of classy chicas that think they are too proud to walk the streets. Some chicas think if you pick them up from a club its more respectable and not make them a SW. They like the fact that you have to pay to get in. It separated the classes. Some chicas play both sides of the fence. There was no know problems with anyone walking a chica back to their rooms.

[QUOTE=GrownMan1;1624942]My apologies to the board I didn't mean to cause panic. After talking with Surfer yesterday; he pointed out how my statement may have been viewed. I have been coming to the DR for 5 to 15 day for the last year and a half. I have made 8 trips to Sosua not including this weekend. So I have seen the changes. The statement I made was not "Sosua is dead" or done. I said say "the Sosua as we know it". Its for the people that come here for the weekend on a regular. Anyone who has been coming here like me may or may no see the same changes. I was just passing the info being say by reliable locals. Mr Gogo and Camero have been trying to get our heads ready for possible changes. I now see and agree with their call for preparations. If you are new you will not notice anything. I also agree with Oakie when he states there a huge conflict of interest going on. Seeing how the employees of Rumba were working with the chicas and not the police. They could clear the streets of chicas and keep them clear, however, they just do an occasional walkthrough.

As far as my trip its was live as usual within the clubs. Not so much action outside. The smaller clubs are really feeling the crunch as I observed this round. Rumba was pack as well as Classico. After one was trying to pull the after 3 am crowd and classico was promoting them. Rumba doesn't charge so its a safe place for many Haitians and Dominicans on the grind. As a result, Rumba stays open a lot longer than usual. Classico is the choice for a lot of classy chicas that think they are too proud to walk the streets. Some chicas think if you pick them up from a club its more respectable and not make them a SW. They like the fact that you have to pay to get in. It separated the classes. Some chicas play both sides of the fence. There was no know problems with anyone walking a chica back to their rooms.[/QUOTE]Good post amigo. From day 1 I've been saying learn Spanish, venture out, and make a new adventure. Some guys have done this and are enjoying the DR to its fullest. Others have based their whole travel resume on Sosua so when they hear about any changes they lose their mnds. I appreciate and disect any info that is posted here because I have resources on the ground that can verify exactly what is happening.

Someone posted recently that the bar owners were instructed to not let girls in without an escort. Those with vision can see where this is going; They eventually will crack down on freelancers walking the street and force the girls to be coupled up. This is a good thing to me because it might bring back the GFE and force girls to lock into guaranteed money over a few days. Naturally the sport fuckers will hate this because they want the option of fucking 5 girls a day.

I really think all this shit is designed to get rid of the hardcore element (guys / girls) that is now prevelant in Sosua. They are trying to gain a little respectability and not be known internationally as the sport fucking Mecca now that Brazil is in transition.

Afterward the game I went to a walk to the beach (not the public beach); on the way back to PC about a block south of the ice cream shop 4 policias nationales pull up on two bikes. After a short talk and 100 pesos later I am on my way. This was the first time I was ever shaken down in Sosua (or anywhere else in the DR for that matter, this was my 4th trip); I probably could have got away with not paying them but I wasn't going to make a stand on principle for 100 pesos.

Sosua Observations:

4) I would never do them, especially there; but there are plenty of drugs available. I'm assuming the motorbike drivers aren't Al Pacino fans when they mention Tony Montana to me.

5) Some of the places had a only accompanied ladies signs, however best I could tell this was minimally enforced; if enforced at all.

Good report sounds like you get around very good with little problems.

[QUOTE=MrGogo;1624957]Someone posted recently that the bar owners were instructed to not let girls in without an escort. Those with vision can see where this is going; They eventually will crack down on freelancers walking the street and force the girls to be coupled up. This is a good thing to me because it might bring back the GFE and force girls to lock into guaranteed money over a few days. Naturally the sport fuckers will hate this because they want the option of fucking 5 girls a day.

I really think all this shit is designed to get rid of the hardcore element (guys / girls) that is now prevelant in Sosua. They are trying to gain a little respectability and not be known internationally as the sport fucking Mecca now that Brazil is in transition.[/QUOTE]Mr. Gogo, I'm sure you remember that not too long ago, probably 4 yrs. , the girls had to be escorted into the bars / clubs. I remember girls that I didn't know running up, and grabbing my arm to walk them to Latino's, Classico's etc. , because the Policia would grab them up if they were walking alone. "The more things change, the more they remain the same". Peace.

[QUOTE=Klove48;1625000]Mr. Gogo, I'm sure you remember that not too long ago, probably 4 yrs. , the girls had to be escorted into the bars / clubs. I remember girls that I didn't know running up, and grabbing my arm to walk them to Latino's, Classico's etc. , because the Policia would grab them up if they were walking alone. "The more things change, the more they remain the same". Peace.[/QUOTE]Last weekend I've seen the sign posted on a few of bars escorted chicas only. I've also seen solo chicas walk in and out at their own leisure regardless of the sign being posted.

