www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Jamac, are you going to encourage him to buy some crack next?

Seriously, nonone is giving him a hard time- it is about education. Also, if you read some of the posts of members who are providing warnings, these (myself included) are not wallflowers who stick to the DR! I love Calle 6, have been known to walk around some areas at night that might be risky, but WITH a wingrman, NOT totally phucked up, and thinking through my options. Of course, risk is part of the game, and if part of what gets you off is the risk, then by all means, GO FOR IT! Just be clear about the nature of the risk, which I think is what some of us have been trying to get across.

What was that cop show that ended "Now be safe out there"...

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I said hey baby, take a walk on the wild side.
Lou Reed

I just got back from Mde. and spent almost all my time exploring the city with various chicas from the mansion. I never felt that i was in any danger down there.During the day we explored places they wanted to show me but at night i picked the places that i wanted to visit (like Mangos) so i wouldn't be taken to some place way off the beaten path.I blend in very well(actually most people thought i was a local)so that helps some in not drawing attetion to myself.I would have to agree that drinking to excess out of the country is a recipe for disaster unless you have a couple wingmen that have your back.Be safe out there hombres and show respect at all times!(if you get drunk and disrespectful expect trouble)!

Sgt. Esterhaus: "Let's be careful out there".
Hill Street Blues

The Friday night before Memorial Day I made my first trip back to San Jose in a couple years. I walked into the Del Rey and ordered a beer. While I waited for my change an attractive young lady told me she and her friend (who had just left for the bano) had just dropped in to see what all the talk about the Del Rey was about (she mentioned this twice).

She said they were on their way to a disco in Escazu. Now I've been around the block a couple times but I have to admit for a second or two I almost considered going with them but since I was sober and had just hit town I thought better of it.

It was only later that I even considered all the other negative possibilities that this might have entailed. Someone who is new to town, has had a few drinks and is not "street savvy" could have easily been tempted. Hell, even I was tempted.

Wit

Bingo! Thanks for the reminder.

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I said hey baby, take a walk on the wild side.
Lou Reed

I started to ignore and not respond to MrLasVegas' post and probably will wish I had not responded; BUT

Yes I live here, and once again as I have said, if you had read, "I refuse to live in fear" But I also, contrary to what many who know me think, I do not do stupid things and I do recommend that the infrequent visitor not do many of the things I do. I have been in many "discussions" here about the relative safety here, what things are or not worth the risk, and who should or should not do certain things. Based on what I know and or think to be the case, this Army guy does not know San Jose, does not speak espanol, did not know where the chicas were taking him other than to a "Tico Disco" and was probably too drunk to defend himself even if he were a 'green beret'. In defense of San Jose, I would consider what he did to be stupid even in most cities in the states.

As for living in "almost fear mode", you obviously do not know me. I walk 15 +kms everyday mostly in rather shady areas of SJ looking for out of the way MPs (Iwalk alone most of the time). I ride buses all over CR and Central America, and I have spent many hours walking in 15 de Setiembre de Hatillo. Anytime you wish, I will be glad for you to join me for a walk in 15 de setiembre. But once in the Barrio, do not expect to find a cop--they do not enter the area unless there are 6+ of them together. And do not expect to find a red taxi-they only go in to drop off and will not pick up. A real nice barrio if you want drugs or und***ge hookers. I spent a lot of time there because an ex novia lives there. Or even better, you can join me on a trip to one of the Colombia MPs close to the Coka Cola bus stop where ColombiOs will be glad to take care of your valuables while you are there.

This whole thread is not about living in fear or not doing things to experience the real Costa Rica. It is about NOT doing stupid things here, or anywhere, that you might live (or not live) to regret. And with the high rate of crime against drunk, non thinking, unknowing gringos by street people, hookers, taxistas, and, yes, even police; taking off in a taxi to an unknown location late at night, drunk and with 2 hookers is, as I said ludicrous.

ALL we are saying is, as the title says: THINK GENTLEMEN

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Old and retired but still bang, and bang, and bang!!!

Another way to look at this is, most of us are a lot wiser than we were in our 20's. (in some ways we're probably less). But it's that stupid stuff we do that defines us, and frankly while you can give him your wisdom, you can't stop him from doing stupid shit.

Hell, I like ti still do stupid shit sometimes.

You cannot teach stupid!

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Hit them fast, Hit them hard and NEXT!
A good chica is like a good carpenter - No wood gets wasted!!!

Guys,

Keep something in mind. Not only do we each have different levels of risk that we are willing to take, we also have very different physical attributes and training. A lot of times we dispense advice with the natural (but often incorrect) implicit belief that people are like us and can handle themselves as well (or as poorly) as us.

I've met MrLasVegas. He is 6'+ (I'm 6'4" and I think he is taller that me), in his 30's (40's MAYBE, but doesn't look it), speaks decent Spanish, has traveled and lived in multiple 3rd World countries, looks to be in ok shape, and is a former LEO. His perception of danger, and ability to handle it is probably VASTLY different than someone who is 60+ years old, out of shape, monolingual, and/or inexperienced with walking in the seedier areas of the world. While he can still be robbed, often common sense would tell a tico criminal to go after a better target if one is available. Something that may be relatively safe for him, may not be safe for someone else.

