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Gearing up for my first CR trip! Have a few questions.
https://forum.costaricaticas.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=45724
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Author:  hotdogg [ Fri Jun 27, 2014 8:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Gearing up for my first CR trip! Have a few questions.

Well I'm gearing up for a four day jaunt in San Jose starting at the end of July. My 3 prior mongering trips have all been to the Dominican. Having recently relocated I can't get to Puerto Plata in a day anymore... sooooo I'm giving Costa Rica a shot and will make Scores home base for a few days. I have a few quick questions of our fraternal order.

1. Medications: Lot's of info on blue diamonds and vitamin C out there. If I want/need to get stuff like asthma medications is that doable without much difficulty? Any issue coming back to the USA with non narcotic prescriptions obtained in CR?

2. Color copy of passport, entry stamp, etc: Recommendations on places to get this done? Do I need to find a copy shop?

3. Calle 6: I must admit a degree of intrigue by the seediness/bargain hunt factor of these salas. Much of the reading on this area suggests one should fear for their life. I need some perspective though. Assume a mid-day visit: solo, sober, no flashy jewerly, limited cash etc. Estimated probability of a gringo returning to home base unharmed? Not counting one being relived of leche and the cost of a session.

4. Molino Rojo: Another intriguing establishment. From my research it sounds as if it had its heyday years ago. I did see a couple reports from late 2013, any updates? One can session on site, yes?

5. Bus system within San Jose: Anybody using these? Worth the effort during the day or no? I see lots on getting to other parts of CR using buses. Less so about traveling within the city.

Thanks in advance. Hope to meet some of the brethren in just over a month.

Author:  BangBang57 [ Fri Jun 27, 2014 10:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Gearing up for my first CR trip! Have a few questions.

hotdogg wrote:
Well I'm gearing up for a four day jaunt in San Jose starting at the end of July. My 3 prior mongering trips have all been to the Dominican. Having recently relocated I can't get to Puerto Plata in a day anymore... sooooo I'm giving Costa Rica a shot and will make Scores home base for a few days. I have a few quick questions of our fraternal order.

1. Medications: Lot's of info on blue diamonds and vitamin C out there. If I want/need to get stuff like asthma medications is that doable without much difficulty? Any issue coming back to the USA with non narcotic prescriptions obtained in CR?Most medications are available here-maybe not the USA brand you buy in the states but almost always of good quality especially if it is the "Ravan" brand which is a Costa Rican pharmaceutical lab. I have been in their lab and it is more modern and cleaner than several major ones in the States. Many farmacias here have an in house doctor who can write prescriptions on the spot, and taking them back to the states does not seem to be a problem as long as you have the script!

2. Color copy of passport, entry stamp, etc: Recommendations on places to get this done? Do I need to find a copy shop? Most hotels will make you a copy though many cannot make a color copy. The law says "color" but I am not sure this is at all inforced! There is a copy shop on Central Ave about 25 feet west and across the street from the Presidente hotel (about 2 blocks from the REY) where you can get a plastic encased copy the size of a credit card for c1000 (less than $2)

3. Calle 6: I must admit a degree of intrigue by the seediness/bargain hunt factor of these salas. Much of the reading on this area suggests one should fear for their life. I need some perspective though. Assume a mid-day visit: solo, sober, no flashy jewerly, limited cash etc. Estimated probability of a gringo returning to home base unharmed? Not counting one being relived of leche and the cost of a session. First MANY Gringos are afraid of their own shadow and anything rundown, dirty, crowded, and with street people just must be very dangerous - It is not, at least no more so than standing in front of the REY or just about anywhere else in the gulch!! Your assumption (sober, no flashy jewelry, limited cash is correct for ANYWHERE HERE OR IN ANY LARGE CITY IN THE WORLD!! Solo?? The first time visitor should probably have someone who has been there before with him!! Not so much for safety, but logistics and knowledge. As for probability of returning to home base safely; as long as you are not careless nor stupid-about 99.9% I have, over the last 20 years probably been there over 1000 times and often alone, and I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEM THERE!!There are a lot of fatties, oldies, ugly chicas; there are also a few young cute newbies and last time I was there (3-4 days ago) I saw 6 very well known, and good looking chicas who for one reason or another are now working there

4. Molino Rojo: Another intriguing establishment. From my research it sounds as if it had its heyday years ago. I did see a couple reports from late 2013, any updates? One can session on site, yes? Would not be my first choice for a Tico strip club-one of the more "scummy" places and a very bad (nighttime) neighborhood. Just a couple blocks away is la Grillion which is much better and is Gringo friendly.

