And now its time to say Goodbye

To all our family.

TAM- Tam you real soon!

Bor- You really aint such a bore!

Ista- Hasta Ista Baby real soon! Goodbye Ian "Tamborista"! It was a pleasure having you here. You gave me a lot of laughs, especially the night you were as drunk as a skunk and were negotiating to buy two condos I own. It was tough turning down your offers but you were drunk and I didn't want to take advantage of you. You were a slice, too bad you didn't get a piece! LOL

Seriously folks, a real decent guy with a good sense of humor and doesn't take himself too seriously! Good guy! I really mean "Come back Soon"!

Hasta Pronto!

This is the training facility of the Colorado Rockies and the Cleveland Indians. Above is the entrance to the observation deck which I guess is used by the management and scouts.

These are the Indians taking Batting Practice. These are kids 17-19 years old who have been drafted and signed. After attending School they will be assigned to the Minor Leagues in the States and around the world.

This is a 19 year old Dominican who happens to be 6'5" tall. He plays Centerfield and will be going to a Double A Club in a few months. I think he said he is going to Arizona. You may just see him playing Centerfield for one of the Major League Teams in a few years! He signed with the Rockies but you never know what may happen in a few years of Minor League Ball. He is suppose to be a great hitter and a great "FAST" fielder. He is supposed to have a great future in front of him.

Before I couldnt get these pictures to upload and now they are here twice. I apologize but I am not going to start all over again.

Hasta Pronto!

I went to Boca Chica to visit a couple of baseball schools run but Major League Teams in the Dominican Republic. I originally thought that they only had the school for Dominicans since Dominicans are so popular in the Major Leagues today but they come from all over to go to these schools. This particular school I went to was two schools in one. One for the Colorado Rockies and the other for the Indians and as I remember it was the Cleveland Indians way back when but not sure if still today. Instead of making a right into Boca Chica you make a left and go on a Dirt road for about 5 miles, through farms and industrial areas and finally you get to the school. You have to be admitted through the gates by the guard, give him your cedular and get the pass in exchange. Of course you trade it in on the way out. This place was HUGE. Two different teams set up this school. On the way back to Boca Chica I was shown several other schools of other Major League Teams in the same area. I have been here for years and never knew that this existed here. Live and learn. Now I will teach others what THEY don't know. More pictures and info coming up in the next bit. For some reason I couldn't upload 5 pics that I put in the Q. Hasta Pronto PS> uploaded a bunch of pics to Flickr http://flickr.com/photos/37904369@N00/?saved=1 Check them out!

Adreas, Sleepy beach by Boca Chica

This is the Beach in Andreas which is the Dominican town just before the gringo/tourist town of Boca Chica. I came here with some Dominicans for a beer and to sit and chat for a while. Just beyond the land in front is the world famous Boca Chica Beach however I enjoyed this more than I have ever enjoyed Boca Chica.

This place was really a find and although it is inhabited with the same predator women who patrol Boca Chica they don't bother you on this side because this is NOT a tourist beach. This marina is on the other side of the beach. There were some nice boats there but nothing like you see in other marina's in North America. Guess there is a difference because you need the harbor masters permission to even move your boat in the Dominican Republic.

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Dominicans steal boats to run away to Puerto Rico. They put 100 people on a 22 ft boat, charge a lot of money and they are called Yolas. People die every month doing this. I worked hard to come to the DR and they work hard to leave. Ironic...

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Hasta Pronto!

Buff Boys

I found this picture on Dawns Computer so I figured I would post it!

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I am on the left, AZB is in the Middle and the Pasty White Boy Robert is on the Right.

Someone enhanced the AZB and Robert but that is me on the left a few pounds ago. I look basically the same but bigger now since I have been in the gym.

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I haven't posted because I couldnt find the cable for my camera but I found it so I will post the Baseball school piece when I get done here. It was real interesting and I hope you enjoy the story as much as I did seeing it.

Hasta Pronto!

Pictures

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37904369@N00/?deleted=94904540

I was checking where people were coming from and I got hits from Flickr. Somehow they get my pictures off the blog and there is a link from there.

I also saw that I had a few pics up from a while ago and forgot about the place. I will upload more pics there and you can check them out. Upped one today but I am using another computer because my power supply went and wont get the replacement till the 14th of Feb.

