Posted by strikeeagle on October 10, 2000 at 23:51:25:
| Since the discus board isn't allowing topics to be created just yet, I'm going to post this here. In the past several days, there have been a lot of 'newbies' suggesting that they want to go to 'other' clubs, and/or get into the Street Girl scene. While I can understand enthusiasm to have a taste of all la zona has to offer, I will suggest that a step back may be in order. I know that I risk appearing condescending with this attitude, but stick with me on this for a second. My intent is NOT to discourage exploration, but to encourage 'appropriate' exploration with Enjoyment. When most of us started out going to TJ it was all about AB and CC. For most, going to these two places was like going to a Giant Toys R Us for adults. Many, if not most, of us started out by reading the Brockton O'Toole (BOT) FAQ and some of the assorted posts on the WSG, and/or the news groups, or the late Red Snake board. BOT expounded the virtues of AB and CC with casual mention of other clubs, and suggested that for the most part the 'smaller' clubs were of a lesser quality and selection. Of course, there were those who had experienced the 'main' scene, and wanted to try an alternative. This meant walking around and sticking your head into the other clubs, most of which were, and still are, catering to the local Mexican crowd. It took a lot of time and I'm sure sweat on the part of some of the pioneers to find the Miami Bar, Bar Tropical, and the (late) Hong Kong. I salute those trailblazers, and thank them for expanding the collective knowledge of our community. I'm sure that more than one of these pioneers walked into the Kinkle Bar and then RAN right back out as soon as they figured out what was going on in there. Though, some may have been drunk enough that they took some time to figure it all out. (SURPRISE) These smaller, more local oriented, places appealed to a smaller segment of the US hobbyist population, as the type of chica and the quality varies widely and often requires a greater level of Spanish education. More time went on, and Tropical became interesting as an alternative, but with the caveat that it was very much a 'break in' bar with chicas coming in fresh from all over Mexico. Many of these chicas would NOT go up with any guy, much less some gringo who spoke savage Spanish. (that's still the case for many TB chicas) But, these places appealed to the hobbyist who was looking for a place to hang out with buddies and drink, with the added benefit of possibly getting laid. (not that much different than a US night club IMHO) Along the way, some wanted to check out the Street Girl (SG) scene. There are LOTS of chicas lining the walls on Constitution and up and down the alley, so there MUST be something to them. (and there is) But, again, the ability to speak Spanish is a MUST with 95% of SGs and the rules are TOTALLY different then with Bar Girls (BGs). (sin ropas? Maybe. BJ? Perhaps. $20 for 15 minutes? And, those HOTELS.) I suppose what I'm trying to illustrate is that each of the three major arenas is different, and unique. This (IMHO) gives benefit to taking a more step by step approach to things. Just as in school, one does not take Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry at the same time, I'm not sure how beneficial it is to attempt to jump into the AB/CC scene, while trying to learn and understand the 'smaller' bars. And, then trying to learn how to be successful with SGs at the same time. Can it be done?? Yes, I suppose it could, but is it the best way for every hobbyist? NO, I'd say that it is not. (IMHO) Here's why I say this. Some who go to TJ have pretty good 'street smarts'. They've been around 'inner' cities and have an awareness of what's going on around them. (situational awareness) As one guy put it, they have eyes in the back of their heads. Other guys, do NOT posses this understanding, or experience. Both of these groups can, and should enter la zona at a different level. Similarly, some guys speak Spanish at a 'taco bell' level, others at a high school level, and still others speak with fluency, or close to it. Each of these groups of guys will have a different level of ability to work in the TJ environment. Some have a pretty good understanding of the cultural differences between the US and Mexico. Some carry the 'stereo-typical' American view of our neighbors to the south. Each of these groups will have a different level of success (or lack there of) with las chicas. These are just the obvious traits that will affect how people will be able to deal with 'life' in la zona roja. Just with these traits, we've got LOTS of different levels and combinations of understanding that WILL affect how good a time one can have in each of the different environments of la zona. In other words, a guy with one mix will be able to go to places other than AB & CC and have a great time. Another guy will go and