The DR Gringas Life

Dr Gringas Blog Has Moved

2011-03-30T16:08:00.003-04:00

I have been trying to make a blog that will appear as part of my own web site. I finally did it! Wahoo!

The new address is http://colonialzone-dr.com/dr_gringa_blog

I have added some new stuff to make it easier to save, give it a FaceBook like and other stuff I hope you will make it more user friendly. Make sure to change your bookmarks.

Another Wowwie.

2011-03-25T17:02:00.002-04:00

I found these articles today and they are a must share.
The first is in Spanish and gives more detail about the Dominican perspective. The second is the World Report with the entire worlds report.
Penes dominicanos entre los 20 más grandes

World Penis Size

Make sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page and check out the Figures 4 and 5. These give two different reports. Note the difference between the self reports and the official reports. Incredible. Now I wonder whos tax dollars - pesos - yen - euros (or whatever other monies names are out there) paid for this study???

Caribbean Air Show 2011 Preview

2011-03-25T13:14:00.002-04:00

The Air show is Saturday and Sunday and the planes are practicing.Today on my apartment the planes were flying overhead and they were so loud that I couldn't even hear the tv. The car alarms in the street were going off as the planes roared overhead. I tried taking a picture but by the time I heard a plane and got the camera out the window it was out of sight.

I'm not sure if Ill go and see the show. In my old age..jeje ..I'm not into big crowds.Maybe Ill just sit on the 5 story roof top of my building and watch a bit as they fly over. Or I might just get the urge to go and see the show close up. One never knows what my mood will be.

I'll try and take at least a video to post.

More info about the Air Show at the Colonial Zone News Blog. Thats my new blog with news and information about Colonial Zone and the area.

Carnival Dominicano 2011

2011-03-09T15:12:00.003-04:00

The grand finale Carnival was Sunday March 6th in Santo Domingo on the Malecon. I didn't go to the main part of carnival. I just wasn't up for all the crowds, noise and people all mashing up against each other and also the need to watch all around you for those nasty thieves. So I just hung out with my neighbors in the park near to my home. Maybe I'm just getting to old...but I sure hope not. I didn't take many pictures but I did take 2 good videos. Enjoy!
If you want to read about the Carnival Tradition check out the link

How Many Seeds in a Grapefruit?

2011-03-02T13:39:00.004-04:00

I love grapefruit or Grei-frú or toronja or pomelo. Whatever name you give them they are yummy. They are so juicy and sweet. I am just amazed by how many seeds one grapefruit has so I decided to spend my morning counting them. You may be asking yourself how much time does this Gringa have on her hands? Well, I did this in my quest for information just to share with my readers because I care.

So here is the number I came up with today...53 seeds in 1 grapefruit. This grapefruit must really be worried about carrying on its species or something. But anyhow, this is a fact and here is the picture to prove it.

(click image to enlarge)

By the way, I did enjoy eating my 53 seed grapefruit.

Road Trip - Salcedo

2011-02-09T16:49:00.004-04:00

I finally took my trip to visit my friend in Sosua. I was planning on going on Wednesday but around 5PM I checked the news and saw that there was going to be a huelga (strike). The people were demonstrating against the price hike on fuel and they were going to stop all the trucks and public transportation. So I ran home, thank goodness I was packed, and headed to the bus station to get a bus for Sosua instead of getting into all the problems with the huelga. Thankfully I did that because the next day all the Caribe tour busses were not running.

It was good seeing my buddy again and catching up.

On Friday I decided I was going to take a trip to Salcedo in the Province of Hermanas Mirabal (map). It was a great plan. I found out how to get there from Sosua. I decided to take the local transport instead of the big bus.

My friend took me to get a public car and I was on my way. I told the driver what I wanted and he left me at some little stop to take me to Moca. The car I got into was a small station wagon. People kept piling into the car. I thought I would wait for the next one but the guy said no. He took my carry-on suitcase and some others stuff and tied the stuff onto the top of the car. I was the last to get into the back seat of the car so I was wedged in against the door, one butt cheek almost touching the seat and the other on the door handle. There were 5 people in the front seat; the driver was sharing his seat with another person. There were 5 people in the back seat where I was. Then there were 4 people in the back on the car with the hatch open and their feet dangling out the back. I have ridden in these public cars before but never did I see this many people in one car. It was like the clown cars in the circus where all the clowns keep getting out of a tiny car. The only difference was this was not clowns but it was sort of like a circus.

I was laughing for most of trip, about 1 ½ hours riding half-cheeked on winding mountain roads. There were a few places where the car scraped bottom. I thought we were going to have to get out so the car could get through, but it was all good. I had my arm out the window; there was no room for it inside the car, holding onto the handle of my suitcase. Thank goodness that all inside this squished space had used their deodorant and it seemed to be working. The scenery was wonderful and I wish that I could have stopped to check out some of the places along the road for a bit but riding in these cars, they do not stop.

Finally we got to Moca. I needed a cold beer after that trip so I took a break and went to a Colmado and shared a beer with a few people there. I needed to stretch out my kinked back for a bit before I got on with the next leg of my journey.

The next ride was much more comfortable. It was a large guagua and only a 20-minute ride. I sat in the middle in the front seat. I don’t understand why they didn’t use this bus for the mountain ride and the smaller car for the city trip. But then this is Dominican Republic.

We stopped at the station in Salcedo in the Province of Hermanas Mirabal and I asked about the hotel. They said that there was only 1 hotel in the area so I walked the 2 blocks to the hotel and hoped they had a room. The hotel was La Casona Gran Imperial (809-577-4468 and 809-577-4555) in the central part of this small town. It also seemed to be one of the tallest buildings in this town. They had to different types of rooms so I got the better at a reasonable price. It was a basic room, clean, air-conditioning, hot water and cable tv. The owners were very friendly and helpful. I was content.

The Church in the center of town and some murals on the buildings (click images to enlarge)

I put my stuff in the room and went out to explore the area. Of course I had to go to the first Colmado I came across to see what was going on in the area and ask some questions. The first 2 minutes there I already had a guy fall in love with me…too funny. I wanted to get some food so I went on a quest.

I decided to go as cheap as possible so I went into another place and got them to cut me a piece of pan de auga and some cheese and made myself a sandwich. They were bagging up all this cheese, queso en oja and yellow cheese and selling large amounts to the customers. So I had to ask. It happens that this place is a cheese factory, Punto del Queso “Don Miguel”. They make cheese and yogurt. The owner took me around the back to their house and we sat on the patio, had some coffee, yogurt, cheese and a beer and talked. The family, husband, wife, grandma, grandpa and kids were hanging out and talking for about an hour. They told me to come back Sunday and they would take me into their factory and let me take pictures during the cheese making process.

It was getting dark so I went and got some ice, water and some snacks to take to the room and went and rested. It was a busy and good day. The room was a little noisy as the music from the street wafted up through the hallway into my room but it was bearable. I heard the church bell ring out each hour that passed. I looked outside at the midnight bell and the streets were quiet and void of people. All the motorcycles and people partying in the street had gone home. It was very quiet.

I woke Saturday morning and took my time getting ready for my visit to the museum and whatever other adventures might happen. The roosters were crowing and the streets were getting alive again.

I went to the corner, about a block away, in front of the central church and park to get my morning sustenance. They were making fresh empanadas. I’m not sure if they were empanadas, pastels, or some other fried pocket food, I get them all mixed up. But whatever they were called they were good, hot, crispy and substantial. They rolled out the dough, made a pocket, dumped in an egg and dropped it into the hot oil and fried that bad boy up. Yummm..(Got a note from a blog reader, the name of these yummy things is yanikeke relleno the huevo)

Breakfast being cooked for me (click images to enlarge)

I went back to the hotel to start my trip to the Hermanas Mirabal Museo. The motorcycle guy (motoconcho) that I wanted was not there so I went with another guy. I hopped on the back (not really hop but got on slowly and lifted my feet onto the foot pegs) of the motorbike and was off after I gave the guy my orders to not go fast. I´m not really comfortable on a bike but it is the cheapest and easiest mode of transportation.

The Hermanas Mirabal Museum gardens (click images to enlarge)

The museum and property was so beautiful. The lands and gardens were so well groomed. You could tell that the Mirabal sisters came from a wealthy family. I took some pictures outside but they do not permit pictures taken inside the museum-house. There was the original furniture and decorations in the house. The kitchens had all the original utensils and stoves. The bedrooms of the girls, Patricia, Minerva and María Teresa had their sewing machines, lace handkerchiefs and belongings all inside. It was just like someone still lived there. Each room had one of the favorite dresses of each sister. The most touching parts of the tour for me was seeing the pony tail of María Teresa that DeDe, the only surviving sister, cut off in the morgue. The other was the bloodstained handkerchief that came from the murder scene in a glass case.

I left there with my motor guy and we went to the house where DeDe still lives. There is a beautiful well-maintained park on the opposite side of the road and another smaller park adjacent to it. The smaller of the two has a monument representing the 3 butterflies and the chassis of the car that the girls were riding in then they were brutally murdered by Trujillo’s henchmen. The home of DeDE and family is so beautiful. They have some beautiful orchids in their garden as well as other flowers.

Original home of the Mirabal Family porch and orchids(click images to enlarge)

I was so touched when I was walking around the grounds and a large yellow butterfly swept by and landed on a bright red flower. I felt like the sisters were there greeting me. I tried to get a picture but by the time I turned on my camera the magnificent butterfly had disappeared as fast as it appeared. Did the spirits of the sisters themselves greet me? Interesting thought.

The maid showed me around the property. She showed me the outdoor kitchen where they cook with wood when the family has their large gatherings. She showed me what cacao (coco) looks like and she opened the large fruit and let me taste the insides. You only suck off the white coating that surrounds the seed. It was sweet and very tasty. They raised cacao there and had the drying area but it did not have any fruit drying at this time.

I got back on the bike and the driver, Ramon, showed me the different trees, veggies and plants along with their names as we passed. He stopped to let me see some cacao drying and say hi to some of the people sitting there on their porch watching the cacao dry. It was a good trip.

I was hungry and wanted something substantial so I got some typical Dominican food, la Bandera. I went to a place called Route 55. It was a very unassuming place, not open long. They serve typical Dominican food, pizza, sandwiches and hamburgers on this wonderful special bread, tacos and other foods. The food was excellent and the owner, Elias and his employees were wonderful and very attentive. Elias and I talked a while and he invited me to come for dinner, his treat. Can’t beat that deal.

I wanted to discover some more so I found Aristidad, the original motoconcho guy I wanted, and we were off again. I told him I wanted to see the River so he took me to Rio Cenobi. He was a really nice guy and came highly recommended. We stopped and had a beer then took a walk along a motor-walking trail to see the country people and their homes. He explained about the fruit trees and veggies. There were some beautiful country homes and farms (fincas) along the path. There was wires strung throughout the trees as this is the only was these country people can get a little electric as the power lines do not reach here. These homes are modest and so clean. They do not have running water even though some houses are set up to collect rainwater for their use. Most use latrines and do not have indoor facilities. It is amazing that people still live this way.

Houses in the campo near Salcedo with Aristidad(click images to enlarge)

I did not know we were going to walk into the campo so I was not prepared. Stupid me. I had calf length pants on and no bug spray. I knew better but it was too late. The mayes, or as I call them no seeums had their way with me. They loved the new blood and had their way with me. I was doomed to have the itchy red welts on my legs but it was worth the 2 weeks or these unsightly blotches.

Along the trail a man came riding on his motor with his machete at his side. It was a friend of Aristidad, Felix. He took us to his home. We had to cross the river on rocks they set up (I wonder how they cross when the river is high). Then we walked up a steep slope to Felix families’ home. The 5 or 6 wooden outbuildings and main house were so well taken care of. The yard was clean and the grass trimmed perfectly. There were fruit trees everywhere. We sat in the yard and talked a bit. The family was so nice. They gave me a cup of coffee as we shared some stories. They had to get back to work, as it is a working farm. They do not have and motorized farming equipment. The main tool of choice is usually a machete and other hand held farming tools.

They showed me the pigs, chickens, ducks and their horse. Felix climbed a tree and got me a piece of fruit. While he was in the tree a wasp stung his arm. There was a very long palm trunk laying in the yard. He explained it was drying out to be used to repair the house and buildings. They hand chopped the trunk into board lengths. Then when it was completely dry they finish chopping the sections. Then they use other hand held tools to cut the wood into usable boards. Just like in the pioneer days or maybe like I saw on Little House on the Prairie, except it was palm wood. I was just so amazed with these hard working peoples way of life.

Aristidad and Felix at the Osorio farm(click images to enlarge)

They told me about a mountain near by called Loma el Cerro de la Cruz (I hope I got the name right). People hike up the hill and sign their names so others know they were there. Felix (829-853-7802) and Arisitdad (809-254-0660) can take people there if they want all you have to do is give them a call and see when they can do it. Remember, they do not speak English and to tell them you got their numbers from Janette, The Dominicana Gringa.

I discussed with them about maybe taking a few tourists into their home for a few days to live and work with them. They could enjoy showing people their way of life and make a little money doing so. They agreed but they would have to meet the people first and make sure that the people were nice, did not swear and could accept their lifestyle for a few days.

We left, with my poor red itchy legs leading me along the trail. I was quite hungry by this time and was ready for my free meal at Route 55. So I got cleaned up at the hotel and headed for some fuel for my body. Elisa first gave me a quipe, his mother’s recipe. It was the best quipe I ever had. Then he gave me this giant place of food. Way too much for me, but I dug in. It was beef that he marinated to perfection, platano frito, and a salad. It was all wonderful. I ate until I was stuffed to exploding and enjoyed every bite except for a few platanos that was just too much.

It was getting dark and the partiers were coming out to play. That corner is where everyone goes in the evening. There are about 5 places all playing different loud music. The people crowd into the street, like a small Aveneda Venezuela in Santo Domingo. I went to the small place owned by the hotel and had a seat out front as inside it was so loud this old gal couldn’t deal with it. I was shocked that the prices of a beer in these places were the same as a Colmado. I shared a few beers with some people sitting around. I bought a jumbo and they all took turns buying also. But I was pooped out with the days journeys and the streets were filling up with tons of humans, so I headed back to the hotel for the night and slept very well despite the loud music coming from the street. I was whooped. It was another great day.

Sunday I woke to the maid, Maria, knocking at my door with a cup of coffee. She saw my legs and went and got some Vicks Vapor Rub, the Dominican cure-all, and put it on my legs. They were all swollen and itchy. I had some antihistamines and was so glad I brought them with. They sure came in handy. I got cleaned up and went to get my egg pastele breakfast. I called Aristidad to see if he could take me someplace else but he was outside of the town. It ended up that it was a good thing. I was so tired (maybe it was the antihistamines) and my ankles were swollen from the bites. So I just went back to the hotel and rested.

Around 2 o’clock I went out to see what was going on. There were people everywhere. They were having their pre-Carnival party and parade. It was fun but there were so many people in the streets and I’m not real big with giant crowds as I get older so I went to the hotel bar place and talked to some people I met and shared a few beers. They told me that Salcedo was also known for their murals, famous and unknown Dominican painters paint many of the buildings with beautiful murals. I was waiting for my time to go to the cheese factory.

I went to the factory and the girl working in the Colmado told me they finished up with the cheese early and to come back tomorrow. I had to leave tomorrow so the picture taking and cheese factory plans would have to wait for another time. Oh well, such is life.

I went back and had a few more beers with Fausto and watched the events in the street. I went to the pharmacy and got a little bottle of alcohol for my legs. Then I went and got a hamburger at Route 55 to take to me room and try not to scratch my swollen legs. The hamburger, no lie, was one of the best I ever ate. I don’t know what he did to the meat, whatever marinade he used was perfect.

I took a nap and rested in the hotel for a while but the noise from the celebration in the street was so loud I decided to go out and see what was happening. I got out the door of the hotel and there were people everywhere so I went around the side with less people, bought a few snacks, ice and stuff and went back to the room for the night.

Got up on Monday and got my stuff together to go home. Maria, the maid, came with my coffee and the menthol for my legs and we talked a bit. She invited me to her house for lunch but I needed to get back to reality and work so I had to decline. I got her number for the next time I visit so I can go to her house. She helped me carry my stuff down the stairs and I paid the bill. I called Aristidad to take me to the Caribe Tour bus and that was that. I was on my way back to the Zone for work and everyday life. The best thing of all is I was back to my own bed and had another great adventure. I love this country!!

Barahona Road Trip Tour

2011-02-02T16:55:00.005-04:00

I got an email from John that he wanted to visit Barahona after he read my trip report (Barahona trip). I was happy to return and share my discoveries as I had such a good time there the first time I went. The only thing I wasn’t sure about was that he and his daughter Kelsey wanted to rent a car and drive there. I am not really good on the roads here as I never had the guts to drive in this country but this is what they wanted so I went along for the ride as their guide. First I did tell them that I did not know the roads as I always use public transportation but they were up for the adventure and what an adventure it turned out to be for us all.

They were staying their first night in Boca Chica and I took a taxi early Saturday morning to meet up with them. We got along great and they were up for the adventure so we were off in the rental car after a good breakfast.

We did fine driving and enjoying the view along the Malecon. The highway to Barahona was for the most part smooth. We only had a few close calls on the drive there. One when someone stopped in front of us for a conversation in the middle of the street, as is the norm here in DR, and dodging a few large holes in the street.

We stopped at a Colmado for a beer mid trip. John was amazed at how much rice a man had on his plate for his mid day meal. I explained that this was the normal serving here. I was explaining the culture and things along the way. As my usual talking non stop because I love sharing stuff about this country.

We got into Barahona and stopped at a restaurant. I called my friend Ruddi and he came by and said hello to us. Then we drove down the coast to San Rafael. We had no real destination in mind. The only thing that was sure is that we had to get some raw larimar for John to take home with him. Other than that the day was clear.

The road was winding and the scenery was beautiful. As we drove up to the San Rafael beach/ river area the scene was breathtaking. The bay was bright turquoise and the waves were white. We stopped to take it all in. Then we drove down the hill to where the river enters the sea and took a few pictures. We stopped at a roadside place where a lady was selling larimar and they bought their stash or the gem only found on our island. Then we decided we best start looking for a hotel to stay the night.

The Bay and River at San Rafael (click images to enlarge)

On our way back to Barahona we were stopped at one of the many police check points. The guys had their big guns and made us open the trunk for them to have a look see. There was nothing for them to find so we went on our merry way on our quest for a hotel.

We stopped at so many places. All were full. I never left the city on a holiday. Now I know why. Without a reservation on holiday weekends it is almost impossible to find a place to rest the weary head. We stopped at a friend’s hotel and they called around for us to try and find a place vacant. A guy from the hotel took us to one place that had a vacancy but the music was so loud there we would have never slept so we decided to head back toward the capital and maybe find a place in Azua. This is when the real adventure began.

We followed a sigh that said Santo Domingo. The road did not look familiar but we kept going as I thought maybe it was a new highway. There were deep ditches on either side of the road that made me a bit nervous. It was dark by this time and driving at night in the country is not easy here. We almost went off the road once when they sugar train tracks were not marked. We just barely dodged a few car-eating potholes. We got onto some dirt road where people were all staring at us probably wondering what a car with 3 Gringos was doing when the road lead to nowhere. We had to turn around and go past the staring humans again as the road got so bad we knew we were a bit lost. All the time we were laughing and enjoying the situation. But as the night progressed we all got a bit more silent. I could not figure out why we had not come to the town of Azua yet.

Finally we saw someone to ask where the heck we were, after at least a 1-½ hour drive in the dark. He said we were on the wrong road and the only way to get to Santo Domingo we had to go back to Barahona. We stopped to get gas and asked a man there where we could find a hotel. He said his wife’s cousin had a hotel, the only hotel in the entire area. He said it was about 5 minutes away and we could follow him to get there. It was more like 20 minutes away but we followed him. What choice did we have at that hour of the night (it was maybe around 10PM?

We got to the hotel. Hotel Restaurant Deysi Hermanos (809-527-3951/ 3679). This is the only hotel in the entire area. It was in the town of Neiba. Not very far from Lago Enriquillo. We really went the wrong direction. Thank goodness they had rooms! YEA! We had a place to lay our heads and relax a bit. The guy took me to get some water and ice as there wasn’t anyplace within walking distance at night to get this stuff. We gave him a few hundred pesos for his help and retired to our rooms for the night.

View from the Deysi Hermenos Hotel Balcony(click images to enlarge)

Spider webs - Dead baby doll in broken building (click images to enlarge)

In the morning we decided we would just head back to the capital as we didn’t know if we would have more get lose times. Remember, I told them ahead of time that I did not know the roads. They were not angry with me instead they were enjoying the adventure. On the trip back we passed a lot of sugar cane fields and workers. Things we passed the night before but never saw. The sugar cane train went slowly past. We had a few close calls on the road but that’s normal here. We stopped for a horse in the street and waited for him to get off the road to protect him form the crazy drivers speeding past without paying attention to it.

Finally we got back to Barahona to start again for Santo Domingo. We turned around and followed the sign and ended up on the same road to Neiba! It was like we were in the Twilight Zone or in an episode of Children of the Corn (or maybe Children of the Sugar Cane) where you can never leave the town. There was a police checkpoint so we decided to ask for help there. I told the police our story and he had a great solution for us. We were in luck. A sergeant there needed to get to Santo Domingo and instead of him taking the bus he could ride with us and show us the way. What a deal, getting directions and a police escort. So he got in the back seat with Kelsey and we were on our way back.

The policeman was enamored with Kelsey, as were most of the Dominican men we encountered. He kept trying to talk to her but she knew no Spanish. She said his gun was sticking out of his pocket and one time it fell out on the seat. He saw that it came out when she was staring at it and put it back in his pocket.

Other than this the trip back was uneventful. We made one liquid refreshment stop. I would have never found the way back. There are no road signs worth speaking of. There might be one sign then the next turn there is none. So normally, without a sign, one would assume that you are to keep going straight. I learned not to assume anything here. Every fork and Y in the road you need to stop and ask if that is the way or you will end up in no mans land like we did. But the best way to travel in DR is with a PMA (Positive Mental Attitude). Take your time and enjoy the adventure. Laugh at your screw-ups and mark it up as one memorable vacation.

Well, we made it back to Colonial Zone. Then they checked into their hotel and we went on a little walking tour of the Zone. John did no have time to deliver the supplies he brought for the orphanage so he left them with me to deliver later. We walked a few hours in the Colonial Zone but we were all beat from the road trip so we returned to the hotel. We sat on the patio and recalled our adventure over a few cold Presidente beers then said our goodbyes.

John and Kelsey made it to return the car and to the airport with no problems. They made it back to their home with no problems. They also left with some great memories of a unique and incredible adventure in Dominican Republic. I had a great time showing them around and made some new friends in the process.

Bringing in the New Year 2011

2011-01-07T15:44:00.001-04:00

Another New Years Eve has come and gone. I was to go to a friend’s home in Sosua for the event but I got a cold (or the gripe as they say here in DR) so I decided to just stay home and suffer alone.

There were a lot of events happening in the Colonial Zone area. I decided to go to the little get together that the neighbors were having in the little parking lot near my office. This way I didn't have to stay out late.

I went home to rest up for a while. I had to force myself to go out. Once I’m home all comfy and cozy I hate to leave. But about 11PM made myself go to the party.

