San Salvador

[QUOTE=Lorenzo]There's not much else to do in San Salvador but monger (although those who live there may differ), but you can find nice inexpensive meals, and there are a few US-style shopping malls around with theater multiplexes, so you can fill up your time.[/QUOTE]Well, maybe that sheds some light on the matter.

If you think that "something to do" in a Latin country is to go to a US-style small and see a movie, no wonder so many places strike you as being "shitholes."

As for me, absolutely the last thing I want to do when traveling is the exact same thing that I can do at home on any given Sunday. I don't want to travel thousands of miles to go to a Borders or McDonald's.[QUOTE=Prolijo]Seeing the more worthwhile sights of El Salvador will require you to get out of the city (even if just for the day) and that will eat into your mongering.[/QUOTE]Prolijo makes it clear that he loves to get out of the city and see the country side. From his other posts it is clear that he is very much a back-packer/outdoorsy kind of guy. That's cool. I like a little bit of that sort of thing too.

But I guess I take the path less followed. Because whenever two or more are gathered together, I've got plenty to do to keep me happy.

I travel to meet the people. I love to stroll into a shop, any kind of shop, and make conversation with the owners and employees. I want to fnd out about their lives, their interests, and their views on politics, the United States, and the world in general.

I will stop in a market looking for an obscure item so that I can see how many local shoppers come to my aid to interpret my pissant Spanish and give advice to help out this poor gringo. A hell of a lot more than would do the same in the States, that's for sure.

I will wander into a dive in a barrio where no gringo is reputed to have ever come out alive. Just to order a beer and start singing along to the jukebox in words I don't even fully understand.

The people get a kick out of seeing a gringo who appreciates their music and their culture.

Many laugh at me, but some laugh with me, and I seem to make friends easily in these kinds of places. Not to mention, so far I have walked out of every single one of them alive.

I can often find someone in a park or a cafe or even just on the street and easily kill an hour or two just getting into their head.

The whole time like to pretend that I am an ambassador-at-large in the service of my country, out to win the hearts and minds of the people of the world.

One of my favorite memories came when I stopped in a hole-in-the-wall cafe on the way to 747 and ChaChaCha in San Jose. It was definitely the kind of neighborhood and establishment that would register as a total "shithole" in Lorenzo's book.

But I found a sweet woman treating her family to lunch since it was the youngest ones birthday. I visited with Mom and her five children for over an hour. I got to know all their names and ages, what grade they were in school, their favorite games, and the name of ther pet dog.

When I saw they didn't have a birthday cake, I asked the waitress to bring a piece of cake for everyone and we sang happy birthday to the little boy. Then I sang it to him in English.

I enjoyed myself thoroughly. And I hope that for as long as they live these children will carry the memory that Americans can be pretty nice people.

Admittedly, it is not the same experience as going to a US-style mall to kill time at a movie, let alone hanging out with the all "beautiful people" down in Rio.

But I find it all rather romantic.

This is how I like to have fun whenever I venture into a Latin "shithole."

DB

Dodger Bulldog,

I'm not going to get into a flame war with you, even though this seems to be what you are looking for when you pick apart my posts, first in the CR thread and now here. You may be interested to know that I did all of the things you write about in your post over 40 years ago when I first started traveling. It may also surprise you to know that I spent 2 years as a Peace Corps Volunteer and spent more time meeting people, strolling through shops, sitting in cafes, listening to indigenous music, learning their language, visiting their homes, and yes, fucking their women than you will ever hope to do. I also helped a lot of them to, including some who later achieved positions of prominence in their own governments, and there is no inkling of your ever having done anything remotely like that. All you seem to be able to do is photograph babes wearing your Dodger shirt, thus marking her as your possession, if only temporarily, like a tomcat spraying. So now that I am older and choose to spend my time differently when I travel, who the fuck are you to find fault with me? You travel your way and I'll travel mine.

For the record, I have only referred to two places as shitholes, at least in recent posts, San Jose and Nicaragua although in the latter case I really meant Managua. So I have hardly found "so many places" to be shitholes. And let me define "shithole": a place that is ugly and without any redeeming aesthetic value, and is dangerous to boot. So you don't need to distort or exaggerate what I say. In the future, why don't you just ignore my posts and mind your own business, and get back to what this forum was intended for, sharing information about finding women for sex. When it comes to that, I think my posts are as good or better than most posters on this forum.

Lorenzo

Why don't we let that be the last word on Lorenzo's style of travel as this tit-for-tat is going nowhere. I'll just say a couple of things and this is no reflection on Lorenzo personally.

