I'm not paranoid. I just thinm they are out to get me! :
[QUOTE=CharlesPooter;2332221]If you are that apprehensive, you would be better not to travel, because you will not enjoy your trip if you are constantly bugged by paranoia and you will just bore and irritate anyone in your company.
I am nearly 80. I never could fight and I can no longer run. I walk alone round most of Puerto Plata by day and night (though not past midnight) in tourist areas and also areas where tourists are never seen, and I have never been or felt threatened. However, I do not get drunk, nor do I mouth off deliberately loudly about how I come from a superior race or society to the locals. If you do either of those things, all bets are off.
The deaths you have read about have nothing to do with your situation. They may be suicide pacts, natural causes, domestic disputes or blackmail scams, but they are not random attacks on single male mongers. In fact I cannot remember such a case in the eleven years I have lived here, although my memory is admittedly not what it was.[/QUOTE]LOL.
I'm really not that worried, CP. Just wanted to double check in case I missed some nuance of appropriate tourist behavior. I also don't get drunk, and I'm a generally friendly type. Plus I'm aware of the culture there that generally says "Don't be a rich asshole".
Having said all that, I am still taking certain precautions I normally wouldn't do when travelling outside the US. I'll use a laptop lock, and store my laptop out of sight when not in my room. I have a throw down wallet I don't mind giving up in case I do get my ass somewhere it shouldn't be and find myself looking at the wrong end of a weapon. I'll acquire and use small bills, won't wear expensive jewelry or watches, and I'm working on my Spanish every day. Thank you, Duolingo! I'm planning on bringing a decent camera, but it's pocket sized so I won't be lugging a camera case or bag around.
Should be a great experience. I'm not going to let the usual media hype freak me out. But I will check in with this group to ensure I am properly calibrated when unusual events do happen. So all of your replies are very much appreciated.
I'm not going to try to be an armchair investigator.
[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2332602]No idea, but they did sue the place. They also went home earlier than they were supposed to because of the sickness. Here is the video.
[URL]https://m.worldstarhiphop.com/android/video.php?v=wshh74SHEG5ES6z93C5l[/URL].[/QUOTE]We can listen to whatever news reports come our way, but I expect no one on this board will really know what all the facts are and what news stories are more speculation than truth. Also, based on my understanding of the DR, I don't expect any official from DR's LE or Government to actually "admit" to wrong doing by the local company or DR citizens. That doesn't mean "locals" are culpable, it just means if they are, someone else will need to prove it.
Bottom line for me, I'm going in July and I expect to fuck my brains out, multiple times. I'll not take stupid risks and I will take reasonable precautions. Just like when I travel anywhere. I've been to 29 countries and the worst experiences I've had were seeing my ATM card stolen in Tijuana, and literally running away from Russian mobsters at a London strip club in Piccadilly Circle, jumping into a taxi and seeing a cricket bat hit the back window as we drove away (but that's a story for another board).
"Gardening" Trends in the DR and BB.
I was just looking through some of the pics in the BB board (so nice to be a subscriber!) and find myself wondering what the local custom is, especially with the Chicas who frequent BB, with "hedge trimming" and "Southern Maintenance."
Should I expect to see some fairly high brush, modestly mowed lawns, or bare landscapes? Obviously there will be variation from Chica to Chica, but what's the general trend, please?
Thanks as always for any insights.
Just got the latest BB newsletter.
I hope the Chicas pictured will still be there when I arrive next month.
I also hope I can avoid drinking any tainted booze, breathing any poisoned air, and getting salmonella from local food while I'm there!
My friends who know I'm going to DR are starting to suggest I should cancel. The majority of news reports talk about deaths in SD or parts east of there. But the latest was a guy in Sosua.
Thoughts?