Thanks Charles for the updated info. I greatly appreciate it. Was I wrong about the all white store mannequin phenom I posted about several posts back?
Take care.
Geo
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Thanks Charles for the updated info. I greatly appreciate it. Was I wrong about the all white store mannequin phenom I posted about several posts back?
Take care.
Geo
[quote=badbear2000] you do not have to worry about some ***** stabbing you or some pimp breaking in and robbing you. trust me, you will be at more ease here than anywhere in the dr. call me. go to the haiti board and read all about us. there has not been one guest that has not said he will be back. they love the girls and the service they get here.[/quote]
safety and security: u.s. citizens should exercise extreme caution and are strongly encouraged to register online prior to travel.
travel in haiti can be dangerous and all visitors are urged to exercise vigilance and caution. in some cities and towns ordinary services such as water, electricity, police protection and government services are either very limited or unavailable. while u.n. personnel from several countries have been in haiti since 2004, their presence does not guarantee absolute security for residents or visitors.
on occasion, the u.s. mission in haiti has issued security related messages warning u.s. citizens of violent or unstable conditions and has been forced to suspend service to the public or close because of security concerns these concerns have also prevented embassy personnel from traveling to or through some areas. since october 2004 embassy personnel have been prohibited from entering central port-au-prince after dark due to security concerns. the embassy has also imposed a curfew on its officers. if situations occur where the embassy must suspend operations or when officers are unable to travel freely, the embassy will continue to be available by telephone to offer emergency services to u.s. citizens.
there have been incidents of violent demonstrations, looting, transportation disruptions, resulting in several deaths in les cayes and port-au-prince. as a result, american citizens have been temporarily stranded in isolated locations and could not safely travel until calm was restored. american citizens are strongly advised to thoroughly consider the risks before traveling to haiti and to take adequate precautions to ensure their safety if traveling to haiti.
u.s. citizens in haiti should avoid all large gatherings, as crowd behavior can be unpredictable. visitors encountering roadblocks, demonstrations, or large crowds should remain calm and depart the area quickly and without confrontation. assistance from haitian officials, such as the police, is often unavailable.
crime: there are no "safe areas" in haiti. crime, a chronic problem over the years, has increased in recent years and can be subject to periodic surges sometimes not obviously explained by other events or conditions. reports of kidnapping, death threats, murders, drug-related shootouts, armed robberies, break-ins and carjackings are common. in 2008, there were 27 reported kidnappings of american citizens. many american citizens have reported that they were beaten and/or raped by their hostage takers. kidnapping remains the most critical security concern; kidnappers frequently target children.
u.s. citizens who travel to haiti should exercise extreme caution throughout the country. criminal perpetrators often operate in groups of two to four individuals, and are disposed occasionally to be confrontational and gratuitously violent. criminals sometimes will seriously injure or kill those who resist their attempts to commit crime. in robberies or home invasions, it is not uncommon for the assailants to beat or shoot the victim in order to limit the victim's ability to resist. if an armed individual demands the surrender of a vehicle or other valuables, the u.s. embassy recommends compliance without resistance. this recommendation also applies in the event of a kidnapping. visitors to haiti should exercise caution at all times and review basic personal security procedures frequently.
u.s. citizens in haiti must be particularly alert when arriving from overseas at the port-au-prince airport, as criminals have often targeted arriving passengers for later assaults and robberies. the use of public transportation, including "tap-taps" (private transportation used for commercial purposes), is not recommended. visitors to haiti should arrange for someone known to them to meet them at the airport.
certain high-crime zones in the port-au-prince area should be avoided, including croix-des-bouquets, carrefour, martissant, the port road (boulevard la saline), urban route nationale #1, the airport road (boulevard toussaint l'ouverture) and its adjoining connectors to the new ("american") road via route nationale #1 (which should also be avoided). this latter area in particular has been the scene of numerous robberies, carjackings, and murders. embassy employees are prohibited from remaining in the downtown area after dark or entering cite soleil and la saline and their surrounding environs due to significant criminal activity. neighborhoods in port-au-prince once considered relatively safe, such as the delmas road area and petionville, have been the scenes of an increasing number of violent crimes.
cameras and video cameras should only be used with the permission of the subjects; violent incidents have followed unwelcome photography. their use should be avoided altogether in high-crime areas.