have a lousy time, and possibly place himself in a dangerous situation simply because of a lack of knowledge and understanding. Over the years, we've seen guys go down two or three times, and then get mugged on their third or fourth trip. Maybe they figure that they'll save the $5 taxi ride, and they get nailed walking in, or worse, walking back to the boarder late at night. Perhaps they wonder a little too far up Constitution, up near Av. 123. Or, maybe they simply weren't paying enough attention to what was happening around them, and they got nailed in the alley. (don't for a second think the Street Chicas are going to help you out) We've also seen people wander into some of the smaller clubs and them bemoan them, because 'I couldn't get laid.' Maybe it was the language barrier. Maybe a cultural thing with la chica created a problem. Perhaps the guy just picked a chica that was Fresh Off the Bus (FOB) and she wasn't yet a 'working' chica. In both sets of cases, the experience poured cold water over the enthusiasm of going back to TJ. Some of the people who had this kind of thing happen to them, never went back. For some, the experience was THAT bad I suppose my point to this long-winded post is to encourage 'newbies' to take things a more slowly, and to learn about la zona roja, one step at a time. Assess your own personal level of readiness for each different part of la zona experience. Be honest with yourself about what you're ready for, and what you may be better off waiting to try. For a moment, imagine unknowingly picking up an (allegedly) under age SG, and as you step into your hotel, la policia stops you and asks for ID. You don't understand enough Spanish to really know what's going on, and but you know that you're being led off to a TJ jail, because la chica has no ID with her. (Don't laugh, I know someone who had this happen. He eventually found someone who spoke English and was able to explain that he had no idea that la chica was underage. It still cost him a LOT of money.)(oh, and by the way, did you know that Everyone is REQUIRED to carry ID with them at all times?) Or, imagine that you're standing at a taco stand, enjoying a quick bite to eat. La Guardia troops drive on in and starts rousting a number of people on the street and in the clubs. The young punk standing next to you starts making obnoxious comments about the local method of law enforcement, and next thing you know, he finds himself against the wall being searched. A 'joint' is found in HIS pocket, as the closest policia official looks at you! Suddenly, YOU are up against the wall next to this 'drugie', because "you must be friends since you're both Americans." You've done nothing wrong, and nothing is found in your pockets or on your person, but you are detained anyway. (this happened to me) Would you know how to deal with these situations? Some would know how to handle it, and some would not. (one hint. NEVER, EVER attempt to bribe la Guardia troops. The punk did this, and the last I saw of him he was being unceremoniously loaded into the back of a 'duce' full of Guardia troops. My experience cost me 2 hours of off and on conversation with several 'officials' there on the street, and finally a $40 'donation to help off set the cost of the investigation'. BUT, it was the idea of una policia, and NOT ME. I only negotiated the amount down from an original $100 'donation'.)(Hint #2 The US Constitution and Bill of Rights means exactly NOTHING in Mexico.) This is NOT designed to scare anyone. Rather, I'm trying to point out that it's really hard to recommend places to go, to stay, or things to do in la zona without risking the disappointment of a fellow hobbyist in some way or another. It's pretty easy to tell from some of the questions that some people are trying to go from zero to fully experienced hobbyist in just a couple of trips. It's Damn hard to do this. My Humble Suggestion is to go a few times and ENJOY yourself in AB, CC and places that you go with friends who perhaps have more experience in la zona. After you find yourself comfortable in this situation, perhaps try wandering into some of the 'smaller' clubs. Maybe talk with a SG or two to expand your 'comfort zone'. The whole point of going to TJ and la zona is to Have FUN! It's hard to do that if you're struggling with basic communication, and/or understanding the cultural viewpoint of the chica you're talking with. Go to TJ and have Fun. Don't go with the goal of 'conquering' the entire spectrum of what's available. Think of la zona as a buffet of our hobby. Try each offering one at a time, and enjoy what you've selected, before you concern yourself with what you're going to try next. Okay, I'll get off my soapbox. If this promotes a lively discussion, I welcome that. I'm sure that many people will disagree with me. Just please, don't make me don my Nomex underwear.
StrikeEagle |
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