Road Trip - Salcedo

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!!

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.

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

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.

Independence Day USA in Dominican Republic

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

Independence Day Parade 2009 on the Malecon

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.

Duarte Day 2009

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

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!

Santo Domingo Carnival 2008

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"

My Return

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

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...

Dominican People

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???