[QUOTE=shoestrngbgt;1624720]en route to sosua on caribe i was texting with a non-pro dr cupid. Mid 20's, taking morning hair style classes and evening english clases. Lives with her mother in puerta plata. While on the bus she wanted to meet; we ended up meeting at the caribe stop in puerta plata (i had a ticket to sosua but figured it wouldn't hurt to get off the bus a little early).

We talked on skype frequently but this is the first time meeting. Paid $150 pesos for a taxi to her sister's apartment. Her sister (fluent in english) and her friend both work in the tourist industry and share an apartment. Not long afterwards her mother arrived, enjoyed talking and hanging out with them...[/QUOTE]Nice report!

[QUOTE=Klove48;1625000]Mr. Gogo, I'm sure you remember that not too long ago, probably 4 yrs. , the girls had to be escorted into the bars / clubs. I remember girls that I didn't know running up, and grabbing my arm to walk them to Latino's, Classico's etc. , because the Policia would grab them up if they were walking alone. "The more things change, the more they remain the same". Peace.[/QUOTE]Yeah I remember. Also I remember those weren't bad days because girls were offering deals and hiding out in our rooms fucking us silly LOL.

[QUOTE=GrownMan1;1625026]Last weekend I've seen the sign posted on a few of bars escorted chicas only. I've also seen solo chicas walk in and out at their own leisure regardless of the sign being posted.[/QUOTE]All those restrictions are all nonsense. As far as I know prostitution continues and will continue to be legal. What are they going to do with the massive number of hookers the nonpros and single women that go clubbing and the bars? In the culture many women go to bars colmados discos after work to get a beer after work besides trying to hookup with locals or gringos. What are they going to do arrest them Arrest them? Also any place bar want the women inside cause that is what attract the guys in and we are the ones that sprnd the most. So then what they will do arrest them for going in without a escort? For prostitution? But it's legal. All this is going to do is give More business to pimps who will start scorting them. It's all temporary nonsense.

[QUOTE=ShoeStrngBgt;1624720]En route to Sosua on Caribe I was texting with a non-pro DR Cupid. Mid 20's, taking morning hair style classes and evening english clases. Lives with her mother in Puerta Plata. While on the bus she wanted to meet; we ended up meeting at the Caribe stop in Puerta Plata (I had a ticket to Sosua but figured it wouldn't hurt to get off the bus a little early).

We talked on Skype frequently but this is the first time meeting. Paid $150 pesos for a taxi to her sister's apartment. Her sister (fluent in english) and her friend both work in the tourist industry and share an apartment. Not long afterwards her mother arrived, enjoyed talking and hanging out with them for about 2 hours. She is just learning english so most of the conversation was in Spanish. Took in a goodbye kiss and continued on to Sosua. The apartment wasn't a terrible walk to the public taxi between Puerta Plata and Sosua (50 or 60 pesos, dirt cheap).

The taxi terminated right across from my hotel, Don Antonios. A few things I really like about the Hotel:

1) Its cheap, $38 a night.

2) Its relatively quiet, especially compared to the New Gardens of the world.

3) Its a close location to the strip.

4) Allen the bartender; however unfortunately he was on vacation during my stay.

5) Obie the manager.

Arrived around 9:00 or so, caught most of the Monday Night Football game at Rumbas. Afterwards I went to Club Meringue for a few pre-disco drinks. Went to the disco around 12:30 or so. I really didn't feel like pulling anyone (although the talent level here was the best, ration of 3-1 high quality to guys). This was the ratio on Monday, the ratio actually kept falling out of our favor as the week progressed. I didn't there on Thursday but by the looks of the line the quality was still there, but the number of guys greatly increased; I think the weekend crowd arrived.

As I wasn't looking to pull anything on Monday I did take down a few numbers from some that I thought were particularly attractive. Went to After One after the disco closed, keep in mind this was on a Monday Night. Total number of Guys - 4; normally this would be a good thing. But not including the staff that meant that there were 4 more guys than girls there. Not surprisingly the power there conveniently went out around 3:45 and they closed.

The next day I went back to Puerta Plata to hang out with english class chica for the afternoon. We went to one of those beach bars; the 4th or 5th one in from the start of the malecon (directly across we could see that statue on the island). Made in back in time for a Tuesday beach swim at Susoa Beach, had some dinner and hit the strip. Told one of the contacts from the disco the night before to meet me at the disco tonight. We did some dancing, actually a lot of dancing; and went back down to the Meringue bar for a after dance drink. Felt a good rapport with her, price was $2,500 for the night (2 sessions, night and morning).

After the morning session and a joint shower I went to open the safe and it wasn't responding. Being that the problem appeared electronic no amount of reading the instruction manual was going to help (which is just as well, as I think I locked that in the safe as well). Got dressed, thankfully Obie was down there and the reception, had the skeleton key; turns on the battery went dead. Had a ton of fun with her, wanted to meet her at the beach in the next afternoon, she agreed.

