TIP OF THE WEEK "RESEARCH"

Part one of three

Everything can be said about "research and preparation" for a good safe and fun adventure. Of course there are the basics. Why are you going, where to go and when to go? As simple as these basics seem I can tell you tons of stories about those who didn't lift a finger to learn anything about the place they were going both domestically and internationally. WHY ARE YOU GOING seems simple enough but a lot deeper than most think. Consider these options: is the trip a weekend getaway, business, vacation, escape from trouble, get my fuck on or my friends said I should check it out.

Why these all seem the same to the novice, the savvy traveler understands how a successful trip is impacted differently by these circumstances. On weekends I sneak away for a "get my fuck on" that is just what it is, I am not focused on seeing a lot of friends and hanging out. I am concentrated on getting in the city solo, finding the right one and getting my swerve on -strictly. No Souvenirs, one lightly packed bag, no explanations and the cheapest ticket as possible.

When I go "on vacation" I lay out at the beach, party and the bars and sip on beer at the local people watching spots. I may or may not get my swerve on and I bring souvenirs back. The cost of the ticket can range from low to moderate because I have certain dates and times in mind.

THE POINT! Be clear and honest about "What Success will look like at the end of the trip for you?" If you want to have a successful "get your fuck on" and you like it dark or toasted why the hell would you got to Moscow. The Snow capital of the world. Ask around , use the web, checkout the travel sites and research if the destination is going to offer what you are looking for.

Successful trips require thoughtful consideration on budget and local currency. I once met a brother in Santo Domingo who was the biggest pain in the ass and wanted to know why people didn't want to be around him. "Simply" he was on a trip he could not afford. The one time we went out to eat as a group, he complained about where we ate because of the prices, he ordered the cheapest & smallest dish on the menu and then ate off of everyone else's plate. He had the audacity to pull out coins to pay his bill and complained after we expected him to contribute to the tip. Everyone knows how much money they have before they buy their ticket so why go someplace that you can not have a comfortable & affordable time. Plan your activities accordingly. If you go with friends it is a fact that you will be in a situation to be offered a drink or meal and you should plan on being able to offer one in turn. Food cost are relative to the food experience if you plan on eating deli meat, bread and water you entire trip do not put yourself in situations with people who have budgeted for restaurants and 1 or 2 fine dinning events. There are numerous blogs that give real time updates and budgeting tips on every thing from the cost of hookers to the price of a local brew. Do your research.

Recently two young brothers (want to be high rollers) raised all hell with a friend (a hotel manager) because they thought they were getting a five star palatial hotel suite for $70.00 USD a night. "It is not what I expected" well asshole just what were you expecting because you made your reservation online where there are numerous pictures showing exactly what the rooms look like and all of the pertinent information. $70.00 USD is what it is and what it is not is a suite at the Waldorf.

THE POINT! Do your research, look at the pictures on the websites, check with other people or friends who have stayed there. Be sure you understand what lodging means in other cultures. Most of the Caribbean, Europe and Africa have a concept known as apart-hotels that are basically small efficiency apartments that are rented out as budget to moderate level hotel options. There are the traditional hotels that Americans are accustomed to but you need to realize you are looking for this option when booking your selection. Each has its advantages but most notably are the cost, amenities and status is more important than budget and cultural experience then choose the hotel option. If you want to experience living in a local neighborhood, preparing some of your own meals and you don't need 24 hour room service then consider apart-hotels they are safe, clean and very economical. It is also important for the novice to check on different websites several times beginning 2 weeks before leaving on your trip to get an impression of how the exchange rate is trending so you will have an idea how far your money may go. Pay for as many things before hand as possible. It is much easier to make claims or get credits for services that you paid for from the states than it is actually in a foreign country if a problems should arise. Want to practice, select a place you have never been but would like to go and try to answer these basic questions: Why do you want to go there? When are the high and low seasons? Which airline is the main service provider for the destination? What is the currency and how does it compare to USD (united states dollars).

MEMORIES OF PANAMA

PEEPS AROUND THE GLOBE

TRAVELERS TIP OF THE WEEK

"Travelers tip of the week" is a forum style discussion on topics and questions I receive from readers, friends, haters and the likes regarding a wide range of topics. In the premiere tip I have decided to open a basic honest discussion regarding what was supposed to be a read by a friend. Only the friend had no clue he had the right person for the challenge!
The conversation started around what our plans for the summer were and quickly moved in the direction of the persons disgust for people who spend all of their hard earned dollars to go to foreign places just for sex. Needless to say this enraged me on several levels. Firstly, is this what a so called friend really thought of me as a broke brother flying to another country just for a sexual tryst. Secondly, that I don't have the resources to afford my adventures whatever or where ever they may be and finally the lack of culture and sophistication of someone I had actually considered a worldly person. Just another example of our acquaintances who spend all their money and efforts on designer clothing and apparel. The latest in high fashion footwear and the likes yet lack the knowledge of the origins of the goods. You may look like a million but have the sophistication and culture of a maggot. (oops get off the soap box bitch!)
Lets jump right into this drama, WE NOW LIVE IN A GLOBAL SOCIETY and have been for a very long time. People need to wake up and understand that there is so much more in the world other than "down south", Cali and fried chicken. My home base of New York is a prime example of how many languages, cultures and foods that can now be found in the major cities of the US. It is impossible to realistically live in the USA and not encounter any host of foreign languages in our children's schools, at the office and while searching through thousands of new, different and exciting products in the bodegas, artisan markets and specialty stores. Hell, what ever happened to the simple cup of coffee, I think it is some place behind the lattes and double espressos.