holiday periods, especially christmas and carnival, often bring a significant increase in criminal activity. haiti's carnival season is marked by street celebrations in the days leading up to ash wednesday. in recent years, carnival has been accompanied by civil disturbances, altercations and severe traffic disruptions. people attending carnival events or simply caught in the resulting celebrations have been injured and killed. random stabbings ……are frequent. roving musical bands called “rah-rahs” operate during the period from new year's day through carnival. being caught in a rah-rah event may begin as an enjoyable experience, but the potential for injury and the destruction of property is high. a mob mentality can develop unexpectedly leaving people and cars engulfed and at risk.
the haitian police are understaffed, poorly equipped and unable to respond to most calls for assistance. there are continued allegations of police complicity in criminal activity.
the unsatisfactory response and enforcement capabilities of the haitian national police and the weakness of the judiciary frustrate many victims of crime in haiti.
Bobsthrobbinknob,
No offense, but this is what most State Dept reports look like for many, many countries. The beauty of this board is that real "on the ground" info can be shared.
I have been to Haiti several times and NEVER have I even been remotely threatened (yes...I'm white) nor felt unsafe. I feel safer in Port-au-Prince than I do in the DR, particularly Sosua. There's a reason its affectionately known as So-Sewer. And Rio? Without a heads up from another Brazilian, I would have been street meat one night by a small gang of teenage thugs.
Is Haiti for everyone? Probably not. Neither is Colombia, Brazil, etc, etc. It's for those who are somewhat adventureous and smart enough to hang out with BigBear whom I have met. But the reward is undoubtedly the nicest, sweetest, horniest girls you ever want to meet. Thankfully, because of its much undeserved attention, Haiti is as yet an unspoiled mongers paradise.
[quote=bobsthrobbinknob]safety and security: u.s. citizens should exercise extreme caution and are strongly encouraged to register online prior to travel.
travel in haiti can be dangerous and all visitors are urged to exercise vigilance and caution. in some cities and towns ordinary services such as water, electricity, police protection and government services are either very limited or unavailable. while u.n. personnel from several countries have been in haiti since 2004, their presence does not guarantee absolute security for residents or visitors.
on occasion, the u.s. mission in haiti has issued security related messages warning u.s. citizens of violent or unstable conditions and has been forced to suspend service to the public or close because of security concerns these concerns have also prevented embassy personnel from traveling to or through some areas. since october 2004 embassy personnel have been prohibited from entering central port-au-prince after dark due to security concerns. the embassy has also imposed a curfew on its officers. if situations occur where the embassy must suspend operations or when officers are unable to travel freely, the embassy will continue to be available by telephone to offer emergency services to u.s. citizens.
there have been incidents of violent demonstrations, looting, transportation disruptions, resulting in several deaths in les cayes and port-au-prince. as a result, american citizens have been temporarily stranded in isolated locations and could not safely travel until calm was restored. american citizens are strongly advised to thoroughly consider the risks before traveling to haiti and to take adequate precautions to ensure their safety if traveling to haiti.
u.s. citizens in haiti should avoid all large gatherings, as crowd behavior can be unpredictable. visitors encountering roadblocks, demonstrations, or large crowds should remain calm and depart the area quickly and without confrontation. assistance from haitian officials, such as the police, is often unavailable.
crime: there are no "safe areas" in haiti. crime, a chronic problem over the years, has increased in recent years and can be subject to periodic surges sometimes not obviously explained by other events or conditions. reports of kidnapping, death threats, murders, drug-related shootouts, armed robberies, break-ins and carjackings are common. in 2008, there were 27 reported kidnappings of american citizens. many american citizens have reported that they were beaten and/or raped by their hostage takers. kidnapping remains the most critical security concern; kidnappers frequently target children.
u.s. citizens who travel to haiti should exercise extreme caution throughout the country. criminal perpetrators often operate in groups of two to four individuals, and are disposed occasionally to be confrontational and gratuitously violent. criminals sometimes will seriously injure or kill those who resist their attempts to commit crime. in robberies or home invasions, it is not uncommon for the assailants to beat or shoot the victim in order to limit the victim's ability to resist. if an armed individual demands the surrender of a vehicle or other valuables, the u.s. embassy recommends compliance without resistance. this recommendation also applies in the event of a kidnapping. visitors to haiti should exercise caution at all times and review basic personal security procedures frequently.
u.s. citizens in haiti must be particularly alert when arriving from overseas at the port-au-prince airport, as criminals have often targeted arriving passengers for later assaults and robberies. the use of public transportation, including "tap-taps" (private transportation used for commercial purposes), is not recommended. visitors to haiti should arrange for someone known to them to meet them at the airport.