As I was walking out the door of the building where I live this giant rat ran out from the gutter. He (or maybe it was a she, I didn’t bother to check the gender) was a monster, at least 20 pounds with giant snarling teeth and a tail that was a 1/2 mile long. Really, he was a normal sized rat as rats go but when you see one it always looks bigger than it really is. I did a little jump and an ooohhh! when he startled me. He jumped too. He ran into the wall and then turned around and ran right over my foot. I was jumping, not high mind you as my body won’t do that these days but I was jumping quite exuberantly for this ole gal. Doing the old eewwhhh hand gestures as I was walking up the street and giggling to myself. To myself as no one saw it and there was no one to share the yuck with. What a yucky feeling it was too. Then I started to wonder if there was a tradition somewhere that a rat running across the feet on New Years Eve was good luck. I searched the Internet and couldn’t find anything about this so I decided to pretend that it was a good sign even thought I was pretty disgusted with the rat on my foot thought.

So, I got to the Colmado near the parking lot. Everyone was there starting out the night. I had a beer and sat with the neighbors. Midnight came and everyone hugged and kissed and turned our heads up to watch the fireworks. Then we moved on to the parking lot where they set up a stereo and had good music going.

We were all talking and dancing and having a good time. But my cold got the best of me. At about 1:30AM I had to go home and get into my own beddie-bye. I had a good time. I didn’t run into many crowds and got to hang out with my friends. I’m getting too old to go where there are tons of people partying and getting rowdy, at least in my mind I’m too old for that stuff. I got home before everyone got crazy and too drunk, which is just what I like.

Police Watching Out for the President

2010-12-31T15:46:00.002-04:00

Yesterday when I left the office I walked to the little Colmado near to Parque Duarte in Colonial Zone for my Presidente beer. As I made the turn from Calle el Conde onto Duarte there was 4 of those scary looking police all in black with their bulletproof vests, skull caps and big guns standing near their motorcycles. I smiled and said hi as I was looking around making sure I wasn’t walking into some big drug bust or some serious problem. There was nothing I could see so I proceeded on to have my bien fria.

When I got near to the park there was 2 large police buses and police everywhere. There were guys in really nice suits with walki talkies (they are the official president protectors). There were more of those scary looking dressed in black police. Lots of National Police (Policia Nacional), Tourist Police, and others I don’t know who they were. I smiled and said hi to the group in front of the Colmado, went inside, got my beer and went back outside to see what was happening like any normal Dominican would do.

I asked the group of men what was happening. Some of them had very nice suits on, others had the normal uniform, some had their florescent vests on and others were in normal street clothes. They said President Leonel Fernández was in the church attending a wedding.

What amazed me is how many police and undercover people were there to watch over the President. There had to be at least 60 different people there. They were everywhere. The suit guy was trying to fix me up with all the police standing around talking. He was telling me to pick the one I wanted. I just laughed at him. We were all talking and all of a sudden they said they had to go. They all went to the area of the church.

I didn’t see the president leave but within minutes people were getting on their motorcycles and boarding the police buses. The suit guys got in black SUV’s, which they call Jepetas here in Dominican Republic. Within minutes they were all gone, leaving behind the normal police watch. I was just amazed at how many police were there to guard the President.

My Christmas Video To You

2010-12-23T13:48:00.001-04:00

Merry Christmas - Feliz Navidad! Have a wonderful Christmas
Big hugs and kisses,
Janette
The Dominican Gringa

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Trip To Barahona - A 4 Day Adventure

2010-10-29T16:48:00.006-04:00

Day 1
Saturday 23rd
I decided to take a little trip to a place I had never visited before. Got out the map, sent a few emails and made the decision. I chose Baharona in the Southwest part of Dominican Republic.

I made the bus reservation on line with Caribe Tours. This was great as I only had to get to the station a half hour early and was sure to get on the bus I wanted. I took the 6:15AM bus cause I wanted to spend the entire day there. Didn’t want to waste a minute of my trip.

The ride was good. In Azua a man sat next to me and we talked a bit. The land changes after Azua. It is much dryer there, almost desert like and there are even cactus dotting the land. It took a little over 3 hours to get to Baharona.

When I got off the bus all the motoconcho guys were waiting there for their fares. They sit on their motorcycles waiting for someone to take a ride. It usually costs about 20 to 25 pesos in the local area for a ride. I wanted to walk as the hotel I booked was only a few blocks from the station but I wasn’t sure which direction to go. A nice guy said he would take me there for free. Can't beat that price so I hopped (not really hop because I need to get on slowly and lift my leg onto the foot peg, get my butt situated just right then give the driver orders to go slow- it’s a bit of an ordeal really) on the back of the bike with my suitcase on the front and my little bag between us. Then we rode off to the hotel.

Ruddy (the motor guy) and I were talking on the short ride to the Hotel Loro Tuerto. He was a really nice guy so I invited him for a beer. The hotel was really nice. The little restaurant was playing reggae music and was decorated sort of tribal like. Sitting in the restaurant with the owner of the place was the man I was sitting with on the bus, small world. I signed in with my name, cedula, and phone, threw my stuff in the room (which was very comfortable and clean), and Ruddy and I were off to have a beer and to see the town.
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We started talking. I was telling him what I wanted to see and do while I was there. Ruddy said he could take me to the beaches and rivers for free. Couldn’t beat that deal. I pay for the gas, the food and drinks and have a free guide. We went back to the hotel and I changed my clothes to beach ware. We stopped at a little market and got some rum, 7up and ice and we were off.

Ruddy did follow my orders about driving slow for the most part. I did have to remind him a few times by pinching him in his stomach like I warned him Id do if I got nervous. He stopped to get gas first. The gas station was packed full of motorcycle riders and not one car. Then we rode off down the Malecon out of the city.

I saw some roadside places; most were just people’s homes where they set up a grill to cook with some tables. We chose a place and got some fried fish and cooked bananas called guinea. This area is known for their seafood. The place had some ducks, chickens, dogs and cats running around. Ruddy went to the tree and picked us fresh lemons (called limon here) for the fish and some for the rum. The meal for the both of us was only $150 pesos. Great deal.
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Then we got back on the bike and headed out to the country. We passed some beach areas and slowed down to check out a few. We finally stopped at Playa Quemaito, about a 20 to 30 minute ride. It’s a really long beach with no sand. Most of the beaches in the area are just small, smooth rocks. We swam a bit and collected some interesting rocks, beach glass and even a little larimar. Then we got back on the bike and rode about 10 minutes to the river.
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I like the rivers more than the beaches. It is more refreshing swimming in the river than the sea. The river was crystal clear and the temp was just right. They say it is really cold but to me it was perfect. I found a little flat rock along side the little damn someone made to form the swimming hole. This rock fit my butt perfectly so I just sat there in the cool water, drank my rum and 7up my butt and I were very content. Ruddy was also enjoying his day of play.

We left the river and rode into the little campo of Quimatos. He said his family was from there but it seemed that everyone we ran into was family. He was related to half the people there. We stopped at a little place and danced a bit. Stopped and talked to a shirtless man along the road. He had a large machete on his side and he was covered in blue tinted mud. It was Ruddys brother coming home from working in the larimar mines.

We got back to Barahona just as it was getting dark. We went to the central park area and got some tasty barbecue chicken and yucca with lots of onions. Then we had a beer at a little Colmado and I went back to the hotel to sleep in my room with air conditioning. For me air is a really special treat. Ruddy went home with the promise he would be back in the morning to take me around again because I forgot to bring my camera with me so we had to do it all again.

It was a great day.

Day 2
Sunday 25th
Got up and got ready to head to the beach. This time I remembered my camera. Ruddy came and we had some coffee to start the day off right. Then we went and got our liquid supplies. Rum, 7up and ice. This time it cost about 40 pesos more probably because the Gringa bought instead of the Dominican. Then we went to the Colmado and got pan de auga (bread), some ham and cheese and made sandwiches for the beach. I have to be a bit thrifty. Then we got on the motorbike and headed to Playa Quemaito.

When we got to the beach we picked out our spot and rented a few chairs and a table. Then I had to have a beer before the rum. Beer is always first. I got a little sun on my white legs. While we were sitting and enjoying people kept trying to drive onto the beach with their vehicles. The beach is all little pebbles and very deep. The 4-wheel trucks did fine but the others kept getting stuck. Once car tried and got stuck bad. Ruddy went to help and with 4 men pushing and lifting the car they finally got it out. The family with the car came and sat near us and we were talking. Ruddy told them we were heading to the river and if they wanted to come along they were welcome.
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So we all headed for the rio, them in their car following us on the moto. The road down to the river is a bit rough but they made it most of the way and had to walk the rest. The river was packed this day with all sorts of humans. Some people were cooking in big kettles on fires. Smelt really good whatever it was. There was a group of men pushing a utility van back and forth trying to get it to jump-start. It was funny to watch.
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Then we rode to the barrio, I think it was the town of Quemaito but can’t be sure. It seemed that everyone we passed was some type of family member of Ruddys. Even when we went to the pool hall he was related to people there as well.
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While he was playing I took a little walk to see what I could see. I walked down near to the sea. There was a group of ducks hanging out with their babies along with the chickens. Then I walked up to the street to talk to a lady selling empanadas. She was 94 years old and I asked if I could take her picture. She was smiling and enjoying having her picture taken. I told her I wanted her picture because her face had so much history and it was beautiful. She was smiling the entire time.
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Then we headed to the disco with some of Ruddys friends. I danced a little and flirted with his friends’ 3 year old son. Really the niño was flirting with me. We had a few beers and then headed back toward Barahona. But first Ruddy had to stop and see his brother that worked in the larimar mine.
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He wasn’t there so we had to wait a while. It was getting darker and the place didn’t have any lights.I didn’t want to ride the motor in the dark so finally I had to remind Ruddy. He got his brother to ride me back to the city in his truck and Ruddy led the way on his motor. When we stopped for me to get on the motor it started making noises. Something broke and he had to take it somewhere to leave it to be repaired. He came back and we walked to the central park to get something to eat. Ruddy was a bit worried about his bike so we didn’t hang out long.

We got another motor, 3 of us on the same bike, and he took me back to the hotel. Ruddy went to see what he could do to get the bike running. I was beat and got a sandwich to take to the room to eat. It was another good day for me.

Day 3
Monday 25th
My son Billy Jay died 7 years ago today. This is one of the reasons I took the trip. I like to get away and near water on this day.

Ruddy didn’t show up at the hotel and I couldn’t get in touch with him on his phone so I decided to take a walk and check out the area and head down to the sea side to relax. I went and got some money to pay the hotel bill then walked toward the sea.

In front of a park on the Malecon I met a tour guide, Billy. I told him I didn’t want a guide and what my business was and he decided to hang out with me for a while. We walked around and I checked out a few hotels along the way and got their info.(click to enlarge)

Then we got to the sea. There weren’t many people there which is what I wanted. It was really quiet. Billy and I walked to the Larimar Hotel. There were no guests there and the watchmen and manager were sitting on the beach. We sat down and talked a while. They gave me some fish and rice to eat for free. Then this fog started rolling in. At first I thought it was the salt air fogging my glasses. It was a strange fog that came from nowhere in the middle of the afternoon. It lasted about a half hour then was gone. It was sort of eerie.

I told Billy I wanted to go to the hotel and rest a bit but we could have a beer first. Well, we started drinking, talking, laughing, meeting other people and I never made it to rest in the hotel. A couple men invited Billy and I to go to another place so we got in their car and went to the Malecon. We danced a bit and talked a lot. I even showed them my stupid magic tricks and told them my joke I made up (How many Dominicans does it take to change a light bulb? 8. 1 to do the work. 2 to hold the ladder. 4 to observe and comment on the work and the most important…1 to go to the Colmado for the beer).

Then dropped Billy and I off at the hotel and Billy walked home. I got some spaghetti and went to the room. It was another good day.

Day 4
Tuesday 26th
My last day in Baharona. I got up and packed then went for my coffee. Billy was there waiting for me then Ruddy showed up. Ruddy said he was looking for me all day yesterday. He lost his cell phone and forgot that he had my business cad with my number on it.

Billy went and got me my ticket for the bus then Ruddy and I went to get something to eat and to see a little more of the town. We got a sandwich then went to the sea. The beach in the city is called Cabo. We went there and he told me how the sugar boats come to take the sugar and molasses. We took some pictures of the old train.
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Then Ruddy took me to the hotel to get my luggage. He took me to the bus and I had to say good-bye to him and Baharona. The trip back to Santo Domingo was uneventful and the only thing bad was the bus didn’t have air conditioning. I opened the window and enjoyed the breeze, wrote in my journal my story and relaxed for the 3 1/2-hour ride back to the city.

It was a good road trip.

Through The Shrubbery Spy Team - Episode 1

2010-08-18T11:32:00.004-04:00

Through The Shrubbery Spy Team
Episode 1: Pool Peepers

This spy team known as “Through the Shrubbery” is the work of a dedicated group of humans who came together to make sure they, their loved ones and their clients are safe in their chosen environments. Mainly this involves no action on the team members (the team members are referred to as Joes) parts other than having a keen sense of the obvious and observation skills. They are not for hire, only picking and choosing their caper when they feel the need. The main part of the team consists of Joe-ld, Joe-ie and Joe-et. Please note the names have been changes to protect the identities of this fine group of middle-aged humans. Now that the introductions are over we will proceed with the caper.

Quite late at night a group of human males and females returned from an evening of imbibing. They were laughing and carrying on while on the balcony as many do while visiting this Caribbean country and renting a house in a decent neighborhood. The Shrubbery Team jumped into action with no thought for their own safety. Ready, no matter the hour, to make sure no shenanigans were going on that was not good for the neighborhood.

Finding a way through the bushes to get a closer look. They realized they were vulnerable as both of the team was wearing bright white clothing. A quick change had to be made so they retired to headquarters, lickity split, to get into uniform and outten the lights. Within minutes they were back and ready to romp. Joe-et with her camouflage long dress and bare feet and Joe-ld in black and comfy clonks. Joe-ie stayed back to protect headquarters.

Back through the bushes they went talking in low voices, making their plan of action as they went along.

Getting closer to the perps the experienced spy team got to their knees. Middle aged knee and back pain forgotten in the heat of the pursuit. Crawling along they had to deal with one of the serious problems the spy team has. They have an issue with uncontrollable laughing and giggling. When they get in the thick of a caper this always happens to them. Maybe this is a tension relief thing,they could only guess. They never understood this need to laugh while in pursuit. They are able to get their giggling under control for a few moments but it keeps returning at the most inconvenient times.

Finally they got to the shrubbery blocking them from the view of the neighborhood intruders. They found a peaky hole and proceeded to peek. The perps were tricky indeed. While the team was crawling, making their plans, the perps left pool, two by two, and returned to their balcony disappearing into the abyss of their rental chalet. The Shrubbery Team tried drawing the perps out with their signature cry. Blabah-bla-bglab-blagha-blaga. One must hear this distinct cry to appreciate the fierceness and hair-raising fear it can bring to a non-suspecting stander-byer (this is a special spy team word - one who stands by) when coming from an innocent shrubbery. This is how the spy team got their name, this frightening noise, sometimes presented in stereo, emanating through the shrubbery.

The Joes tried pushing their faces through the shrubbery for a better look at the envents unfolding in the neighboring property all the while making their Blabah-bla-bglab-blagha-blaga sounds. Nothing. The next step was for Joe-ld to hold aside the shrubbery so Joe-et could make a mad dash. Running with all the agility in the body, remember these spies are finely tuned human machines. The plan was to run across the balcony at lightening speed while making the bone chilling blabah noise to rouse the perps from their inner sanctum. The shrubbery holder spy knows that if the one runner is seen all must work together to make sure the others are safe. Be it lifting one load to its feet or dragging one by the arm to safety. The back up plan, if all else fails, RUN AWAY! RUN AWAY!

The spy team carefully moved the shrubbery back into place to erase any traces of their presence. Their mission accomplished. With the perps safely behind their closed doors; the team proceeded through the bushes back to headquarters. Not worrying about their aching knees, muddy feet and scratched legs. They had accomplished another successful mission.

Returning to the sanctity of the patio, to a nice cold beer, they reflected on their caper. The good and bad of it so that when the next caper arises they will be ready to face whatever happens without fear and hopefully without giggling uncontrollably throughout their entire mission. Always ready to serve and protect their territory and their loved ones no matter the cost.

The Thorough the Shrubbery Team. They are never where you expect them to be. If you are in Dominican Republic and doing something not quite right and not quite wrong and you hear soft giggling and a frightening, heart stopping Blabah-bla-bglab-blagha-blaga coming from the darkness of an innocent looking shrubbery. This could be the Joes, Joe-ld, Joe-ie, Joe-et and the rest of this elite team watching you!

Mysterious Find in the Washer

2010-06-27T14:33:00.004-04:00

I decided to do a little laundry today since we had water, electric and the sun was out for a change. I dragged the washer to the patio and commenced washing.

Remember this is not an automatic machine. It washes in one side and when that's done you have to move the clothes to the other side which is the spinner to extract the water (there is another blog story called "My Dominican Wash Machine Experience" if your interested).

I connected the hose and did the first load. I put the clothes in the spinner and the power went out. I had to hand squeeze all the clothes, a bit of a workout for these old hands. I have noticed that the water doesn't drain out of the spinner like it should for a really long time so since I couldn't wash anymore I decided to investigate.

I moved the spinner thingy to the side and peeked in. There was something navy blue way down inside. I tried to reach in and get it but couldn't so I got my trusty tongs and dived in. Out came this navy blue silky blob. Sort of nasty because who knows how long its been stuck in there. I looked at it, holding it by the tongs as I really didn't want to touch it.

It ended up that it was a pair on mens underpants. Fill cover briefs, silky navy blue. Now go figure. I don't wear mens undies. I never washed mens undies in my machine. I hope I don't know any man that would wear those type of poopoo undies (poopoo undies, that's a quote from the movie Young Frankenstein which is one of my favs).

Now, how did those interesting undies get into my machine, wedged way down into the drain in the water extractor? If only the machine could talk. It will forever remain a mystery.

Addendum - I was just reminded that I did wash a male friends clothes once but he defiantly did not wear silk undies, especially as big as those ones were.

Will the mysterious silk, poopoo undie, wash machine using man please step forward....

The Cataract Operation

2010-06-22T13:17:00.004-04:00

I got my operation on May 26. I had to be at the hospital at the ungodly hour of 6AM with everyone else that was getting the operation on the same day. There were about 20-25 people. First we had to all go into a room and one by one change into our hospital gowns. The women got long gowns and the men got the same with pants also. They gave us an IV thingy in our hands and we had to say bye to the people that came with us as we sat in a room together waiting for the next step.

The nurse came in with all our medical records. She took our blood pressure one by one. She said a prayer for all of us. Then different doctors came in, got their patients files, and had a talk with their patient. My doctor was a very young woman. I think she said she was from Venezuela. She spoke English, thank goodness. She wrote some code letters and numbers on a piece of paper and taped it to my gown. Everyone had a paper taped to them; they did not use those plastic hospital wristbands that I was used to.

I was called first which made me really happy. I didn’t have to sit there and think about that needle stuck in my hand and the operation very long. They took me back to the dressing room place and cleaned my eye. Then they gave me a painful shot on my eyelid and below the eye. The girl jammed that needle in and wiggled it around. I was cringing in pain; I really hate needles and having her wiggle that around really gave me the heebie jeebies. I could feel my face getting numb. Then she put something on my head and eye and tied it down. It was really uncomfortable. Big pressure.

I was then led to the operating room area to sit on a chair and wait. Doctors and nurses were walking around washing up and talking. They were even taking pictures of each other. Another patient came in and sat next to me. This is when I found out what was putting all the pressure on my eye.

He had a cap on his head. Connected to this cap was a strap of gauze threaded through a rainbow colored rubber bouncy ball. This ball was pressed on his eye socket. I had the same thing on my face. It looked like your normal kids rubber-bouncing ball with a hole through the center strapped to my face, pressing on my sore eyeball. No idea what purpose that had but we both got a little chuckle seeing each others faces while we waited to have our eyes cut into.

I was called into the operating room. I walked in and had to get on to the operating table and get situated. They put the sheet on me and tucked me all in tight. No straps or anything to keep me from moving. The doctor came in and they prepped my eye with the paper around it and clamped my eye open. That damn clamp hurt. I felt like I was in the movie Clockwork Orange. She was telling me to look straight up but it hurt. I felt her touching my eyeball. It hurt! I tried to think about something else. I started humming “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”(I learned that when I had TMJ and they were teaching me relaxation techniques, I’d sing that song and the song Clarence sang on Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer “There’s Always Tomorrow”). Well, that technique did not work. My toes were wiggling because I was trying to be still but I couldn’t. It hurt! I told them I needed more medicine for the pain. They stuck that damn needle in my eye again. It still hurt. Finally they called the anesthesiologist in to stick something in the IV thingy. Now I ask, why didn’t they do that first? Maybe Dominicans have a high pain threshold. I don’t know. I can handle pain, my back hurts all the time, but common. This is an operation (did I mention that it hurt). They can at least make it a bit comfy.

Anyhow I got through the rest of the operation pain free or at least I don’t remember the pain. In fact, I really don’t remember much after they gave me the juice in my IV.

They put a patch on my eye and I was led out of the operating room and back into the dressing room area. I can’t remember how much time passed but it didn’t seem to be that long. It’s a bit fuzzy. They took out the IV then I got dressed. Cesar was waiting to usher me out to the car. He had all the instructions and some Motrin for me to take for the pain and we headed home. Again I must mention that my eye hurt.

I slept most of the day and night. Wondering what my eye looked like under the big patch on my face.

The next day I had to return to the hospital to have the patch removed and be checked out at 7AM. All of the same people were there. All had patches on their boo-boo eyeball. One by one a guy removed our patches and washed the eye. Some people’s eyes looked normal and others were red and bruised. I had no idea what horror awaited me when I got to see my own face.

The doctor that operated on me came in and I had to look at the eye chart with all the E’s facing different directions. The day before I could not see the largest E and now I could see the bottom row! The operation was a success! I could see! The doctor was so happy I thought she was going to dance around the room. It was like it was her first operation she was so happy. She said that she was going back to her home country in the morning and this was her last operation here. She did good.

She gave me my instructions. I had my eye shield and glasses from the last operation in USA, thank goodness, as they didn’t give me either. I got some more Motrin and some eye drops and was outta there.

In the car I looked at my eye finally. It was a bit swollen but there was no bruising. It looked great to me for just having been operated on. It still hurt but I could see. I could never imagine getting an operation the way it all happened. But it all worked out great and most important is that I can see!!

If you want to help a great organization I highly recommend this one. They give operations for free to the poor and at a discount price for those who can afford to pay. Doctors, nurses and people that just want to help come from all over the world to offer their services for free, coming at their own expense to help. They also take donations if you would like more information about Medical Ministry International check out their web site. They are doing a great service.

I have to mention a woman that was getting operated on the same time as me. She stood out in the group. It was hard to judge her age, maybe late 50’s. She was very small and petite. Her oval face had a cupie doll look to it. She had a medium dark complexion. She looked like she worked hard all her life yet she had such a look of innocence. She never spoke or smiled; I saw no emotions on her face at all. She just sat there with her hands folded in her lap and looked straight ahead. She had such a look of peace on her face it was calming for me just to look at her. I hope someday to meet her. Her face is etched in my memory.