First of all, I agree that Managua is real shithole, big parts of it are vacant land so it is spread out and hard to get around and their
'great' cathedral is an ugly monstrosity that looks like a nuclear reactor. SJ is another story. Lots of first time visitors to a 3rd world city call it a shithole and in some ways it is, but I'm surprised that someone that has been around to as many places as Lorenzo has, including SPS (which I'd rate as the 2nd shithole in CA after MGA) would too. While there is much about SJ that is ugly or dangerous, it is no more dangerous or ugly than most modern 3rd world cities including San Salvador. Like SJ, you probably don't want to walk anywhere very far in Sal Sal at night. And like San Salvador, SJ has some nice little parks and squares, nicer quiet little neighborhoods with manicured trees and lawns and a smattering of interesting looking historic buildings in the downtown area. Are either of these places the prettiest or safest places one could spend one's time in either of these countries? No, and thats why most normal tourists travel there to get out in the countryside. However, we're not completely normal. We're mongers. And the best or certainly the most mongering is normally in the cities not in the little towns. So that is what we're stuck with. You can call them ALL shitholes if you want but its all relative and I think Lorenzo is giving SJ a bad rap here. But this is a better subject for the CR section.

My second comment is that, without getting into a pissing contest as to who has done it more, I agree completely with BOTH Lorenzo and DB about getting out and meeting the people. That is a big part of why I like taking buses to travel around CA rather than flying around. Its not all about saving money, though that is nice too. Its about having more chances of meeting the regular people. And back on the subject of San Salvador which is the main concern of this thread (you knew I was going to bring it back on topic eventually, didn't you?) the people and not the sights in or out of the city are the real highlight of San Salvador and ES. Maybe it is because there are so few gringos in their country to make them jaded or to build a negative impression of us, but the Salvadoreans in general are the nicest and friendliest people you will meet in CA.

It is all the little things. Stopping into a tienda to buy a drink and asking the clerk where I could find a good pupuseria and then being offered a ride there by a fellow patron. Offering to snap a group picture for a family at a lake and then being asked to join them for lunch. Being called over by a couple of students to join them for a few beers and to practice their english and then their refusing to let you pay for any of it. Small pickups stopping to offer you a ride as you walk along some back road with you're so much as sticking out a finger and then when they let you off often refusing any offer of gas money. Asking a couple of older women on a street corner where to go to find the bus to the Terminal Oeste and then being guided ther by one of the women that was going the same way. In SJ and most other cities in CA, it is often more about what the locals can get out of each gringo they meet. In ES, they usually seem to just want to be friendly and helpful. They appreciate the fact that you take an interest in their country and are willing to come there. And they like to get to know you as you get to know them.

[QUOTE=Lorenzo] All you seem to be able to do is photograph babes wearing your Dodger shirt, thus marking her as your possession, if only temporarily, like a tomcat spraying.[/QUOTE]I like DB's photos ! Definitely makes the forum worthwhile.

keep on spraying, you TomCat you !

I agree with Dodger Bulldog & Prolijo -

When I go to a foreign land, I like to experience how the real people eat, drink and live. May not agree with their tastes, but I see their point of view is.

Isn't that why we travel?

(OK, well to monger, too)

I guess I'm more of an adventurer. I like to mix with the locals. Do what they do, eat what they eat (with exceptions). But, of course, it has to be SAFE. If the common local activity is "getting jacked" or grazing your cattle in a field strewn with landmines, I aint down with that. There are limits to my adventuring.

Interesting thoughts. I am in SS now for the 8th time this year. The sights and sounds are lackluster, but the people are the bright spot of my trip.

I have been to many of those Central American places that were mentioned. SS is probably the best one; especially for mongering. So, if individuals want to stay away, that I fine with me. Now, I am off to KF.


[QUOTE=Prolijo]
My second comment is that, without getting into a pissing contest as to who has done it more, I agree completely with BOTH Lorenzo and DB about getting out and meeting the people. That is a big part of why I like taking buses to travel around CA rather than flying around. Its not all about saving money, though that is nice too. Its about having more chances of meeting the regular people. And back on the subject of San Salvador which is the main concern of this thread (you knew I was going to bring it back on topic eventually, didn't you?) the people and not the sights in or out of the city are the real highlight of San Salvador and ES. Maybe it is because there are so few gringos in their country to make them jaded or to build a negative impression of us, but the Salvadoreans in general are the nicest and friendliest people you will meet in CA.

It is all the little things. Stopping into a tienda to buy a drink and asking the clerk where I could find a good pupuseria and then being offered a ride there by a fellow patron. Offering to snap a group picture for a family at a lake and then being asked to join them for lunch. Being called over by a couple of students to join them for a few beers and to practice their english and then their refusing to let you pay for any of it. Small pickups stopping to offer you a ride as you walk along some back road with you're so much as sticking out a finger and then when they let you off often refusing any offer of gas money. Asking a couple of older women on a street corner where to go to find the bus to the Terminal Oeste and then being guided ther by one of the women that was going the same way. In SJ and most other cities in CA, it is often more about what the locals can get out of each gringo they meet. In ES, they usually seem to just want to be friendly and helpful. They appreciate the fact that you take an interest in their country and are willing to come there. And they like to get to know you as you get to know them.[/QUOTE]

I have been reading the reports. but I could not find any info on mongering places near the Real intercontinental. Is there any mongering activites within walking distance.

Help greatly appreciated.

[QUOTE=Lorenzo]I'm not going to get into a flame war with you... All you seem to be able to do is photograph babes wearing your Dodger shirt, thus marking her as your possession, if only temporarily, like a tomcat spraying. [/QUOTE]You said you don't want to flame, then you launch a personal attack. "Let's each travel or own way"
sounded noble for a moment, but it sure fell by the wayside pretty quickly, didn't it?

