Showing posts with label readers experience. Show all posts
Showing posts with label readers experience. Show all posts
Thursday, July 18, 2013
MyVidster Warning!!!
PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHEN BROWSING CONTENT ON MYVIDSTER OR VIEWING CONTENT UPLOADED TO OTTHER SITES FROM MYVIDSTER. THEY HAVE A SERIOUS INVASION OF MALWARE AND RANSOMWARE THAT WILL INFECT YOUR COMPUTER AND BLOCK YOU OUT OF IT.
Monday, May 09, 2011
Truth Hurts
When a friend is hurt you shouldn't say "I told you so." Even if you believe the person appears to be operating with an altered sense of reality it is sometimes best to ride the situation out and see where it ends. It is unfortunate that I am posting this entry at the request of that friend. But, it is fair warning to the rest of you!
I'd like to apologize to all my friends in Chicago and the DR for unwitingly introducing you to a person who is dishonest, deceiving and a thief!
I met Freddy Dominguez Hernandez on my first trip to Santo Domingo in 2002. He seemed to be a nice guy so we would run together on each of my visits, which happen about four times per year. There was no physical or sexual attraction so he made a good running buddy. Often he would say "I don't want you to trust the Dominican men because they are all out for money." This was nothing new to me as it seemed to be the case during my travels to Germany, Spain, Turkey, Greece and various other places.
Each time I traveled to SD I would let Freddy know in advance and he would meet me as soon as I reached the Colonial Zone (Conde area). I would usually bring him something (shoes, clothes, electronics) and would feed him while I was there. Upon leaving I would give him $100. He was actually getting more than the boogies and we never touched each other! I did this because he seemed to be a decent guy and he helped me get around in SD. Actually, after my first 4 trips I really didn't need any assistance but continued to be nice to Freddy out of friendship. I wasn't using boogies after the first year so I certainly didn't need him to help me find any.
Having just returned home from a 10-day trip in SD I am upset, somewhat surprised and hurt. I can't believe someone I treated so well, someone who has introduced me to his girlfriend, kids and mother, slept in my hotel room, eaten my food and partied with would betray me.
Upon my arrival he asked for US $50 to buy food for his family. No problem. He then ran with me a few days as he has done every trip. Freddy asked when I was leaving (as he's done every trip). The day before leaving he asked to go to the store with me. While at the checkout counter Freddy asked to use my phone, Blackberry Torch, to call a taxi. He has used my phone dozens of times so again, no problem. He says he's going to step outside to make the call and watch for the taxi. I finished my transaction and went to the door of the store. I looked around until finally a lady told me "I heard your friend say to someone on the phone, 'I have the phone now come pick me up'." This guy actually planned days prior to my departure to steal my Blackberry and sell it. He did it the day before my departure because he knew I would not have time to pursue him. He had mentioned before that my phone was worth US$600 in SD. The gentlemen at my hotel desk informed me he asked them two days before if they wanted to buy a Blackberry for $500.
Remember, I have been acquainted with this guy for ten years. He was always calling me his so-called "brother." To sum it up, avoid this man! Delete him from your contact list. If he approaches you ask for his cedula to confirm his identity. He is a lying theif!
His information is listed below.
Freddy Dominguez Hernandez
ID# 001.1517615-8
Buenos Hines
Santo Domingo, Oeste
UPDATE JUNE 10, 2011: The police in DR say 2,751 reports of stolen cellphones across the country already this year may be a low figure because not everyone reports their loss. They say in March alone, 500 Blackberry smartphones were reported stolen.
I'd like to apologize to all my friends in Chicago and the DR for unwitingly introducing you to a person who is dishonest, deceiving and a thief!
I met Freddy Dominguez Hernandez on my first trip to Santo Domingo in 2002. He seemed to be a nice guy so we would run together on each of my visits, which happen about four times per year. There was no physical or sexual attraction so he made a good running buddy. Often he would say "I don't want you to trust the Dominican men because they are all out for money." This was nothing new to me as it seemed to be the case during my travels to Germany, Spain, Turkey, Greece and various other places.
Each time I traveled to SD I would let Freddy know in advance and he would meet me as soon as I reached the Colonial Zone (Conde area). I would usually bring him something (shoes, clothes, electronics) and would feed him while I was there. Upon leaving I would give him $100. He was actually getting more than the boogies and we never touched each other! I did this because he seemed to be a decent guy and he helped me get around in SD. Actually, after my first 4 trips I really didn't need any assistance but continued to be nice to Freddy out of friendship. I wasn't using boogies after the first year so I certainly didn't need him to help me find any.
