Combatting Night Noise

[BushBaby]

...to BushBaby and the rest of the posters...

I understand where it could be annoying...but you are trying to change a WHOLE COUNTRY AND IT'S CULTURE!!!

How would you like it if the same thing was done to you back in your old countries?

You chose to live there, I think nobody forced you to do it...so now you must learn to live with it!

Dominicans don't think they are being rude by playing their music loud...they think EVERYONE enjoys it as much as they do!!!

Even here, when I visit my dominican friends, we could be just talking and the music is blaring!!!

Really people...I would take your place anytime...anybody want to switch with me?? I dare anyone to come live in Miami...and deal with REALLY RUDE people!!!

How little you know of me & my attitude to the Dominican people O Music Queen!!! The fact that something displeases me does NOT mean I am trying to change "the Whole country & it's Culture". Perhaps your desire to inflame this post caused you to overstate what was actually said by others & myself?? The fact that ANY person causes discomfort to MY ears, gives me the right to try & explain that I am being physically hurt, would prefer it if they reduced the volume to show some consideration to me IN THE SAME WAY THAT I RESPECT & HAVE CONSIDERATION FOR THEM!!! Living together is a two way process & we must all give & take to get on in life together. Start with noise abatement & we can then develope into other areas that give COMMUNUAL respect & understanding!!

How do you know I have not "learned to live with their culture" ?? The fact that I speak up against something does not mean I do not understand or accept their culture?? I have lived here 12 years now & think I possibly have a greater understanding of that culture than many others that post here, BUT, .... the fact that something is "their Culture" does not make it their "Right" & does not mean it can not be challenged!! All I am doing is challenging their right (ANYONE'S right, not just Dominicans) to offend my person by lack of consideration!!

I have two or three people who would be happy to swap places with you & come & live in Miami. Please send me your details by PM & I will handle the arrangements with pleasure. Your challenge is accepted!! - Grahame.

 

[XanaduRanch]

I Believe It's Not a Cultural Issue, but an Educational Issue.

You wouldn't go to a poor Appalachian town where many of the population can neither read nor write, and say, "Well! That's their culture. Far be it from me to interfere!" Of course not.

Learning to respect first your own possessions, and then later the property and rights of others, is a cornerstone of civilization. That many Dominicans do not is legendary. But educated Dominicans certainly do. By educated, I mean people who were taught right from wrong, and to respect others, by their families, and their churches.

Alba and I spend a great deal of time fighting what has been described here as the "culture" in our children. We want them to take care of their things, respect adults, not interrupt adult conversations, not talk to a person five feet away like they're in a pig calling contest on the next island, etc. We work hard at it because we want them to grow up to be proper, civilized adults. Unfortunately many Dominicans seem to leave the parenting up to others, and discipline is often unheard of.

Loud music's not the problem. Not respecting others who may be near where you want to play it, is. And the solution is a firm 'No!' and a slap on the backside from your mamma when you're young.

Tom aka XR Why is the third hand of a watch called the second hand?

 

[Ken]

Learning to respect first your own possessions, and then later the property and rights of others, is a cornerstone of civilization. That many Dominicans do not is legendary. But educated Dominicans certainly do. By educated, I mean people who were taught right from wrong, and to respect others, by their families, and their churches.

I agree, Tom.

The preaching by MusicQueen surprised me. By using terms like "whole country" she lumps all the Dominicans with the ones she hangs out with in Miami and carouses with when she visits the DR. What an injustice to a large percentage of Dominicans. I have a number of Dominican friends and acquaintances who object as much as I do to loud music that disturbs them and others and to other behavior by some Domicans that indicates they lack respect for others.

 

[Fiesta Mama]

I had to comment...

