www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Hello Morbidchicken (helluva handle there, buddy.... LOL)

Aside from hotel recommendations, let me add my dos colones' worth. Understand this: Not only am I fat and middle-aged, but I am also blind. Really. White cane and all. Do I feel safe in San Jose? 99% of the time, yes, but you need to be aware that there are dangers.

Much has been written here about security, but I think I can distill it down to a few points:

1. Like many urban centers in developing countries, crime seems to be increasing. Five years ago it was pickpockets, purse snatchers and the odd smash-and-grab, but very little violence. Then, things began to change. A number of veteran travelers were robbed; in some cases, guns were involved, in another, a choke hold that nearly destroyed a brother's larynx. A couple were knock-downs, with numerous witnesses present, none of whom chose to get involved. Therefore, you need to exercise big-city street smarts at all times.
a.) Be aware of your surroundings.
b.) Stay more or less sober. Drunks make easy targets.
c.) Avoid areas where violence has been reported.

2. At night, take metered, licensed taxis. You can tell which ones are "legal," because they are painted red, have a dome sign on the roof, and most importantly display a yellow triangle decal showing the cab's license number. If you must walk around at night, do so with a group of wingmen. Do not on your first trip venture out into the darkness alone.

3. Never (underline "never") wear flashy jewelry, an expensive watch or designer sunglasses. Don't carry more cash than you'll need for your evening out, usually under $20.00 for drinks, food and taxis. Keep the chica's salary locked in your in-room safe until the end of the session when you pay her.

4. Familiarize yourself with the layout of Gringo Gulch (the downtown area where 75% of the prostitution-oriented businesses are located). The V.I.P. members map will be a huge help here.

5. Do not carry your original passport. An agreement reached between the U.S. and Costa Rican governments allows you to carry a photocopy of your passport I.D. page and entry stamp. Back this up with the boarding pass stub from your flight into C.R. If the police demand the original passport, politely inform them that the original passport is safely locked away at your hotel and invite them to accompany you to your hotel so you can produce the official document. A U.S. passport is worth hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars on the black market and is in fact, the most valuable thing you'll bring into the country with you.

6. Know the emergency phone numbers for San Jose. BTW, 9-1-1 works similarly in C.R. as in the U.S.

7. Finally and perhaps most importantly, hook up with a wingman or two. Most veteran travelers actually really enjoy helping new guys find their way around. Pacifica55 is only one such resource; hang out at the SL bar around 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. and you'll find several guys, but also during breakfast at the Amistad or Castillo. My trips are made safer and more convenient, simply by the friendship of other guys.

Don't be afraid to make this trip. While C.R. was neither my first mongering trip nor my first foray outside the U.S., it was by far the most tense and scary...until I hooked up with a few of these good guys. Then, I had the time of my life. I will be in country August 24 through September 9, and if you're down there when I am, introduce yourself. I'd be happy to help any way I can.

So, put your fear in a dresser drawer, grab your passport and CRT V.I.P. card and come on down!

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Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

El C that reminds me of when we were walking from Amistad to SL together. Walking down the sidewalk, I was poked in the face by a tree branch. Talk about blind

I most strongly agree with #7. If you roll deep with wingman there's next to never going to be a problem. And if I happen to be part of that group and something does happen, it's on. Simple as that..


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"...

....and then what??? Get arrested under Costa Rican law?!

Avoiding problems strikes me as the best way to go about doing business.

Somehow those know it all "wingmen" steer you off course and can get you into "aerial combat"!!!!

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"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

Yea because most scuffles in CR are handled by the police

I'm all about avoiding problems too, but sometimes you gotta man up Steven1. Not sure who's a know it all wingman, I was simply saying that if I were with a group and it was going down and couldn't be avoided I got your back. Nice to know others would run though..

The real of it all is that it's such a tiny worry it's hardly worth thinking about.


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"...

El Ciego
thank you for such a kind reply.I am think of going mid september. still looking into getting a passport and studying CRT with all its infinite wisdom.and yes I am scared however the thought of all that good looking poon is just too tempting.

Thank you all for the great advice

dude, wtf?

it is as easy as falling off the turnip wagon.

get a room at the SL.

jesus, grow a set already.

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The difference between a Sea Story and a Fairy Tale is that a Fairy Tale starts out 'Once Upon a Time..' and a Sea Story starts out 'This is no Shit...'

(export version only, some restrictions may apply, some assembly required, not valid where the sun don't shine...

if you live in the states of Poverty, Darkness or anywhere outside of The Blessings of Civilization Trust, Inc...other rules may apply)

I'm with you there. It's Costa Rica, not Afghanistan. Millions of freaking tourist come through the country yearly. Common sense is all that you really need to be safe which applies to pretty much anywhere you go in the world.

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[url=http://www.amishrakefight.org/gfy/]

I understand that morbid chicken is dealing with some nerves. After all, this will be his first trip out of the country...ever. He is probably doing so in secret and will be looking to sample fruits that are largely forbidden at home.

He is willing to push through his boundaries. I hope he has a great trip. He will never be the same though after a visit to CR.

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Providing humanitarian assistance to self employed chicas, one cash grant at a time.

well I joined up last night and spent about an hour today looking at the photos.OMG,I havent made my first trip yet and I'm already trying to figure out when I can afford a second trip

Think the urge is bad now, wait until you've had a taste!