5. Bus system within San Jose: Anybody using these? Worth the effort during the day or no? I see lots on getting to other parts of CR using buses. Less so about traveling within the city.I live here and have for 8 years and visited often for 12 years before that. I use the buses all the time! That said, for the occasional visitor and especially a first time visitor, the buses can be very confusing- there are over a 1000 different bus companies in CR and many times more different routes. For a first time visitor knowing which bus stop and then which bus at that stop to get on is almost impossible. Unless you are with someone who knows the bus routes and stops, trying to use them for a week is probably a waste of time and effort--what little you would save in money would be lost in time and being lost!! Al that said, they can be a great learning experience, the scenery (chicas) can often be very nice to look at, and it is much cheaper than taxis (until you get on the wrong bus and end up miles from where you want to go and the only way back is a taxi!!!)Just for example, there are over 35 different buses you can get on to go to the Mall de San Pedro, but if you are going anywhere east of the Mall which one of those 35+ do you take?? -each goes to a different area!!

Thanks in advance. Hope to meet some of the brethren in just over a month.

Author:  Orange [ Fri Jun 27, 2014 11:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Gearing up for my first CR trip! Have a few questions.

Quote:
1. Medications: Lot's of info on blue diamonds and vitamin C out there. If I want/need to get stuff like asthma medications is that doable without much difficulty? Any issue coming back to the USA with non narcotic prescriptions obtained in CR?
You can buy most meds in CR without a prescription. Only the addicting narcotics (Schedule II and III drugs in US) are hard to get without a script. Bringing meds back to US is not as big problem. There are laws in place for how much you can bring back with, and without a script. Do a search online.

Quote:
2. Color copy of passport, entry stamp, etc: Recommendations on places to get this done? Do I need to find a copy shop?
I used to get the laminated credit card sized copy of the bio page and entry stamp. But in over 60 trips, I have only been asked to produce ID once at Bar Idem during an immigration check. So lately, I just ask hotel reception to make me a black and white copy of the bio page and the entry stamp. I trim it nicely and fold it up and stick it deep in my wallet so it won't get wet/damaged. But I speak Spanish, so I could talk my way out of a sitaution where that wasn't good enough. If you're new, a color copy is probably a good idea. The copy shop BangBang mentioned on Ave Central is good. I posted a picture of it on the VIP photo gallery. Search for "copy shop" in the gallery search box or follow this link: https://costaricaticas.com/wp-content/ga ... ORANGE.JPG

Quote:
3. Calle 6: I must admit a degree of intrigue by the seediness/bargain hunt factor of these salas. Much of the reading on this area suggests one should fear for their life. I need some perspective though. Assume a mid-day visit: solo, sober, no flashy jewerly, limited cash etc. Estimated probability of a gringo returning to home base unharmed? Not counting one being relived of leche and the cost of a session.
Unless you are working with a small budget, I would not waste my time with Calle 6. Safety-wise, no biggie during the day, just be smart. You already know to leave the jewelry, watches, expensive cell, at home. Take the advice to go with a wingman the first time. You don't want to be seen lost or wondering around aimlessly.

Quote:
4. Molino Rojo: Another intriguing establishment. From my research it sounds as if it had its heyday years ago. I did see a couple reports from late 2013, any updates? One can session on site, yes?
This place sucks. I honestly don't know anybody who goes there. This place is completely dark, you can't see how the women look, even standing right in front of them. Mostly fatties. The "rooms" onsite are pretty dingy, and hot.

Quote:
5. Bus system within San Jose: Anybody using these? Worth the effort during the day or no? I see lots on getting to other parts of CR using buses. Less so about traveling within the city.
Taxis are cheap and quick. It would take you a month to learn where the buses go and where to catch them.

Author:  hotdogg [ Sat Jun 28, 2014 12:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Gearing up for my first CR trip! Have a few questions.

BangBang & Orange

Thanks much for the knowledge! The insight on medications was particularly helpful.

As for the venues mentioned, if I make an intrepid friend or two I might have a look.

That said, I've found on trips like this there's not much point in having a set plan or itinerary. I generally get sidetracked on some other shiny object. I suspect on a first visit I'll be getting an eyeful in the gulch.

Thanks again gents. I've read the forum a bit and appreciate all the guidance you two have put forth.

HD

Author:  hotdogg [ Sat Jun 28, 2014 2:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Gearing up for my first CR trip! Have a few questions.

For posterity I found some US FDA pages on bringing in medications. Consistent with what the seasoned members put forth, the government is exercising, "enforcement discretion".