Success in America is now defined by one's ability to actively live in a global community. I am a successful Executive Chef and much of that success has been earned because of my citizenship in the world at large not just of the USA or Brooklyn. My culinary repertoire and skills have taken a huge economic & financial boost because of my abilities in international cookery. I have invested in myself to be able to afford to explore the world. My conversational knowledge of 3 languages and very importantly my ability to speak English correctly has helped make it affordable. My personal palate has expanded to feel equally stuffed with a plate of collard greens and BBQ chicken as I am with Arroz con Pollo and Christmas Pudding. I can travel up and down the tube in London with the same precision I travel the tap tap in Haiti or the qua qua in DR. I can calculate money in pounds, peso's, CFA and euro's almost as fast as I can count dollars. I like to think of myself as a cultured and learned brother who has visited the equator on opposite sides of the world, swam in 3 different oceans and understands why wearing shorts in public in the US is so different from wearing shorts in public in the major cities of the world! (for those of you who don't know, it is culturally incorrect and instantly identifies you as a tourist or of the lower social class)

It is so exciting to see different political processes and climates other than our so called "democracy." It is very dramatic to see a person beat down or stoned for stealing something, the police/ military will eventually come to take the person to the clinic or to be buried. To learn that many cultures squat instead of sitting (really difficult to use the shiny rock, leaf or paper afterwards) It is confusing to see not men & women walking down the street holding hands but only men and men because it is against the law for women to expose flesh or touch men other than their immediate families in public. I like visiting friends who live in different parts of the world because there are so many very beautiful people with stories and experiences to share.

The beaches, parties and fiestas are off the hook to say the least. ABSOLUTELY the sex is hot and straight up off the chain but that's after a day of doing so many other things. For me personally I enjoy other cultures, foods and camaraderie with friends new and old all over the world. Since I have the means to do it why not. I can relate to the people who made $00.30 an hour to make my Phat Farm jeans or $00.40 an hour to make my Air Force One's or Prada sneakers. Some where in my heart I probably also understand why they risk their loves to cross the ocean on a rickety raft so their children can go to school free of charge.

I open the discussion to your opinions and thoughts? Come on don't be bashful.

Much to do about nothing new!

In a recent episode back on "The El Conde" I was pleasantly surprised that very little has changed.

Everyone still meets and greets at Paco's as the central watering hole. The prices are up slightly but the atmosphere and the staff are the same. The exchange rate remained around 34 the entire week. The curfew is still in effect so not much going on week nights after midnight. There is an entirely new cast of bougerones on the set in all varieties, sizes and colors. Most notably are how young they are these days. The old busted ones are still hanging around as well. Francisco is barred from Paco's for pimping young shoe shine boys to tourists and causing a big brawl when he stole $4000 RD from a Jamiacan who threatened to turn the place out. Silvio is strung out on drugs and looks really bad. Raoul is looking better than ever! Softer than ever but all the same hot. Tony Salami is still on the set if you eat that sort of thing! Alejandro still not in good graces after being outed for the thief he is looks horrible.

There were a number of tourists, travelers and ex pats on the scene. Interesting was the large number of people who have moved to Santo Domingo. Clearly a large number of them need to come back home to the states. Why would you move to a foreign country to live in a squatters tent in an abandoned building smelling and looking fierce in public. Others in this tired new bohemian breed have fabulous rented apartments but no food in their homes. Am I missing the point why are they living poorer than the poorest people in a foreign country? They seem to meet on a daily basis to play cards, yes cards as in bid whist not dominoes at Paco's. The ha ha is the dominicans are whispering about how they buy 1 soda and sip on it all day while playing cards. We are not going to even begin to talk about the kidz running out owing months of rent and fleeing back to the states. All I can say is beware if your good judy calls and says she is moving back to the states and needs a place to crash for a few. Do yoursef a favor and tell her to sleep on the beach where she is!

I must mention some of the Ex pats I admire most for hanging in there and going strong. Anthony is still operating the Camillo Apartments and despite the whiners the palce is still amongst the favorites of seasoned and experienced travelers to Santo Domingo. The apartment hotel features 6 modestly furnished apartments- livingroom, kitchen, bath with microwave, free intenational telephonne and internet access. Maid service everyday except Sunday. There is no fee for visitors. Centrally located in the heart of a thriving residential neighborhood next to stores and local businesses, Close enogh but far enough away from all the action on "The Conde". My favorite feature is rolling up to my own apartment building without having to be scrutinized by a doorman or security person. Anthony is knowledgeable of American and Dominican cultures and eager to share information and tips to make your trip better.

Hotel Venezia is still open but charging a hefty $500 RD for day visitors and $1000 Rd for night visitors. The higher end Mecure and Hodelpa Caribe Hotels are open and still costly options for those of you seeking high end options. JDs is still open but charging $250 RD per person to get in which explains why there was only 12 people in there on Saturday night. A new spot called Eucalyptus was packed and nice located rightoff the Conde down from Bar Friends which was also open empty but open. The newest hot spot is free yep absolutely free, Parque Duarte is all the rage and a hell of a lot of fairy dust if get my drift. Basically it was nice to have a few old dates and see some old friends in firey hot weather in the beginning of July.