Even though I am not a permanent resident (yet! - no my bad experience has not discouraged me from wanting to move to the DR) I do have some thoughts on the subject of combatting nightly noise pollution (and daytime noise pollution for that matter) in the DR. I have spent a considerable amount of time in the DR over the past year on holidays and have had to get used to the roosters, trucks selling produce with their blaring radios at 8:00 a.m. in the morning and by far the worst was the neighbour who sat outside the shuttered window (no there was not way to close a glass window to keep out the noise) at 5:30 a.m. every morning talking (well yelling) and hacking for the next three hours!!! But you know what, when in Rome my philosophy is do as the Romans do! It was not my place to say "hey, in my country people don't sit outside someone's window at 6:00 a.m. in the morning and wake everyone up, the colmado down the street should turn the music down at 11:00 p.m. and while you're at it - kill all the roosters. Moving to and living in a foreign country is all about adapting to the way things were before you got there. When people move here (aside from their religious, cultural, etc. beliefs) they are expected to adapt to our culture - abide by stop lights, don't drink and drive, turn down the noise after 11:00 p.m. etc. For me, every time I visited the Dominican Republic (and when I visit in the future), sure for the first few nights (and days) the noise was loud but I adapted. For me it was part of what I love about the country believe it or not. There are far worse things going on in that country that I would rather help to correct than the noise - the people are happy and jovile and I have to admire and respect them for loving their music and noise level and most of all for living amicably amongst one another in those conditions and not complaining. I have yet to meet a Dominican who complains about the loud music! If you want quiet at night then I suggest before you make permanent residence you thoroughly check out the surrounding neighbourhood and perhaps stay there for a week or two. I don't think its fair to move somewhere and then try and change it to suit your needs. Thats just my opinion and I'm not saying its the right one but I really don't mind the loudness in the DR and have truly come to expect and appreciate it.

 

[Criss Colon]

Most are missing the point,as Tom pointed out!

The "noise" is not the "problem",it is a "symptom"! Just like "Garbage",Corruption, "Theft",Lieing,and lots of other "Symptoms""!!The "PROBLEM",is lack of RESPONSIBILITY! Cradle to Grave"! Do what you please,"To Hell" with everyone else! But they do it unconsciously! They don't think,"I'll play my radio loud,even though it's late and it will bother my neighbors,,They think," I'll play my radio now.""I'll throw out my garbage now." "I'll take this now."

I, as Tom & Alba, try to raise my children to respect themselves,and others.It is hard when most other parents just seem to have a "Hands Off" approach to child rearing!
How do you teach your children "Right From Wring",and to have respect for others,when they live in a world that doesn't do the same?
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

 

[mountainfrog]

Noise and Culture

@ Fiesta Mama
I know you love this country and their people (-1) and their
culture.
It seems that you include loud music played at any time of day or night in your perception of the Dominican culture. But there is a law here that prohibits such noise because it has to do with respect for other people and their protection.
You are right the law is not enforced (and I for one believe that this is one of the reasons why many a foreigner chose to live here) and there is almost nothing you can do about it.
If you believe that the law should apply to everybody, please do not come to DR.
But if you do come to stay it will make more sense to discuss again.
Froggy

 

[atienoor]

Upbringing, thats it1

On this one, I will throw in my two cents worth with Alba, Tom and Cris.Universally, there are fundamental things that are wrong and those that are right. We all choose to live in the DR for various reasons and I doubt if for most of us, the reason is as stated in one of the threads - the law is not enforced in the DR or that Dominicans love loud music (fallacy)!

I would not like my children to grow up believing that life is all about what the majority does. I want my children to learn respect for themselves and others. Loud music while your neighbors are sleeping, throwing garbage everywhere, talking to people in the same room with you as if they are two blocks down, corruption and foul language is not only offensive, it is a habit children pick up and keep. And we all wonder why the world is so messed up?

In my apartment block, even when my neigbors throw party's, we rarely hear loud music and yes, they are Dominicans. Pegging all Dominicans as ill mannered is not fair. As someone said, it starts from the cradle and those who were taught well know it is wrong regardless of whether they are Dominican or not.

Even in the mentioned parts of Canada, there are ill-mannared people who play loud music regardless of the law!