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm170594.htm
http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/Transparenc ... 194904.htm

WebMD seems to do a reasonable job interpreting all this stuff:

http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/feat ... mport-laws

US Customs and Boarder Protection also has a blurb. Although this page is geared to non citizens, they have a section addressing US citizens about 2/3 of the way down the page.

http://www.cbp.gov/travel/international ... restricted.

Author:  BashfulDwarf [ Sat Jun 28, 2014 8:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Gearing up for my first CR trip! Have a few questions.

BangBang57 wrote:
hotdogg wrote:
2. Color copy of passport, entry stamp, etc: Recommendations on places to get this done? Do I need to find a copy shop? Most hotels will make you a copy though many cannot make a color copy. The law says "color" but I am not sure this is at all inforced! There is a copy shop on Central Ave about 25 feet west and across the street from the Presidente hotel (about 2 blocks from the REY) where you can get a plastic encased copy the size of a credit card for c1000 (less than $2)
MUST BE COLOR! Sorry old friend, but in the case of dealing with law enforcement, this area of expertise, I am sad to say, that I trump you!! Hotdogg! If you have a run-in with the cops (where you are the target), the black and white copy can earn you a ride 'downtown' or at the least a shakedown. Just go get the color laminated card, and the backside *MUST* be your entry stamp. The situations I am talking about are when they are looking for a way to hold you up ... don't hand em a black-and-white one!

Author:  BangBang57 [ Sat Jun 28, 2014 8:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Gearing up for my first CR trip! Have a few questions.

BashfulDwarf wrote:
BangBang57 wrote:
hotdogg wrote:
2. Color copy of passport, entry stamp, etc: Recommendations on places to get this done? Do I need to find a copy shop? Most hotels will make you a copy though many cannot make a color copy. The law says "color" but I am not sure this is at all inforced! There is a copy shop on Central Ave about 25 feet west and across the street from the Presidente hotel (about 2 blocks from the REY) where you can get a plastic encased copy the size of a credit card for c1000 (less than $2)
MUST BE COLOR! Sorry old friend, but in the case of dealing with law enforcement, this area of expertise, I am sad to say, that I trump you!! Hotdogg! If you have a run-in with the cops (where you are the target), the black and white copy can earn you a ride 'downtown' or at the least a shakedown. Just go get the color laminated card, and the backside *MUST* be your entry stamp. The situations I am talking about are when they are looking for a way to hold you up ... don't hand em a black-and-white one!

Yep, I forgot about your run-in and them hassling you over your copy not being in color!! It is apparently seldom inforced (MAYBE only if you are a dwarf and sleeping with your head in John Lennon's lap at 6am :shock: :? :lol: ). Seriously I agree it is much better to be on the side of total compliance for $2 and 5 minutes of your time. This is like a lot of things where some feel that their time while here is extremely valuable-spending 5-10-15 minutes in a line to possibly save hours arguing with the police :roll: :idea: :wink: To me this is a no-brainer!!! If your time is that valuable you need more help than what a vacation in Costa Rica will give you :idea: :roll: :!: I will change what I said--IF YOUR HOTEL CAN NOT MAKE YOU A COLOR COPY, FIND A PLACE TO GET ONE!!!

Author:  BashfulDwarf [ Tue Jul 01, 2014 10:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Gearing up for my first CR trip! Have a few questions.

hotdogg wrote:
As for the venues mentioned, if I make an intrepid friend or two I might have a look.

That said, I've found on trips like this there's not much point in having a set plan or itinerary. I generally get sidetracked on some other shiny object. I suspect on a first visit I'll be getting an eyeful in the gulch.

Leave no stone unturned, HD ... but don't make it a 'plan' to do so.

If you're caught short of wingmen to hang with, I have been known to walk into SL or Scores and loudly call out to anyone that wanted to go do 'X' ... and usually there's a fellow or two that is bored and is interested in going with you to check out the scene at 'X'.

* Don't do this in HDR ... I have heard a story or two about guys getting banned from HDR for 'taking other guys away' ...

At the very least, you should check out the NF/Scores/Zona area, the Relax/Mansion area, (the MPs on Paseo Colon if you can make it), and a vet-led trip to Calle Seis. At that point you'll know what you are comfortable with, and will have the experience of multiple options under your belt.

Be sure to let us know how it worked out for you.

Author:  BashfulDwarf [ Tue Jul 01, 2014 10:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Gearing up for my first CR trip! Have a few questions.