Having just returned home from a 10-day trip in SD I am upset, somewhat surprised and hurt. I can't believe someone I treated so well, someone who has introduced me to his girlfriend, kids and mother, slept in my hotel room, eaten my food and partied with would betray me.
Upon my arrival he asked for US $50 to buy food for his family. No problem. He then ran with me a few days as he has done every trip. Freddy asked when I was leaving (as he's done every trip). The day before leaving he asked to go to the store with me. While at the checkout counter Freddy asked to use my phone, Blackberry Torch, to call a taxi. He has used my phone dozens of times so again, no problem. He says he's going to step outside to make the call and watch for the taxi. I finished my transaction and went to the door of the store. I looked around until finally a lady told me "I heard your friend say to someone on the phone, 'I have the phone now come pick me up'." This guy actually planned days prior to my departure to steal my Blackberry and sell it. He did it the day before my departure because he knew I would not have time to pursue him. He had mentioned before that my phone was worth US$600 in SD. The gentlemen at my hotel desk informed me he asked them two days before if they wanted to buy a Blackberry for $500.
Remember, I have been acquainted with this guy for ten years. He was always calling me his so-called "brother." To sum it up, avoid this man! Delete him from your contact list. If he approaches you ask for his cedula to confirm his identity. He is a lying theif!
His information is listed below.
Freddy Dominguez Hernandez
ID# 001.1517615-8
Buenos Hines
Santo Domingo, Oeste
UPDATE JUNE 10, 2011: The police in DR say 2,751 reports of stolen cellphones across the country already this year may be a low figure because not everyone reports their loss. They say in March alone, 500 Blackberry smartphones were reported stolen.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
WHERE CAN I GO?
One anonymous reader commented on the recent San Juan post about the city being over-priced and drug infested. He suggested I avoid San Juan and I guess he'd rather I stick with vacationing in Santo Domingo. Everyone knows SDQ doesn't have a problem with illegal drugs whatsoever. LOL
The truth is this: most caribbean nations, as well as more developed nations, are having struggles combating drugs. The Dominican Republic is actually a hotbed of activity for drug traffickers, causing the country to depend on assistance from the US and others to help protect its borders and citizens.
Remember the headlines of Jamaica a short while ago? The law enforcement officials were at witsend while trying to track down and capture a drug kingpin who had unbelievable support in the inner city areas of Kingston. Gang members kept police at bay for weeks before the guy was captured.
Shall we visit beautiful Brazil? No drugs there, right? The Bahamas? Costa Rica? Grenada?
Suffice it to say I will not deter my travel plans because a few people have had a few problems in one place or another. I stand firm in the belief that one should exercise caution, common sense and discretion wherever they travel. If you invite trouble it will come.
The truth is this: most caribbean nations, as well as more developed nations, are having struggles combating drugs. The Dominican Republic is actually a hotbed of activity for drug traffickers, causing the country to depend on assistance from the US and others to help protect its borders and citizens.
Remember the headlines of Jamaica a short while ago? The law enforcement officials were at witsend while trying to track down and capture a drug kingpin who had unbelievable support in the inner city areas of Kingston. Gang members kept police at bay for weeks before the guy was captured.
Shall we visit beautiful Brazil? No drugs there, right? The Bahamas? Costa Rica? Grenada?
Suffice it to say I will not deter my travel plans because a few people have had a few problems in one place or another. I stand firm in the belief that one should exercise caution, common sense and discretion wherever they travel. If you invite trouble it will come.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
If At First...
...you don't succeed, try & try again. I was reminded of those words as I read the personal experience submitted to the blog by Jack Crew, who was in SDQ last June. My advice is to always learn from other travelers. It's great that he will give it another chance.
I had read Monaga and Tropical Desires blogs and felt that I had a pretty good understanding of what to expect. But my trip started to unglue as soon as I arrived.
The first problem was that my phone didn't work outside the US. Looking back this may seem obvious but it never crossed my mind to check prior to my trip. I was pissed that my ride/taxi was nowhere to be found and I couldn't call to find him. So I took another taxi with no problem.
I soon checked into the hotel and it was basically what I expected. Well, except for the micro-sized bathroom. But hey, I was in Santo Domingo so I rolled with it.
Although I had seen photos of the Conde before arriving, little did I expect the grunginess of that street. It is one of the largest attractions and yet it is so hot and dirty. I thought..."can't the government spruce up the place?"
