www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I've done all of that and it does help. I'm looking for more information and will await I Drifter information. Sorry if I came off a little on the concern side. I need this vacation.
Thanks
Bobshere

Perhaps you should PM him and see if he can talk you down. Not to worry, you will have fun in SJO. I for one look forward to your trip report which will no doubt have a little less stress factor and way more relief.

Pura Vida, Amigo

Elroy , Relax brother ID is good for information and this board. He is on the scene and not far away or giving bad advice. I find he is more on the money than you speculators far from the scene. Relax and enjoy and listen he is a smart man. Sometimes we all come across with an answer you do not expect but sit back and think about what he says and you will see he tells the truth. If he is wrong it is by accident and not on purpose. He is good for the board. I am a pilot and I am telling you so. I do not misslead my passengers. My dad retired as a pilot and I will not disrespect you i am trying to help. Enjoy your life for it is short.

10AUG08

Hello All,

I am new to CRT and this is my first post. I have not been to SJO since joining CRT last APR but I occasionally watch the various on-line CR news services and follow what the CRT members report from time to time to try to be efficient with my time the next time I'm in SJO.

I know I'm lagging behind the power curve on this but I just saw that one José Pablo Ramírez Vindas of the AM Costa Rica on-line news service reported something about "all" of the Barrio Amón (Gulch) MPs being raided Fri, 25JUL08. (I have taken virtual tours of the exteriors of these, ahem, landmarks and have seen them on googleearth.) The list of MPs affected seems to include CRT member favorites such as Musas, New Fantasy, and ZB.

I had been planning a trip for NOV but I have some concerns in light of these recent developments. I welcome the advice of experienced CRT members "on the ground" re the following:

Who are the real targets of these sweeps? More importantly, WHAT HAPPENS TO THE "PATRONS" if they happen to be "swept"?

What should one do if one is "swept"? Can one "buy" their way out of such a situation; if so, what is the best way to go about it?

Will these establishments re-open any time soon? What happens to the "employees"? Do events like this drive up prices in the "services" sector? (Is everything likely to be CIéN now?) Are there alternative establishments to which "The Trade" has been displaced?

Mr. Ramírez-Vindas and his paper whiff of being on a crusade to eradicate "The Trade". Is this likely to happen? Additionally, what is the view of the "civilian" populace toward "The Trade"?

Regarding the "demand" side of the equation, would I be correct in assuming that tourism in general is down in SJO (not to mention the Gulch)? What is the general "bid" price these days?

Am I being too paranoid?

I would appreciate your views if you can spare the time.

TNX!

Famous last words, "Pero señor policía, I thought there was still freedom of F***ING in this country..."

Do some reading all your questions have been asked and answered.Yes a litttle paranoid.

Only time will tell it's still to early to analyze to effects of the MP shut down and guys come in to town.

_________________
Living Life To the Fullest {Pura Vida}

DR/KL rockin' last night. Lots of chicas suerte! Muchas gringos.

6-8 ZB girls at DR Sat. afternoon but the place was pretty quiet.

A couple amigas who have been cryin' poor lately just bought new shoes and got their hair done!

As long as you have your immigration paperwork in order (photocopy of your passport information page and entry stamp current within the last 90 days) the police will have absolutely no interest in you.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Keep in mind that these big busts are for building code and licensing violations, not for the anything related to sex (though it's obviously why the busts are being made in the first place). If you have your passport with recent entry stamp or copies of the photo page and entry stamp page, you won't be hassled. If you ARE hassled, bribes work as well as they always do.

There are still plenty of other places open, though without a guide of some sort you might never find them. But there's plenty going on to have fun, so relax.

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"The only normal people are those you don't know very well." Joe Ancis