With all due respect to C-dude and Spanky, both of whom have had *extensive* world travel experience, I can certainly understand how a guy could be a bit scared. It's a daunting prospect to leave the familiar confines of one's life and visit any place outside the U.S. where a.) you don't speak the language b.) you have never gone and c.) where crime may be of greater concern than in your small town where you live. I felt all these things, and trust me boys, I already grew a pair years ago. Morbidchicken, again... read the Forums, come on down, meet up with a few guys who are willing to show you around... you'll have the time of your life.

PM me if you would like any questions answered privately. I'm happy to help.

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Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

There are just 3 practical points I would like to add that can reduce your anxiety.

1. Choose a flight the arrives in CR during the day preferably before 4 P.M.

2. When you arrive do not bother to change your dollars at the airport. Keep a few $10, $5 and $1 notes with you. You can convert $ to Colones at the SL or the bank later. Dollars are accepted anywhere in the gulch.

3. In the arrivals lobby, before you step out of the door into the street and crowd look to your left and you will see a sign that says TAXI. Go to the window and ask for a taxi and pay the $25. Almost immediately an authorized taxi driver will appear and take you to his cab.

I always travel alone, am old but always look to officials for guidance. If you feel something is not right retreat back into the lobby first and then decide what to do. With all the advice you have here you will be fine.

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Softbob

There is nothing either good or bad
but thinking makes it so.
HAMLET

After reading Morbidchickens post as well as some of the comments I thought I would extol everyone about my travels and some basics:

I was reviewing my passports (YES I have had more than 1, I’m actually on my third in less than 15 years ) here is the breakdown:
Costa Rica: 24 trips
Taiwan: 16 trips
Japan: 8 trips including living and working there for 9 months
France: 8 trips, including 3 2- month assignments
Germany: 5 trips
Korea: 5 trips
Philippines: 4 trips
Great Britain (England): 4 trips
Italy: 3 trips
China: 3 trips
Amsterdam: 2 trips
Singapore: 2 trips
Canada ( Does this count?): 2 trips
Brazil: 1 trip
Sweden: 1 trip

The point to all of this is that on the first time to any of these countries I was always nervous and yes a little scared. I had no idea what to expect or what the crime rates was or how the people would interact with me. The internet was a wealth of information but it did not compare with actually being there.

Most of these trips were for business so occupying my time, during the week, was not an issue. Weekends were a different story; I didn’t speak the language and did not know how to get around. I talked to the hotel staff and found out which areas I should stay away or out of. Most of them are “locals”, know the area and speak understandable English. You will be surprised how many locals are willing to help you out.

In general I have found Costa Rica to be the friendliest and safest of all the countries I have visited. Yes there are crimes of varying degrees of violence but it does not seem as bad as other places. Yes you do have to have some degree of street smarts and be aware of your environment. Airports in any country, including the US, can be a dangerous place full of scam artists, thieves, and of course unscrupulous taxi drivers, and then you go outside.

Common sense rules anyplace: If you do not feel comfortable doing something at home don’t do it when you travel.

One important item: Travelers cheques ARE NOT readily accepted in Costa Rica or any other country. If you can arrange it with your bank make sure you can use your ATM when you travel. You will also get a better exchange rate.

As far as growing a set is concerned, you know yourself better than anyone else. Do as you think is correct for you.

Find a wingman or bring one with you for your first trip. Everyone I have met on this board are good people and willing to help you out. Take what you read on this board with an open minded attitude as well as the advice given. Go with the flow on each trip. Relax and do what you want to do. I think you will find many people who want to do the same thing and are willing to go with you. I also recommend hiring Pops for his tours.

Lastly: Enjoy the gulch but realize Costa Rica has so much more to offer so try to see some of it on each of your trips. Take few tours and get to the museums in and around San Jose. If time permits and you are interested in these things the National Theater and Symphony are quite good.

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Patriot: Ice Road Trucking through the Bearing Sea to recovery

Morbid C-

I went for the first time to CR completely on my own back in November. Now I know Spanish, so I wasn't terribly scared, but was very tense at first. Most people are very nice and you will run into like minded people in the SL and HDR. You'll spot Americans rather easily once you get to one of the hotels. Sit down, drink, and let the games begin.

However, I would like to give one peace of advice. Never drink 6 stoli sodas with lemon backed up with 4 shots of Patron within 3 hours. It makes for a difficult end for the evening...Can't shoot pool with a rope!

BB

I think he means go to Relax and relax. I believe her name is Jenny. https://costaricaticas.com/vip/root.php?cat=3&ini=0

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my first wingman sent me this, how true

" most of the girls down here, lie as a self defense mechanism and to not have to face the truth, thinking most men couldn't accept them knowing the whole truth. Simpler, they may just want men to think they are as perfect as they want to appear to them, trying to hide what they consider to be the ugly truth about themselves. And I may be reading more into it than is there, but I do believe they consider the basis of the lies to be justified."

Morbidchicken you have gotten all the best advice the board can give you. Time to man up and hit the chicas hard. One thing to keep in mind is if middle age gringo woman do go to CR alone, why bother yourself worrying about it? Go for it, amigo.

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