Your actions speak louder than your words.

You picked out a few fun photos (that both the guys and the chicas seem to like) and claim that is
"All you seem to be able to do."

How oddly out of context considering that the very post you were responding to said not one word
about mongering, but rather was devoted to ways to get to know and appreciate the local folk.

But I guess you haven't bothered to read my other 400+ posts. I will stand on my body of work.

I did not try to twist your work. I simply put a spotlight on your words by
quoting you verbatim. And I explained why I disagreed with you:[QUOTE=Lorenzo]there are a few US-style shopping malls around with theater multiplexes, so you can fill up your time.[/QUOTE]There are certainly some who are looking for that link to American culture to feel more comfortable,
and that is fine for them. You are capable of giving them some good advice.

[QUOTE=Lorenzo]You travel your way and I'll travel mine.[/QUOTE]I can accept this. I wish you could.

You are the one who has to pump yourself up by claiming to be a "connoisseur" and stating
that anyone who disagrees with you is "laughable" and an "amateur."

You write comments about how you "roll your eyes" at other people's posts, all the while claiming
that "easily 95%" of the people agree with you. If one was to count the posts that actually do
agree, I think you will be sorely disabused of that notion.

It is sad, really, because you do have value to offer, especially for a certain type of monger.

I suspect that you are probably even a decent guy in the flesh, but your on-line persona is really
over the top.

Speaking of a need to compensate, I wonder how you are so certain that I anything I have done
you MUST have done better: [QUOTE=Lorenzo]I spent 2 years as a Peace Corps Volunteer and spent more time meeting people, strolling through shops, sitting in cafes, listening to indigenous music, learning their language, visiting their homes, and yes, fucking their women than you will ever hope to do. [/QUOTE]Does that not define arrogance and condescension?

Lorenzo, if you would chill and just file your posts without pretending to be the absolute authority,
and refrain from putting down people and places, I would never have a reason to respond to you.

But as long as you are going to portray that your opinions are the one and only acceptable answer
on any given topic, I will continue to provide some balance. The new readers deserve to hear both
sides so that they can make up their own minds.

Oh, and if all this bothers you so much, please feel free to put me on your ignore list. Deal?

DB

[QUOTE=Pepe27]I have been reading the reports. but I could not find any info on mongering places near the Real intercontinental. Is there any mongering activites within walking distance.

Help greatly appreciated.[/QUOTE]
KF is a 10 minute taxi ride from the Real Intercontinental, but it would be a long walk.

[QUOTE=Dodger Bulldog]You are the one who has to pump yourself up by claiming to be a "connoisseur" and stating
that anyone who disagrees with you is "laughable" and an "amateur." [/QUOTE]
Once again you are demonstrating, as you did in the CR threads, that you don't understand remarks made tongue-in-cheek that are intended to bring a bit of levity to this forum. Prolijo understands when I'm just being a smartass; too bad my humor is too subtle for you. :( So I'm going to go out of my way to do something special, just to accommodate you; whenever I make a comment that's intended to be in jest, I'm going to annotate it with a footnote explaining it, just to make sure you get it. See what a nice guy I am beneath all the bombast? ;)

L

Okay, I finally get it.

What you say is tongue-in-cheek, just a joke, not even true. In other words, all a bunch of b.s.

Of course, I believed that from the start, so I am glad that we have finally come together in agreement on it.

I guess I missed out on all the levity not because it was subtle, but rather because it was so over the top.

I'm glad that it brought you some chuckles, but if that is your idea of comedy you may want to keep your day job.

Anyway, I am glad that we see eye to eye on this now. And we also agree that the chicas in San Salvador are great.

So to get back to that topic, here is a photo of one who found at Bird's Nest.

DB

Dodge

You are absolutely cracking-me-up! I loved your comment ......

"I will stand on my body of work."

Oh ... please ... !!!!!

I love you buddy. If they only knew what a true and decorated hound you are. I once again bow to the Master.

love ya, bro

TGAM-nog

"I have been reading the reports. but I could not find any info on mongering places near the Real intercontinental. Is there any mongering activites within walking distance."

3 minute walk behind the Inter Continental is Cocktail & Dreams.

Cut thru the parking lot, and guard will open the gate. You can be there in 1 minute.

Also, directly behind the hotel, is a string restaurant and bars...There is one with chicas and rooms. It's called Kareokee Bar...or something similar.

Also Okoles is 3 minutes behind the Hotel.

These have all been mentioned many many times in posts on this board.
You haven't been reading enough posts.

Eric7,

Thanks I have been reading the reports but I guess I did not go back far enough.

Thanks for the info.

[QUOTE=Pepe27]I have been reading the reports. but I could not find any info on mongering places near the Real intercontinental. Is there any mongering activites within walking distance.

Help greatly appreciated.[/QUOTE]
Sorry, I forgot about Okole's in my previous answer to your question. It is right behind the Real Intercontinental, posing as a barber shop. I can't recommend it though; most of the girls are low quality. Better save your money and spend some of it on a taxi ride to KF. Prices at Okole's are the same as KF.