BangBang57 wrote:
... and sleeping with your head in John Lennon's lap at 6am ...

are you suggesting it was the appointed hour of my choosing that led me astray??? :twisted:

They were very mean and rough, you know. Not at all gentle and friendly as I had been led to believe. :mrgreen:

Author:  hotdogg [ Tue Jul 01, 2014 11:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Gearing up for my first CR trip! Have a few questions.

BashfulDwarf wrote:
hotdogg wrote:
As for the venues mentioned, if I make an intrepid friend or two I might have a look.

That said, I've found on trips like this there's not much point in having a set plan or itinerary. I generally get sidetracked on some other shiny object. I suspect on a first visit I'll be getting an eyeful in the gulch.

Leave no stone unturned, HD ... but don't make it a 'plan' to do so.

If you're caught short of wingmen to hang with, I have been known to walk into SL or Scores and loudly call out to anyone that wanted to go do 'X' ... and usually there's a fellow or two that is bored and is interested in going with you to check out the scene at 'X'.

* Don't do this in HDR ... I have heard a story or two about guys getting banned from HDR for 'taking other guys away' ...

At the very least, you should check out the NF/Scores/Zona area, the Relax/Mansion area, (the MPs on Paseo Colon if you can make it), and a vet-led trip to Calle Seis. At that point you'll know what you are comfortable with, and will have the experience of multiple options under your belt.

Be sure to let us know how it worked out for you.

Written out like that... one a heck of a punch list! I wish that I had a few more nights on this trip. Unfortunately I'm losing 1/2 of a day to the dentist.

Calle 6 might be a long shot, despite my apparent proclivity for seediness.

Views on what spots might be best on a Sunday? As I read it things are a little slower on Sunday.

Author:  BashfulDwarf [ Tue Jul 01, 2014 12:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Gearing up for my first CR trip! Have a few questions.

hotdogg wrote:
Views on what spots might be best on a Sunday? As I read it things are a little slower on Sunday.


Lucky for you Calle Seis is open for Sunday business. :mrgreen:

Check the map. It lists the days of operation for each MP. If it is open Sunday, the word is all caps to make it noticeable.

Author:  Orange [ Tue Jul 01, 2014 12:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Gearing up for my first CR trip! Have a few questions.

Sunday is definitely slower. But that's not surprising. All the hookers are in church confessing their sins.

Author:  Netgems [ Tue Jul 01, 2014 2:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Gearing up for my first CR trip! Have a few questions.

BashfulDwarf wrote:
BangBang57 wrote:
hotdogg wrote:
2. Color copy of passport, entry stamp, etc: Recommendations on places to get this done? Do I need to find a copy shop? Most hotels will make you a copy though many cannot make a color copy. The law says "color" but I am not sure this is at all inforced! There is a copy shop on Central Ave about 25 feet west and across the street from the Presidente hotel (about 2 blocks from the REY) where you can get a plastic encased copy the size of a credit card for c1000 (less than $2)
MUST BE COLOR! Sorry old friend, but in the case of dealing with law enforcement, this area of expertise, I am sad to say, that I trump you!! Hotdogg! If you have a run-in with the cops (where you are the target), the black and white copy can earn you a ride 'downtown' or at the least a shakedown. Just go get the color laminated card, and the backside *MUST* be your entry stamp. The situations I am talking about are when they are looking for a way to hold you up ... don't hand em a black-and-white one!


I concur, even amongst the oldest of the old pro's, The Dwarf should be the go to guy regarding confrontation with the policia, listen carefully to his every word, do the opposite, and you'll stay out of trouble.... :P :P :P :P

Author:  Netgems [ Tue Jul 01, 2014 2:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Gearing up for my first CR trip! Have a few questions.

Orange wrote:
Sunday is definitely slower. But that's not surprising. All the hookers are in church confessing their sins.


Are they saying : "Bless me Father, for I have sinned, I have accepted less than cien on a number of occasions, but I was desperate...."

"That'll be one bbbj and 3 dfk's, young lady, go in peace...." :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Author:  Orange [ Tue Jul 01, 2014 2:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Gearing up for my first CR trip! Have a few questions.

Netgems wrote:
Orange wrote:
Sunday is definitely slower. But that's not surprising. All the hookers are in church confessing their sins.


Are they saying : "Bless me Father, for I have sinned, I have accepted less than cien on a number of occasions, but I was desperate...."

"That'll be one bbbj and 3 dfk's, young lady, go in peace...." :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

If they were boys, it would be... "I absolve you of your sins. As penance get in here and get on your knees...." :lol:

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