I wanted to share my experience to bring some balance to the forums, or I, too, would come from fear.
I've been visiting the North Coast about 10 times, usually staying at an AI - loved it but aware it's a sheltered experience.
This trip, for the first time, I stayed in my own apartment- and traveled by myself. Because AA doesn't fly non stop into POP, I flew into Santiago and (thanks to you all) JJ picked me up at the airport. Rocio was with him - a real treat. Took the mountain road to Sosua -beautiful vistas - and stopped at Playero for groceries and then to my place.
Woke in the morning to the sun shining through the window, the palm trees swaying in the breeze and incredible quiet - except for the cicadas and a rooster here or there.
I used motorconchos (for short distances), publicos, and taxis (I had no car) and negotiated my way with minimal Spanish - lots of hand gestures!
I was careful but not scared - didn't carry a lot of money and held whatever I was carrying close to my body. Had no incidents - I believe it was because I wasn't coming from fear - and I wasn't out past Midnight either!
I played tennis one day and on he motorconcho on the way back, my hat blew off. I said never mind as we were on the main road going fast. When we turned off, we heard honking and another motorconcho brought me my hat. The people are so wonderful on the one hand - and would probably rob for 5 pesos.
I love the country, the people, the climate, and especially the peacefulness I feel when I'm there.
I'll be back in December for 3 weeks and can't wait
Thanks to everyone who has and continues to help me on my journey
Ro
I've been visiting the North Coast about 10 times, usually staying at an AI - loved it but aware it's a sheltered experience.
This trip, for the first time, I stayed in my own apartment- and traveled by myself. Because AA doesn't fly non stop into POP, I flew into Santiago and (thanks to you all) JJ picked me up at the airport. Rocio was with him - a real treat. Took the mountain road to Sosua -beautiful vistas - and stopped at Playero for groceries and then to my place.
Woke in the morning to the sun shining through the window, the palm trees swaying in the breeze and incredible quiet - except for the cicadas and a rooster here or there.
I used motorconchos (for short distances), publicos, and taxis (I had no car) and negotiated my way with minimal Spanish - lots of hand gestures!
I was careful but not scared - didn't carry a lot of money and held whatever I was carrying close to my body. Had no incidents - I believe it was because I wasn't coming from fear - and I wasn't out past Midnight either!
I played tennis one day and on he motorconcho on the way back, my hat blew off. I said never mind as we were on the main road going fast. When we turned off, we heard honking and another motorconcho brought me my hat. The people are so wonderful on the one hand - and would probably rob for 5 pesos.
I love the country, the people, the climate, and especially the peacefulness I feel when I'm there.
I'll be back in December for 3 weeks and can't wait
Thanks to everyone who has and continues to help me on my journey
Ro