I was walking around trying to find a mobile phone store but instead found a "social services worker." Not a buggie, but he can introduce you to someone. This person also can help you find the best clubs, restaurants or whatever all for a fee. Since I needed a phone, we took a cab to a phone place and I purchased a couple of phones. (one was for him) He needed a phone so we could stay connected. Anyway, I was happy to have a phone. But in addition to the phone I had to pay for his time for helping me.
Later that night my "worker" invited me and some of his friends to go clubbing. So I went. It was truly tons of fun. We took a taxi (at my expense), had many drinks (at my expense) and he introduced me to a friend who was to be my date that night. Everything was cool until his friend and I returened to the hotel. Somehow the price negotiations got confused. I had paid the "worker" who was to pay the buggie. The buggie said he never gets the money from the "worker" and wished to be paid directly. I disagreed so he left without incident, or sex.
The next day I was stressed and hungover but wanted to explore the city. It wasn't long before I was approached by another guy. I understand buggies, but aren't there willing gays in the city? This guy seemed totally gay and totally into me. I consider myself fairly attractive so why not? I thought this was a regular hook-up. I thought that until the sex was finished and he wanted $200. Not only was I surprised to be asked to pay but I was shocked at the amount. Suddenly the guy appeared highly aggressive. I paid him something like $50 and explained we would have to go downstairs to the ATM. But when we got to the lobby the security was there so the guy left.
By now I did not like SDQ. I was not impressed with the men, I was hungover and I had spent more than my budget on pimps and phones. So I booked a return flight back to the US for the next day. Naturally things immediately got better. I met a super nice guy with a great body/personality and had lots of fun. Tried a few great restaurants and was enjoying myself. Then I left.
This month I head back to SDQ to try again. No more pimps and I have called my provider to work out the cell phone situation. I have a different plan also. I guess my story is a warning to watch out for the unexpected.
I had read Monaga and Tropical Desires blogs and felt that I had a pretty good understanding of what to expect. But my trip started to unglue as soon as I arrived.
The first problem was that my phone didn't work outside the US. Looking back this may seem obvious but it never crossed my mind to check prior to my trip. I was pissed that my ride/taxi was nowhere to be found and I couldn't call to find him. So I took another taxi with no problem.
I soon checked into the hotel and it was basically what I expected. Well, except for the micro-sized bathroom. But hey, I was in Santo Domingo so I rolled with it.
Although I had seen photos of the Conde before arriving, little did I expect the grunginess of that street. It is one of the largest attractions and yet it is so hot and dirty. I thought..."can't the government spruce up the place?"
I was walking around trying to find a mobile phone store but instead found a "social services worker." Not a buggie, but he can introduce you to someone. This person also can help you find the best clubs, restaurants or whatever all for a fee. Since I needed a phone, we took a cab to a phone place and I purchased a couple of phones. (one was for him) He needed a phone so we could stay connected. Anyway, I was happy to have a phone. But in addition to the phone I had to pay for his time for helping me.
Later that night my "worker" invited me and some of his friends to go clubbing. So I went. It was truly tons of fun. We took a taxi (at my expense), had many drinks (at my expense) and he introduced me to a friend who was to be my date that night. Everything was cool until his friend and I returened to the hotel. Somehow the price negotiations got confused. I had paid the "worker" who was to pay the buggie. The buggie said he never gets the money from the "worker" and wished to be paid directly. I disagreed so he left without incident, or sex.
The next day I was stressed and hungover but wanted to explore the city. It wasn't long before I was approached by another guy. I understand buggies, but aren't there willing gays in the city? This guy seemed totally gay and totally into me. I consider myself fairly attractive so why not? I thought this was a regular hook-up. I thought that until the sex was finished and he wanted $200. Not only was I surprised to be asked to pay but I was shocked at the amount. Suddenly the guy appeared highly aggressive. I paid him something like $50 and explained we would have to go downstairs to the ATM. But when we got to the lobby the security was there so the guy left.
By now I did not like SDQ. I was not impressed with the men, I was hungover and I had spent more than my budget on pimps and phones. So I booked a return flight back to the US for the next day. Naturally things immediately got better. I met a super nice guy with a great body/personality and had lots of fun. Tried a few great restaurants and was enjoying myself. Then I left.
This month I head back to SDQ to try again. No more pimps and I have called my provider to work out the cell phone situation. I have a different plan also. I guess my story is a warning to watch out for the unexpected.
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