 

[Ken]

In my apartment block, even when my neigbors throw party's, we rarely hear loud music and yes, they are Dominicans. Pegging all Dominicans as ill mannered is not fair. As someone said, it starts from the cradle and those who were taught well know it is wrong regardless of whether they are Dominican or not.

I agree. But unless you have contact with more than sankis and low class people, you might not know that. (By low class I was not talking about lower class.)

 

[mikeyone]

Looking for an Acoustic Guitar

Liked the comments...Have a Colmado shaping up in our area..expecting the worst..SO. where can I buy an Acoustic Guitar, untuned if poss.. Might start a Barrio Band!!!!.. had a good chuckle anyway. if you cant beat them.. Join them???.. Stay Loose. M.

 

[VoodooManagemen]

It Appears there has been quite the discussion about my business. My first response to all of the complaints is that I am sorry that our business is causing problems to residents around the area. Unfortunetly for the residents in proximity of the noise pollution of the Voodoo Lounge the area is dubbed as a TOURIST HUB of the area and the developement of the the Nightlife of the area is important to the REAL industry of the dominican republic. One would not move to Las Vegas bolevard and then complain about the noise!

The reason why the police and other organizations have not done anything is the Voodoo Lounge is part of Starz Resorts. The all inclusive resorts are given slack to do pretty much whatever they want in the interest of tourism right up to the president. As for the quote from one writer about inclosing the voodoo lounge, anyone that knows the psyche of a tourist has no interest in coming down to the dominican to sit in an air conditioned room.

As more structured tourism businesses move here and the tourist industry increases the nightlife and late night noise is only going to continue. As for the residents of Neptuno Apartments, you will have a nice voodoo lounge noise buffer when the Convention Center goes in, I sincerly hope that it helps you with your problem with my business. Although with a Casino going in, it could provide more noise and in even more close proximity not like the 2 block distance the voodoo lounge is.

Thank you

The Young Nice Manager

 

[miguel]

I have a good one for you!!

Liked the comments...Have a Colmado shaping up in our area..expecting the worst..SO. where can I buy an Acoustic Guitar, untuned if poss.. Might start a Barrio Band!!!!.. had a good chuckle anyway. if you cant beat them.. Join them???.. Stay Loose. M.

You know what you could do?. A friend of mine in Villa Duarte, SD, told this colmadon owner to keep his music and "ladies of the night" in check since the colmadon was on a residencial area and the music was driving all the neighbors insane. This young punk told him that he was not going to stop the loud music and that there was nothing my friend could do. Care to know what my friend did?. He and about 20 of the neighbors pitched in a they bought the biggest speakers with the highiest volume of watts and when this guy would put his loud music, my friend would park his "political propaganda" 4 wheeler right next to the colmadon and he would blast his speakers. Within minutes the "prosties" would go in, he would lock the door, but the noise from Fred's camioneta was so powerful that they could not hear themselves talking. Care to know what happened?, he closed the colmadon in about 1 week!!!!.

 

[Escott]

It Appears there has been quite the discussion about my business. My first response to all of the complaints is that I am sorry that our business is causing problems to residents around the area. Unfortunetly for the residents in proximity of the noise pollution of the Voodoo Lounge the area is dubbed as a TOURIST HUB of the area and the developement of the the Nightlife of the area is important to the REAL industry of the dominican republic. One would not move to Las Vegas bolevard and then complain about the noise!

The reason why the police and other organizations have not done anything is the Voodoo Lounge is part of Starz Resorts. The all inclusive resorts are given slack to do pretty much whatever they want in the interest of tourism right up to the president. As for the quote from one writer about inclosing the voodoo lounge, anyone that knows the psyche of a tourist has no interest in coming down to the dominican to sit in an air conditioned room.

As more structured tourism businesses move here and the tourist industry increases the nightlife and late night noise is only going to continue. As for the residents of Neptuno Apartments, you will have a nice voodoo lounge noise buffer when the Convention Center goes in, I sincerly hope that it helps you with your problem with my business. Although with a Casino going in, it could provide more noise and in even more close proximity not like the 2 block distance the voodoo lounge is.