So I am back at my hotel after breakfast and a knock at the door. Who arrives? A girl from my last trip. She stayed a total of 2 days with me last trip, plus a day in Santo Domingo (even gave me a city tour on her motorbike). Apparently she saw me in the public taxi and took a guess that I would be staying at the same place. She comes in, wasn't really ready for a session but she makes the move and I couldn't help myself. She wanted to hang out later but I told her I already had plans. Percent chance I thought this would screw things up later. About the same percentage change of a naked selfie somehow ending up on the internet. After 1,100 pesos she is gone and I await heading to the beach.

11:30 arrived and I head to the beach, so naturally at 12:45 (Dominican time) she arrives; with her Sosua roomate on hand (henceforth to be referred to as the anchor). All in all it wasn't half bad, about 90 minutes or so; a few presidente grandes; some appetizers. We were at the Coral Reef bar, not a half bad place.

I had to run at 2:30 to catch a soccer match, we agreed to meet up later that night at the Disco. After the game I had to catch some afternoon sleep, had dinner and went to the Disco. I was still pretty tired and didn't plan to stay long, which was the economically feasible thing to do as she showed up with the anchor on hand. After one drink each we went back to the hotel for a night and morning session, same price ($2,500). After a joint shower we went for a New Garden breakfast together. She wants to meet again tonight (Thursday) but I said I may be too tired.

I'm off to meet my Puerta Plata gal, went directly to her house in Puerta Plata between her classes. Talked for a while, and had a fantastic session; so much better when you have known each other for a period of time beforehand. Afterwards we went to La Sirena, I took care of a $2,200 grocery shopping bill and we caught a taxi back to her place for another (and unfortunately last; for now anyway) session.

Back in Sosua I caught the Thursday night game (route) at Rumbas. My disco girl and the anchor arrived right at the end, told them I was too tired to do anything tonight. A lie, but it was still early and I didn't want to end up paying multiple rounds of drinks for the night. Afterward the game I went to a walk to the beach (not the public beach); on the way back to PC about a block south of the ice cream shop 4 policias nationales pull up on two bikes. After a short talk and 100 pesos later I am on my way. This was the first time I was ever shaken down in Sosua (or anywhere else in the DR for that matter, this was my 4th trip); I probably could have got away with not paying them but I wasn't going to make a stand on principle for 100 pesos. Went to Merengue bar and talked with Diane the bartender that has worked there since I started coming. Went across the street to Winners Circle to see what has happening, or I should say hear what's happening. Interesting place and music but no really my scene.

Afterwards (3:00) everyone was standing outside the Disco. I really wasn't feeling a session was in store, but ended up pulling a 19 yr old. Generally speaking I avoid them this young as it seems only to attach drama. There wasn't any drama but it wasn't much of a session, no real rapport; very mechanical. Had another morning session and it was the same. Paid her the $2,500 amount and went off to Santo Domingo for the remainder of the trip.

Santo Domingo report coming tomorrow.

Sosua Observations:

1) I really do not see how some of the restaurants are going to make it much longer. Not at this rate anyway, it seems like the only ones who go there are locals and they get next to nothing from the tourist crowd. This may change during weekends; I left on Friday.

2) For as much grief as the NYC crowd gets, I will say one thing in there defense. If it were not for them, at this point there would be no Sosua. Outside of the locals there were very very few people outside of this crowd that were there during the week.

3) It is so much nicer to establish a rapport with the girls before you arrive. If you want to sportf*ck it probably doesn't make much of a difference.

4) I would never do them, especially there; but there are plenty of drugs available. I'm assuming the motorbike drivers aren't Al Pacino fans when they mention Tony Montana to me.

5) Some of the places had a only accompanied ladies signs, however best I could tell this was minimally enforced; if enforced at all.

6) Not a lot of daytime activity, best bet there may be the beach. Or failing that head to a bar and find a seat; it won't take long before you attract attention.

7) I don't know how you guys can go here on multiple week excursions, I get worn out after less than a week.[/QUOTE]I enjoyed the report, with all the details. The only thing wrong is your handle. Shoe string Budget. Looks to me like you like to get around and that don't come cheap :)

Like you say, the normal restaurants are having a hard time, but after all, it's low season, hurricane season and damned hot right now. They will hang in till the crowd comes back.

I generally enjoy the NY crowd, they come for a good time and one on one they are very friendly and open. I never saw any unescorted chica signs, but maybe I just didn't notice.

I was out on the strip most days and every day saw some seriously hot young "early birds" that I would have taken if I was not busy. I can't comment on Classicos, or the beach, because I never got there, but Viagra Man "Sunshine" says it has gone upscale (VIP, bottle service crowd) since I was last there. He was trying to promote FOD, so I assume that's still happening. As for Tony Montana, I usually avoid him when I can, but on a ride back to the hotel, he had an impressive list of everything you could want.

Like you say, a week down there is a long time, but I'm always ready to go back. Coming out of that small airport on arrival is really sweet.

Excellent report from ShoeStrngBgt. I would expect nothing less from a soccer fan.

This is the sort of stuff that is helpful to newbies wondering whether to take the plunge.