There was also a, not sure the correct wording to use, mentally impaired, man that was operated on. He was maybe 40ish. I think he got his eye straightened. The people with him kept asking him “how do I look now”? He gave a big smile and shook his head yes. He just kept looking around at everyone with a serious look then a big smile would come across his face. Probably the first time in his life that he saw straight. It brought tears to my eyes.

Hospital - My First Visit for Cataract Operation

2010-05-24T13:52:00.003-04:00

I finally decided to get my eye checked out since this cataract is now like walking through a giant cloud. The balance is a bit off too and I can't see well to walk at night. Can't tell if there is a step or if it is flat ground, all my depth perception is way off. Not that that is too abnormal for me, as I am always a bit dizzy..lol. But it was time to get this eye ball thing taken care of.

I went to a Christian groups clinic because they do operations inexpensively. They are mainly to help people that cannot afford to get medical problems taken care of.

The first thing I noticed about the place is that they do not make appointments. You get there and take a number. First come, first served. So I got there really early, about 7AM so I could be first. Well, the doctor was not there that day so I had to return the next day.

I was about the 10th person in line which was not too bad. After I got my number I had to pay first then wait. Went in and all went smoothly. The people doing the eye checking stuff didn't speak English but I got by with my bad Spanish. The doctor spoke English and she was very professional and thorough. She wanted me to get a Lazar study on my eye so I had to go to another place to have this done. Then the next day I took the results to the clinic again and they told me I had to go to Hospital Los Americanos in Los Alcarrizos for the operation and all the pre-op stuff.

I found out the location of the hospital and it is far from Colonial Zone.The taxi was expensive but I had to go there by taxi because they said I had to be there at 7AM and I was not going to take a guagua when I had no idea where I was going. So I got the taxi the same guy that took me to the doctors office I used to take me to the hospital, nice guy).

When I got there the hospital was pretty much an open air type place. It was already full of people waiting their turn. I gave my info to the check in lady and waited. The group I was with all went in and I was still sitting there. Finally they called me in and told me they had no file for me and I had to go to another room to get that. I had no idea what they were talking about. I figured it out and got the file and went back.
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Then they told me to go to the "caja" to pay. Caja is box and I did not see any box. I was looking around on the ground for a box to deposit my money. They got a good laugh out of that. They meant the booth where you need to pay. How was I to know that caja meant box and booth. New word for me..jejej

I then had to go get my blood taken.The girl said something that I had no idea. So she took my to the place I needed to go. It was outside, down the sidewalk, around the back, through a playground, into another group of open air buildings. I would have never found my way without her guiding me. But I paid my money and got the blood taken. Then went back to the original area and sat on a bench waiting for the next step, my EKG. Got that, no problem and back to sit on the benches. Waiting to talk to the anesthesiologist.

While sitting there I heard a chicken clucking. To my surprise there was a rooster in the waiting room. A gallo in a pillow case! I could not believe that. In a hospital there was a rooster! Hanging out with his master. In the waiting room. Amazing! So I asked the guy if I could take a picture to show my friends. I told him, and the surrounding people, "I know Dominicans love their roosters.They even make the wives sleep on the patio so they can sleep with their roosters but I never saw a rooster getting a cataract operation"! Some of the people laughed but the man was very serious and said his rooster was not there for an operation. Later I found out that many of the people pay with animals when they have no money for doctors services.
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After the anesthesiologist I had to go talk to the cardiologist and he wanted me to get an ecocardiogram. I had to do this another day in another hospital and pay more money. Money for the exam and for another taxi..I was getting upset all this money I kept spending. I should have brought a pig with me for payment.

So I went home on the guagua to return to the other hospital the next day, only this time I had to be there at 6AM to wait my turn.

A Dominican friend took me the next day and thank goodness he did or I might still be sitting there waiting my turn. Got to the hospital. Had to get in one line. Then another to pay. My friend took over. He got smooth talked and got me in first to get the eco thingy because after that I had to take the results to the first hospital before noon or I had to wait another week.

I got back to the first hospital and got the results to the doc. All was good. Then I had to go to this window to pay. Then to another window to take the receipt. Then to another office to talk there. Then another caja to pay. Then to the pharmacy. Then to the social worker to set the appointment for the operation. Then to the pharmacy again. Then back to the caja to pay something else. Then to get sized for the lens. Then back to the social worker. then to the caja. Then to the pharmacy. I was so lost. People were laughing at me again. I guess I just looked lost. But my friend kept taking my hand and pulling me along to each destiny as needed saying all the time "Common, common" like I was a little lost kid, which is what I felt like.

Finally I got the appointment and found out that I need to be there at 6AM along with all the other people getting operated on that day and wait my turn. The kids go first, then the people with diabetes, then the older people on up to the younger. Now id the time when I wish I was much older than my 50 years as I'll probably be there all day. No food in my poor tummy, no water to drink, waiting my turn for then to stick the knife in my cloudy eye. I'll write about the surgery after it happens.

The people in the hospital were great. I was so impressed that a lady stood up and led the people waiting in a hymn, read from the bible then prayed.
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(click image to enlarge)

The group doing this medical service for the poorer people is a great group. If anyone wants more information about Medical Ministry International please check their web site and if you can donate as they are really doing a great work for the people.

Political Rally Traffic Jam in ColonialZone

2010-05-24T13:19:00.006-04:00

The weekend before elections here there are so many people in the streets campaigning. It can get a bit crazy and sometimes a little dangerous. but, all and all it is another interesting time to be here in Dominican Republic. The people in the streets waving banners. The trucks loaded to capacity with large speakers playing music and announcing their candidates at full blast (when they pass bu my apartment I couldn't even hear the TV).

I went to my neighborhood park to hang out during one of the rallys. The street in Colonial Zone was so congested. There was a hugh traffic jam or in Dominican Spanish, tapon. The cars were decorated with banners and flags. Trucks filled with people and gifts in payment for a vote. People everywhere engaging in all sort of activities including holding mops (swapes indicating cleaning up the government). Vendors everywhere selling their food and wares to the crowds.

I took this video while sitting outside with my neighbors watching the activities. I also added some annotations to enhance the comic value. Enjoy!

Trip to Playa Palenque

2010-04-14T15:15:00.007-04:00

I took a little trip to Palenque Beach or as it is called here in Dominican Republic Playa Palenque. I decided to try and go alone and stay in a hotel. I never really went to a beach to stay the night alone before so it was a little adventure that I´m glad I took. I had a great time.

I caught the guagua (little bus-van type vehicle) at Parque Independencia in Zona Colonial. The cobradoro (guy who takes the money on the guagua) was friendly. I also talked to an older man sitting next to me. He even gave me a cooked sweet potato to eat and I gave him a swig of my rum I had with me.

I got to the Hotel Playa Palenque. It was a nice place with a pool and restaurant. The room was comfy and clean but I didn't spend much time there. I headed out to the beach to check it out as soon as I dropped my backpack in the room.

I met some people right away and had a few beers. Also got a plan to go to a place to dance in the evening. A guy, Miguel Angel said he would come and get me on a motoconcho.
(click image to enlarge)(click image to enlarge)

I'm a bit afraid of motor cycles as I like to keep my flesh attached to my body and not have it be part of the pavement. But I went, three on the little bike,and had a good time.

First we went to Miguels house. His mom was there and we had a few beers and talked a bit. She is a really nice lady, I will visit her again for sure. Then we headed to a little Colmado type dance place across from the park. We danced and had a nice evening and I went back to the hotel by midnight.
The next day I went to enjoy the beach and sun. I had some of the local fried fish, head and all. The fish looked a bit frightening, especially the eaten one in the back of this picture. He had really evil,dead eyes, like some horror movie. I made sure to open the mouth so you could see the little sharp teeth. Even though it was ugly it was very tasty.
(click image to enlarge)

Met a Dominican York guy that has a little place on the beach and talked a while with him. Then went to the room to take a nap so I could go dancing again that night. I got back to the hotel by midnight again and slept well that night.
(click image to enlarge)(click image to enlarge)

The next day as I was getting my things together to go I came across a big spider in the kitchen. I went and got the maid to see if she could sweep it out.I didn't want to kill it. She came in and said it was OK and it wouldn't hurt me.I just didn't want it sneaking up on me when I didn't expect it. But I left it there and took a few pictures of it. It looked like it was holding a light bulb in its mouth. I have no idea what that was. But after about 5 pics it got tired of the attention and scurried into a cabinet.
(click image to enlarge)

I went to the beach because I was invited to lunch with the DomYork guy. He made some spaghetti and we talked a bit more. Then I had to go.
I got on the guagua and headed for home again. It was funny because two times when the bus stopped to get people someone at the stop knew me. I didn't realize that I knew people that lived out there but I guess I do.

Got back to the city with a sore back, as usual. Carrying a pack on my back does it every time.But I will return again to that beach now that I have friends there and maybe even a free place to sleep now. So that makes the trip even better, and cheaper.
More information and the exact location of Palenque Beach check here

Changing my Blog to Blogspot

2010-04-09T14:32:00.002-04:00

Got an email that my blog can no longer be published the way I was doing it via FTP. I really don´t understand all that crap but I have to change the blog to Blogspot. So I´m using their tool to do it and really don´t understand all the web site designers lingo but I have no choice.So the new url for my blog is:
http://dr-gringas-life.blogspot.com/
Hope this thing works.

This blog has moved

2010-04-09T13:56:00.001-04:00

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Carnaval Santo Domingo 2010

2010-03-25T13:16:00.004-04:00

Well, made it through the carnival grand finale in Santo Domingo this year with my camera so I have pics and videos to share.

The carnaval was great! Lots of amazing costumed humans and non humans too. The crowd was well behaved in general except for the occasional thief doing what they do best, taking advantage of people enjoying.

Enjoy the videos and pictures and try and visit us for the carnival next year. It will be an experience you will never forget.

For more information and the history of Carnaval Dominicano check out my web site.

This is a link to the picture slide show of Carvaval 2010

View From My Baclony - Another Wreck

2010-02-16T15:28:00.003-04:00

Do you ever wonder why there are such things as STOP signs?
Here in Dominican Republic they are called PARE.
You can see them on most streets.
Yet it seems that no one pays much attention to these important life saving pieces of metal.
Friday night, coming home from listening to some Palos music.
Getting ready for a nice nights, or should I say early mornings, sleep.
I heard lots of talking outside on the street.
So I went to take a look.
There was a tow truck, flat bed.
There was a SUV, or as they call them here, Jepeta, upside down.
There was a car where I could only see the back end from above on my balcony.
There were police and people looking on.
Again, as has happened many times before, people did not STOP.
Again, there was a wreck where someone ran into the side of the building where I live.
Again, the ambulance came and took bloodied people to the hospital.
The first time I saw a vehicle hit with such an impact that it turned on its top on the little narrow streets of Colonial Zone.
Check the pictures and remember the moral of the story is:
"Please, please stop at stop signs and take precautions even when there are no signs. Life is too good to not pay attention."

Dominican Women and Their Suapes

2010-02-12T16:03:00.005-04:00

Ok, first of all a suape is a mop, just to make that clear.

If you've been around any neighborhood in the entire country you will notice that most of the peoples years, the fronts of their homes, and inside is always very clean. Even if the yard is dirt you will find the place swept clean.

I have always felt that Dominicans, especially the women, have a love affair with their brooms and mops. I found this to be all so true a few days ago with my very own eyes.

I was passing my neighbors door and was going to ask her if she needed anything from the store. She was sitting on a plastic chair in front of the TV. She was asleep. In her hand, almost hugging it, was her mop. she fell asleep holding onto her Suape! She was not just holding it, she sort of had it in her embrace, almost like she was hugging it. I didn't want to disturb her as she looked so comfy so she didn't get to request anything from the store that day.

Later in the day I told her what I saw. We both had a good laugh at the poor mops expense.

Picture Slide Show of Haitian Earthquake

2010-02-02T16:55:00.004-04:00

A friend of mine, Jaime, was here after leaving Haiti. He and his friend came to Dominican Republic waiting for a plane to return to his home in El Salvador. He was working in Haiti when the devastating Earthquake hit on January 12, 2010. He took these pictures with his cellphone camera and sent them to me to share with the world.

Continue to pray for the victims and their families and donate whatever you are able to a reputable charity. Thank you.

DR and the Haitian Earthquake

2010-01-18T15:04:00.003-04:00

First I need to say that this earthquake that happened in Haiti is unbelievable to me. I felt the tremor here in Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo. I was on the computer in the office and the monitor started shaking. I thought it was my leg shaking the desk. Well, it was not my leg, it was the earth moving. I sat for a few seconds thinking it would stop like others I felt in the past years living here but it kept going. I figured that maybe I should go out to the street. I felt a little tipsy walking out of the store. The mobiles on the ceiling of the gift shop were all swaying back and forth all the same when usually they are all moving a little in all directions. All the neighbors were in the street when I got out there discussing what happened with a look of fear on the faces. After a few minutes and with a cold beer in my hand I went back to the office and started checking the web to see what happened. The DR1 message boards were in full swing with people posting what they felt. Then the news started coming in that it was a 7 point quake in Haiti and about a 4 point here in Santo Domingo.

Now my problems...
I have been watching the TV to see what was happening. The English language stations report that USA and other countries are sending help. That is great, bless all who help. But Dominican Republic was there first and none seems to acknowledge this. Here is some stuff from newspapers about what DR has done to help Haiti.

From Dominican Today-

The Dominican Government’s humanitarian aid for the Haitian people in the wake of Tuesday’s quake is evident in the different barrios and zones inhabited by thousands of refugees.

The aid to thousands of Haitians is includes the distribution of ready-meals on the Dominican Government’s recently acquired Mobile Economic Cafeterias, with more than 10,000 distributed daily.

News source diariolibre.com said several Dominican agencies also provide drinking water, medical rations, food and services, for which hundreds of people eager to received them formed long lines this weekend.

Moreover the Government allocated RD$131 million for the Public Works Ministry, for heavy equipment sent to remove debris.

The First Lady of the Dominican Republic announced on Sunday the campaign “Return to Joy” for the psycho-affective recovery of the Haitian children who survived the earthquake.

Santo Domingo.– More international relief aid is expected to reach Haiti by land via the Dominican Republic as air transport is jammed, following the promise by Dominican President Leonel Fernandez of granting land access for aid delivery to the neighboring country.

"The Dominican Telecom Institute (Indotel) and the CDEEE will work in the reestablishment of communication and energy, while the rubble is being removed," Preval thanked Fernandez for the immediate support and solidarity received from the Dominican Republic, and highlighted he was the first national leader who visited his country after the devastating earthquake.

President Leonel Fernandez decreed Friday and Saturday "Days of National Mourning" for the loss of thousands of human lives in Haiti as a result of the 7.0 earthquake that struck the neighboring country.

According to the Decree 29-10, "the Dominican people are profoundly disturbed because of this great tragedy, and therefore it is considered to be a moral obligation to demonstrate their sorrow and solidarity with the Haitian people."

The decree orders all flags to be flown at half mast at all government buildings at the national, provincial and municipal levels. I addition, all official activities of a festive nature are suspended.

Jimani, Dominican Republic.– Buses from Port-au-Prince arrived at the General Meleciano Hospital, in Jimani, 280 kilometers west of the Dominican capital city, carrying dozens of seriously injured children, women, men and the elderly, many with fractured skulls and broken limbs. The most serious cases were transferred to larger hospitals for treatment, as well as members of the UN peacekeeping force in Haiti.

A logistics center was also set up in Jimani for aid groups to use, while trucks carrying water and food left from the camp along with mobile kitchens, the first batch of a mission to supply around 10,000 meals a day. Doses of tetanus shots were also being transported.

The Dominican military and police were reinforcing rescue teams looking for survivors on the other side of the border.

From DR1

President Leonel Fernandez has convened the representatives of multilateral organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, the Caribbean Community, the Inter-American Development Bank and other regional cooperation organizations. The central issue that will be discussed is short and medium-term international aid for Haiti after the 12 January earthquake. Presidents Fernandez and Preval and Haitian Prime Minister Jean Max Bellerive have already discussed the general guidelines.

Fifteen television channels, 50 radio stations and local channels that transmit via the Internet joined in a television marathon to help the people of Haiti over the weekend. The appeal has already collected more than RD$54.9 million.
Prominent TV, sports, music, political and business figures took part in the radio and television marathon organized by the Conference of Dominican Bishops and the "Sur Futuro" and "Que viva el pais" Foundations. From the Colorvision studios, Haitian ambassador in the DR Fritz Cineas, clearly moved by the displays of solidarity, thanked the Dominican public and said that his people "would never forget the generosity and compassion of the Dominican people" at this difficult time.
Starting at noon, 27 telephone lines (15 from Codetel and 12 from Tricom) were allocated for the radio and television marathon. Two bank accounts were set up to accept donations in dollars and pesos. Cardinal Nicolas de Jesus Lopez Rodriguez made an appearance to appeal to the solidarity of the Dominican people.
A TV marathon organized in Santiago, collected an additional RD$11 million for Haiti over the weekend

The humanitarian aid supplied by the Dominican government to victims of last Tuesday's Haitian earthquake is visible in all the areas that are occupied by thousands of refugees. The aid for thousands of Haitians consists of food cooked in mobile kitchens recently acquired by the Dominican government at a cost of millions. More than 10,000 meals are handed out daily. Diario Libre reporters also saw long lines of quake victims receiving water, uncooked food rations and medical services provided by several Dominican institutions over the weekend.
A tank truck from the Santo Domingo Water and Sewer Corporation (CAASD) distributed 2000 gallons to people along the Martin Luther King Avenue. Meanwhile, in the areas near the collection centers opposite the International Airport, men, women and children left with plates of food, thankful for the help sent by President Leonel Fernandez at a cost of RD$131 million. At the same time, heavy equipment from the Ministry of Public Works was at work removing rubble.

The Dominican government has equipped the Maria Montez International Airport in Barahona for the Open Wings for Haiti Air Bridge Operation. The airport will serve as a multiple aviation logistical platform to facilitate the collection and distribution of humanitarian aid from the DR and abroad. The large airport was out of operation but has the capacity to handle large airplanes. The airport will be converted into the center of air traffic for aid to Haiti. On Saturday, a commission made up of aviation director Aristides Fernandez Zucco and Air Force chief Major General Carlos Altuna Tezanos traveled to Barahona for the preparatory work, including clearing the runway, preparing for fuel storage and equipping the terminal.
The US Southern Command is now operating out of the Maria Montez International Airport (BRX). Furthermore, a Navy source told Hoy that the docks in Barahona have been prepared for ships arriving with aid for Haiti.
Furthermore, a source of the Navy told Hoy that docks in Barahona have been prepared for ships arriving with aid for Haiti.

Hospitals in Neiba, Barahona, Jimani, Azua, Santiago and Santo Domingo are treating thousands of cases of Haitians injured in Tuesday's 7.0 earthquake. According to Hoy newspaper, more than 2,600 people have been treated and over 250 remain hospitalized. The nation's largest trauma hospital, the Dario Contreras, has performed hundreds of operations on quake victims.

President Barack Obama called President Leonel Fernandez at around 9pm yesterday to discuss recovery plans for Haiti in the immediate, medium and long term. The Presidents agreed that the DR is the ideal bridge for the aid that needs to get to Haiti.

Supermarket advertising campaigns have been replaced by appeals for aid for Haiti. La Cadena is offering to contribute one box worth RD$450 containing milk, juice, chocolate, sugar, corn, beans, water, sausages, sardines and crackers for every RD$450 donated by customers.
Plaza Lama has a full-page spread inviting customers to donate bottled water, canned goods, tetrapak juice and milk, sheets, blankets, towels, shampoo and soap. The drive is for Plaza Lama at 27 de Febrero Avenue, and Carretera Mella on Friday, 15 and Saturday 16 from 10am to 8pm.

There is much more in the Dominican Spanish papers but I´m sure you get the idea. I sure wish that the world news people and others would realize that we are here and give us a little recognition.

Thanks for listening to my rant.

Please keep the Haitian people in your prayers. I have many Haitian friends that still have not heard from family members. Every Haitian I´ve spoken to has lost many members of their friends and family. This is a terrible tragedy and thank you all who have donated to aid the people.

New Years Eve 2010 Party

2010-01-07T15:34:00.004-04:00

My friends at Hostal Nomadas in Colonial Zone had a little party for some friends and guests.It was nice and calm, just the way this old gal likes it. We danced, drank, ate some great snacks and barbecue and had some jello shots. At midnight the fireworks (fuegos artificiales) started and we had a great view on the third floor patio overlooking Zona Colonial.

This is a video of the fireworks with the Juan Luis Guerra song "Ojala Que Llueva Cafe En El Campo" playing in the background.

Feliz Año Nuevo to all!!!

The Blue Moon

2009-12-30T15:54:00.003-04:00

I just read that "Once in a blue moon" is happening this New Years Eve.

The term "blue moon" refers to the second full moon in a calendar month, something that hasn't happened on a New Year's Eve for nearly 20 years, NASA says.

(from CNN)The last blue moon on New Years Eve was in 1990.

There is also to be a partial lunar eclipse but it won´t be able to be seen in the Western Hemisphere. Too bad for us on this side of the Earth.

So while your partying in the New Year look up to the skies. Listen for those wolves (or humans trying to be wild animals) howling at the moon. Also say a little prayer and thank the Creator for the beauty around us.

Happy New Year to all.

There will also be a short meteor shower on January 4 called

The Quadrantids

The peak will happen mainly during the daylight hours of the 3rd but you should still be able to see the meteors in the evening in the Northern Hemisphere. Make sure you go out and see what you can see.

Sky and Telescope Magazine
CNN

My Merry Christmas Video To All

2009-12-23T17:40:00.003-04:00

I could not find a Christmas card I liked so I decided to make this little video for all. Santa is singing softly so you might have to turn up the volume a little. The Chihuahua has a loud voice so beware.

Merry Christmas to all!

Palos Music at La Espiral 1

2009-12-03T17:50:00.003-04:00

I love palos music (what is palos check it out on my web site)! I liked this type of music before I even knew what it was. It is sort of primitive but gets into the soul. At least it gets into my soul. I used my digital camera to take this video and it was dark so its not that great but you can get the idea. I also took a video of a lady dancing with the singer. They were both so good but, oh well, it was too dark and all that was to be seen was a black scene with a few little glimpses of light. I´ll try again another time. Usually on Friday nights La Espiral in Colonial Zone has a palos group so there may be more music to come.
Enjoy the video!

Dancing Silly in the Colmado

2009-11-20T15:47:00.004-04:00

I was out and about last weekend and stopped in a Colmado to have me a bien fria (cold Presidente beer). The place is not a regular stop for me but I do pass by there every once in a while to say hi. The guy started dancing and I just happened to have my camera (I don't carry it around all the time as I'm a little paranoid about having another camera stolen). I asked him if I could take the video and put it on the internet. He was all happy to have his own style of dancing bachata shown. While taking this video I was sitting on the counter and holding in my laughing as I didn't want to have all the music drowned out with my noisy laughing (and snorting..yes I snort when I laugh really hard) Enjoy!

Guagua trip to Rio Nizao

2009-10-26T12:43:00.000-04:00

I decided to take a guagua (small bus)trip by my self on Sunday. I have only taken a guagua alone to Boca Chica so this was all new for me. I wanted to be around some water (my son Billy Jay died 6 years ago on this day and I like to be near water this day and someplace away from the city) and someone told me about this river so I went. I didn't know what to expect so I didn't take any swimming stuff. I wanted to check it out before I committed to carrying a bunch of stuff with me.