The Young Nice Manager

Hahaha, there is NO noise from a Casino first of all. El Neptuno pre exists "Your Hub of Tourism" and wasn't built afterwards. There are a lot of homes on that block that are owned and lived in by the people that founded Sosua.

I will be happy when the Casino opens so I can just walk there instead of driving to Playa Chicita or Breezes. Vince runs a clean operation so I have confidence that he wont crap on the neighborhood as you have and then rub it in peoples faces like they are doing something wrong.

Voodoo Lounge is NOT part of Starz Resorts but a separate company. Not that Starz Resorts is anything special in my opinion. They have no parking, block the road all the time and let their effluent go into the street. I can just imagine the payoffs going on there. Their deal with the Central Park is a scam in my opinion but hey I just live there. We learn to put up with a lot of things in the RD not in the interest of the general public.

When they block the street with triple parking, deliveries and buses I just sit in my jeepeta and stand on the horn till they move whatever it is that is blocking the road. They dont like it but I will do this every time until they clear the road.

Maybe the people that live in El Neptuno should gather 10 cars together and honk their horns in front of the Hotel everytime you blast the music in an unreasonable manner at 3 am? I bet that would get some attention.

You folks have all open windows except going back to the hotel so they are not affected by your noise. Your juice from Starz is not something that can last forever btw:. Even in the RD graft and corruption gets reigned in at times. You think you have a free pass but you may just find out different at some point.

By the way I love the place. I come in often and even have my very own members card (yellow residents card). I especially love the collection of Russian Whores you have there many nights of the week. Do you pay to get them into your bar? I found it very erotic when they hump each other while dancing on the cocktail tables.

It would be nice if you had some consideration for your neighbors and turned it down at a reasonable time. I hope you stay open because I like the place but if you do get closed down it will be because of your own fault because you act in a most unreasonable manner at times.

See you soon.

 

[Ken]

Voodoo Lounge Update

I've reopened this thread because I have much to report about changes during the past year--all for the better as far as the condominium where I live--and to tell others who are having trouble with loud music from a nearby establishment that under the present government you will get serious and very effective help.

Consider our successful effort to keep the Voodoo Lounge from waking us up in the middle of the night with bad karaeoke, screaming dj, and bass that was at too high of a volumn.

Today three of the windows on the second floor of Voodoo Lounge have glass in them, maximum volumn settings have been marked on the sound controls, and the Voodoo Lounge management has promised to reduce the volumn more if the spikes are found to be too loud, and/or seal the Voodoo Lounge with glass in all of the windows.

There were a lot of sceptics about our chances of success, and some of the posters even said we should learn to live with the loud music if we wanted to live in the DR. But I can tell you that it is no longer necessary to have your sleep interrupted. The officials of the present government will help you and will not be bribed to ignore your complaints.

In Sosua, where I live, the person in charge of the tourism office is Radam?s Guzm?n, a life long resident of this area and a local lawyer. He speaks excellent English, is very honest, and when he says he will do something about the problem, he doesn't stop working on it until he has kept his promise.

The office in Santo Domingo he reports to is Lic. Arlyn P. N?n Lora, the director of the Department of Empresas & Servicios Turisticos in the Tourism Department. Her phone is 221-4660, ext 2301/2309, fax is 686-2458, and email is a.lora@sectur.gov.do If you have been plagued by a noise problem that keeps you awake at night, I would urge you to contact her.

If any Sosua area residents who live near the Car Wash are reading this, I can tell you that if you complain to Radahmes Guzman that he will help you. I met last night with he, Ken Jones of the Voodoo Lounge, and some other residents of the condo where I live to review where things stand. In the course of the discussion somebody mentioned the Car Wash and the loud music. He said music most certainly too loud but since nobody has complained to him, he figured neighbors liked it that way. But he said that if anybodyi complained, he could promise them something would be done to reduce the volumn.

 

[Island Treats]

I've reopened this thread because I have much to report about changes during the past year--all for the better as far as the condominium where I live--and to tell others who are having trouble with loud music from a nearby establishment that under the present government you will get serious and very effective help.

