We were in the DR March 23-30. We stayed at Playa Naco in the Playa Dorado complex. This is our second visit to the DR and we brought three kids from our church on a mission trip. They had the expierience of a lifetime and so did we.
The first day was beautiful. Spent time on the beach and each rented scooters. We just went around the Playa Dorado complex because from experience last year, it is very dangerous to drive in the streets here. People are crazy!
The next few days it poured almost nonstop. The walkways at the resort were knee deep and the tennis courts were flooded. This was unseasonable rain and the amount was unreal. We didn't mind, though as we had plans to visit a school in town, an elderly home, a handicapped childrens home and a deaf and mute school. We love the weather in the DR, but it is the people that bring us back. Especially the children. They are so kind and welcoming, and we are instant family. There are so many poor families and orphans. We were grateful to have lot's of supplies to bring and spend time with the people in town. Don't be deceived by the guards at the gate of Playa Dorado. And don't be fooled by anyone saying it is dangerous outside the complex. The best way to get to know the country is to interact with the people.
We went on a Jeep tour and we were heading to the 7 tier waterfall. The river was so strong that the jeep could not pass so we went on foot. Our 20 min. walk turned into 1 hour as we crossed the raging river 4 more times and followed the narrow and steep muddy path. We were only able to swim to the bottom of the third tier because of the high water. I think we wondered if we would make it through this tour. A few close calls getting sucked into the rappids. We all drank in a lot of water. It was quite and adventure, and we loved it in spite of all of our cuts and bruises.
Back in town (POP), there are many great places to eat. One chicken place that is open 24 hours is a couple blocks from central park. It is by far the best broiled chicken and fried plantain chips We have ever had. Fantastico!!!
Also, the best homemade ice cream ever is at the Mariposa coffee shop bordering central park. We could have thier ice cream everyday.
We also went to a family home for an afternoon for some Dominican soup and coffee. Great experience. Especially for the kids. No running water, no bathrooms (you were politely handed a bowl) and very poor. Amazingly, every house was imaculate! Very clean people. We had the boys help get lunch ready. They had to catch a chicken and string it up in a tree, slit the throut and pull the feathers off. WOW! When lunch was served, They could not believe they were eating the same chicken! They played baseball with the locals. A stick and remnants of an old tennis ball. It was a homerun derby, hitting the ball into the jungle. How those kids found that ball amazed me.
All in all, another fantastic adventure in our new home in the Dominican. Venture out and make some new friends. It will change your life forever!
The first day was beautiful. Spent time on the beach and each rented scooters. We just went around the Playa Dorado complex because from experience last year, it is very dangerous to drive in the streets here. People are crazy!
The next few days it poured almost nonstop. The walkways at the resort were knee deep and the tennis courts were flooded. This was unseasonable rain and the amount was unreal. We didn't mind, though as we had plans to visit a school in town, an elderly home, a handicapped childrens home and a deaf and mute school. We love the weather in the DR, but it is the people that bring us back. Especially the children. They are so kind and welcoming, and we are instant family. There are so many poor families and orphans. We were grateful to have lot's of supplies to bring and spend time with the people in town. Don't be deceived by the guards at the gate of Playa Dorado. And don't be fooled by anyone saying it is dangerous outside the complex. The best way to get to know the country is to interact with the people.
We went on a Jeep tour and we were heading to the 7 tier waterfall. The river was so strong that the jeep could not pass so we went on foot. Our 20 min. walk turned into 1 hour as we crossed the raging river 4 more times and followed the narrow and steep muddy path. We were only able to swim to the bottom of the third tier because of the high water. I think we wondered if we would make it through this tour. A few close calls getting sucked into the rappids. We all drank in a lot of water. It was quite and adventure, and we loved it in spite of all of our cuts and bruises.
Back in town (POP), there are many great places to eat. One chicken place that is open 24 hours is a couple blocks from central park. It is by far the best broiled chicken and fried plantain chips We have ever had. Fantastico!!!
Also, the best homemade ice cream ever is at the Mariposa coffee shop bordering central park. We could have thier ice cream everyday.
We also went to a family home for an afternoon for some Dominican soup and coffee. Great experience. Especially for the kids. No running water, no bathrooms (you were politely handed a bowl) and very poor. Amazingly, every house was imaculate! Very clean people. We had the boys help get lunch ready. They had to catch a chicken and string it up in a tree, slit the throut and pull the feathers off. WOW! When lunch was served, They could not believe they were eating the same chicken! They played baseball with the locals. A stick and remnants of an old tennis ball. It was a homerun derby, hitting the ball into the jungle. How those kids found that ball amazed me.
All in all, another fantastic adventure in our new home in the Dominican. Venture out and make some new friends. It will change your life forever!