I figured out where to get the guagua thanks to a friend that told me about the place. It cost me $70 pesos for the 1 1/2 hour ride (it took so long because of all the stops the guagua made). The ride was uneventful. I did get a bit of sun on my left arm from the window.

I didn't know where to get off the guagua so I asked the cobrador (the guy at the door of the bus taking the money and helping people off and on) and he said he'd let me know. But when we got to the town on Nizao he jumped off the guagua. There was only about 4 people left on the guagua at this time. A group of 5 guys got on so I asked them where I needed to get off the bus. They said to follow them. The next stop they pointed for me to get off.

They took me to the river and a little colmado to get my first beer. The river was deep and wide. It was wonderful. The water was cool and clean.You could see the Caribbean sea way in the distance. There were lots of people enjoying their Sunday afternoon. Young and old. The Colmado was playing Dominican music and some people were dancing. It was very comfortable and relaxing.

I sat with them and we talked. I was surprised that my Spanish just pored out of my mouth quite easily. My new friends and I talked all day. Drank some rum. Danced a little. Ate some fresh fish (yes, the fish had the heads attached). It was a good day.

At 4 I said I had to leave cause I didn't want to take a chance of missing the last bus at 5. The bus came about 4:30 and one of my new friends waited for it with me. The new friends told me to call them next time I was coming and they would cook fish for me. They also said there was an inexpensive hotel near by the river if I wanted to come for a few days which for sure I will do that soon.

So now I know how to get to a river to relax for a day. I have been wanting to do that for so long but no one seemed to know how to tell me to take a guagua to a river not far from the capital. Of course, many people here told me that it was dangerous to go alone but yet no one offered to go with me to protect me. I have been many places alone and I never found any place to be what I considered dangerous. If I didn't feel comfortable I would just leave. No problem.

Views From My Balcony - Grabber's Necklace Stealing Headache

2009-10-07T13:35:00.000-04:00

A helmet wearing motorcycle rider
Heading the wrong way
Down a one way street
This day made a huge mistake
As he looked to pray
On an innocent victim
A sparkling necklace
Caught his treasure seeking eye
He made the grab
Forcefully removing a necklace
From the unsuspecting woman walking by
Much to his amazement
Someone gave him a shove
Down went Mr. Grabber
Onto the black rough pavement
The men in the street
Pounced
At least 10 to 1
Yells were coming from the mouths of all
The crowd had their way
Grabber had no hope of escape
A few minutes passed
Grabber was out of sight
As the mob of angry humans beat Grabber
The police arrived
It was their turn now
Grabber came into view
Looking much less smug
Then when he started his jewelry thieving quest
The necklace was returned
To the crying woman
The bloodied thief
Was taken
Sandwiched between the two police
On their motorcycle
Police-Grabber-Police
The police seated in the rear
Holding Grabbers black helmet
Very aggressively and with much force
Was using Grabber’s own helmet
Bashing him in the head
Pounding some sense into the thieves bleeding head
As they passed by
On the way to the police station
We, onlookers from the balcony above
Showed our support and approval
With a rousing applause
A thief was caught
Grabber was taught
That stealing is not good
And that it can be a real headache.

Catching Up - Sept. 2009

2009-10-05T13:58:00.001-04:00

There's some stuff I needed to write but not really note worthy for an entire blog so here goes.
*Ended up at Colmado Vengaza and a friend joined me for my Sunday walkabout. This was his first time doing a walkabout. We ended up in Villa Consuelo where he played checkers Dominican style. He lost every game cause the rules kept changing but he had a great time. He will join me for more walkabouts for sure.
*The patron saint of the armed forces, San Miguel, was this month. I was going to go but the crowds just were a little too crazy for me to head there alone. I heard all the commotion from the beauty salon as I was getting my hair cut.
*Finally sold my old gold wedding band. Didn't get very much but it paid for me to go to the salon and get some hair dye and also some grocery shopping. So it was all good. I was just hoping to get enough to head to the beach for an overnighter but that didn't happen.
*It's been really hot and humid. Dripping giant sweat balls! One good thing so far this year we haven't had any real hurricane activity. Does this mean that next year we will get hit big time? Wait and see.
*I still can't get this Spanish stuff down. I hate it especially in the morning when I leave the house and my brain is in the English mode. When someone tries to talk to me I just give them the daahhh look. Does this mean that the older my brain gets that there will be many more daahh looks? Hope not because I'm turning 50 next month and I'm not happy about this at all.

Can't think of anything else. Life is nice and calm. Just the way I like it.

Mars Video

2009-09-18T18:28:00.000-04:00

I was adding a new video to You Tube and found a video of pictures from my home town of Mars, Pennsylvania and just had to share it.

I also uploaded a video I took of musicians playing music in Parque Colon here in Colonial Zone. You can see it on the musica tipica page on my web site or on my You Tube page RDgringa. All links open in a new window.

Inaguration Party at Hostal Nomadas

2009-09-18T15:47:00.001-04:00

Went to a grand opening party last night for Hostal Nomadas. This is a new hotel in Colonial Zone. the owners Freddy and Marion are great people and wonderful hosts. The party was very nice atop their terrace. They had Lenny Abreu, Carlos Luis and Jose Antonio Rodrigez playing and singing music. There was also a woman that sang (I can't remember her name) with a wonderful strong voice and even Freddy sang a few songs. All the music was perfect. I met many new people and saw some old friends as well.

I forgot to take my camera. Dumb stupid dumb me. but some of the people there said they would send me some pictures and maybe even a video. As soon as I get them I'll post.

This is a picture of Maribel and I at the party.

Teeth Shooter

2009-08-18T13:31:00.001-04:00

I was sitting in front of a Colmado at Parque San Miguel drinking a beer Sunday. Taking a little break from my Sunday walkabout.

The owner is a nice guy and he invited me for a few beers. We were drinking, telling stories and having a nice ole time when a friend of his joined us. Mr. Teeth(as I'll call him throughout this story)was a bit drunk already and started telling me how he was in love with me. He kept putting his hand on my leg while talking. He was getting a bit too familiar so I asked him very nicely to please don't touch me. I don't like it. He would stop and then a few minutes later start again. I moved my chair a little away from him and he followed. Finally I decided I had to be a bit more forceful so maybe he would bet it through his head I did not like being touched. So I told him a sentence that I learned my first time on vacation in Santo Domingo, "Quintas sus manos sucios de me"! (roughly translated "Get your dirty hands off of me" and I'm not sure if I say it correctly or spell it right but you get the idea).

Mr. Teeth opened his mouth in shock ready to say something. When he opened his mouth his false teeth flew out and landed on the sidewalk! He had a look of shock on his face. I had to do the ole double take going from his face to the ground where his teeth lay. After the initial few second shock, I didn't want to embarrass him, I turned and started talking to my friend. Mr. Teeth grabbed up his dentures and hurriedly put them on the chair between his legs.

I was trying not to laugh. I really, really tried not to laugh.My friend was snickering the entire time and I was holding it in as best as I could. But when I looked at him, he was putting the teeth back in, I lost it. I was laughing so hard I couldn't breathe. Many times when I laugh too hard I snort and this was one of those times. My friend and I were laughing so hard, we couldn't stop. I tried to stop because I didn't want to humiliate Mr. Teeth but I couldn't help it, especially when my friend was laughing just as hard as I. I decided it was best just to get out of there. I told my friend I had to go. I tried to say goodbye to Mr. Teeth but I just couldn't. I had to walk down the street alone laughing aloud to myself all alone.

All the rest of the day every time I thought of it I started laughing. People probably thought I was a bit off walking alone and giggling but it could not be helped. I'm even laughing now just picturing good ole Mr. Teeth and the look on his face when his teeth shot out of his mouth. Am I a bad human for this?? LOL!

this is a little added on note I had to get permission to write about from my mom:
The thing that really made me laugh when I could not hold it in anymore was thinking of my mother. My nephew, who was very shy and afraid when he was young as he was adopted and not used to our boisterous style of family, was playing with my mom. She was holding him above her balanced on her feet. All were laughing and having a good time when her teeth flew out! My nephew got this look of fear on his face and a giant scream came out of his mouth. He wouldn't stop crying and yelling for a while and it took him days, maybe months before he was able to sit with his grandmother without being afraid her teeth were not going to come out.

This is what made me laugh more at the Mr. Teeth guy. I laughed at my mom as did the entire family (except the frightened nephew) so I think I had a right to laugh at Mr. Teeth didn't I?

Concert for Los Haitises

2009-07-23T13:47:00.000-04:00

The Concert for Los Haitises held at Plaza de Espana on July 19 was amazing. The bands were great. The turn out was unbelievable. There were so many people there, more than I have ever seen for any concert or gathering in the Plaza since I've been living here. There is said to have been over 5000 people, mostly young, attending this event.

The main goal of this concert was to make people aware of the bad effects to the environment the cement plant will do to this unique park. There is a plan to build the factory on the park lands and the youth of Dominican Republic have been showing their disapproval and trying to make people aware. Los Haitises is a beautiful and unique natural park on the southern coast of the Bay of Samaná. There are mangrove swamps where manatee swim. caves and a humid tropical forest. The park is full of strange and interesting rock formations that emerge from the sea called mogotes.

To see what you can still do to help by donating, buying -shirts and more go to their blog. There are also some great pictures of the event.

Here are some pictures I took with my new camera (thank you both for the camera - you know who you are) before it got dark as I'm so paranoid taking my camera (#5) out when there are alot of people around, especially when its dark out side.

Independence Day USA in Dominican Republic

2009-07-05T13:31:00.000-04:00

4th of July fireworks in DR
Happy 4th to all! The American Embassy put on a nice little fireworks show around 10PM on the 4th. I was home and heard the booming so I got my new camera (thanks to the 2 people that pitched in and purchased it for me..bless you both)and took a few pictures from my window. Enjoy!
American Embassy fireworks in Dominican Republic

USA 4th of July celebration fireworks in Dominican Republic

Happy Birthday Billy Jay 29

2009-06-15T14:22:00.000-04:00

Today would have been my son Billy Jay Keys birthday. He would have been 29 this year. He was and still is the best gift I ever received.

To read more about my Billy Jay read my post A Mothers Worst Nightmare
To see the pictures of Billy Jays short life.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILLY JAY, MY BABY BOY!

Friendly Fight at the Colmado

2009-05-26T13:08:00.001-04:00

So you are thinking "friendly fight, whats that"? Well, here I have seen many friendly fights. Yes, there is punching and lots of verbal abusive words but it usually ends with everyone shaking hands and talking normal again.

Sunday I went to meet an American friend his girlfriend and baby for lunch at the
Courtyard Marriott Santo Domingo
(the taxi driver missunderstood me and dropped me at the Mejia first so remember if you take a taxi to the Marriott make sure the guy gets it right as both of those words sound similar to a Dominican). I was planning on walking back for my traditional Sunday walkabout but it was raining, like it has been for the last month, so I had their taxi drop my off in the Zone in front of one of my favorite neighborhood Colmados, Colmado El Arca.

We were all squished inside as it just kept drizzling rain outside. I got the cheep beer 3 grandes for $110 pesos and joined in all the conversations going on. A neighbor guy known for his over drinking started getting boisterous as he does sometimes. He loves to cause a scene especially when he's playing dominoes. Well, his mom came and was yelling at him and telling him to get home. He was yelling at her and all the men inside went out to get involved. Of course, I didn't understand all the stuff being said as everyone was talking way too fast for me and the music was playing inside and i was not going to go outside in all the turmoil. Normally when things like this happen I'm outta there but we all know the drunk guy and I did not feel at all concerned about my safety.

I was sitting on the little patio at this time talking to an Amiga not worrying about the grandstanding happening a few arms length away from where we were sitting. The guy came running into the Colmado . All of a sudden the owner of the place tore off his glasses and came out from the counter and jumped on the guy. The space is really small so all the guys around were falling to the ground while the owner was pouncing on the drunk guy. The guys that were all involved picked the drunk up off the floor and some others got between the owner and the drunk. All within a very confined space. They took the drunk outside and the owner (I thought his face was going to explode as he gets really red when he gets angry) went back behind the counter. This skinny, tall drunk was jumping around and the guys were almost holding him off the ground as he was doing his yelling and punching the air (yes, he was that drunk). A few times he and the interveners went to the ground but they got him under control. They took him home with the mother following.

When the drunk was gone then the machismo stuff started. All the men were telling their side of the story, at least 10 times over. My Amiga and I were watching from the patio and laughing at them. They looked like a flock, herd, gaggle, whatever you call a bunch of roosters hanging out trying to make the most noise over the next rooster. They were all laughing and sharing their versions. It was quite comical.

About an hour later the drunk guy returned, with his mother close behind, to apologize and shake everyones hand. He went back home to sleep it off and of course the men had more to talk about loudly.

I have seen this scenario happen many times in Dominican Republic with only one time the fight getting out of hand. Usually it is just some sort of show for everyone to watch (sometimes get involved in) and to discuss in detail for the rest of the day. Quite an interesting phenomena.

Metro Trip to Villa Mella

2009-05-19T13:23:00.000-04:00

Well, I finally decided it was time to take the new Dominican subway called the Metro.

I took a walk from Colonial Zone to Ave. Lincoln and from there decided to go and get some chicharones (yes, I like chicharones) in the place that is known for making them, Villa Mella. I thought that maybe Xiomara and Jana would want to go so I gave them a call. It ended up that Jana and I went on this trip together. So I took my daughter (not really mine but she calls me mom).

The Metro was really nice and clean. I was impressed. It was really strange taking public transportation in Dominican Republic where there was no music being played, people were fairly quiet. It was very organized and all went smoothly.

After about 20 minutes we were in Villa Mella, the chicharone capital of DR and looking for a place to get some of that good, greasy and scrumptious pig skin and meat. We walked down a dirt road and stopped in the first colmado. Me for my beloved Presidente beer and Jana got a juice and some gum (she was so excited to find gum for 1 peso). The people sitting outside were very friendly and got us chairs and talked to us a bit. Very nice people. I even had to impress them with my mastery of dancing bachata (seems that people here are always surprised that I can dance bachata half way decent). We asked where was the best place close to get some chicherones and they directed us to a small, nice little restaurant called Tipico Villa Mella. The place is located on Ramon Matias Mella #77 and their phone is 809-568-1131 incase your ever in the area I highly recommend this place.

We placed our order or chicherones (both the hard and soft kind) and some batada (for info on these foods and more) and played with the cat until our food arrived. The food was great and so fresh, for sure different than buying it from the guys in Colonial Zone. The restaurant was playing some old music and the people were all friendly. They even gave us a taste of some foods that I never heard of. Jana has lived here most of her 10 years and she never heard of these either. I even did a search in Google and could not find these foods or what they were made of. But we had some chola and bobote (if anyone knows what the recipe is please let me know). One of these foods is yucca with coconut and the other, who knows. But it was all good. Even better with all the food, a beer and juice the bill was only $250 pesos. What a deal.

We decided to do a walk about but not too far from the Metro entrance so we would not get lost. We fed some pigeons. Talked to some people in different colmados. Then went back to the train as it was just starting to get dark.

We were a little more talkative for the ride back. We were playing with Janas little toy horses and laughing. One guy told us we should be a little more quiet as the police in the train was watching us. Could we be removed from the train for talking and laughing in a normal voice? Well, we weren't removed and got back to the first station. From there we walked back to Colonial Zone. It was a far walk, maybe an hour or so and we were so tired when we got back home. We had some stories to tell Xiomara when we got back all dirty and sweaty with happy content tummies.

Office Monster Rat

2009-04-16T13:45:00.002-04:00

Sitting here in the office in Zona Colonial one day working on the web site (www.colonialzone-dr.com) I felt something bump into my foot. I jumped and looked down and this giant rat was scurrying away under the sofa. The thing was a big ole brown rat. Much larger than the pet rats my son used to have. This thing was larger than most cats I've seen around here. He must have been eating really well and lived a long life to get that large.

Well, I hurriedly finished what I was doing all the while holding my feet up off the floor (it isn't easy for this old girl to hold the feet up for long). I turned off the computer and shut down the office and was outta there!

The guys in the gift shop in front of the office gave me a strange look as I came running out of the office and into the gift shop. I told them about the rat and Willy decided to take on the hunt and kill the varmint. Grabbing a broom stick he went to the back patio with me following behind holding onto his belt loop saying "ooh,ooh". I told Willy to shoot the thing and he just laughed at me (I remember when I worked in a warehouse once in USA and we had a rat. We tried everything to capture that thing. Finally the owner laid in wait with his gun and shot that rat dead!).

The rat was there on the patio and Willy went in with the stick while I was making little ewwh and yuck sounds. He was poking the rat and it was darting behind the stuff out back. The monster even jumped up in the air a few times (when he jumped I ran to the kitchen for cover). Then the nasty creature disappeared nowhere to be found. I grabbed some rat sticky paper and covered a hole where the drain was hoping when he went to escape he would get caught.

I went to the Colmado for a beer to calm my jittery nerves and returned to see if that bugger was caught all stuck to the tape. No wonder he was so big and lived a long life, he was a smart big creature. The tape was moved off the hole and he was gone.

I had rat dreams all night jumping at every little movement in my apartment.

the next day the rat was the topic of conversation in the gift shop. He returned that morning to visit the kitchen and see what he could have for breakfast. He was scratching at the office door so now there is some tin all along the bottom. They chased him but he got away again. They covered the hole with a pipe to keep him out. But this was not the end of the rat.

I went to go to the bathroom, very carefully checking all around for the rat incase he was hiding and there he was! Inside a bag on the counter! I yelled and Willy and Mamita came running with Melanie close behind. Willy was hitting the thing while Mamita was trying to block it from getting out of the room. Melanie and I were peeking around the corner and running away every time that thing jumped in the air.

the damn rat got away again, down the hole. So, they mixed up some cement and filled the hole in. I was waiting to see if it held before I wrote the story and it seems like it did the job. The rat has not returned. I keep checking the hole, with much trepidation mind you, and it is still cemented in.

I'm still cautious because you never know when he will return. Maybe he'll find another way in or maybe he will just eat through the cement and return for a visit. If I had my camera (but remember it was stolen)I'd have a picture here of Willy and Mamita after the rat and another of the rat in the bag. I just hope this is the end of the rat story.

Carnvial 2009 - Another Camera Stolen

2009-03-10T14:20:00.001-04:00

I headed to the street about 1:00 so I could get a good spot to take pictures and videos. I stuffed my camera in my pants like always (many people think it’s a gun so that’s a good thing). I headed toward the oblisk because there were police stationed every few yards so I figured I’d be safe there. When the carnival started I made sure I was in front of a policeman and started taking pictures and videos. I had some great shots and was really excited to share them all.

It started getting really crowded after a while. I hate being in big crowds where everyone is squishing in and it gets all hot and sweaty. I decided to leave my good spot and go a little closer to home before it got dark. I headed back to my neighborhood to the park where I thought it was going to be safe with my neighbors. Well, I was wrong.

I was holding tight to my camera a little above my head taking a video. Some of the neighbors were around and all was good. But out of nowhere a man jumped up and grabbed my camera! I couldn’t believe it! He tore the strap from my wrist (thank goodness it broke) and left me with a little brush burn. I didn’t think and went after the man down the middle of the street. The street was full of Carnival paraders. I ran down the middle of the street after the guy between all the people in costume. I’m getting old and I don’t run anymore but I ran. I was pretty impressed with myself and the running. But, of course, the guy was faster and crazier. I kept bumping into people and yelling sorry as I passed.

The guy stopped and I was getting really close but he turned and saw me gaining so he started off again. My neighbor girl was behind me running. She didn’t know why I was running but she came after me.

Finally I stopped. I ran from 27 de Marzo, past the statue of Monticino, almost to the next street before I stopped. Another camera gone. Four cameras in eight years! Wonder if that’s a record?

Brenda took me to talk to the police who were all standing in the park. There were about 15 of them all standing together. One would think that they would have been in the street watching for crime instead of being all huddled together. But then this is Dominican Republic and one can never quite understand things here. But I was talking to the police explaining what happened (one of the police did speak english) when a man came up from the street with a towel wrapped around his head. His wife and small child were with him. He had blood pouring from his head. It seems that someone hit him with a bottle while robbing him. So the police went off with him as his situation was a bit more of an emergency.

I went back to the original scene of the crime. By this time all the neighbors heard what happened and were all coming around to see if I was OK. I just went into the Colmado Arca and they gave me a beer. I was upset about the camera but more upset about losing all the great pictures I was going to share with all my web site visitors.

About this time, maybe about 6 or 7 PM a bunch of people were running an yelling coming up from the Malecon. There was a gunshot and people all about. The police came running. The owner of the Colmado shut the door and locked it with many of us neighbors inside. We all watched the happenings from inside. The people that wanted to buy stuff form the Colmado had to hand their money through the gate and we handed them their purchases.

About 10 minutes later another group of people were screaming and running again from the Malecon along the parade route. Again the police came running. I just stayed in the Colmado hiding. The thieves and tigres were out in full force by this time so I stayed inside.

Finally after a few hours the streets cleared out. It was the normal neighborhood people in the park again. All was quiet. I don’t know what happened to the man that was shot. Noone knows who shot him, the police or a person from the street. Noone knows if he lived or died after he was taken to the hospital.

One thing I know is that I will never go to the Carnival on the Malecon in Santo Domingo again, with or without a camera. It is getting way too dangerous to go to any crowed event here in the city. It’s a shame. I try to help this country by showing events and happenings here but it seems that this is impossible. I can’t afford to keep buying new cameras. Maybe next time I’ll have to hire a group of bodyguards to go with.

So again, there won’t be any new pictures for a while. Until I can save up enough money to buy a new camera. Sorry, but this is the life in the big city.

So here are the non-existent pictures:
Me wearing a Carnival mask. The guys covered in black oil. The kids watching carnival. The Indios. Some whip crackers. Drumming palos. Roba la Gallina. The paper people. And many more…. Too bad you can’t enjoy these pictures. Sorry again.

Independence Day Parade 2009 on the Malecon

2009-02-28T16:57:00.003-04:00

The parade this year seemed to be a little smaller than the other years. It started late which is sort of the norm for things in this country. While everyone was waiting the crowd was so anticipating the parade that when 3 pelicans flew overhead everyone cheered. It was too funny. Finally the president showed up (here is a picture of him in the jeepeta not that great of a pic but its the side of his head at least. He is on the passenger side).

The crowds were big and all seemed to enjoy, especially the troops from days gone (video here) by and the airplane show (sorry, didn't get that on video). I was very close to the platform where the President was. It was a great position for taking pictures but the crowd got so large and everyone was squishing in. It was really hot and sweaty and there were people so close I could feel someones breath down my neck and kids were climbing around my legs, I had to get outta there. Guess I'm just getting too old for all that stuff. But it was nice and I got some pictures and videos to share.

I'll post all the pictures soon on the web site in the picture section here

For more information about Independence Day and our Founding Father Juan Pablo Duarte check this out.

Sunday Sancocho at Barrio Santa Barbara

2009-02-11T16:40:00.003-04:00

A friend of mine, Chino, who lives in Santa Barbara which is a section of Colonial Zone, invited me for some sancocho (sancocho recipe-opens in a new window)) so I happily obliged. When I got there all the neighbors were out and about near the small Colmado. Chino introduced me around and we got ourselves a bottle of rum waiting until the food was ready.