Consider our successful effort to keep the Voodoo Lounge from waking us up in the middle of the night with bad karaeoke, screaming dj, and bass that was at too high of a volumn.

Today three of the windows on the second floor of Voodoo Lounge have glass in them, maximum volumn settings have been marked on the sound controls, and the Voodoo Lounge management has promised to reduce the volumn more if the spikes are found to be too loud, and/or seal the Voodoo Lounge with glass in all of the windows.

There were a lot of sceptics about our chances of success, and some of the posters even said we should learn to live with the loud music if we wanted to live in the DR. But I can tell you that it is no longer necessary to have your sleep interrupted. The officials of the present government will help you and will not be bribed to ignore your complaints.

In Sosua, where I live, the person in charge of the tourism office is Radam?s Guzm?n, a life long resident of this area and a local lawyer. He speaks excellent English, is very honest, and when he says he will do something about the problem, he doesn't stop working on it until he has kept his promise.

The office in Santo Domingo he reports to is Lic. Arlyn P. N?n Lora, the director of the Department of Empresas & Servicios Turisticos in the Tourism Department. Her phone is 221-4660, ext 2301/2309, fax is 686-2458, and email is a.lora@sectur.gov.do If you have been plagued by a noise problem that keeps you awake at night, I would urge you to contact her.

If any Sosua area residents who live near the Car Wash are reading this, I can tell you that if you complain to Radahmes Guzman that he will help you. I met last night with he, Ken Jones of the Voodoo Lounge, and some other residents of the condo where I live to review where things stand. In the course of the discussion somebody mentioned the Car Wash and the loud music. He said music most certainly too loud but since nobody has complained to him, he figured neighbors liked it that way. But he said that if anybodyi complained, he could promise them something would be done to reduce the volumn.

Ditto Ken@!! And to quote one of my authors:Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better.
King Whitney Jr. :glasses:

 

[Rocky]

Congratulations, Ken, on your perseverance and tenacity.
Once more you have proved yourself to be a valuable member of our community.

 

[Easy Money]

I live in a 4th floor apartment, and the neighbors across the street sometimes have late parties. The best thing I've found is to throw eggs at them, after 11 when they are supposed to be quiet and let people rest. Usually 1 or two eggs does the trick, they have a little Empanada stand setup in front of the house with tables for customers and an egg exploding in the middle of a customer's table from a 4th floor across the street gets their attention real well.

Eggs are getting expensive so I will be switching to rocks soon, but they are pretty well trained by now, they know that Regueton > 11:00P.M. > low volume = egg sniper attack.

Oh, BTW to avoid reprisals and confrontations I usually either turn all the lights off in the house or go to the roof of my or the neighboring building to launch the attack from. It's best if they don't know who is unhappy with the noise and can just assume it's everybody.

hahahaha

 

[Easy Money]

I went in there last night and all the Russion whores were there. I had a great time! They get asked every night to turn it down and don't. It doesn't bother me personally but it sure bothers some others in my building.

Russian whores are pretty cool when they are out at night. I first ran across them at Breezes Casino. Dumb me asked if there were many Russian tourists here when I was chatting with them. I learned. Whole new crew and I recognize them by their fugly guys hanging onto them. Oh if I only had money...

Had dueling asses when two Dominican women jumped on another table to out dance them. How cool can it get?

Escott,
Champion of all things Nice

What? Russian whores in the DR? How in hell did they even get the plane fare or visa to get there?

 

[SKY]

A Russian does not need a Visa to enter the D.R. Only a tourist card.

 

[Ken]

What? Russian whores in the DR? How in hell did they even get the plane fare or visa to get there?

These are not the typical "whores". The manager of Voodoo Lounge is very familiar with their situation and he says they are students, models, etc., from the Ukraine who are brought over her for 3 months. Some come back later on for another 3 months, many don't.

It is something most do for the amount of money they can earn during that 3 month period.

For more info about them and the program they are involved in, see http://www.cat69.com/