certain high-crime zones in the port-au-prince area should be avoided, including croix-des-bouquets, carrefour, martissant, the port road (boulevard la saline), urban route nationale #1, the airport road (boulevard toussaint l'ouverture) and its adjoining connectors to the new ("american") road via route nationale #1 (which should also be avoided). this latter area in particular has been the scene of numerous robberies, carjackings, and murders. embassy employees are prohibited from remaining in the downtown area after dark or entering cite soleil and la saline and their surrounding environs due to significant criminal activity. neighborhoods in port-au-prince once considered relatively safe, such as the delmas road area and petionville, have been the scenes of an increasing number of violent crimes.
cameras and video cameras should only be used with the permission of the subjects; violent incidents have followed unwelcome photography. their use should be avoided altogether in high-crime areas.
holiday periods, especially christmas and carnival, often bring a significant increase in criminal activity. haiti's carnival season is marked by street celebrations in the days leading up to ash wednesday. in recent years, carnival has been accompanied by civil disturbances, altercations and severe traffic disruptions. people attending carnival events or simply caught in the resulting celebrations have been injured and killed. random stabbings ……are frequent. roving musical bands called “rah-rahs” operate during the period from new year's day through carnival. being caught in a rah-rah event may begin as an enjoyable experience, but the potential for injury and the destruction of property is high. a mob mentality can develop unexpectedly leaving people and cars engulfed and at risk.
the haitian police are understaffed, poorly equipped and unable to respond to most calls for assistance. there are continued allegations of police complicity in criminal activity.
the unsatisfactory response and enforcement capabilities of the haitian national police and the weakness of the judiciary frustrate many victims of crime in haiti.[/quote]
besides the bad rap useful to justify "security fees" for international personnel and " grants" for ngos, could you please bring in the numbers? i'm referring to crime rate and police coverage
[QUOTE=BootyLover]Besides the bad rap useful to justify "security fees" for international personnel and " grants" for NGOs, could you please bring in the numbers? I'm referring to crime rate and police coverage[/QUOTE]
Statistically, the safest country in the western hemisphere is......(drum roll).....CUBA! Lots of police, very low crime rate between Cubanos and tourists.
Look, Port au Prince is no different than any other major 3rd world city. Keep your wits about you, don't act like you own the country and treat people with a smile and respect....and you'll be fine. Outside PAP its not even an issue at all. The country folk are great....no worries.
I strongly suggest that any first timer to PAP stay at Bad bears place. You'll be treated like a king, have a new friend and all the "coco" you can take :) From there on (yes, you WILL want to go back to Haiti), do whatever you want to do whether return to Haiti House or strike out on your own.
The BIGGEST impediment you will find is the language barrier, but I hear Bad Bear will be giving out language CDs to future visitors before they come to learn a little Kreyol. Yes, there are girls who speak English, but not a large percentage. Then again, how many guys speak Portuguese, or Thai, or Chinese, etc. Never stopped them from going....
[QUOTE=Ufo 2009]Hi to all,
I would like to visit RD and this would be my first time. Last year I was in Cuba and things there were too complicated for the reasons we all know.
Since I will be alone, my main concerns are about safety. From what I read it seems Sosua can be a safe destination for a solo beginners. Am I right?
Could you list the main dangers can occure during the staying there and how to prevent them?
Thanks and regards[/QUOTE]
Wow, I hope this thread doesn't become like the Medellin thread, which is now on FULL MODERATION MODE. Every other post in that section is about safety or crime.
I've been on this board for at least 2+ years and I have never seen soo many questions about "safety in Sosua" as I'm seeing now.
You guys are going to scare yourselves so much that you'll end up staying home, leaving me to have to bang all the chicas on my own. It's a daunting task, but someone's got to do it.
Actually, let's keep talking about "safety in Sosua." The less monger competiton there when I am down, the better.
Keep it up :P
BUT SERIOUSLY: If safety is of concern to you (especially if this is your first time in DR) then start off by staying at Blackbeard's in Puerto Plata. There you can get all the ass you can handle and will never have to leave the resort until it's time for you to go back to the airport.
Sosua is also not recommended if you have limited Spanish-speaking skills. I lucked up and met a guy who did all my translating for me the when I was there in March. I've gotten a lot better since getting those Pimsleur language lessons though. I use them so much that I even forgot I had Rosetta Stone installed on my computer, lol!