After we mixed our drinks he took me by the hand across the street to see the cooking that was under way. In a giant pot (picture of a lady cooking sancocho-opens in a new window) over a small fire the typical Dominican stew was already cooking. they had a large sheet of tin across the pot to protect it from the constant drizzle we were experiencing. The smell coming from the pot was wonderful. The man cooking the stew was cutting up ingredients and adding them to the brew. He had the pinion with garlic and other herbs and spices and was mashing them up to add to the pot. Everyone kept coming over to look, smell and sometimes add other ingredients and some dumplings as we all waited.

A man came by with a bunch of cangrejo (picture-opens in a new window) and we haggled on a price for a dozen or these crabs. They were still alive, all tied together, with their little pinchers opening and closing. I felt bad, but not too bad, that I was going to kill them when their little beady eyes were looking at me. I got over the feeling bad part as we took those tasty crustaceans and threw them in a pot on the fire alongside the sancocho. We added a few green herbs to their pot and waited for the water to boil.

The crabs were ready. We got a tray, dumped them on it and enjoyed them with a little lemon. Man, they were tooo yummy! While I was eating the crabs the pot of sancocho was ready to eat.

All the neighbors came out with they're bowls, pans, foam food containers and their spoons. The cook guy ladled out the stew into everyones containers. People found a place to sit and everyone was enjoying. It was a real neighborhood feast. I got me a pink plastic bowl and a plastic spoon and got my share, sat on a plastic beer crate and ate every drop.

Funny, I usually do lots of talking (ask anyone), but I can tell you that for at least 10 minutes the only sound that came out of my mouth were yummy sounds. That stuff was sooo good. It hit the spot for sure. The hot stew made the cold (yes, it was cold, maybe about 76 degrees Fahrenheit...brrr) go away.

Then, when the entire kettle was empty and our tummy's were all filled, everyone started to disappear into their homes. I did the same. I walked directly to my home and did the worst thing ever, went to sleep with a full, happy stomach and did not fell in the least bit bad about it (except for a little heartburn later in the night and a few more pounds added to my gutt).

I can't wait until the next time to do exactly the same thing again. They also told me if I ever know any tourists that want to join in to bring them along.

Duarte Day 2009

2009-01-26T15:43:00.004-04:00

Today, January 26, is Duarte Day in Dominican Republic.

Celebrating the birth of The Father of the Country or in Spanish Padre de la patria. The day is celebrated with a parade of different military groups and some school children. They all meet at Duarte Park and honor Juan Pablo Duarte with some speeches, music and by placing wreaths around the statue.

These are some pictures I took today.

In front of the monument

Military band playing the Himno a Juan Pablo Duarte/ The Hymn to Juan Pablo Duarte

I love this picture with the dog sitting and joining in the ceremony

More information on who Duarte is and what he did for Dominican Republic at www.colonialzone-dr.com/people_history-Duarte.html

Road Trip - Palos Videos

2009-01-21T14:56:00.004-04:00

I went on a road trip last week (more about that later) but we stopped in San Jose de Ocoa for their Virgen de Altagracia festival. The festival wasn't really started yet but there was some good palos drumming and some people dancing and having some fun under the kiosk. I wish I could have stayed for the entire festival but we had to get back to the city. But at least I got a few videos and pictures (I'll post them soon) to share.
I even danced a bit and thank goodness no one video taped me!

Some Old Santo Domingo Pictures

2009-01-12T13:17:00.002-04:00

This is a Power Point Presentation with some great old pictures of Santo Domingo. Enjoy!
Old Santo Domingo in PPS form

Marina de Guerra Dominicana in Parque Duarte 2008

2008-12-22T13:31:00.002-04:00

I took this video about a month ago in Parque Duarte here in Colonial Zone. This is the Marina de Guerra Dominicana or the Dominican Marines. Enjoy!

Second Earthquake Felt!

2008-12-18T13:50:00.004-04:00

I just felt my second earthquake in my entire life!

Just sitting in my office in Colonial Zone working on the web site and the chair vibrated. It was just for a half second but it for sure shook. I thought at first that maybe there was something happening in the street, like something fell off a truck or something. Then I realized what it was. At that second I heard people in the gift shop in front of the office whooping and laughing. I knew than what it was.

I went out to the street and most people were doing their normal things as if nothing happened. while others were coming out to the street and looking up to the sky. Then the animation happened in the street that is normal when anything, small or large, happens here. People were all talking and laughing with a little bit of a look of fear (not much, just a little) in their eyes.

So anyhow, we had a 5.1 Earthquake or as they call it here, temblor de tierra or los terremotos (hope I spelt those correctly)! It's center was about 39 miles from Santo Domingo and seems to have it's center near La Romana.

I have lots of information about Earthquakes here in Dominican Republic on my weather page here.

More information about this earthquake can be found here
Earthquake USGS
IRIS.edu
rmsismo.uprm

Halloween 2008 in the Park

2008-12-03T14:49:00.003-04:00

Xiomara decided to have an American style Halloween Party for all the neighbors in the park. Well, it didn't work out as planned

She made all these balloon decorations and put them in the park and Colmado Arca.

People said they would get dressed up, but, oh well, only a few did. Cesar dressed as a fat woman and he was the star of the party. Others just wore a hat of some glasses and that was their costume.

I went as a Cedula (Dominican Republic identification card). Not many people got the joke that my blood was acid and I was from Mars (which I really am from Mars, PA.). But we had a good time anyhow. I couldn't stay out late as I had to get home and sleep because my trip to USA was the next day and I still had to pack my stuff.

My 49th Birthday

2008-11-25T12:48:00.004-04:00

Well, as usual I'm behind on writing on my blog. Can you regular readers please forgive me (It's not easy when I'm this old to remember everything) and for the non-regular readers maybe you should become regular readers so you could accept this little apology with the regulars.

My daughter (I'm her second mom, we are not blood even though it seems like it sometimes), Janna and her mom Xio made me a little birthday party in the Parque San Jose in Colonial Zone. I'm not really into celebrating my birthday. In USA I usually went camping to hide from all the party people. But here there was just no place to hide and I didn't want to disapoint my Janna.

It was fun. I even got some pineapple upside down cake and little fancy sandwiches. Thanks Xio, Janna and my neighbors for the party.

I just cannot believe I'm 49. Almost 50! DAMN! I remember when my grandparents were 50 and I thought they were soooo old. Now that I'm almost there it just doesn't seem that old anymore. funny how perspective changes.

Las Mercedes Day Procession Sept. 24, 2008

2008-09-29T14:10:00.003-04:00

The patron saint of Dominican Republic is Las Mercedes (their name for virgin Mary). this day most of the businesses are closed and most people make their way to the church. I am not Catholic so I do not know much of the customs of the Catholic religion but it is very interesting.

The day is celebrated by a pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint Cerro atop a hill that is close to the city of La Vega. But those who cannot venture to La Vega go to their own church to notice this important religious day.

Here in Colonial Zone all head to the Iglesia y Convento de las Mercedes / The Church and Convent of Our Lady of Mercy (more information about the church here.

I was waiting for the procession to start in front of the church. The people waiting to enter outside the church were all sort of solemn while just a few steps away it was almost a carnival type atmosphere with vendors selling ice cream and popcorn.

I got tired of waiting so I went home. Then about an hour later I heard the band in the street and got to view the procession from my own balcony.

This is the video I took. I tried to do some zooming in on the statue of Las Mercedes but just couldn't get close enough. Sorry for the camera movement. My video taking skills are not the best.

Neighborhood Vote San Jose Montecinos 2008

2008-09-26T13:16:00.005-04:00

I learned another new thing about Dominican life this past weekend, neighborhoods vote for their own President. This vote is done neighborhood by neighborhood, the neighbors choosing who will represent them to the local government. This vote is called the "Junta de Vecinos".

I also discovered that each larger neighborhood is divided into smaller sections. (I'm trying to find out the exact information about Colonial Zone to place on the web site). I believe there are about 8 different sectors inside the Colonial Zone area. Each voting for their own President, Vice President, Secretary and so on.

I got to watch my old neighborhoods vote (I could not vote as I don't live in that section now. I hope to vote in the Parque Duarte elections coming up in a few weeks) and it was a serious matter indeed. There was even a policeman watching over the elections. There was a designated committee to take care of the voting table and to count these votes.

The first step is to go to the table where the committee sits, sign in and take the ballot. Go over to the table with the policeman and write your selection (this table was a dominoes board which I thought was very interesting and quite official looking). The next step is to go to the big box to deposit your vote. Then sit and wait for the results, conversing with the neighbors and maybe partaking of your liquid of choice.

At 5 the voting was finished. It started raining so the election board guys moved into the Colmado owned by one for these guys, Colmado Arca. The place got especially packed and loud as the votes were being counted. One of the counters had to even call for silence as this was a very critical moment in the electoral process.

I moved outside to wait for the results because there were just too many people inside the small Colmado. Soon after there was clapping and lots of commotion at the Colmado as the winner was announced. People were clapping and singing as they left the Colmado to share the results with everyone. It seems that the victors won by only 3 votes. Now lets hope her and her team will bring some good parties to the park and also do some good things for my old neighborhood.

Travelers Checks! Fat Chance!

2008-09-16T12:05:00.003-04:00

Whatever you do DO NOT bring travelers checks to Dominican Republic!!
Maybe if you are in a large resort hotel or if you are lucky you can get a travelers check cashed and if you are really lucky it won't take you all day to do so.

My aunts came to visit and Jetta wanted to bring travelers checks. I asked my bank if that was an OK thing to do and , of course, they said "No problem". Well, it was a big problem.

Jetta signed the checks and handed over her passport. The girl behind the desk took the stuff to the teller and we waited. A friend of mine came into the bank so we talked a bit. And we waited.
Finally we asked what was going on and they said they had to clear the checks..."No problem". so we waited.
Another friend came into the bank and we chatted a bit. We were starting to get a bit annoyed after about an hour and a half and we were getting louder and hungry.

Some other friends entered the bank and they spent about an hour hanging out with Lois, Jetta and I. We made up a song called "Fat Chance". The 5 of us were making up verses (my friends have a band and sing really well...my family and I don't sing at all) for the song like "We have been waiting in the bank 2 hours. Trying to get our money. Will we ever get out money? FAT CHANCE". We wanted to take a walk about of the Colonial Zone. Wanted to see the sights. Will it ever happen? FAT CHANCE!". We wanted to get some beans and rice. Go to a typical cafeteria. Will we ever get to eat? FAT CHANCE!". The 5 of us were singing away. entertaining ourselves.

The friends finally had to leave and guess where we were? Still in the bank! One of the workers kept telling us we had to be quiet because it was a bank. Another brought us coffee. But we kept getting louder and more annoyed. I finally lost it and got angry. We got the bank manager lady out of her office to see what was happening and I called my friend Mamita to see if she could help.

We couldn't go to another bank as the travelers checks were already signed. They told us we could leave and return..Yea, right. Leave the travelers checks and passport in the bank. When we returned they would probably say they didn't know us and there was no travelers checks or passport. FAT CHANCE!

After 3 hours they finally said that the system was working again and they gave us the money! I finally got to take the aunts on their little tour to Mangito. We didn't get to eat la bandera that day but we did get some great roast chicken in the street later. So even though we spent 3 hours in the bank we tried to look at the positive side. We had 3 hours of air conditioning. They met some of my friends. We made the Fat Chance song. We had some good laughs and another interesting story to tell.

The moral of the story is if you think travelers checks are accepted worldwide and you will get them changed easily and fast. Remember...FAT CHANCE!!

Going to Samana and Back

2008-08-20T15:16:00.004-04:00

I finally got to try out the new highway and visit Samana.
The new highway from Santo Domingo to Samana made the trip really fast but it just seemed to me that the road could have been designed a little better. When they cut through the hills in Los Haitises National Park, in my opinion, they should have cut the hills at an angel. When you drive through they are straight up and down leaving lots of room for them to slide into the road (which did happen after the tormenta Fay went through. But all in all the road was a real relief as it cut the driving time way down making the trip much easier when visiting the other side of the island.We even caught a rainbow on the return trip.

My friend Xiomara, her daughter Jana and I went for a 5 day trip. When we got to Samana it was nothing like I expected. It was too touristy. It was beautiful but it lost its Dominican flair. There were very little Colmados which is a very important thing for me when I travel.
We drove around a while, not knowing that the storm Fay was on top of us. there was an interesting dirt road so we took it. It ended up at some local type beach bar called on Playa Padel called Rincon d' Julio. There were no cars only motorbikes and then later about 12 horses (and their riders). It was one of the highlights of the trip. We were enjoying and talking. A man took Jana for a little ride on a horse. But during this time the waves were starting to get little white caps and the wind was picking up. The second time a big stack of Presidente beer cases fell over is when they said they were closing because of the storm ("What storm?" we stupidly asked). So we all had to get out of there.

We went to our hotel, the cheapest we could find, and took a nap while the worst of the storm passed. when we woke the rains turned to drizzle and it was past. We had no TV to see what happened so we just went out for a bit.
There weren't many people out as Dominicans don't usually go out when it's raining but we had a good time. When we got back to the hotel we found that we were locked out and Jana was locked in. We banged on the door and no one came. So we had to figure out someway to get in. There was a window,,ahhh. We could climb through. It was just wide enough for the big butts to fit through. The problem was all the trees in front. We had to really squirm to get through the trees, work our way into the window. Then Jana had to push the sofa up to the window so we could drop onto. We were laughing all the time and when it was over we were quite muddy as was the floor and wall (we had to hold onto the wall to pull ourselves in) of the hotel. All this time onnoe from the hotel came to see what was going on. But we got to sleep in our little beds.
Next day Xiomara drove to Las Terrenas so Jana could ride a horse with some guy they rented horses from a few years ago. The entire place changed. The horse guy was gone and in his place was a hotel. there were hotels everywhere. Very few Dominican places existed. It was all touristy. We were disappointed so we left for Cabrera and then on to Rio San Juan.
We got a great hotel along the sea called Bahia Blanca, which I would refer to anyone traveling. Not too expensive, clean, nice owners (Lise Pineau) and staff and it's got a nice little beach. Their phone number is 809-589-2563 and 2562. We ended up staying there 2 nights.We hung out at the beach then were headig to another beach when we took a wrong turn onto some dirt road. We decided to keep going and see where the road took us. We drove for 2 1/2 hours on this road all through little farms, lots of cows and farm animals. Great little houses and some nice farms also. It was another highlight of the trip.

Finally we ended up at the beach (can't remember it's name) and had a well deserved swim. I think we were the only white skinned people there, which is the type of places we were looking for. We swam around a bit, talked to some people then went back to the hotel to rest for our night out.
We went to some little bar in Rio San Juan. It was packed full. People dancing and enjoying. Xiomara took Jana back to the hotel to sleep and she was to return. I waited and waited. Danced a few dances, sat with some other people and she never returned. Finally it was time to go and I didn't have all the money to pay the bill so the guys I was sitting with paid. I was getting ready to walk back to the hotel when Xiomara showed up. She laid down with Jana for a little bit and fell asleep. she gave the guys their money, we all had a good laugh and we went back to the hotel to sleep.
Next day we left for home stopping and checking out different stuff on the way. It was a great trip. I love seeing my new country. Discovering new things and meeting new people. All while having some good laughs and a few cold beers. Life couldn't be better.

Got My Cedula

2008-08-08T14:03:00.003-04:00

First I may need to explain what a Cedula is. It's a Dominican identification card. It has a number, your number for everything you do here in DR. Sort of like a Social Security card in USA, but not really.

I have been waiting to save up my centavos to get the $1200 pesos I needed to get my cedula and thus finish my permanent residency process. So I finally got the monies and also the taxi fare that I needed to get to the place to get my little plastic card with my number.

I called in the morning to make sure what documents I needed to bring with me. Some man got on the phone. He spoke a little English which is always much better for me to communicate because I don't have to think as much and sometimes I really hate to think. So anyhow, I got the information and said thanks. He responds with "Sure baby". Too funny. A government office and the man calls me baby. I knew this was going to be an interesting day.

I got all the stuff I needed and, I don't like carrying my passport because if it does get stolen it's a real pain to replace. So I stuck all the documents and passport down the front of my pants. Most people will never go there if they are going for a quick rob job. I called the taxi. Got in the front seat (I usually always go for the front seat, I don't like riding in the back unless I really have to do so)and was off.

When I got there I asked where I was to go and someone directed me to an office but it was the wrong one. So I finally got to the right place and went in. All the people were there with their lawyers. I was alone. The guy greeting people asked me for my passport (which I had already removed from my pants because I didn't want to do that in front of people and it was a bit wet from sweating so I wanted to try and get it a little dry). The man took my passport and looked at how wet it was. Me using my mouth before thinking (remember I said I didn't like to think much) said it was sweat because I had it in my pants. He laughed and smelt my passport! He held it to his nose and breathed deep! He said it smelled good. I was in shock and responded "At least it didn't smell like fish". He was laughing hard and his face turned red. Well, he started it trying to be cute with me so I had to give it back,,,correct?

Well, after he returned my wet sweet smelling passport I had to go and pay the taxes and return to the office for my picture. I was all sweaty and my picture looked bad but I didn't care. I hate getting pictures taken. But I got my cedual. It was really fast. Not like the last time I went and the computers went down and I ended up waiting for about 2 hours.

Got the taxi outside of the building for the ride home. Thank goodness that taxi was air conditioned.

Sunday Walkabout - Fighting Fish

2008-06-23T13:38:00.005-04:00

I took my usual Sunday walk about and decided to cross the floating bridge and see what was on the other side that I had missed being in a car. I ended up walking on Avenida Espana pass the Naval base (after I was back home and looked at the map I realized I could have taken a much shorter route to someplace). It was a long walk going past the Naval base at there was only a long wall most of the way and the highway on the other side. Thank goodness I put a little sun block on my face and shoulders or I would have probably been quite burnt as there wasn't any shade.
The first place available to get of that smoldering hot highway I turned and went on my little exploring trip. I was looking for a good Colmado to have a nice cold beer and wipe the dripping sweat of my brow.
There was a large group of men surrounding a pick-up truck welling and jumping around so I decided that I'd stop and see what the commotion was.
If I had my camera there would be a few pictures one of which I will try and explain. A small sized red pick-up truck with about 15 men of various ages all surrounding it. There were about 3 young boys standing in the bed of the truck. there was a nice looking family sitting on the bumper of the car parked in front of the truck. A mom, dad and 3 small children. All were very animated and watching the top of the cab of the truck. On the cab was a large gallon sized jar. In this jar was two small black fish, beta fish. The fighting ones. Everyone was watching intently as these fish were preparing for battle. This is the description of the picture, if there was one.
So I stood near by observing this event. People were betting, just like at a cock fight. These fish were bighting each other. It looked like they were going at each others tails (my glasses need replacing so I couldn't make out exactly what part the fishies were biting).
This went on for over an hour. When the fish seemed to stop going at each other one of the men would pick up the jar and shake is ferociously. up and down (poor fishies heads getting banged around that way), then in a circular motion as to create a whirlpool in the water. then the jar was placed on the top of the truck and the people waited for the swirling fish to get their senses about them to start eating at each other. Then as the fish fighting slowed down the poor fish were put in another shaking and whirlpool.
this went on for ever. Many of the people seemed to get tired of the fight. The family left. the 3 boys were gone. Just the die hard men that bet their pesos on the death of a fish remained.
It rained two times, hard, and they grabbed the jar and went inside the Colmado to continue the fight. When the rain stopped they went back to the truck.
I was tired of waiting to see the outcome of this fight so I walked on. the rain made some big puddles, small pools, in the street so it took me a while getting around some of them. I could just imaging me walking near a puddle and some fun loving person decides to get the Gringa wet (I remember this happening when I was young and daring in USA when I was hitchhiking to Massachusetts). So I waited until the road was clear to pass by the larger puddles.
Finally I came to a cross road area and asked at a tire place which was the best road to take to get back to Colonial Zone. stupid me, they said it was really far and I forgot that to many Dominicans a few blocks is far. The moto concho offered to take me to the Zone for $100 pesos. I said no way. Did he think my head screwed on (lol!). So I finally got him down to $40 pesos and I hopped on. I never took a moto concho in the city before and reminded him that I like my flesh attached to my body and not spread across the street so he drove really slow for me. We passed a few people I knew and of course they all had to yell out their car windows about seeing me on a motorcycle.
Then to top it off, the zone was only about 10 minutes ride on the moto! I could have walked that, but oh well, it was refreshing on the bike. Which was the climax to another successful and eventful Sunday walk here in Santo Domingo.

Camera Stolen

2008-05-22T13:07:00.004-04:00

No more new pictures for a while. My camera is gone and have to save up my centavos to get another so it may be a while before I have new pictures.

I was at the Puerta de la Misericordia taking pictures Saturday evening during the big street party for Lionel winning the presidency again. There was lots of people everywhere. The purple flags were waving and all the political campaign music was playing (I had a great video but oh well). I had my camera guarded in my pants but I was taking a video of the street party when some guy came up behind me. He grabbed the camera from my hand and threw it with all his might into the air. I turned around and he was standing there. I thought he was joking and checked behind his back asking "OK, where's my camera?" He said it's gone and laughed. Well, needless to say, I got angry. I gave him a full force slap across his face! He still had that shitty smile on his face and that really pissed me off. I grabbed my drink and threw it in his face and the next thing I knew I was in the fighting mode. I punched him straight on in the face! I can't believe I really punched a man in the face! I think I was as shocked with myself as he was. He put his hand on my neck (I thought he just put his hand on my neck, but the next day a large bruise appeared on my neck so I guess it was more than him just putting his hand on my neck but when the adrenalin flows I didn't feel the pain...until later). This made me more aggressive and I punched him in the side of his head two times! By this time the 2 acquaintances I was talking to saw what was happening and one grabbed me and the other stepped between us. They didn't know the guy threw my camera. It was so fast no one saw it happen. When the guys came to stop the fight the camera thrower ran away. By the time I explained what the thief did he was gone.

The friends and I went to the houses across the street to see if they would let me check their roofs and balconies. Only 1 person was home and we checked the entire roof and balcony and the camera was not there. I left my number with him and his wife in case they found the camera.

I had some really good videos and some great pictures of the days events on my camera. but oh well, what can I do? Just accept it. At least I stood up for myself, what ever good that did. Maybe the camera thrower was hurting for a few days (my punching shoulder and hand hurt for a few days) after and he'll think twice the next time he wants to mess with a Gringa!

Crazy Guy-Police Not Interested

2008-04-29T13:47:00.002-04:00

Here in colonial Zone and throughout Dominican Republic it seems there are many crazy humans. I never lived in a large city before so maybe this is the normal thing but for me it's all new.

Last week I was out in the street in front of the office taking a break from working on the web site. Trying to rest the eyes a bit. A friend of mine, Chino, was waving his arms yelling at someone. The man had on what looked like one of those gas station, one piece uniforms. It was white and looked to be paper thin. He was taking off the top part, the sleeves and was dropping the top down around his waist when I lost sight of him behind a Jepeta (a Jepeta here is a SUV in USA). This is when I saw Chino getting upset. He came from behind the Jepeta and waved down 2 police on a motorcycle passing by. I don't know what type of police they were but they stopped and Chino was talking very forceful to them. I heard the police say to Chino "He's a crazy guy, we arn't interested in him." Then the police rode off and Chino walked away frustrated.