Hasta Pronto!

You cant help but notice electric service in the Dominican Republic leaves a lot to be desired.

Wires going every which way and no meters. People just hook up and take electric and never pay for it.

Heck even those that can afford to pay do not and no one does anything about it.

I know one new condo that doesn't pay as a whole because the person that built the building kept a condo and doesn't want to pay so the rest of the 10 or 12 condos don't either.

This picture is one of the milder sites you will see as the others I have seen are much more dramatic!

I have seen Tree Branches used as electric poles with a Y at the top and not even fastened into the ground. Amazing there aren't way more fires cause by electrical malfunctions here in the Dominican Republic.

Hasta Pronto!

PS> Did you know that the Dominican Republic has a whole bunch of Baseball Schools run by Major League Teams? Coming up "I visited 2 run by Colorado Rockies and the Indians."

This is where he belongs

I took this picture while having lunch yesterday at La Roca. Hipolito Mejia was the last President of the Dominican Republic. He did such a poor job of both governing and such a great job of stealing that this country has been now paying the piper since the last presidential election with higher prices to pay for his fiasco.

He is now just a bad memory although he did kickstart Real Estate for me and the country because it was a safe haven for people to put their money without losing it.

Under him the peso went from 15.xx to 53.xx to a dollar and although that may sound nice it caused all the prices to climb. Then they stayed high because all the store owners had lived with inventories in pesos that they couldn't replace when they sold it.

All in all it was a horrible presidency and all I can say is that seeing this garbage truck today brought back bad memories. They should always keep his name on Garbage trucks as a memory to his Greed and Coruption. I hope my people learn from him and eventually put these types of people in JAIL!

Wow check this out!

Copyright 2006 World Markets Research Limited;All Rights Reserved World Markets Analysis January 30, 2006 IN BRIEF 327 words Tourist Arrivals Set New Record in 2005 in Dominican Republic Juan Pablo Fuentes Tourist arrivals by air increased 7.9% in 2005, thus reaching a new yearly record. Indeed, the number of tourist arrivals reached 4,081,295 in 2005, up from 3,783,628 people a year earlier. Of that total, 3,088,247 (or 76%) represented foreign tourists; the rest were either foreigners living in the Dominican Republic or Dominicans (both resident and non-resident). Foreign tourist arrivals grew by 7.5% year-on-year over 2005. The arrival of Dominican residents (either nationals or foreigners) increased at double-digit rates in 2005 thanks to improved economic conditions and stability of the exchange rate. By region of origin, 47.1% of foreign tourists came from North America (mostly the United States and Canada) while 45.2% came from Europe (with Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the U.K. leading). View the rest of the Story here: http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=616&topicId=12552&docId=l:349780157&start=14

It isn't hard to see that building is booming on the North Coast especially in the Sosua/Cabarete area because you can't help but notice. This has to do with the LOW price of real estate here in my opinion. If you compare the DR to any other Island in the Caribbean NONE are as diverse nor as beautiful as the Dominican Republic with possibly the exception of Cuba but I don't even consider Cuba because of the present type of government.

Compare the price of the DR to any other place and this place is a BARGAIN. Prices have gone up pretty dramatically in the last couple of years but still below the prices here many years before that. I purchased a condo that originally sold for close to 200k for 60k and now it is worth about 150k but soon to go to 200k in my view. This place feels like it is about to Rocket!

I retired from the Real Estate business in the US 6 years ago and am playing around a little here in the Dominican Republic now. Feels just like the early 80's in NY right now here. It is pretty exciting and it seems that everyone who is involved is doing well.

I also see real estate quiet down when tourism is slow here and pick up when the area is busy. I don't know if they are directly related but it is very noticeable.

Hasta Pronto!

Bye Bye Mike!

(did you click a Google adsense ad today?) Say hello and goodbye to Mike. He lived in NY and comes down here many times a year. He stays in my condos often and we have become friends.

It is always nice to see the same nice people over and over again! Makes condo rentals enjoyable!

Mike was only here for the weekend but got a lot in. Even golfed one day up at Playa Dorada. He will play Playa Grande if he is here for a longer time also.

Sorry to see him leave but I know I will see him again in the not too distant future as he is hooked on the Dominican Republic and loves it here.