-SP-
[QUOTE=La Isla]Statistically, the safest country in the western hemisphere is......(drum roll).....CUBA! Lots of police, very low crime rate between Cubanos and tourists.
Look, Port au Prince is no different than any other major 3rd world city. Keep your wits about you, don't act like you own the country and treat people with a smile and respect....and you'll be fine. Outside PAP its not even an issue at all. The country folk are great....no worries.
I strongly suggest that any first timer to PAP stay at Bad bears place. You'll be treated like a king, have a new friend and all the "coco" you can take :) From there on (yes, you WILL want to go back to Haiti), do whatever you want to do whether return to Haiti House or strike out on your own.
The BIGGEST impediment you will find is the language barrier, but I hear Bad Bear will be giving out language CDs to future visitors before they come to learn a little Kreyol. Yes, there are girls who speak English, but not a large percentage. Then again, how many guys speak Portuguese, or Thai, or Chinese, etc. Never stopped them from going....[/QUOTE]I know two dudes that went to Haiti and loved it,I'd love to go to Bad Bear's place but after spending the last three years studying my ass off learning spanish I'm hard pressed to go somewhere other than spanish speaking countries. I think about my first few times to Colombia with no spanish speaking skills and I just can't bring myself to doing that shit all over again.
[QUOTE=Geolopes]Thanks Charles for the updated info. I greatly appreciate it. Was I wrong about the all white store mannequin phenom I posted about several posts back?
Take care.
Geo[/QUOTE]Dude, nobody questioned whether or not the ratio of white vs. black mannequins in the DR was disproportional to the black vs. white population. It's just a freeking ridiculous way to justify your excellent analogy of the discrimination in the DR.
By the way, I was in the mall last night here in Connecticut and didn't see a single F**KING black mannequin.
Now please enough of this stupid mannequin talk.
[QUOTE=Ufo 2009]Hi to all,
I would like to visit RD and this would be my first time. Last year I was in Cuba and things there were too complicated for the reasons we all know.
Since I will be alone, my main concerns are about safety. From what I read it seems Sosua can be a safe destination for a solo beginners. Am I right?
Could you list the main dangers can occure during the staying there and how to prevent them?
Thanks and regards[/QUOTE]Dear SP,
Thank you for your answer. Spanish is not an issue for me, I can communicate quite well with this idioma.
If I have to stay all the time in a resort then I prefer not to go.
The idea of the staying at BlackBeard for the first few days can be acceptable, but knowing myself, I know I would not stand too long. When I will be out myself which are the major risks that sometimes it is difficult to prevent? Of course it is already clear to me that is better not to wear jewellery, not to bring too much money or be out till late night, but this should be just a normal common sense. If Sousa might be bit difficult for a first timer, do you then advise other places in RD?
Everyone I know that knows you says your a cool guy, I'm planning a trip to see you real soon but I have a few problems with whats going on. You are pushing this place very hard, if its as good as you say word will spread naturally. I think its better to fly under the radar with such establishments. With that said also the kidnapping aspect bothers me. See my family is very old fashioned. The family rule is we love you but don't ask for money. A few crack head cousins fucked up the money train for the rest of us. So I would have to negoitiate my own ransom. It would go like this: I have to offer my 1972 pinto with the wood panelling, my 13inch vcr/tv combo, my 1980 mood ring, and some Delorean stock. LOL. See you soon.
[QUOTE=Ufo 2009]Dear SP,
Thank you for your answer. Spanish is not an issue for me, I can communicate quite well with this idioma.
If I have to stay all the time in a resort then I prefer not to go.
The idea of the staying at BlackBeard for the first few days can be acceptable, but knowing myself, I know I would not stand too long. When I will be out myself which are the major risks that sometimes it is difficult to prevent? Of course it is already clear to me that is better not to wear jewellery, not to bring too much money or be out till late night, but this should be just a normal common sense. If Sousa might be bit difficult for a first timer, do you then advise other places in RD?[/QUOTE]Sosua is perfect for a first timer that:
1. Speaks a decent amount of spanish.
2. Doesn't get drunk on his ass and stays out until 4 a.m.
3. Has RTFF.
[QUOTE=BadBear2000]I consider myself an expert when it comes to Haiti and the DR. My 3rd real wife was Dominican. She was a great wife until I carried her to the USA And the bitches there trained her. I met her many years ago before Big Macs, Whoppers, and Wendys made their way there. Talk about screwing some hot babes up, they did it. The roads were terrible, there was very little electricity, and you had to take showers at certain times. I now live in Haiti and I keep hearing about all you guys going to Sosua where the imported Haitian girls hang out. I have never been there but after reading these posts why do you put up with all that crap when you can come to Haiti and get everything your mind can dream of. And the police here are nothing like the Dominican police. My ex even says never trust a Dominican and she is Dominican. The Haiti House is nothing like the hotels in Sosua. You do not have to worry about some ***** stabbing you or some pimp breaking in and robbing you. Trust me, you will be at more ease here than anywhere in the DR. Call me. Go to the Haiti board and read all about us. There has not been one guest that has not said he will be back. They love the girls and the service they get here.[/QUOTE]Where is the Haitian board?
[QUOTE=SavePros321]Wow, I hope this thread doesn't become like the Medellin thread, which is now on FULL MODERATION MODE...[/QUOTE]I hope NOT.
The [b]"Dominican Republic"[/b] forum is becoming the [b]"Haiti"[/b] forum because [b]BadBear2000[/b] and his touts want to spam us with some Haiti hotel BS!!
[size=4][b]I read and post on the DR forum, because I love the DR.[/b][/size]
I love the morenas with the phat asses...
I love dancing to merengue and grinding to reggaeton in Zona Oriental...
I love drinking Presidente Lights until the sun goes down at the Boat House...
I love flirting with the teens at Boca Chica beach on a Sunday afternoon...
I love eating Clarence's southern style BBQ chicken, ribs, potato salad, and cake with my honey at my side...
I love shooting the shit with my old friends, who live and travel down there...
I love watching Licey beat AC over at Quisqueyna Stadium (dios, las mujeres)...
and most of all...
I love the freedom to go anywhere I want. From the peace and beauty of Bayahibe, to the mountains of Santiago, to the waves of Cabarete, to the nightlife of Santo Domingo... VAMANOS!!
-Helpmann :)
[QUOTE=Helpmann]I hope NOT.
The [b]"Dominican Republic"[/b] forum is becoming the [b]"Haiti"[/b] forum because [b]BadBear2000[/b] and his touts want to spam us with some Haiti hotel BS!!
[size=4][b]I read and post on the DR forum, because I love the DR.[/b][/size]
[color=blue]
I love the morenas with the phat asses...
I love dancing to merengue and grinding to reggaeton in Zona Oriental...
I love drinking Presidente Lights until the sun goes down at the Boat House...
I love flirting with the teens at Boca Chica beach on a Sunday afternoon...
I love eating Clarence's southern style BBQ chicken, ribs, potato salad, and cake with my honey at my side...
I love shooting the shit with my old friends, who live and travel down there...
I love watching Licey beat AC over at Quisqueyna Stadium (dios, las mujeres)...
and most of all...
I love the freedom to go anywhere I want. From the peace and beauty of Bayahibe, to the mountains of Santiago, to the waves of Cabarete, to the nightlife of Santo Domingo... VAMANOS!!
[/color]
-Helpmann :)[/QUOTE]
Another great post. I have always respected you and your info on the DR but could you please, please tell me where to go for some.
[QUOTE=Helpmann]I love eating Clarence's southern style BBQ chicken, ribs, potato salad, and cake with my honey at my side...[/QUOTE]
I found a spot on the autopista coming from Santiago with ribs that melt in your mouth without any BQ sauce. Is you serious? The DR got some good tatoe salad? Sweet tea and corn bread would be just too much.
[QUOTE=Bq Ribs]...could you please, please tell me where to go for some...[/QUOTE]When Clarence's operation is running, he has it all. Pulled pork and BBQ chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers, BBQ chicken, BBQ ribs, cornbread, fries, coleslaw, potato salad, corn, sweet tea, and the cake of the day. It's easily the best eating I do on the island. Unfortunately, he runs his kitchen only on Saturdays and Sundays out of the Boat House at Boca Chica Beach. I hear that he might move the operation to Calle Duarte, so that he can cook 7 days a week, but I don't believe that has happened yet. Days of operation have been very inconsistent this year, but the last update I received, 2-weeks ago, was that he was up and running. I'll PM you his phone number, so that you can check in advance.
His food makes the trip, but when he's unexpectedly closed on a Sunday, it's disastrous for my lady and I. She loves his costillas and ensalada de papa.
-Helpmann :)