The crazy guy came across the street and this is when I got the full view of what was happening. I mean the FULL view! His one piece jumpsuit was dropped down below his waist and he had nothing on underneath! His..ahhh...private part...was hanging out in full view! (by the way, this view was not pretty..jejej)

He was standing in front of me saying "Did you see that? Chino called the police on me and I don't understand why." (of course it was in Spanish). I stood there for a second trying to figure out just what to do. I was at a loss for words and almost struck blind! I just turned and, very fast I might add, and ran for the comfort of the office. Not looking back as I was afraid my eyes could not take anymore of this sight. I went outside to rest the ole eyes, not to go blind with the sight of a semi-naked man.

I stayed in the office and peaked out a few times to see if he was gone. Finally, the people out front working in the gift shop, came back to the office and told me the guy was gone. We stood around laughing about this a while and I went back to work as usual.

Another interesting happening in the streets of the Zone.

Gatorade 10K in the Zone

2008-04-19T16:04:00.003-04:00

Sunday, April 20 in Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo.

The starting point of this 10K race is the Plaza de la Puerta de La Atarazana at Avenida del Puerto in Colonial Zone. The route crosses the floating bridge over the Ozama River going around the Columbus Lighthouse, returning on the same route to Fort San Gil and then returning to the starting point. They are expecting over 3,000 people to participate.

There will also be bands playing free of charge. Panky y Los Manolos, Pavel Nuñez, Diego Mena, Frank Ceara and Dj Miguel Rivas.

10K Gatorade advertising campaign slogan is: “La Meta esta en ti” / "The Target Is In You"

100% of the funds raised will be donated to the Asociación Dominicana de Rehabilitación / Dominican Rehabilitation Association, an institution that provides functional rehabilitation for people with physical and intellectual disabilities.

More information in Spanish
http://www.diariodigital.com.do/articulo,26482,html

Funny Lables - conditioner

2008-04-15T12:49:00.003-04:00

I bought a bottle of leave in conditioner a few days ago. I was reading the label and it was just too funny I had to share.

(the brand of conditioner-I don't want to mention the brand) "is an especially cream formula for conditioned, repair and protetion maximum of hair. Ours components conditioned, hydrates, protections and actuates differents capillaries capes aported of the hair to shine and volume repaired totally.
Application mode: Use uniformetly over to hair or humedity customer cumb it how you prefer. DO NOT MOVE IT.
The multifunctional products for:
*Dryer protection. Protect against chemical process + wave, tint, etc.
*Protection for climatic effect: Sun, Augamarine, and chlorophyll or another.
*Contribution the especial hydrate brillant.
*Intensive capillary repair.
*That especial for dryer with a blower and roll
*The aported of inmense volume.
*Protective rupture hair "

This is exactly how it was written. The product is great but the instructions, well, I just use it how I think best.

When I come across more I'll let you know.

Dominicana Legal!

2008-03-31T13:37:00.003-04:00

Just to let everyone know...I am a Dominican Today! Born about 3 hours ago.

I got my Residencia Definitivo. Lets celebrate!!

Santo Domingo Carnival 2008

2008-03-05T16:30:00.003-04:00

Carnival season is past and ended with another great "Best of the Best" Carnival/ Carnaval on the Malecon (Ave. George Washington) in Santo Domingo.
The place was packed full of all sorts of people. Young and old alike. People dresses in elaborate costumes, some with painted faces, others maybe only sucking on a pacifier maybe trying to regress back to childhood and others just observing the antics of all the above mentioned.
There was no room to move as I entered the throbbing crowd. making it fun and a bit frightening at the same time.
Most were enjoying all the activity while others were there to take advantage of the festivities and rob or hurt others.
But, all in all, it was very enjoyable for the short time I was amongst the crowd.
The most frightening mask for me was this pink clown-devil man. The mask had huge flat teeth inside a gaping mouth. The bulging eyes and evil look of the face was made worse by the clown costume this devil wore. I'm not a real big clown fan myself. Clowns are just evil in disguise. It seemed that everywhere I happened to go that diabolical evil pink mask was there looking at me through its blood shot eyes. I even saw that face in my dreams that night!
After being bumped and shoved by the crowd all the while enjoying, I finally gave up the fight. I headed back to the safety of my friend Pepe's Pasteles en Hoja shop on Palo Hincado street and watched the people in the street from the doorway. It was much safer there for sure. The roads were congested with people coming and going while cars were still trying to go wherever in the street. There was food and all sorts of items being sold in every direction I looked. there were children walking sort of dumb founded being dragged along by their adult guide. It was just as much fun watching the people in the street leaving Carnival as watching the parade itself.
Here are a few videos I took of the parade to give you never-saw-Carnival-in-DR people an idea of what it's like.
Make sure to check out the Carnival pages and slide shows on the web site also.

"Los Lechones marching down the Malecon"

"Los Alibaba Drummers"

The 2008 Slide Shows Are Ready!

2008-03-04T18:01:00.003-04:00

Carnival in Santo Domingo Dominican Republic 2008 Slide show is Ready!
The Independence Day Military Parade in Santo Domingo Dominican Republic 2008 is done also!

Enjoy!

Independence Day February 27,2008

2008-03-03T18:04:00.004-04:00

I know I haven't posted in a while. I have no excuse except to say I really didn't realize that it has been this long of a time. Sorry....

Anyhow,
Here are a few videos and pictures I took along the Malecon in Santo Domingo on Independence Day during the Military Parade. I use my digital camera for the videos. I don't have a real video camera (it's on the list...jejej). But at least you can get a feel about how the parade looked. Soon I will make a slide show of all the pictures I took that day but for now here is a sample.

I just love a man in uniform...

There are 12 pictures in this slide show

The Marine Band...

The Air Force Band...I think..

The Horse Riders

The acrobat Motor riders..I wish it was brighter and that I caught them doing their stunts. just pretend all that is here..jejej

Carnival videos next....

Cat In The Bag and the Featherless Guinea

2008-01-17T13:14:00.001-04:00

I went on a little road trip with a friend a few weeks ago. We drove from the Capital to San Pedro de Macrois and La Romana. I never really know quite where I am but it was around in there somewhere.
We took back roads in the Batey areas. Along these dirt roads there was mostly sugar cane fields with a little village here and there.
As usual, I love to stop in the Colmados and talk to the locals. Buddy would stop and take a walk taking pictures and I would sit in the Colmados talking to people. My grandmaw used to tell me I had diarrhea of the mouth. Even now with my bad Spanish I still have the running of the mouth problem, jejej.
There was a Colmado along one of these dirt roads and they had some great smells coming from inside so we stopped to get something to eat.
There were a few men standing along the road with a guinea hen holding it by the legs. The feathers were beautiful, black with white spots. I went over to ask him if I could have some of the feathers to make some jewelry with. He offered me a wing feather but I wanted some of the smaller ones. He pulled a few out and gave them to me. I wanted more but just as I was about to ask the chicken lifted it's head from the hanging position!! I was so shocked! I thought it was dead. I apologized to the poor chicken whose feathers I was holding while the men were laughing at me.
I went back and joined Buddy and ate my food. Then Buddy was off to take some pictures. I took my beer and sat on the wall surrounding the Colmado next to an older man holding a large rice sack.
I started talking to the man, of course. I asked him what was in his sack as it looked empty except for a little bump at the bottom. He told me there was a cat in the bag. I asked why he had the cat in the bag (remember my Spanish is not that great). He told me the cat was good for eating rats and I thought he said that he was going to eat the cat!
Now I have heard stories about Dominicans eating cat but I never really saw it before. I asked him why he would want to eat this cat as it was a small kitten and it didn't have much meat on it. He started laughing while I sat there in shock, feeling really bad for that little kitten who was going to be someones dinner.
He then explained, slowly, that he was taking the cat to someones house so the cat could eat the rats. Ahhh, now I understood.
I asked him if I could see the little kitten. He told me it was really mean but he untied the top on the bag and I stuck my hand inside the bag. The kitten was so cute and friendly, not mean at all. I told the man that the cat was mean to him because he put it in the bag. How would you feel if someone stuck you in a bag? I don't think I would like that person either!
So we talked a bit more as I pet the cat. Then the bus pulled up. The man tied his kitten sack back up. Off they went, the old man and the cat in the bag. To the cats new home.
These are some of the pictures I took that day. Sorry, i didn't get any of the Cat in the Bag and the Featherless Guinea...

Another Party in the Street

2007-12-21T15:41:00.000-04:00

This party was between Hostos and Duarte here in Colonial Zone. The aea is really narrow so all the people were really packed in. All the neighbors were there and we had a great time. Good dancing and music by Los Hermanos Rosarios.
Here are a few videos I took of the dancing. Oh, if only I could wiggle like a Dominican! jejeje

The song that is being danced to is called "ROMPECINTURA" roughly translated it is break the waist. The song got the people really wiggling.

Don't you just love Christmas Dominican style??!!

I have pictures I have taken around Santo Domingo and Colonial Zone Christmas 2007. Take a look.

Neighborhood Christmas Party

2007-12-15T14:16:00.000-04:00

Last night was the Navidad party for the neighborhood. It was a really great time. There were 2 different bands that played (I can't remember their names) and they were really good. they played Christmas music as well as the dance music. The Christmas music here when I first heard it, I had no idea it was Christmas music. I had never heard Christmas songs that had he merengue music with them. Now I can't imagine Navidad without hearing at least a few merengue Christmas carols.
It was a little cold last night as some of my neighbors and I were waiting for everyone to walk to the next block to join in the fun. but after we got there, in the big crowd, I was happy I didn't put on a long sleeved shirt. I was sweating bad! Especially after doing some dancing.
It was good seeing all the old neighbors. Some that had moved away while I was in USA were there as well. I thought I lost touch with them forever but last night I saw many of them again. many of the people that stay in their homes most of the time, the older ladies and home bodies always come out for the neighborhood party. I love seeing an older woman dancing with a teenager. I even danced with this great grandfather type man and I couldn't keep up with him! After 2 dances I had to go and rest a bit. he was still ready to dance so he asked the next girl he say and kept going. bless his good strong heart and legs!
I love Christmas here in my little town. All the Dominican families visiting for the holidays. the streets are full of people talking and enjoying. The lights, even though there are not as many as in the years past, are beautiful. the Christmas foods...yummm. The neighborhood park is near a church and they always seem to have Christmas music flowing out from the windows into the park which makes sitting there with the Christmas tree lit feel so much like Christmas even if there is no snow. Another thing I really like here is they have no problem having a manger scene in public places. Even the government offices they have the manger set up. I love seeing this. It is one thing that I always felt bad about in USA. They don't permit the creche to be displayed in government places. It is not "politically correct". Yet it is Ok to have Santa and the reindeer. I just cannot understand this. But it is all good. I am here and don't have to deal with that politically correct crap anymore (I hope).
More Christmas/ Navidad stuff and pictures soon..
Learn more about Christams in Dominican Republic.
Oh, by the way, there is a new hotel opening in the nest week or so in Colonial Zone, Coco Boutique Hotel. Check it out in our HOT SPOTS! section.

Subtropical Storm OLGA

2007-12-12T15:30:00.000-04:00

This storm left much of Santiago area devastated. They opened the Taveras Dam on the Rio Yaque Del Norte releasing about 5000 cubic meters or water per MINUTE in the middle of the night causing many people to be caught unaware. Having to leave their homes fast in the middle of the night without any electricity to see must have been terrible.
There are pictures of people standing atop their homes and one of a person sitting in a tree with fast running water surrounding it.
Here is a video taken on the Puente Hnos. Patino bridge spanning the Rio Yaque Del Norte.

Here is a link to a thread on DR1 with many pictures.
This picture has circles where there are people stranded.
Here is the link where there are many more pictures taken this morning in the barrio of Bella Vista in Santiago that are just amazing to view.
This video is from the television just to show the force of the water as it was being let out of the damn

I just cannot believe the government did this without warning the people better. There have been lives lost. Who is responsible?

Singer With a Dagger

2007-12-12T14:13:00.000-04:00

Sunday I worked on my web site as usual. After I met a friend, Odalis, the owner of Cafe de Toi. We went to visit a friend of hers.
On the way back in the taxi we met another friend and got into her Jepetta for the ride back to the bar. Standing in the road was someone whom I thought was a nice guy. I talked to him before and Odalis knew him also. He is a well known singer in the area (I won't mention his name because I don't want any problems later). We pulled over to say hi to him. Odalis was going to buy him a beer.
This man turned crazy! He started swearing and yelling at us. He came to the window while yelling. He pulled out this big Bowie-dagger knife and started waving it around! I was in the back seat and just opening the window to say hi. Odalis yelled as he moved the dagger into the window, very close to her. she pt her purse in front of it and yelled for the driver to get out of there FAST! I just caught a glimpse of the knife as it was being waved about and I closed my window as fast as the thing would go up. We drove away as this wild man singer was yelling and waving the knife around like a lunatic.
It all happened so fast but we were all a bit shaken up and couldn't believe what had just happened. I had spoken to this man a few times in the past and he was very nice to me. He was in Odalis bar a few times and she was friends with him. For him to act in this fashion we just could not understand. He was out of his mind!
I sure hope I never see him again, if so I will not greet him and will get out of his way fast. I will never go to another concert of his and I really enjoy his music. Too bad.
So just beware of people you think you know as you just really never know what mind altering drug or drink they may be using at the time.

Poema Epico-Epic Poem

2007-12-09T14:47:00.000-04:00

I went to Cafe Teatro and saw an extraordinary production on Friday night. It is a very small and intimate theater in Colonial Zone. Located above the Sala de Arte Comtemporaneo of Juan Mayi on Arz. Portes #20. Mayi had an art exposition the night before and they told me about the show the following night.
Poema Epico: Maximo Gomez Bajando (Epic Poem: Below Maximo Gomez). Maximo Gomez is a street in the capital, which has a main highway over top much of the street.
The performance was in Spanish but it did not matter that I did not understand all the words. The actress Tarsis Castro was excellent. I was really drawn into the performance. It was very emotional. It was about a woman, a poor woman, and her sufferings with her life. The monologue was about her suffering, her struggles and her trying to overcome them all.
The writer, Monica Volonteri is a very likeable person. The way she wrote the lady in the poem was so realistic and captivating. I can't wait to hear more from her.
This monologue will be presented until Tuesday (Dec. 11) at the Cafe Cinema and I urge everyone to attend, even if you don't speak Spanish, you will enjoy the performance I am sure.

New Neighbors

2007-11-20T12:15:00.000-04:00

I'm back and felt like I never left.

My new neighbors are nice too. I live in a large apartment where all the 5 rooms are rented out. There is an Italian man, a really nice human. There is a Dominican man. I think he is an artist but I can never understand when he talks. But we say hi and he is also nice. The other room is rented to tourists so the people in this room change often.

The older woman living there is a true Dominican woman. She has taken up the job of housemother. She never leaves the place except to go to the market in the morning. People come and visit her and they sit in her room and chat and watch TV. There is a woman that comes every morning to have coffee with her. Her door is always open so she can see who is coming and going.

When I first hooked up my wash machine (more on my Dominican wash machine) on the patio she came out to instruct me on how to wash. She washes Dominican style. she doesn't trust the washer to really wash the clothes. She does one wash with the machine then she puts the stuff in a wash tub and hand scrubs it. I can't understand this unless the clothes are really dirty and they need a little spot cleaning, but this is how it is done by most Dominicans I have observed. She was telling me how to wash. She even took some of my stuff out and tried to scrub them. Even my panties! When I told her it was OK I could do it, she sort of put her hands up in the air and walked away. Like she was saying "OK, but you are doing it all wrong."

After a few times of her watching me wash she finally said, like she was shocked, "you can wash good". This has always been my goal in life, to wash my clothes well and get approval from the neighbor. LOL!
In the morning as soon as I open the door she yells for me to give her my little coffee pot "Janette, dime su greco". (I don't have gas for my stove yet, so she makes me coffee in the morning). First thing in the morning I hear her yelling for this. Her voice is a bit high and squeeky and, sorry to say, not that pleasant to hear first thing in the morning. But, it is nice of her to make the coffee (more on Dominican coffee and what is a greco) for me so I can deal with this.

She knows when everyone comes and goes and usually asks where we are going and for how long. She is for sure the mother of us all who live there.

The other day I decided to just stay in and watch movies. She came knocking on my door to see if I was sick or something. It was nice she cared but it does take some getting used to.

All in all, my neighbors are very nice. I really couldn't ask for better ones.

11/4 Sunday Walkabout

2007-11-07T14:39:00.000-04:00

On Sundays I always liked to walk around where ever my big feet would take me. I loved walking with my dog Sniffy. Now Sniffy is gone my walk abouts are a bit different. No one to talk to as when I walked Sniffy I had to tell her directions since she had no eyes.
So my first walkabout without Sniffy was a bit sad at first. I took my camera in case I saw something picture worthy. I ended up going to Calle las Damas checking the prices of the different monuments to add the info to my web site.
I ran into some people I knew and talked a while. Then I headed to Casa del Reales. The entire time I lived here in the past I never went into a museum so I decided to do a little research. I started talking to one of the guides in the place. We sat together in the window of the museum and talked. We got some chicharones (Fried pork skins. One can usually purchase these in the streets carried on the shoulders of street vendors. Topped with a special vinegar sauce or límon these are very greasy, not that good for you. But they are sooo tasty that once you have tried them you won't be able to resist making the guy stop to sell you a little bit) and had a soda.
Some people from Peru wanted him to be their guide and he invited me along to listen. He really knew his stuff. He went into detail of the history of the country with dates included. I was really impressed as it is hard for me to remember the year I was born (just joking). So we worked out a deal for when I get a tourist that wants alot of history info I can pay him to help me take them around.
After the tour we were talking again and a friend, Buddy (Buddy has let me use many of his pictures on my web site), passed by. He was out on a picture taking walk. So we joined forces and I showed him some of my favorite picture taking spots.
We ended up at the Ruinas del Montasterio de San Francisco. I love that spot especially at night with the lights shining on it. I was looking in the gate and the watchman came around. I told him I had a web site of the Zone and Buddy was my photographer and he let us in to take some pictures.
Then of course we had to stop at the Colmado there for a beer after the hard work of picture taking. lol.
We walked to the other side of the Ruins and enjoyed some more conversation with some locals then walked on.
There were these people eating outside their door and as we passed I said hello, as I always do. They invited us in for lasagna and a few beers. We had a great dinner and met some really nice people. They may be my normal Sunday stop from now on.
We fed ourselves, talked a bit. Buddy took some pictures of the family and will give them these pictures at a later date. Then we walked on. Stopped in another Colmado for a beer then we went our separate ways to our own homes.
It was a great day.
Here are a few of the pictures I took.

Tormenta Noel

2007-11-02T12:09:00.000-04:00

This last week has been so sad here. The Tormenta Noel hit us without any warning. It was raining hard Sunday and then in the evening the wind started. It was whisteling through the streets and things were crashing and banging all night. We had no idea there was a storm passing by. The lights were out so there was no television and I didn't have a battery powered radio (I wouldn't have understood much anyhow as my Spanish is bad). The following morning it was still raining hard and there was noone in the street as usual. I didn't plan on going out that day and hadn't gone out on Sunday either as I was trying to rest to get rid of this Gripe (flu) thats been hanging on.
Finally the power came on and I turned on the TV. I couldn't believe what I was seeing and hearing. A tropical storm hit and wasn't moving fast. Places were flooding fast with the people having no warning. The rivers were overflowing and houses were covered. The rain was still coming down. The power went out again. It was out in the entire country.
The next day the rain was still here. The power was out in almost all the country. Here in Colonial Zone we did get power but it kept going out. Things were not bad here. But the rest of the country, outside of the city. People living in the campos and along the rivers had lost all they had which is not much. Big houses and small all wiped away. Bridges and roads gone. Crops whipped out. Lives lost.
Just watching the images on the television made me cry for these people. I had to go to a Colmado and wath as the power was out and I don't have back up power. People were just watching the images in horror.
A friend of mine, living in a small barrio in Santo Domingo had been without electric for 4 days.
I spoke to a shoe shine boy. He siad that the water rose over his house in less than 2 hours and his families home was covered. They had no time to remove their things. All they have is gone.
Here in Colonial Zone life was going on as almost normal. I, in a way, felt guilty that I was in a dry bed. Was able to drink a cold beer and have hot food and these people were struggling for their lives.
Heres some pictures I found to share from some different newspapers.
Associated Press

http://www.elnacional.com.do/article.aspx?id=30543#
Dominican Today
According to Dominican Today "the number of fatalities are now 73 and rising. 43 people are missing, 64,960 were evacuated, 22,758 of which were taken to shelters.
Police spokesman Ramon Rodriguez said 526,000 people have been rescued and 16,024 houses were damaged by the floods, 686 of those completely destroyed. He said 62 communities are still unreachable by land as 35 bridges and highways were affected."
They also have a list of organizations to help the flood victims

This is just devastating for this country. The people, crops, farm animals and now the aftermath heath issues. The dams are bing watch closely. Clean water is hard to find. Food prices will rise because of all the crops and farm lands affected.
This problem started with the rains and it will be a long, long time before it is resolved.

Back Home

2007-10-25T10:46:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted for a while. Trying to get my apartment together. Seeing old friends. Getting my computer connected in my friends office. It all takes time. Then I had a client here for a week and had too much fun showing him around. I love being a tour guide and sharing the country I love with others.

I finally arrived in the airport Oct. 7 in the evening. I had 2 extra pieces of luggage so it took some time picking it all up. I had it all piled on the cart. I couldn't see over the top of the pile so I was pushing, laughing and trying to watch for people around the sides of the pile.
Then a lady directed me to where they check the luggage. I didn't want to open all the boxes and luggage as all was packed perfect, each was the exact weight I was permitted.
They opened the box with my tower computer. she looked in and waved me on. They didn't want to open all the boxes. Thank goodness.
My friend Bu (name change to protect the innocent) was waiting for me. I, as usual, was about the last person out.
We went straight for the restaurant closest to the airport for my first beer. It was sooo cold and as wonderful as I remembered. I tried a Presidente light as they didn't have that when I lived here before. Not bad but the regular Presidente still tastes best. Bu and I had some dinner and great conversation.
Since it was late I didn't want to unload my stuff into my room at that hour so he let me stay in his businesses apartment.
It was so beautiful. Malecon Central. The view was great. The Caribbean and the entire view of the city from high above the world. I felt like I was rich.
The next morning Bu dropped me off at my room. I entered and it was a complete mess. The room was good but all my stuff was there in boxes and strewn around. It smelt bad after being stored in a garage for almost 3 years. But it was all there and I was happy.
My friend Felix watched my things for the time I was in USA. He got the keys to the place I found to rent and had it all there for me when I returned. I am so grateful for him. Not many people would keep a persons belongings for that length of time and ask for nothing in return.
I started arranging some stuff. All the clothes needed washed. But it was ok as I gained about 50 pounds while in USA and none of the stuff would fit me anyhow. I do plan on fitting into all again very soon though.
Met my neighbor. A really nice lady and she helped me alot. She is the motherly type. She made me some coffee and we talked a bit. She explained about the water (which I am so happy to have after my last apartment here without water for about 8 months). She explained about the lights and other stuff. The landlord came to meet me and collect the first months rent. He seems like a nice human.
It was time to go to the street. I had to get a phone first thing then go to Mamita and Jimmys place, my Dominican family. I was walking down El Conde and about 4 people stopped me. "Janette, como estas?" "Que gorda!" (Janette, how are you, how fat you are!). At least they asked how I was before they said how fat I got! lol!
Thats one thing I love about the Domincan people. they say exactly what they want without worrying about being politically correct.
I entered the Galeria. Mamita was happy to see me. Willy and the others working were all happy also. But noone was as happy as I was just to be here again where I feel most comfortable.
Jimmy went and got a few beers and we stood at Jimmys Bar and had a few and talked and caught up on all the good stuff. It was just like I had never left. *I need to explain Jimmys Bar. It is across the street from the Galeria. In the shade from the afternoon sun. It is a box where electric lines connect. Perfect height for leaning on. This is what we call Jimmys Bar.
They invited me to their home but I had to get stuff together so I declined. I went to the Cafeteria on el Conde to say hi to some people and still everyone first thing said how fat I got. I know I got fat. They didn't need to rub it in!
Then I went back to mt room, threw the mat from my sofa cama on the floor and went to sleep. I was home. My own place in my adopted country. Lots of work ahead of me but it was all good.