I was going to move Ian over to the condo Mike just vacated and move my arse back in but alas, today is another Dominican Holiday and when I called my maid she reminded me why she wasn't there.

Looks like tomorrow is another day and I will finally get back to my comfort zone, maybe:) I am not going to move too much stuff down from the mountain quite so fast. Nice having a nice Penthouse to hang in while I make money on my place although I will never rent it out again once I move everything back. Too disconcerting for my system and although the money is good and I am hanging out in probably the best Penthouse Condo in town it just aint worth it!

Hasta Pronto!

Lunch at the Rock!

(did I mention to click on a link from Google Adsense? Buy me lunch!)

After I dropped off Mike at the Airport I headed back to Sosua for lunch. I went into La Roca today to sit outside on the covered balcony. Cool nice day today on the North Coast in Sosua and it was real nice to sit outside, eat lunch and people watch.

The fellow in the picture above has worked in La Roca for many years. Nice to come in and always get a nice greating from him even though he wasn't my waiter. He got through the purges at La Roca when they fired most of the people for stealing. I guess he is also honest as well as a real nice fellow.

Now THIS was my waitress. I don't know how they all have such lovely smiles but they do! I love these women, always friendly with a great smile and man oh man every one of em can't DANCE and have this engine that must have several hundred horsepower on them! Comon folks you know what I mean when I say "The Bump Out", right? Hmmm Hmmm Hmmm I love these women!

I don't know if they were busy earlier but I didn't get to have my first meal of the day until 2 pm but the tables started filling by the time I finished. Great spot for lunch if you are in Sosua and going to the beach as it stands right on the corner that goes down to the beach. La Roca is the name and it is a nice quaint place with good service!

Hasta Pronto!

(click on the Google Adsense and buy me dinner:))

I think I may take a new direction for my blog. Yesterday I hung a sign saying I want money for drugs, booze and hookers totally degrading myself and instead of getting breakfast money I got dinner money yesterday from you all clicking on my Google Adsense Ads.

So maybe I will just degrade myself on my blog for money! Hell when I was on DR1 Robert would edit my posts and then degrade me for free so at least now I get paid for it.:)

Anyone want any hamburgers from my grill? These are Extra well done! LOL

I get to move back into my condo today. I have one guy leaving and I am moving Ian (Tamborista) to that condo and go back to MY bed. I don't think I will move much stuff back in case someone calls me the next day with cash in hand:) I am really becoming a condo renting whore but it is easy staying in Dawns Penthouse while she is in Montana. Great digs and all to myself which is real cool.

So, I have an airport run to take Mike to the airport today and when I go to get him I will bring my laundry to my condo so I have fresh undies for tomorrow and I will take a weeks worth of clothes down just in case. COOL!

Maybe I will take off for a day or two and do the north coast. I love that part of the Dominican Republic. Beautiful and lush! I was hanging out with a fellow in Costambar last week who told me about some lots for sale on the other side of Cabrera that are supposed to be real nice. Maybe I will check them out!

Hasta Pronto!

Carina is a Card...

Carina sent me a picture of a Haitian carrying a dead cat to eat and said if people don't click on my Google Adsense I will have to resort to this for my breakfast:)

Heck I got a better picture of what I will resort to right on the left here.

This could be me folks if you don't click on my ads to make me money for breakfast! LOL

What's the odds on my getting my buddy Jack Quontee to hang with me in the Park in Puerto Plata with a couple of large wine bottles carrying this sign?

I got email from Frank the Tank today. He is coming down next month. If Jackie won't hang with me I will call on Frank the Tank to keep me company and to make money with. So how about it Jackie, ready to do some male bonding? LOL Heck if not you or Frank the Tank, Badpiece will always do it for free booze!

Hell that is an idea for the silent auction. High bidder gets Jackie to hold a sign of their choosing in the Park in Puerto Plata for two hours between 12-2 pm on the day of their choosing. I think I would bid on this. Beats the hell out of Escotts Famous North Coast Tour:)

I crack myself up sometimes!

Hasta Pronto!

PS> click on the Google before I am beyond redemption:)

Chinese New Year!

(click on the Google Adsense and help buy me breakfast)

I got email from my friend Herman in NY today. He wished me a Happy Chinese New Year and I would like to wish you all and my friends Brian and Herman a Happy Chinese New Year! This is the year of the Dog so I guess all my old girlfriends are thinking of me today:)

Have a great day folks and may this day bring you everything you ever wanted in life!

