Good people,
I have for several years followed the news from dr1.com and feel that it should be recognized as an excellent and essential resource by the Dominican government. I rely on it for up-to-date reporting on conditions, both social and political. I also have met some very nice people including Robert of dr1, Escott and Marco. I have been to the DR twice and have not yet found the place to settle. After spending 3 months in Sosua I realized that the tourism sector was not my style so I have been doing a little exploring in other areas. Last January I went to Monte Cristi, which was a little too boring and from there to Barahona which has more potential with the surrounding areas down the south coast of the Perdenales Penninsula. I will be in the DR for 2 1/2 months in the hope of establishing more personal community relationships.
I still consider myself a novice in the DR and do have a couple of simple inquiries. I will be arriving in Santo Domingo and wish to know what is the accepted price of a taxi that would bring me from the airport to the bus station. From experience I know the system of rip-offs that frequently occur when one is uninformed so, it would help facilitate my arrival if I knew what to expect and not have to negotiate down from extortionist fares.
I am person of modest means and may cosider staying in Santo Domingo for a couple of nights. I would appreciate any suggestions as to hotels that are reasonably priced: $20 - $25 per night for comfort and security and situated in areas that are within walking distance of the ocean. Any personal contacts would be greatly appreciated.
On my limited budget I cannot afford to spend more than $50 per day. From Santo Domingo I plan to go back to Barahona and try to get better acquainted with the Dominican community. Although I appreciate the expat community and much of the interaction, I really want to immerse myself in the culture to see if I can establish some deeper relationships. I am a very social and community oriented person. I was staying at the Hotel"El Gran Marquis", a very nice place, very clean and quiet on the edge of town, but now the owners want 800 pesos per night which comes to around $30 U.S. This with no swimming pool, etc. although breakfast is included. That is more expensive than Sosua! where I found several places for $20 per night of reasonable quality. Especially when you consider that I may be spending over 2 months there. The owners do not seem open to negotiating.
Also, what is the weather like this time of year? Is it quite rainy or is that a passing occurrance with much sunshine interspersed? My last trip I experienced quite a bit of rain in Monte Criste, but maybe not exceptional for January on the north coast. However, this time I believe I will spend most of my time on the south coast in or around Barahona. If any of you are currently in that area, please contact me via this thread. Saludos y afectos to you all.
Ron
I have for several years followed the news from dr1.com and feel that it should be recognized as an excellent and essential resource by the Dominican government. I rely on it for up-to-date reporting on conditions, both social and political. I also have met some very nice people including Robert of dr1, Escott and Marco. I have been to the DR twice and have not yet found the place to settle. After spending 3 months in Sosua I realized that the tourism sector was not my style so I have been doing a little exploring in other areas. Last January I went to Monte Cristi, which was a little too boring and from there to Barahona which has more potential with the surrounding areas down the south coast of the Perdenales Penninsula. I will be in the DR for 2 1/2 months in the hope of establishing more personal community relationships.
I still consider myself a novice in the DR and do have a couple of simple inquiries. I will be arriving in Santo Domingo and wish to know what is the accepted price of a taxi that would bring me from the airport to the bus station. From experience I know the system of rip-offs that frequently occur when one is uninformed so, it would help facilitate my arrival if I knew what to expect and not have to negotiate down from extortionist fares.
I am person of modest means and may cosider staying in Santo Domingo for a couple of nights. I would appreciate any suggestions as to hotels that are reasonably priced: $20 - $25 per night for comfort and security and situated in areas that are within walking distance of the ocean. Any personal contacts would be greatly appreciated.
On my limited budget I cannot afford to spend more than $50 per day. From Santo Domingo I plan to go back to Barahona and try to get better acquainted with the Dominican community. Although I appreciate the expat community and much of the interaction, I really want to immerse myself in the culture to see if I can establish some deeper relationships. I am a very social and community oriented person. I was staying at the Hotel"El Gran Marquis", a very nice place, very clean and quiet on the edge of town, but now the owners want 800 pesos per night which comes to around $30 U.S. This with no swimming pool, etc. although breakfast is included. That is more expensive than Sosua! where I found several places for $20 per night of reasonable quality. Especially when you consider that I may be spending over 2 months there. The owners do not seem open to negotiating.
Also, what is the weather like this time of year? Is it quite rainy or is that a passing occurrance with much sunshine interspersed? My last trip I experienced quite a bit of rain in Monte Criste, but maybe not exceptional for January on the north coast. However, this time I believe I will spend most of my time on the south coast in or around Barahona. If any of you are currently in that area, please contact me via this thread. Saludos y afectos to you all.
Ron