Seems I Found A Home

2007-09-15T10:38:00.001-04:00

As I said before I am coming back home to Dominican Republic. Count down is on!! 21 more days until my big feet touch the Dominican Republic tierra.
I have been trying to find a place to live while I'm still in USA so I don't have to spend the extra money staying in a hotel. Well I have been searching and asking everyone I know to watch out for a place for me for the least amount of money possible as I don't want to spend too much money at first until I get myself organized and figure out just how much money I will be making.
So anyhow, I found a place. I called about it and we got the basic information communicated. Since I've been in USA there are not many people to practice my Spanish with so it is getting a bit rusty and it really was not very good to start with. But I got the basic information and told the guy my friend would come and look at the place for me.
Mamita (my friend - family in DR) went and checked it out . She said it was OK. Not the best but for sure not the worst. But I figure since it is in my price range and its OK it is better than a cardboard box in the street (Which my box would be laid out as I do know a box manufacture in DR...jejej). It's a room in a large house in the area where I want to live. 1 block from Calle el Conde in Colonial Zone. I would have access to the home and can put my things throughout the home. Like my wash machine on the patio, my sofa in the living room and my stuff in the kitchen. There is also a large balcony. It sounds OK for the time being. The only thing I.m not comfortable with is sharing the bathroom. But this will have to be the way it is until I find something better.
I will for sure have to change some of my habits as I will be in a home with outer humans. It will be another challenge. One of the many I've had since I've discovered DR. I am sort of looking forward to this challenge. It will teach me some things I'm sure. I may learn a bit more about the country I have grown to love and have adopted ads my own.
My friend is going today to give the apartment people my deposit and to get the keys. The next step is trying to get my belongings moved into the place while I am still in USA. My belongings are being kept by a friend. I have to organize him and another friend with the truck to get my minimal belongings moved. Not sure if it will work out the way I hope..I'll keep you all informed.

Movie Review - Santo Domingo Blues

2007-09-07T08:47:00.000-04:00

I saw the movie Santo Domingo Blues recently. I really enjoyed it. Being away from Dominican Republic when watching it made the movie so much better. It made me long to return home to the island (but then everything makes me want to return to DR).
My favorite parts of the entire movie were the scenes that showed the campo. The real people of the country living their everyday lives. Reality of life away from the cities.

There are many different well known Dominican performers from the past and present represented in this film. The one I most enjoyed was Aridia Ventura. She is known as "The Executioner" because of the way she puts down men in her songs. All we women can appreciate her bitter and true words about the opposite sex. She doesn't preform any longer since she lost her eye sight. This rare performance is very special and informal.

The old timers include Eladio Romero Santos(he has past on but his music is forever with us),Ramón Cordero known as "The Sparrow",and José Manuel Calderón. I loved watching these performers in their element. Sitting in the yard with a little ron or a bien fria (rum or a cold beer) and playing and singing from the soul.

This movie was about Luis Vargas, of course. He was one of the first bachata singers I ever heard. I went to Dominican Republic on a vacation and heard this music. I was not sure if I liked it with the twangy guitar and the strange old sounding voices. So when I returned to USA I ordered the Putumayo Presents: Republica Dominicana CD. This disc had some great songs along with their lyrics and the translations. After listening to it a few times I was hooked. So I searched for this new (new to me) music, even if I didn't understand the lyrics.

Later, after I started understanding more of the language, I realized that Luis Vargas was a bit of a pervert. I liked his form of irreverence, even though his Machismo attitude does irritate me a bit (you must remember I am a woman). He sings songs with double meanings (which is elaborated on in the movie Santo Domingo Blues). He was even banned on the radio for a time. But I enjoy irreverence with style, and I do have to admit Luis Vargas has this attribute. I have seen him in concert and it is a really good time. The enthusiasm he brings to the audience it contagious.

If you would like to learn about Bachata music known as Música de Amargue(music of bitterness) this movie is great. If you want to see some of the real life in Dominican Republic this movie will show this also. For a documentary I thought this movie presented the information in a really entertaining way, not just a bunch of people talking. Another big plus was the narrator, one of my favorites, Luis Dias (read more about Luis Dias and hear a song of his).

For more information on Bachata music

You can rent this movie from Net Flix

To buy the DVD from Amazon...Santo Domingo Blues (2007)

to get the Putumayo Presents: Republica Dominicana CD from Amazon

The official Santo Domingo Blues web site

My Return

2007-09-04T11:32:00.000-04:00

I'm coming home!!! I can't believe it is really going to happen. I will be returning to Dominican Republic to live again. To get my life back.
I am trying to find a studio or regular small apartment with electricity included in the Colonial Zone or surrounding area. It needs to be not expensive as I am not exactly sure what my income will be and I don't want to stress out when the rent comes due each month. So if anyone knows a place please let me know. I need to have it all in place for sure by the first week in October.
So there will be many new adventures added to this blog regularly. I know I will be having many more stories to tell.
This video represents the way I feel. Not happy, wandering aimlessly, feeling lost and lonely. Until my little hands find the Presidente cerveza (which can also represent Dominican Republic not just a bien fria). Soon my little hands will be happy again. Returning to my island.

Stealing Electric

2007-08-15T09:35:00.000-04:00

I wrote about living without electric before in this blog. But I came across this video and it brought back lots of memories.
I remember when I was just a tourist in DR. One of the first things I told friends when I returned home was about the electric lines and how people seem to steal the electric. I had no idea then just how bad it was in real life.
When I moved to DR I would watch the tourists take pictures of the electric lines. Isabel la Catolicá and El Conde in Colonial Zone was a favorite electric line picture taking spot.
I had to check my line every so often because there was one neighbor that connected into my electric. I found out he didn't do it on his own, the landlord told him to do it and to pay me for it. He never told me and of course, never paid me so I cut his electric.
Another neighbor, she had a bar. She stole the electric all the time. They would come and cut the line (give her a fine I'm sure) and the next day she had it connected again. If it was in the evening and she couldn't get the line connected in time she would call up to me and ask for an extension cord so at least she could have music in the bar. Then she just used candles for light. I couldn't do much in my apartment when she used my electric. My lights were really dim and I was afraid to try the computer so I would just go down to her place and hang out. I knew she wouldn't pay me for the electric so I just drank my pay. That was fine with me.
Now check out this video. This guy is on top of the pole. Sitting there working, using a machete it seems. There is no ladder so he must have shimmied up there. I am afraid to play with any electricity. When I had to hook op my outside light I made sure all the power was turned off. Checked it with a voltage thing, and I was still a bit shaky. This guy looks like hes ready to have a beer sent up or even happily spend the afternoon atop that pole.

Que vaina! Humans..go figure...

Martins Invading Dominican Republic

2007-08-13T08:03:00.000-04:00

They have arrived! Check out this video of the space invaders over Dominican Republic. Is it real or fake? Do you believe?
Do you think this is a hoax? These ships are just checking us out to return at a later date. Or maybe they/we are already here and you just don't recognize us.
Watch and let us know your opinion.

Now, to tell you what I think. I KNOW the Martians are already here. I am from Mars. Mars Pennsylvania, USA that is. I went to Mars High School. My family went to Mars High. The name of the football team is the Planets. The Mars National Bank's slogan is "Service out of this world". There are even aliens in the town of Mars if you look really close. I have invaded Dominican Republic. So it is a fact, there is without a doubt a person from Mars on the island. Will there be more arriving? One never knows...

Yes. This is Mars PA, USA.
More on the video now..I was reading around the net about the video. There is another which looks just about the same said to have been recorded in Haiti.
If you look at the palm trees in the video they are all shaped the same according to this picture .
According to UFO Roundup there was a Space Ship went down November 19,2003
According to UFO Casebook there was another spotted August 29, 2005
Read the articles. Watch the video. Visit the town of Mars. You decide for yourself. "The truth is out there". If you look hard enough for it or believe enough you will find your truth, whatever it may be. But always remember, have fun in your quest for your truth and if you can record it and post it on You Tube (because you do know all you see there is truth (sic)!

Dominican Spanish Lesson 2 - Animal Names

2007-08-08T12:22:00.000-04:00

This is the second Dominican language lesson from Sir Nube Negra. This is a lesson on how to use animals in conversation. It is too funny, in my opinion. Since this is my blog my opinion is the one that counts, verdad? jejej
Make sure you take notes for your next visit to Dominican Republic!

I also have many of the animal names on my web site. And even better if you want to know Dominican animal talk check this out. This way maybe you to can be Doctor Doolittle Dominican style.

Dominican Spanish

2007-08-07T19:04:00.000-04:00

I came across this video and had to share. It made me laugh. The words. The tone of the guys voice when he speaks Dominican Spanish is so perfect (It should be since he is Dominican duhhh).
So as you practice your Dominican Spanish make sure you listen to your teacher Sir Nube Negra and you will be speaking Dominican Spanish in no time.

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Remember to check the Dominicanismo Dictionary here. I will post new lessons as they come available. I want you to learn the proper way to speak your Dominican Spanish so you can feel like a native on your next visit. I do all this because I care.(jejee)

Boca Chica All Alone

2007-08-06T10:02:00.000-04:00

Continued from the Bus Ride to Boac Chica..yes..there was more.
I get out of the bus in the park in the center of Boca Chica. I had been to the beach before but it was usually at some restaurant along the beach where they had chairs and you could get drinks and food. This didn’t really look familiar. I had never entered the beach from this direction.
So I just walked. And there it was. My friendly Colmado. I knew where I was now. I had been called the Colmado Queen by a few friends in the past (not sure if that’s a good thing but I thought it was funny. I'm always the first to laugh at myself). And I did know that Colmado. I stopped to have me a bien fria (more on Dominican beer) and say hi to the owner. He remembered me from about a year back when I took the 3 sisters there (that’s my mother and my 2 aunts when they visited me. thats an entirely different story I'll tell sometime). We talked a bit while I had my first beer of the day. The first always tastes the best. That Presidente beer just does down so easily. I got one to take with me.I only had to pay for the to-go beer, he wouldn’t let me pay for the first one. Nice guy.
I head down the little alley where all the wonderful smells hit me in the nose like getting slapped in the face with a fish tail (not that that has ever happened but the prevalent smell is fish so I thought it a great analogy). This alley is lined with people cooking the most wonderful fish and other goodies. I’ll get me somma that good stuff later. I wanted to get me some of those clams and oysters on the beach first. I had a plan.
As soon as I left the concrete of the alley and my feet touched the sand there they were. The dreaded people looking for paying butts to occupy their beach chairs. I ignored the first few then saw a place where I thought I’d like to park my bottom. The "incharge-of-the-chairs guy was hounding me so I thought I’d have a little fun and barter with him a bit. This is sometimes a fun thing to do.
First I asked him how much for a beer in the restaurant where the chair was located. It was much more than the Colmado, which is normal. Then I asked how much for the chair. He was all sweet saying for me a special price(I can’t remember the price now). But, oh yes, I truly beleived him he was giving ME a special price. Does my head look like it screws on? I told him I would be buying my own beer from the Colmado but I would still leave him a tip. His price went down lower but not too low. Then he said that if I buy a few beers from him the chair would be free. So I went for that deal. He was a nice human. We ended up talking a bit. Laughing and discussing why I decided to live in DR. I saw a few people I knew passing by but didn’t say anything. I was just observing.
One man I saw is an acquaintance I had spoken to in the streets in Colonial Zone. He’s older, hair colored to cover the grey. (I will not go into more detail because I don't want to give away his identity) but he’s always with a young, pretty, chica. Hmmm…wonder how that happens (LOL!)??? Anyhow, I was watching him making his moves on a group of girls that obviously were working girls.
After he passed on and the 4 girls were standing there talking near me I had to say something. I love to learn where people’s heads are. So I told them that I knew that guy. They laughed and said something about he was always there. They sat down and we were talking. They worked at a massage place there. One of the girls spoke English and she was going to college. Working to get through college. The others were career “masseuse”. They ended up getting some of the seafood that was passing by for us to share. I tried to put some money in for all to share but they wouldn’t let me. We ate some of the mixed seafood stuff with squid. I ended up buying a few beers for us to enjoy wile I asked more questions about their chosen profession. Then they went on their way. It was very interesting.
A few more people passed by that I knew and we said brief hellos. I got me some oysters from a vendor that remembered me from my other visits to the beach. I paid for the normal 6 crustaceans but he had some that were really small and he let me have them at no charge. I was eating and we were talking. He even sent a buddy of his to the Colmado for a beer for me (I paid for that one).
Then it was time to go. My day at the beach was over. I paid the guy for the chair. I paid the "lowest price" he gave me but then I tipped him to make it be the original price he gave me. He was happy. I had fun. He even made a few guys (Sanky Pankys) get away from me before they even started bugging me. So he was worth the little monies I gave him.
I went to the bus. I was tired and content. It wasn’t as full as on the trip to the beach. As we were approaching the city I decided to ask someone how I would get to the Zone. I thought maybe the bus went somewhere close to home then I could just get off. It didn’t. But this man was with his son and we decided to split a cab because he lived near to the Colonial Zone. So the taxi home was only $50 pesos and I had to make the man take that money.
So, all in all, my trip alone to the beach was all good. It did not cost me as much as I had thought. Noone really bothered me at the beach even though I was alone. I met some very nice humans. I had some great food and learned some new things. I also got a little sun and beach fun. All was good. I was one content human.
A little helpful hints for beach going

First Bus Ride to Boca Chica

2007-08-04T09:50:00.000-04:00

I wanted to go to the beach. I had asked different friends, always they didn’t want to go. I had been trying to get to a beach for about a month and I finally decided to take the bus. I had never ridden a bus on my own before. In fact, I had only ever been on a bus a few times (other than the yellow school bus I rode for 12 years back and forth to school).
I asked a neighbor where to get the bus, also known as a Guagua. I knew in general where it was. Sort of near Enriquillo Park of of Duarte some place, I knew the general direction. I was going to walk instead of paying a taxi (I figured a taxi ride would be 2 1/3 beers and I’d rather have the beer) I could use the exercise. The neighbor took me to the public car route a half block away. He told the driver something, gave him some pesos (yes, he paid), and I got in.
The driver took me directly to the bus. The express bus too. Which was great because I would have never known the difference. A bus is a bus is a bus.
The area was chaotic. There were humans everywhere. Hustle and bustle. I had no idea what was happening. All I wanted was a bus to the beach. Was that too much to ask?
I saw a bus with a header that said Boca Chica. Yeah! I was getting somewhere. I asked the man loading the people onto the bus like they were cattle. Is this the express bus for Boca Chica in my broken Spanish. He says “Yea, yea lady. Get in” (in English). I hate when people do that. It was like he really didn’t hear my question or care what I had to say. He just wanted the fare and herded this heifer into the bus.
It was an OK bus. There was an inkling of air conditioning. Not dirty like many of the other buses waiting to load. Comfy and not too crowded. Until the rest of the herd burst on board. The bus full to the seams.
I was sitting next to a lady carrying all these brooms, mops and buckets. They were all new. I just didn’t understand why she took a bus to the capital to buy these items when I’m sure any store carried them. But she was happy. Of course, I was the only Gringa on board.
The broom lady and I started talking. I helped her hold some of her items. She was really nice, even though I didn’t understand all what she was saying. Usually when someone says something I don’t understand I ask them to use a different word that I may understand. But I found many people didn’t know any other words, only the ones they were using. She was one of those “only one-word” persons.
But we communicated and laughed. Every time the bus stopped I asked if that’s where I was to get off. She kept putting her hand up giving me the stay signal. She got off in route, before the beach stop. She told the guy working the door, the loader, that I wanted the beach and for him to help me. They said something else had a little chuckle, I’m sure at my expense. But I smiled and thought that if the hooves-shoes were exchanged I’d probably have a little chuckle myself at the Rubia with no clue.
But I got there. The herder man told me where to go and when to get the last bus back. He was really helpful after all.
I got out of the bus and was on my way to the beach. All alone. My first time on the beach by my self. I was so excited for the adventure.
Heres some information on how to take the bus from Santo Domingo (near Parque Enriquillo) to Boca Chica.
A little more information on Boca Chica, The World's Largest Bathtub"

Horse Sounds

2007-08-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

I was standing outside on the deck drinking my morning cup of coffee. Doing my morning talk to God. Off in the distance. Down in the valley. In the morning mist. I heard a horse whinny. Loud and long. Further off in the distance another horse responded with the same whinny in a different distinct pitch. Then the closer horse did a few of those bbhhh-sounding things they do while shaking their heads. These small sounds made me miss Dominican Republic. (This picture is part of our Bayaguana-Festival of the Bulls collection here)

This sound when I was young, I hated the horse sounds. Those sounds were reminding me that I had to go and feed my horse, Blaze. No matter the weather it had to be done. First thing in the morning. No important if the water pump was frozen and I had to carry water. No matter if I wasn’t feeling that great. The horse had to be fed and let out of the shed.

Ahhh. Those sounds in Dominican Republic. They were such relaxing sounds. When there were no cars in the street in the early morning hours. When all was quite and still. I could hear a horse coming close in the distance. The distinctive clip clop of the hooves on the pavement. It was sort of a lonely sound. Like a lost soul trying to find its way. Yet it was also a soothing sound. Relaxing. So steady and constant. Just the clip clop. Getting closer then passing by and disappearing in the distance.

This picture is part of the Dominican people collection here.

New York Dominican Day Parade 2007

2007-07-28T16:26:00.000-04:00

Sunday August 12 2007 is the big Dominican Republican Day Parade. This years parade on 6th Avenue from 36th Street to 62nd Street will be hosted by TV host Karina Larrauri. For the first time in the history of the parade it will be aired live on satellite from NYC to the DR. Television Dominicana which broadcasts on Dish Network channel 844 and 434 by way of Direct TV, will have live coverage of the parade from 2 to 4 P.M.
The New York Dominican Parade and “Fiesta” will be attended by an estimated 500,000 people. There will be lots of great Dominican food, music and cultural events. Our friends from Mabi Refresco will be there with their new product right behind the Goya Foods float.

So if you are in the area go enjoy the sights sounds and scents of the event. If you can't be in Dominican Republic at least during this parade you can pretend you are. Even if it is only for a few hours.
I wish I could join everyone! Enjoy!

A little more information..

Crime in Pittsburgh PA, USA verses Santo Domingo

2007-07-27T19:44:00.000-04:00

I was talking to a lady a few weeks ago. She said how she didn't like Dominican Republic because of the high crime rate and that noone ever talks about that.
Well..I don't have any information on the crimes in Santo Domingo but I was curious and decided to look at a city near where I was raised. Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
First some population facts just to put it in perspective a little better:
US Census Bureau Facts says 2006 population of Pittsburgh estimate was 1,223,411
Population of United States in 2007 is 301,139,947 according to the CIA World Fact Book
Dominican Republic population estimated July 2006; 8,950,034 according to the CIA World Fact Book
Estimated population of Santo Domingo (Metro)estimated 2,253,437 in 2006 according to Wikipedia

I just glanced through The Post Gazette and the Pittsburgh Tribune Review and pasted a few headlines.
Friday, July 27, 2007
N.Y. man charged in local bank robberies
5,000 student loan customers' info on stolen laptop
Town mourns death of tot and Grandmother. Driver who killed them was on her way home from methadone clinic
North Side vigil tonight for teen shooting victim
Man and teen shot in McKeesport
Man who killed Fayette County family set to die Sept. 19
Manchester man wounded in Hill District shooting
Man wanted in Wilkinsburg shooting
18-year-old shot in the head
Man convicted in severed body case
Driver in fatal hit-and-run at Station Square sought
Man arrested after holding two hostage
“About 12 hours ago, I heard again the sound of a 15-round clip being emptied”
Man and teen shot while riding in SUV in McKeesport
man in stable condition after being shot 5 times

I hear people saying that there is so much crime in DR. Which I know there is. But if you look anywhere in the world there is crime. In larger cities there is usually more crime. Why? Maybe because there are more people. In tourist areas there seems to be more crime. Why? Maybe because the bad guys are looking for an easy hit where they know people have cash.
I’m just trying to put it all in perspective.

Now if your talking about bad driving incidents…this is another story.

*Note - I know Pittsburgh is smaller than Santo Domingo. I just needed to compare a city that I knew and never really thought of as being "dangerous". I may delete this post after a few days because I'm not sure if its pertinent just yet. I was just watching the news and decided to check out the thoughts flowing through my jumbled up head

Dominican People

2007-07-26T13:03:00.000-04:00

I came across this video of still pictures by Paul Gerace. These pictures are great Paul says "For better picture clarity the show should be viewed by clicking the centered rectangle located at the bottom right of the viewer". Thanks for these pictures!

There are also some great pictures (slide show) of the Dominican People here for your viewing pleasure.

Don't you just love my new country???

Flying and Ticket Refunds

2007-07-15T14:17:00.000-04:00

I was checking out the new web site Yapta.com and had to share the information I learned.
When you buy an airline ticket and the price changes you can get a refund, rebate or credit (depending on different airlines policies). Yapta makes it easy for you. They will let you know when the price goes down and you can make the decision if you want to change the price. The price of a ticket can go up and down drastically many times within one day.
Just remember if you do change the ticket sometimes there is a fee for doing so. Just make sure the fee is not more than the money you will save.
A great place to purchase tickets on line is
Find Cheap Flights from
Kayak.com
They let you search for tickets by price for over 100 airlines and ticket sellers. Then they send you to the appropriate site to purchase your ticket on line. It's great being able to see all the prices from so many airlines at once. They also have hotels, cars and cruises.
Then after you get your tickets remember to make an account with Yapta and watch for cheaper tickets. This way you can have more money to spend on playing in Dominican Republic or wherever you chose to visit.

