On vacation next month and hoping to do the same I have done in some other countries, just casually cruising around hitting the ocasional bar/restaurant/beach for a beer/food for a day or two and maybe get a feel for the culture. Any ideas on which way to head? Was thinking east along the coast but are open to other directions; any suggestions on places to stop?
Thanks
If you really want to have fun, meet people and live the culture in the DR, by all means get a jeep wait for heavy rain to fall in the area you pick (always up in the mountains).
The trail will be an adventure unlike any other, the people you'll meet when you get stuck in the road will be tops. You'll make new friends, even get invited to their homes to take a rest from your trip.
You'll learn a lot of the local culture by just listening to them talk about their area and their families and notable residents.
The food will be great and never the same in two places.
If you want to enjoy still non-spoiled areas of the DR, head to Juncalito, los Montones arriba, etc...
Take extra clothes and tennis shoes with you, pack swimwear and some hiking gear as well. You'll have fun!
Raining days are the best, since only the people that LIVE in the area will be on the road in such conditions.