Beyond that, there are a ton of other characteristics a poster may have that may increase or decrease one's risk of attack that are simply too numorous to post every time said poster gives advice/commentary on personal security in SJO. Some are so basic, we don't even think about them. I've found this out myself when I speak of how relatively safe or dangerous a certain country/city/neighborhood is. Only when I put myself in the shoes of the specific person can I begin to see some of the challenges they may face that I wouldn't. Even then, we can never have a complete view.

Very well said. Although I would like to add that I still agree with Pac's initial thoughts. To each his own, but if you are new in town you shouldn't make it a habit to get wasted then go off on your own.


Cujo

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"Pain is the fuel that fans the flames of my pyre. A battle plan is only as good as the general carrying it out on the field. This is my war son, and I have the biggest bombs and the smallest conscience"...

I used the word "some" as it was intended. Not for all people. And not meant to offend anyone.Thanks for the compliments, Dante. With you as a wingman we make a pretty fearsome pair

I would never recommend anyone do what they were not comfortable with. You need to use reasonable caution anywhere in the world.No one is immune to hazards. I know of a cop from Denver that was robbed outside NY Bar.Even got his shield stolen.
However, that should not keep you from interacting with the general public. Bang Bang seems to be an especially good ambassador. I am more speaking to both members of this board and others who go on to no end about all the hazards of CR. So they live in CR not speaking a word of espanol, and deathly afraid of the locals. I think this is much more a Jaco thing than San Jose, but there are many expats in fear mode, monger and non-monger.Really a tough way to live. But it is synonomous with the US. Americans in Jakarta were deathly afraid of Indonesians and would not take cabs at night.Also never went to the night markets, afraid of the locals.Same in Taiwan.In Tijuana gringo locals fear the deported cholos.

All in all , make sure you use caution but never turn down great opportunities.JMHO.

After rereading ALL the posts on this thread, I think we are ALL, for the most part, trying to say the same things, just in different ways and from each individual perspective.

Many, in their desire to make others aware of potential dangers here, end up making San Jose look like the most dangerous place in the world. IT IS NOT

Many who live here or visit frequently do seem to be living in 'fear mode'. I am continuely amazed at guys who live here and will not even walk from SL to DR or ZB to DR in the day time. HOW CAN ANYONE ENJOY LIFE WHEN IN THAT MUCH FEAR???

Even more amazing is the infrequent visiting monger who comes here seemingly oblivious to the potentual dangers. ANY WHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE THERE IS PROSTITUTION, THERE IS CRIME AND DRUGS. It takes money to monger and money attracts the scammers, theives, muggers, drug dealers, and low lifes.

I personally do not concider San Jose any more dangerous than a lot of places in the US and the world. If you look at the circumstances surrounding crimes involving gringos, 90% involve a gringo doing something stupid. DRUNK, ALONE, LATE AT NIGHT, DRESSED TO STAND OUT, LOUD AND ARROGANT OR OBNOCIOUS, FLASHING AND CARING TOO MUCH MONEY, NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO HIS SURROUNDINGS, AND OR IN AREAS KNOWN TO BE DANGEROUS.
Any one or combination of these things is an invitation to trouble here OR ANY OTHER CITY TODAY!!! And this is, I THINK, what we are trying to say here.

THINK BEFORE YOU LEAP

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Old and retired but still bang, and bang, and bang!!!

Good summation, BangBang. I don't intend to say that people should not do what they want due to fear of consequences. Instead, I suggest that a few simple steps can go a long way toward minimizing those risks and reducing any unnecessary fear.

I worked for years with some of the most highly trained warriors in the world. None of them would ever consider going into a potentially hot situation unaware or unprepared.

I also agree that going unprepared, drunk and unaware can provide some excellent stories for those who survive to tell them. Darwin takes care of the rest.

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"Your love gives me such a thrill
but your love don't pay my bills,
I NEED THE MONEY!" - John Lee Hooker

Disclaimer: The above is merely the opinion of the author unless specific scientific data is included.
Your mileage may vary. https://costaricaticas.com/phpBB2/viewto ... 978#206978

"DARWIN TAKES CARE OF THE REST." Love that line and is so true.

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Old and retired but still bang, and bang, and bang!!!

American Idle, Dancing with the stars and Deadliest Catch just ended. Thankfully we have Ice Road Truckers starting. World Series of Poker too.

I like Calle 6 in the afternoon. Most trips, I am usually with my Sandwich or explore solo. Last wingman was FL and that was a good time.

P.V.

Elroy

I have also mongered in the navy in asia, middel eats, north africa and australia. I have mongered while working in central and south america. All the rules above need to be followed but I have to say......getting phucked up in Asia is much much different than in this hemisphere. IMHO...............you are much more at risk in this hemisphere.........I am not sure why......life is cheap most areas outside of urban areas in the 3rd world but I have seen much more shit happen in the Americas than I ever saw in rural areas in Asia, Middle East or North Africa. And I'm not talking about back in the day I retired fm Navy in '99 and continue today as contractor supporting all the services globally. Never leave your wingman unless already at the hotel. Never act like an ass cuz if it doesn't piss off the HN's, it will piss off other mongerers. Get the deal done before the act and when she strays off course...drop back, punt, regroup and negotiate with the next chica or honey ko. Military or not......a couple locals who do this for a living or are whacked out of thier gourds will take you down. I have seen SEALs, Recon, and civilian contractors skilled in military arts take in the cujo when they were drunk, alone, talking smack, or smacking a girl around.

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When I was young I confused love and lust. Now that I am older and wiser I find it more fun to just love lust.
http://m.pimpmyspace.org/07/4/10/95266a.gif