Hasta Pronto!

Bikini Contest

(Help buy me breakfast and click a Google Ad)

Yesterday I went up to Costambar to take care of some business. After I went to Blackbeards to a Bikini contest with a friend. Didn't know it was even going on but I had a nice time looking at some women who shouldn't wear bikini's. Best part about the Bikini contest was that I ran into a friend who lives in Florida and the last time I saw him was in Nyack NY with a couple of other friends.

Blackbeards is a pretty nice place if you want to chase Prostitutes or have a decent meal. Yes the food is pretty good and I will eat there and have eaten there many times! You can also take a woman to dinner there non professional and not be bothered by what else goes on there.

Another great place to eat in Costambar is Cafe Negril. It is owned by a fellow from Jamaica by the name of Mickey. It is in Atlantico One Apartments. If you get there ask Mickey for the Seabass with Safron. That was to DIE FOR!

Nice pool, decent management and lots of working gals. If that appeals to you then Blackbeards may just be for you. Just don't bother with Bikini Contests although they do draw a BIG CROWD!

Hasta Pronto!

A few weeks ago a couple of my friends from NY were down. They found a few wives for the time they were here and I am just posting pictures for them to look at:) The Taller one was the wife of one buddy.

This Bud's for you! LOL

Hope you guys enjoy these! Went to a Bikini Contest and they were present! That all Folks!

Hasta Pronto!

(click on the Adsense Ad and help buy me breakfast tomorrow)

I found this on someone elses blog and stole it. Kind of reminded me of how I feel sometimes:)

Someone made a comment asking what my new blog address is and it is:

Http://www.blogcharm.com/Escott

Although this is my third site I have tried for this blog thing I am still learning about being a blogger. There is a lot to learn and there are many different features to consider.

When I originally started on DR1 I didn't realize that I could make money writing. I put up Google Adsense from my condo website and Robert told me to take it down. He said "DR1" was going to do this and share the profits with the bloggers. I said "sure, great, when are you going to do this"? He said "As soon as I return to Santo Domingo". Needless to say he never did it. I was thankful for the bandwidth which was free and never said much about it.

Turns out that "ALL" the other sites are also free and I don't have to share the "GOOGLE" money with them. I just found another site that even pays me half of the advertising money they get from ads on the management pages. DR1 wasn't free, it was costing me money as little as it may be. He gained income and readership because of the blogs and didn't allow the bloggers to make a penny. What the heck did I know then, NOTHING!

So, I doubled my earning capacity the first switch, although he never did anything that he promised to give earnings and I didn't make a dime and now I stand to make even more money. Don't misunderstand folks, I may make a hundred dollars a month on the Adsense and more on the other advertising although I don't know yet how much and that really isn't a lot of money to me. Just NOT having to listen to Roberts crap and not having some Pasty white boy talk down to me is worth all the money in the world. He thought he was way more sophisticated and worldly than he really is or has the capacity for.

It was kind of like when I was in the Army and the dope who was higher ranking than me who couldn't qualify for a Postal job giving me orders just didn't feel right. Same with Robert, having him tell me what I could and couldn't do was just a silly thing to bear. I of course think too much of myself to let that happen for longer than I have to. I said I was going to get new blogging set up when I got back into my condo and of course the English Twit takes down my blog a week or so before just to be the jerk that he is. He then sends me email saying he doesn't take things personally which of course is complete BS. To me now he has the credibility of a bag of Camel Dung. Let others take his sillyness:)

If I can get this blog pay off enough money I will put another kid in private school. Seems like a great use for my newfound wealth!

Hasta Pronto!

Dominican Republic Economy on Upswing

(Click on a Google ad and help buy me Breakfast:)) World Bank impressed with DR’s economic growth See that the time is ripe to fight poverty and increase quantity and quality of education and health SANTO DOMINGO.- At the end of a four days visit to Dominican Republic, the World Bank regional vice-president for Latin America and the Caribbean, Pamela Cox, affirmed yesterday that the Dominican Republic "is experiencing an impressive return to the economic growth" and that "now it is the moment for confronting poverty, inequality and improving the quality and the amount of investment in education and health. Read rest of story here: http://www.dominicantoday.com/app/article.aspx?id=9817