Security?

simplythemyth · #1 03-11-2007, 07:33 AM

Hiya, all..!
I just got here for about few days ago and got a question for you. Please tell me how do you feel about the security issue in SDQ.
I am going to work from Monday and I was thinking that I would just carry my laptop everyday, which shouldn't be a problem. But so far, what I've got is that bloody security matters. I have to walk to the org for about 15 or 20 min from where I live and this Calle is kinda small. So far, no one would recommend me to do that.
Honestly, all those bars and latticed doors make me feel uneasy. I do know there are always possibilities that bad thing might be happened but I feel kind of lost.
Well, before I got here, all I could think was just I will have a chance to have a drink or two after my work at the pub at times, or I can take a walk from where to where. But if I have to worry about all those things then I will just have to get back when the sun is still up there. I am still dealing with my stupid jet lag, which keeps me awake all thru the night, and I found out that the lady of my boardinghouse has been sleeping on the couch to keep the house safe.
Errrr..
Is this just a paranoid? Or simply the security matters here...?

Ken · #2 03-11-2007, 11:08 AM

Don't let the bars put you off. Houses here have always had them. As far as walking to work, will you pass through an area that makes you uneasy, the sort of neighborhood you would avoid in your own country?

Are you going out an walking around now. Have you make the walk to where you will work? If you haven't, do it today. Leave your laptop home so you will feel more comfortable. Be confident when you walk, say Buenos Dias to the people you pass or see sitting on the porch. Get acquainted with the area. when you get home, turn around and make the walk again. My guess is you will feel better about the coming week and less apprehensive.

simplythemyth · #3 03-11-2007, 11:48 AM

Hi there

Thank you for the quick reply. Well, I am trying to make myself easy and enjoy every single second while I am here. I did try to take a walk around here the other day; it just ended up like a useless journey of Columbus, as I felt so uneasy having all those awkward looks by locals. I do look like indeed A foreigner to them, my guess.
At least tomo', someone will take me to the org by her car, so I will try to walk home as I finish my work.
Today is another challenging day for me, I will try to go to Zona Colonial again and have a nice cup of 'Coke' by the sea. I guess there is nothing to see on that street so I would like to check on the Caribe.
I hope everything’s will be just fine.
Good day to you then ?

Ken · #4 03-12-2007, 10:43 PM

Most of us expats look like the foreigners that we are. Dominicans are used to see foreigners and don't have the issues about foreigners that natives of the other islands of the Caribbean do.

I think that people are looking at you because you are a new face.

If you are really uncomfortable walking around on your own, buy one of those pepper spray dispensers and carry it in your pocket. Then you will know that you have a means of defending yourself should this be necessary. I don't expect it will, but meantime you will have some security in your pocket.

Chris · #5 03-13-2007, 12:12 AM

Get to know everyone on the small calle. Greet, chat and meet people. Hide the laptop. I don't now where, but don't let anyone know you have it... Hide it. Once you know everyone, things will be safe for you.

Chip00 · #6 03-13-2007, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simplythemyth

Hiya, all..!
I just got here for about few days ago and got a question for you. Please tell me how do you feel about the security issue in SDQ.
I am going to work from Monday and I was thinking that I would just carry my laptop everyday, which shouldn't be a problem. But so far, what I've got is that bloody security matters. I have to walk to the org for about 15 or 20 min from where I live and this Calle is kinda small. So far, no one would recommend me to do that.
Honestly, all those bars and latticed doors make me feel uneasy. I do know there are always possibilities that bad thing might be happened but I feel kind of lost.
Well, before I got here, all I could think was just I will have a chance to have a drink or two after my work at the pub at times, or I can take a walk from where to where. But if I have to worry about all those things then I will just have to get back when the sun is still up there. I am still dealing with my stupid jet lag, which keeps me awake all thru the night, and I found out that the lady of my boardinghouse has been sleeping on the couch to keep the house safe.
Errrr..
Is this just a paranoid? Or simply the security matters here...?

It is typical for Domincan businessmen to carry a "soft" breifcase with them whcih could double as a laptop briefcase. Search the forums for advice on not being a "target". There is a lot you can do even though you may be fish belly white and appearance and how you carry yourself is important. However, if you like to be out late at night bar hopping none of that may matter. Make some good Domincan friends if you want to do that. That will be easy as the people here are quite an affable bunch for the most part and most seem generally interested in having "gringos" as friends (please to all tempted save the "it's for the money part"!).

laurapasinifan · #7 03-13-2007, 10:28 AM

well are you a woman or a man..and if you are a man how is your stature.

you know if someone wanted to steal your laptop, or something you have, they will try more readily if you are small , like a woman. It is a crime of opportunity. For sure if you are a woman, not having the laptop or a big purse hanging off your shoulder on these long walks, would make life easier and more secure.

also if you start to do something very regularly....someone could mark you...especially if you carry something oftwen they think they could sell .

really only you could know at what point you will feel at ease.

If you walk where you see lots of people on the street and or in and around their houses or where they live...then that would be a better place to walk than a place where you seldom see people . Those extra eyes are what helps keep the troublesome people at bay often.....of course that lap top throws a lot of little thieves caution to the wind.

good luck
and try to enjoy your time there

bob

Mirador · #8 03-13-2007, 11:20 AM

If you really feel aprehensive about your appearance and need some sort of concealment, I suggest putting on a faded wifebeater shirt, a pair of calipso thongs instead of shoes, and drape a used and soiled burlap sack over your shoulder loaded with your goodies (including, of course, your double barrel sawed-off 12 gauge shotgun with accompanying loaded bandana)

laurapasinifan · #9 03-13-2007, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mirador

If you really feel aprehensive about your appearance and need some sort of concealment, I suggest putting on a faded wifebeater shirt, a pair of calipso thongs instead of shoes, and drape a used and soiled burlap sack over your shoulder loaded with your goodies (including, of course, your double barrel sawed-off 12 gauge shotgun with accompanying loaded bandana)

Id really love to see what a loaded bandana looks like, and how it is deployed.. ha ha ha

maybe the person can whip off the bandana and fling their hair in the assailants face until they cry uncle. ha ha

sorry mirador, it was just to much to pass up ha ha ha

bob

Mirador · #10 03-13-2007, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laurapasinifan

Id really love to see what a loaded bandana looks like, and how it is deployed.. ha ha ha

maybe the person can whip off the bandana and fling their hair in the assailants face until they cry uncle. ha ha

sorry mirador, it was just to much to pass up ha ha ha

bob

Bob, sorry, my bad, I must have been thinking in Spanish and English at the same time. The word in Spanish is Canana, and in English Bandoleer, so I automatically wrote Bandana. This is what I meant....