Views From My Balcony - The Strike (Huelga)

2007-07-14T11:34:00.000-04:00

I really had no idea what it meant when there was a strike (in Spanish it is Huelga) in Dominican Republic. I didn't really pay attention when the neighbors and Mamita told me about the strike and she was not going to open the Galeria until she saw what was going on that day. I just had no clue why anyone would stay home just because of a strike.
I learned.
I got up around 6AM the morning of the strike. I had to do some laundry and it was best to get up early to do it because one never knew when the water would stop flowing. I've done laundry when it was all soapy and wet and the water stopped. What a pain in the butt. Its not bad having to wait for the next day for water. But I always kept the washer filled with water for storage for household usage and when I couldn't get it filled there was always a shortage of washing water.
Anyhow. I was on the balcony hanging out the laundry and I noticed there was a group of humans gathering across the Malecon in front of the ship docks. There was very little traffic on the road but what little there was they would not let past so there were some people standing by the stop light further down the street telling the vehicles to detour there.
My neighbor came out to observe from her balcony which was almost even with mine. I asked her what was happening. She told me it was the strike. The old light came on. Ahh, the strike, now I understood why people were talking about it as being a big event.
The neighbor was talking about different things, half of which I didn't understand (seems people kept forgetting to talk slow). As I was trying to understand her story a gun shot went off in the crowd. She motioned for me to get in my apartment. I went in fast and sat on the floor to watch TV. I wasn't going to take a chance of getting hit with a stray bullet through the window.
After about 5 minutes I heard her calling me "Janette, Americana. Ven" So I went out to see what was happening. She said it was OK now. I could make out some guns being held up in the distance. There were some police cars sitting around by now. One at the intersection at 19 de Marzo and the Malecon. A few at the entrance to the ship yard and one at the intersection on the other side at Merino and Jose Gabriel Garcia making traffic go the wrong way on my street.
After that noting much happened. Mamita called and said she was at the galeria. I got the laundry in and went to the galeria about 2PM. There wasn't many people in the streets or the parks. Tourists were still around so she had to open.
Later in the night the park got crowded with the neighbors discussing the events of the day. Another normal evening after a very interesting day and another learning experience for the Gringa. Now I know what a Dominican huelga is.

There was a huelga just the last week in Dominican Republic. Here are some links about what happened. These are not all the information but its what I could find
in english:
Dominican Government warns the strike organizers
One death, reduced transit in first hours of general strike
General strike concludes in Dominican Republic, 1 dead, 5 injured

Chat Thingy

2007-07-13T09:51:00.000-04:00

I added the new chat thingy on the right side of the page.
Anything you want to comment on or just to say hi, please feel free to talk.
I have it connected to the sister web site www.colonialzone-dr.com. This way you can talk here or talk there and it will be shared.
So if there are any questions about DR or the Zone please leave them with your email (if you prefer) and I'm sure myself or some viewer will help you out.
You can also click this link (or save it anytime you want to chat) and the chat box will open in its own little window.. Now Isn't that just amazing??!! LOL!
You may need to hit the refresh button..seems it is sometimes a little slow on the refresh so if you desire refresh manually. We have lots of smileys too. I tried to find some that were not the norm. Enjoy!

Movie Review - Intimate Stories / Historias Minimas

2007-06-29T08:35:00.000-04:00

Intimate Stories (2002)originally named Historias Minimas / Minimal Stories (Spanish with English subtitles)
This movie is very uneventful but I considerer it to be one of the better movies I have seen. It brings 3 people (and a baby) together who have nothing in common other than they are traveling to the same area, San Julián in the deserted and desolate southern Argentinean region of Patagonia. Each traveling on their own, their paths cross, as do their stories and dreams, throughout their separate journeys along these lonely roads.

The 80 year old man was tired of his life running a grocery store. He snuck away to search for his dog that ran away, he thinks because of something he did. Someone told him they saw the dog so off he goes hitchhiking, he can't drive because he is almost blind, his way into the lives of the other travelers.

The traveling salesman who seems to have a crush on a widow lady overheard it was her child's birthday so he goes out of his way to get a cake. He wants to impress her with this cake and tell her of his love for her. Not knowing if the child is a boy or girl, the cake is changed a few times throughout the movie from a boys cake to one a bit more generic.

Then there is the single mother and her baby. She won a ticket to participate in a game show and could win a food processor. She was so obsessed with the TV and the chance of winning something, even though she has no money, she took off to seek her fortune and her dream.

The director, Carlos Sorin, used mostly non-professional actors in this wonderful film. The peoples lives blend so perfectly with the scenery in this movie. It is filmed on many lonely, desolate roads in the Patagonia region. I was mezmorized by the beauty of the area and the colors of the sky were enthralling.

This road movie shows the spirit of people trying to make a dream, no matter how small, come true. Through humor, generosity, determination and a good spirit these people are very likable and honest. This movie is simple and enchanting with no special effects or action scenes. Watching it made me smile and feel good remembering it does not take that much to be truly happy.

The film won the Special Prize of the Jury in the 2002 San Sebastián Film Festival.
The winner of the 2003 Los Angeles Latino Film Festival.

Buy Intimate Stories from Amazon.com

Also available for rent from:

Movie Review - The Secret of Roan Inish

2007-06-25T10:13:00.000-04:00

"The Secret of Roan Inish"
This movie is one of my all time favorites. After I discovered it I bought it. When I moved to Dominican Republic out of all my movies I had collected (about 300 or so) I only took about 15 of my favorites with me (sold the rest) and this movie was one I saved.
It was made in1993 but it is a timeless movie. It is a fairy tale of sorts. About this young girl Fiona, who had to leave the city after the death of her mother and go live with her grandparents. They lived within view of their ancestral island called Roan Inish. It is called the island of the seals.
Fiona learns about the families history and why they left the desolate island. She learned about the old stories of the selkies and how they effected her family.
Since it is an Irish tale the music is wonderful. Celtic, happy music. I love the entire sound of this movie. The crispness of it. Like the time when Fiona was helping her grandfather stirring the tar pot for mending the boats to the sound of the water lapping against a little row boat when a seal was taking Fiona to the island of Roan Inish.
I give this movie 5 stars all around. From the soundtrack to the tale itself. It makes one fell happy and stirs the imagination.

Views From My Balcony – Doggy Love

2007-06-24T13:15:00.000-04:00

Can dogs fall in love? I never really saw doggy devotion until I observed these 2 semi-street dogs from my balcony. Semi-street dogs meaning that they belonged to someone but they were not considered to be a real part of the family.

They slept in the front of their owner’s door and were fed but not really an integral part of the family. They had the typical street dog look. Skinny and lanky, short haired non-breed dogs.

The main boss dog was the lady. I thought for the longest time that her name was Latrina and could not understand why someone would call his dog the name of an outhouse. Thank goodness that her name turned out to be Ladrina. I never knew the name of the man in Ladrinas life.

They were always together. She was much more presentable than he. She would go into the Colmado for a treat and he would wait outside. She would walk the street and he would follow close behind her. Anywhere you saw Ladrina her man was close behind.

Once the man-dog was hit in the street. My guess is he was sleeping under someone’s car and his leg got damaged. Someone put a few sticks on his leg and tied them with cloth. That was his splint. He hobbled around as best he could. But mostly he just lay around in the park. Ladrina was never far from his side. His leg healed up and his walking returned to almost normal. He had a little limp-drag-swagger to his gait but he did just fine.

At night when Cezar, the burger man, was cooking the doggie lovers were near by but never interfered with the cooking. They were even very discriminating on what they ate. My dog, Sniffy, ate anything. She loved pan de auga (the bread) and she would even eat rice. But these thin dogs of the street were never caught eating these things. (only once did Ladrina eat some bread and that is because she saw my dog eating some and she had to give it a try). One would think that they would scarf up anything they came across but this was not the case.

One day Ladrina was alone. Lying in front of her feeder-humans door. Alone. She looked sad, sort of lost. Very rarely was she ever alone without her man-dog. She walked the park alone. She went to the Colmado alone. She lost the spring in her walk.

Other dogs in the area started coming around her but she would chase them away, which she never did to her man. She looked so lost and sad. Where did her love go?

Finally after about a month Ladrina disappeared. No one saw her. She, along with her man, had just stopped existing.

Did she die from a broken heart? Did they join each other in Doggie Heaven? Did she wander off in search of a new love?

After seeing Ladrina and her man I do believe in doggie love and true doggy devotion.

Movie Review - Pan's Labyrinth

2007-06-23T10:23:00.000-04:00

I have seen some great movies that I must share so I'm going to make a little movie review section. for me a good mivie is one that holds my attention. It makes me feel like I am right there and gives me some emotional feelings.

"Pan's Labyrinth" also known by the Spanish title "El Laberinto del Fauno"
This is a Spanish language movie with subtitles. It is a bit graffic with a little more blood and gore than I usually like but the story was just too good for the gore to matter much. It is concidered to be a fairy tale for adults. It is about a 10 year old girl that has a not too happy life but she loves to read fairy tales. She finds a decaying labyrinth guarded by Pan, an ancient satyr who claims to know her past as a princess and also her destiny. Her mom is a sad lady and her step father is a nasty sadistic, fascist officer in the pro-Franco army. There is lots of death and towards the end of the movie I was starting to wonder how it could have any type of a near happy ending. It was a suprise for sure.
This multiple Oscar-winning tale set in 1944 Spain from director Guillermo del Toro is for sure a must watch in my opinion (which is the only opinion that counts...LOL).
It is available for rent from
Netflix.com

Palos Video - I Just Couldn't Resist It

2007-05-14T07:57:00.000-04:00

I never put a video on my blog before but I came
across this and just had to put it on here. I love Palos
music and wrote about it on my web
site http://www.colonialzone-dr.com..
This song , Los palos by Kinito Mendez is great.
I'm not really into the the TV show Family Guy but
this is just too great to let it pass by. Enjoy!

The Campo- Whats Biting

2007-05-01T10:54:00.000-04:00

I did get to see much of the island but most of the time I had no idea where I was. I just went along for the ride. At times the rides were uneventful and others they were quite noteworthy.

Once I went with a friend and his family to La Vega to visit the grandparents. It was nice just hanging out with the family and sometimes I even understood the conversation.

From here we got in a truck and headed to the mountains. It was somewhere near Pico Duarte. We drove on some hazardous roads. It was dark so I had no idea just how dangerous this road was until the next day when I saw it in the light of day. I couldn't believe the road. Dirt. Steep banks dropping down into the forest. Road half gone because of a rain storm that passed. But it was worth it just to have spent the time in the campo.

The home we were going to was some type of mountain biker stop off. There were a few rooms for sleeping but most of the house was open air. It sat on a steep hill that decended to a calm, cool river. It was so peaceful and serene just watching nothing, enjoying the quite.

There was a little Colmado(picture of the Colmado) down the street, or should I say, down the dirt trail. There was no electricity in the area just generators. This Colmado didn't use the generator but on the weekend so we couldn't get any cold beer. So the next best thing was some rum. We did bring some coolers with ice so we shared that with the people sitting in the Colmado and had a little party with the locals. I even danced a little bachata with some of the men around. They got a good laugh out of it. I will always be the first to make fun of myself.

The caretakers of this house cooked us some sanchocho on a fire in the yard. There was about 8 of us that got to devour this typical Dominican dish (Picture of us eating). We were all so hungry after a day in the country we devoured that stew up.

Since I do love the outdoors and camping, I had to take a walk alone. I walked down some trails and ended up by the river. There was a horse tied near the river with no one in site to claim ownership. There was a swinging bridge crossing over the river which looked as if it was used often but there didn't seem to be any life around. It was just amazing to me that people lived in these remote areas where there were no roads. Only foot paths. I could never imagine having to carry groceries such a long distance on foot.

I did a little more walking and my friend came to find me since I was gone, alone, for over an hour. We decided to take a swim in the river. Sin ropa / without clothes of course.

All was good. We found a deeper spot and were playing in the water when out of nowhere 2 boys magically appeared on the bridge. They were maybe 8 years old. Of course seeing a Gringa with her white butt shining like the sun itself got some unwanted attention. My friend and I knowing we were discovered could do nothing. Our clothes were across the river on a rock. Not within grabbing distance.

There was a large bolder so we clung to it. Hugging that rock because it was our only guard against those eyes that kept staring at us.

The kids would not go away. They were laughing and pointing. We were rock hugging and laughing with them. What else could we do? We were stuck.

Well, while we were hugging the rock and not moving much I kept feeling things on my legs. At first I thought it was just debris brushing up on my legs as it flowed down the river. Then the debris started pinching. It was not river muck it was fish! They were biting me! They were nibbling at my legs. It wasn't big bites but I could for sure feel them and it wasn't really pleasant. I kept thinking a bigger fish would decide to come along and join in the feast. We had to keep kicking our legs to keep the fish away, laughing at our situation, with the kids still gawking at us.

Finally the kids got bored. What seemed to be an hour was really about 20 minutes. We decided to make a run for it and get our clothes. I had just got my pants on when the kids reappeared. I had to put my top on under their watchful eyes. But it was too late. They must have been laying in wait for our escape from the fish and the river.

We got back to the house and shared our story with everyone there. Within an hour after getting back to the house these little red blotches started appearing on my legs. They were itchy and very noticeable. My friend had them also but his didn't show up like mine. Red on brown skin isn't that noticeable but red on white flesh really shows up!
It ended up that the no seeums got me. I didn't feel anything or see anything. I guess thats how they got their name..duhhh. But those dots stayed on my body for about 2 weeks. The itching went away but the blotches stayed. I thought they were never going to fade and I would be deformed for life. But in time they did leave. But my friend lost his dots within days. Not fair!
More information on nosseums(opens in a new window)

The experience in the campo was fabulous. I went out and laid in the street where there was no tree cover and watched the vastness of the Dominican sky. The stars were so bright. The air was so cool. Not a car or person passed by in the street. It was so quiet. Wonderful.

If I ever have enough money I would love to get a little place in the mountains away from humans. My dream is to have my apartment in the city and my place in the country. Hang in the country for a few days then go to the city for a few days. The best of both worlds...

The Tree Cutters

2007-03-11T07:10:00.000-04:00

This story is about a tree trimming crew I saw in front of my apartment in Zona Colonial but first I must share some of my tree trimming history and knowledge.

I was born...LOL! But really my first time that I remember tree trimming affected me badly was on my first birthday. My dad (my dad was known as a tree surgeon and my mother was a nurse..yes..I come from a family of doctors..LOL!) was born “in the trees.” When he says “Bye, see ya later” it comes out as “In the trees.” He was a tree man since I can remember. On my first birthday he got the first knuckle of his ring finger cut off because of some chipper that went crazy. So my birthday party was delayed because of tree trimming. To this day when he pretends he is bending his finger over, when it really is long gone-by-chipper, we are reminded of that finger loss day when I turned 1.

When I was old enough to drag a branch my dad took me with him on his weekend make-extra-money tree trimming jobs. I was on the ground crew of 1. I had tree climbing envy because he would just shimmy up that tree using a harness and some really spiky shoes. He would be toting a big chain saw or some curved hand saw with really large teeth. I didn’t want to be on the ground picking up the droppings. I wanted to do the chopping. But I did my duty and drug all the branches to the brush pile as directed by boss man daddy in the tree.

We were always trimming trees. I don’t know how the trees grew so fast in our yard but it seemed that at least once a week we had to so something with picking up some tree parts. Branches, leaves or logs for chopping into firewood. Always something to do with a tree.
There were always chain saws around. At least 2 to 3 different sizes for different jobs. There was the big industrial size saw. That baby could bring down a big tree in no time. Just cut that wedge out of the side and the tree soon came crashing sown. After it was down then the chain saw changed. The medium sized one cut the tree into workable pieces. Bigger branches cut off and the tree cut into splitable lengths. Then the baby chain saw to cut the smaller branches and twigs for putting on the burn pile or sending to the chipper for mulch.

The firewood splitting was a real chore. I have a picture of me in the wood pile in my yellow bikini. Hair in pig tails holding a maul type ax (it is more wedge shaped for easier log splitting). I looked like a mix between Bonnie (of Bonnie and Clyde fame) and some Hillbilly gal. I got to make spending money splitting the wood. I got $5USD for splitting a face cord (our face cord was about 4 feet high by 8 feet long with the length of the piece being about 14 inches long). It took forever to do this splitting. My hands were callused. My arms killed me. I got splinters all the time. But for what I thought was a lot of money at the time, I did the work. Then one day I was using the sledge hammer on a chisel chopping some really large log into pieces. I didn’t realize that I need to grind the edges of the chisel, I guess I was really wanting to chop that wood instead of taking time out to get the chisel ground down. Well, a piece of the metal from the ragged edge broke off and landed inside my leg next to my knee cap. It really didn’t bleed but there was a white ball in inside flesh sticking out if the small hole. I pretended that it didn’t hurt but I ended up having to go to hospital and get the metal removed. So I still have my wood splitting scar on my knee.

I even climbed trees all the time. Be it to get an apple of just to go up there and sit. I even had dreams that Donny Osmond would stop and see me sitting in the tree and climb up and join me. I had all the good climbing trees names along with the spots that were best for sitting. My favorite was the queen tree. This is where Donny and I would sit in my daydreams hiding from the world in my green world.

My first time I was permitted to use the chain saw I felt like I had really grown up. I had made it in the world. Then my son and I started going camping all the time and my dad gave me my own chain saw to cut the wood I got from the firewood man or from the saw mill. It was one of his, a small one, just perfect. Then even better, I got my very own chain saw for Christmas from my dad. I was so happy. I loved getting tools and this was my treasure. I finally had MY own chain saw. This way I could saw my wood into chopable pieces and then ax and hatchet that stuff up into the perfect firewood size. I was finally content. I needed no more in life..jejeje

So now that you know the history and you will understand why this tree chopping story was so amazing to me....
I got up early before the sun hit my balcony full force to make some jewelry. I had to grind down some coconut shells into pendant size pieces and use the dremel to rout out different Taino type designs on the shell. Then polish the shell and drill some holes to make little necklaces. I was out on the balcony with my goggles on grinding away when this truck load of men pulled up to the park. There were 5 men in the back and 2 suit type men in the front. All got out and was looking up into the tree. I tried to look like I wasn’t looking and kept working. Soon the machetes came out and some very old rustic wobble ladders were leaned on the side of the tree. these machete holding men went up the ladder and crawled out to the edge of different branches. All this while holding onto their machetes. Then they started hacking away at the branches. They were trimming the tree!

This tree is huge, as you can see in the picture. If you know the park at Fort San Jose near the Malecon in Colonial Zone you will know the trees. This particular tree was huge. It looked like it was hit by some large storm and had a part that was cut away years past but it all grew up again. This tree was so nice. I wish I knew what type it was but the leaves made a nice brushing sound when the breeze hit them. The trunk was for sure to large to be huggable. This is one fine tree. If you get a chance just go and visit this tree. I'm sure it will know you were there just to see it.

I just could not fathom that there were no safety measures. Holding machetes and climbing a tree. Two of the men had hard hats and the others did not. Heres me grinding coconut shells using safety glasses and they're chopping trees and using nothing. They all did have work gloves on. I guess they wanted to keep their hands soft..jejej. I had to take a picture of these men but I didn’t want to let them see me do that so the pictures didn’t turn out. The matte of the tree was too dense. Since I couldn’t get a good photo I had to share this with someone that would appreciate what I was seeing so I called back to Pennsylvania to tell my dad what I was seeing first hand. This was too good not to share with my daddy the tree surgeon.

Finally the men finished hacking at that tree. They left the cuts all ragged and frayed. We never did that. All had to be clean and the larger cuts had to be tarred. These men did nothing. Just hacked away at its poor tree and left it looking mangled. Then they picked up most of the fallen branches and moved on to the next tree to hack that one. Leaving me to get back and focus on my coconut grinding once again.

The Beast from Nagua Beach

2007-02-14T12:56:00.000-04:00

A group of friends decided to take me with them for a few days on their quest for the big wave. They are surfers and on weekends they go around to surfing spots. I don't surf but I can always find something to do while they are in the water. I love exploring new places and meeting new humans. As long is there are people to talk to, sights to see and Presidente beer to drink I can be very content.
They decided to head to Nagua. I had been there before with some of my closest friends, Tony and Lenin, whose families live there. It is a fun city for sure. I love the saying for the town,"A Nagua tu entras si quieres, y sales si puedes" (translated, Enter Nagua if you want, leave if you can). Which I did not understand until I was there. (I also have a Barcelo Ron video on my web site which starts out with that saying.
The surfers took me to a beach where there were no humans. It had a strong wave. It didn't seem like a public beach as it had lots of debris on it. There was also a wall where the water washed away the sand and made a big drop off about as tall as I (5"9'). So I was sitting on this sand ledge watching the surfers doing their thing when these 3 children came over to investigate as to why this lone Gringa was sitting on their beach.
They were talking to me and they pointed to a small house almost directly on the beach. I figured this was where they lived. They were talking fast and I told them I do not understand that they need to talk slow because my Spanish is bad. So of course, instead of talking slower they talked louder. They thought I didn't understand because I couldn't hear. I told them again and they talked even louder, not slower. Finally I got them to understand and their voices returned to normal level.
This took a while but I finally got the story. One girl, the youngest, maybe about 7 was so animated when she was telling the story. She was jumping around and getting all excited. The older girl, maybe around 10 was sitting calmly and agreeing with the younger one and adding a little more description to the story. The little boy, maybe about 6, was too busy being hyper and making the sand wall fall down, smiling at me and flirting in his little boy way.
So heres the story as I understood it..
There is a beast that lives in the rocks in the distance. He is long, sort of dragon-lizard like. It can walk and leaves foot prints in the sand (about as large as my size 10 feet they said). It is very mean and only comes out at night. They have seen it on the rocks sometimes but they got to afraid to really look at it. This creature stalks the beach at night looking for dead fish and little children to eat. It had a large mouth and big giant teeth. It also has red eyes that glow in the dark. It has a long tail that drags behind it and leaves a trail on the sand. It makes a hissing sound that they could hear sometimes when they are in their beds. It is the color of the sand.
The way I understood it is it is a story the parents tell the children to keep them off the beach at night. A Boogy man story of the sea.
This story took a long time to tell, at least an hour. My lack of understanding Spanish was the biggest problem. During the story I had to make them explain in words I could understand. They had to draw things in the sad and dance around while they were telling this story. With the oldest sister chiming it to tell the younger when she said something wrong and the little boy coming over, wide eyed adding his 2 cents when he felt appropriate. If only I had a video camera at the time. It would have been a great tape.
After the story the kids wanted me to go to their house which was close on the beach. There was lots of people moving around the home as the girls held my hands telling me something else that I had no clue of what they were saying. The boy was in front walking backwards probably to make sure I was really following.
We walked around to the front of the house and a wonderful scent hit me dead on. I saw what all the adults were doing. Over a fire where was a pig roasting. Snout and tail still entact. They were placing this hugh feast on a cement table that was attached to the house. The smell was so wonderful. I was making yummy sounds because I didn't know the words to say. They were inviting me to have some of their piggy dinner.
I excused myself and walked to the street where there was a Colmado and bought a few Grande Presidente beers for my donation to the feast.
I returned and they gave me some of this meat that had been alive probably that same morning. It was so good and of course the kids were watching the Gringa eat like they never saw a person eat before. I didn't think I ate much differently than them but I guess I was wrong by the way they watched me.
I couldn't stay long as I didn't want the surfers to return and I wasn't there. Also I was feeling a little uncomfortable sitting there in my bating suit with a scarf wrapped around my bottom. There were a few of the men that made me feel as if I had no cloths on at all the way they were looking at me.
So I thanked them all and went back to my spot on the beach alone. The kids stayed behind. I sat down and was laughing to myself out loud remembering the children telling me their story, savoring the pig juices left over in my mouth, and waited with baited breath for the surfers to return. Keeping an eye out incase I caught a glimpse of the "Beast from Nagua Beach"