www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Clearly walking SJ specifically the gulch at night is a no go.

How about during the day? I will be staying at SL and HLH and NF are just around the corner. Is that a safe walk?

I know the Parques are dicey due to the TVs but is this the case during the day? Or can I go around the Muesuem to get to HDR, Monkey Bar, Nashvillle etc?

I am 6'5" and cant hide my gringoness no matter how I dress. I have mongered all over the world and have never had a problem since I dont take unnecessary risks. I will be in CR for 5 days. If I have to cab it everywhere I will feel like veal. I also understand the inportance of not wearing jewelery and carrying more than I intend to spend that day.

I will be in SJ Sept 28-Oct 2 and hoping to find a few CRT member to hang with.

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Cien is a sin

I've never had a problem walking around the area during the day. I've walked to DR from SL a couple of times at night, but always in a large group of mongers, never alone.

Walked down the hill to NF and HLH many times. Never had a problem.

Walked to DR through Parque Espana many times. Never had a problem.

Walked all the way down from SL to Relax and points south many times. Never had a problem.

The only problem was dodging the taxis as I crossed the street.

Just take normal precautions -- don't walk around drunk, don't wear flashy clothes or jewelry, leave your passport in the safe and carry a color copy, always walk with a purpose like you know where you're going.

mh

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mh

From what I've learned here, daytime walking is OK. Just walk with a sense of purpose as Brother MH cautioned (no stopping bewildered to look at a map), keep a heightened sense of awareness of surroundings and folks around you. Try not to let folks get too close to you (sneaky thieves still abound in CR).
I believe the Nashville South has closed.
The SL especially at Happy Hour is your best shot at meeting & greeting othe CRT Brothers--you shouldn't have a problem getting specific current advice and/ or picking up a wingman or two. If you've done your homework by reading and absorbing the Newbie Forum, you'll do well and have a great vacation.

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

I have been reading the forums religiously so I feel prepared. I need to work on my espaniol. I got a copy of Rosetta Stone last time in Sosua so the espaniol is a work in progress.

Miami, you made reference to a COLOR copy of the passport. I understand SL will make copies are they color? Or should I just make a color copy of my main page in color here in the states and have SL copy the entrance stamp in B+W? These seem like small details but I just try to avoid problemos by being prepared.

Understood about not walking aound with my head up my ass.

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Cien is a sin

SL will make color copies for you of the main page and the stamp page as a courtesy.

I don't know if color is a requirement, but that's what the newbie FAQ says so I'm going with it

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mh

Great info Miami...Thanks,

Jager

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Cien is a sin

I make a couple of copies of the passport at home, then laminate them with stuff from Wally World. Makes them a little more durable, and once at Sl get a copy of the stamp and tape it to the back—cut out just the stamp then tape it completely over.. stays a lot clearer and resist abuse better then just paper. I also tape a SL business card to the back. that way I can just show it to a cab driver, cop or who ever may need to know. That came in handy a a few times with the ladies who wanted to know where I was staying before we left to seal the deal , but now SL is more well know that may not be of any help any more

I live here and have walked the streets of San Jose at night to my bus stop numerous times, more than 100, after 10pm with only one minor incident. This was having the sidewalk blocked by three transvesties forcing me to walk into the street. I am a retired police detective and consider the streets of San Jose no more dangerous than the streets of downtown Atlanta where I worked. If you carry yourself like a victim or ask for problems by getting drunk or advertising your wealth you will find a way to be a victim in any major city in the world. Common sense dictates that you should be caucious. Better safe than sorry. Take cabs at night unless you are accompanied. The fare from the Amistad or Sportsmans to the del Rey is approximately one dollar. You are more likely to be ripped off by the cab driver than to be robbed. During the day you are probably as safe in the gulch as you would be in any American city during the day with the exception of being run over. They get extra points for hitting Gringos. Come on down and enjoy the city. Get out of the hotel and see another view of life.
Pops

Jagermeister - Listen to Pops and also schedule yourself for one of his personal tours. It will make a world of difference.

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

I'll second that motion. Pops introduced my wingman and I to the Gulch.

mh

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mh

Adding in to the excellent advice above...

Nothing in your back pockets. If you are walking down the sidewalk and you come upto a spot where there is a kiosk on the street edge, just beware when you walk between the building and the kiosk. This is a favorite pickpocket trap zone.

Don't be scared, just aware of your surroundings at all times. If you think you are in a bad area, you probably are. Jump in a cab if you get lost.

Other than that, like the others said, get out and explore and have fun.

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In honor of Jimmy V week, "Don't give up, don't ever give up!"

You'll be fine walking around anywhere. Even at night IMO. I've walked quite a few areas at night, solo, and havent had any problems. Granted, they've been short walks, for the longer trips I take a cab since I'm lazy.

But like people have said, exercise common sense. San Jose at night is no different than any other city at night. I always figured if I made it walking around Brooklyn at 2am I could definitely make it in San Jose.

Walking around during the day is a lot of fun. There is plenty to see and do.
Take a stroll down Avenida Central and enjoy the locals. Stop in at the Mercado Central and enjoy some local cuisine.

I would be very careful at night especially after 8:00pm. I have been lucky and not had any problems but know of others that have had problems. Keep the distance short, your eyes and ears open at all times.

I agree that POPS is one of the best tour guides you will find; not only for the mongering places but for CR itself.

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Patriot: Ice Road Trucking through the Bearing Sea to recovery

I read in la Nacion the other day that there has been lighting added to Parque Morazon, Parque Espana and Avenida Central. Hopefully this will encourage more civilians to be out after dark instead of leaving these areas to the ladrones. It would be nice to be able to comfortably walk these areas at night.

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Women are like beers. I've never had one that I didn't like. Just some that I like more than others! --Western

Thanks guys, that is what I suspected. I have been to many mongering areas in asia, germany, amsterdam, Dom. Rep. etc and never had a problem. To all of your points, keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings.

Some of the reports here seemed a bit alarmist so I just wanted to bounce it off the vets.

Looking forward to my upcoming trip. 28 days and counting.

Pops, I will PM you later to hook up.

Jager.

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Cien is a sin