Police Watching Out for the President

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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

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.

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Carnaval Santo Domingo 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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!!!