I?ve been to the DR 7 times over the last 4 years. As you may know from one of my earlier posts my novia is from San Pedro. She migrated to NY last October. Because of her new job she was unable to get a vacation at this so this was my 1st trip to the DR without her company. We usually stay in Boca Chica, Juan Dolio or San Pedro. This was my 1st time staying in Santo Domingo. My novia warned me of all the possible pitfalls (translate = chicas ) that could befall me in Santo Domingo. After assuring her that I would be fine (and chica free) and how much I wish she could come (lol) as well. I flew Jet Blue out of JFK. That?s another 1st for me. I typically fly American Airlines (I?ve also flown Delta once). I enjoyed the flight down. Jet blue clearly has more legroom than American and Delta. In addition the flight was much cooler (mucho fria). I felt more refreshed when I landed in Santo Domingo. I was quickly off the plane. I like to travel very light, but my novia sent a (rather large) bag to her family down there. It took a few minutes for the bag to make it onto the carousel. The bag arrived and I was out the door. I grabbed a taxi (paid 30 bucks to the Sofitel). I arrived at the Hotel and was greeted well. I was given a drink (I forgot to ask what it was ? it was very good) and a hot towel to wash my hands. I was taken to my room. The room was on the ground floor. My window overlooked Calle las Damas (the oldest street in the new Americas). The hotel was once the home of the Governor of Santo Domingo. It was built in the 1500s. All the rooms at the Sofitel have high speed internet access. In addition there is wireless internet access in the common areas. I plugged my laptop in and sent my novia a quick message to let her know that I had arrived safely and would call shortly. I took a quick shower and hit the streets. My 1st stop was Orange on the Conde. I purchased an unlocked cell phone before I left NY. I purchased a sim card with a 100 pesso credit for 350 pesos. Next stop was the cafeteria on Conde and Mexico. I next walked to the D Hotel (I think that?s the name). It?s on Independence Circle. I had few Presidentes and Mero Frita (does anyone if the type of fish is sold in the states). It was delicious. I made a mental note to stop by there again before I left. I next walked back onto Conde and bumped into one of the hustlers. He told me that he could get me anything I wanted. I said I wasn?t interested, but he persisted. I ended up grabbing a table outside the cafeteria on the corner of Conde and Mexico and kept the Presidentes rolling. Miguel (my new best friend) joined me. After I was a few presidentes in Miguel invited a chica over to join us. I reminded Miguel that I just want to chill out and enjoy my time here. I wasn?t looking for that kind of fun. I walked back down the Conde toward the Sofitel with Miguel in tow. He offered to take me around to a few discos (now that was up my alley). I asked him to meet me later because I was going to go back to the hotel and relax for a few. I crashed when I arrived at the hotel and did not wake until 12a. It?s something about the Dominican air (or more likely the cervesa frias) that allows me to sleep very well. I went out and grabbed a taxi (150 pesos) and went the Jargua Hotel and Casio. This was my 1st time there as well. I went into the casino bar to get a drink and I was surprised to learn that they did not sell alcohol after 12a (what). How is that possible? I hung there until 2ap. They had a live band and the music was pretty good.
Day 2
I had breakfast at the Sofitel. The breakfast was fantastic. They offered a wide variety of fruits, cheeses and breakfast meats including 2 of my favorites (prosuto and lox). I walked the code again and took some photos. Today my wife had planned for me to meet her tia and friend to drop off the things that she sent them. The bell boy carried the bag from the Sofitel to the Hard Rock caf? (that was the designated meeting area). We next took a bus to Boca Chica. I love Boca, It is the 1st place that I ever stayed in the DR and it always feels like home for me. The beach was very crowded. Sunday is typically very busy in Boca.
Now here is the funky part. As we were packing up to leave, I hear what sounds like fire crackers and it looks like the entire beach is running toward me. I quickly go into NY mode and realize that was gun fire. So my wife's tia, friend and I take of running as well. It was a very interesting experience. Needless to say that was the end of my day in Boca. I caught bus back to Sano Domingo. Guess who was the 1st person that I see ? Miguel. He gave me some wild story about how he was waiting outside the hotel for me last night and the police were going to arrest him so he had to pay a couple of hundred pesos so that he wouldn?t be arrested (I know that?s the set up). In any case we walk down the Conde the Hotel Mecure. The Mecure is owned by the same folks that own the Sofitel, but it is not on the same scale. We hook up with a guy from California (Mike) and have a few drinks at the Mercure. While there we another guy (Bob) pops up. He knows Miguel from a previous trip to the DR. It turns out that he and I grew up very close to each other and we know some the same people (small world). Miguel takes of with the guy from Cali (I guess he was the better cash option). My feeling weren?t hurt. So Bob and I kick it. He has been coming to the DR since 95 and he knows his way around pretty well. He and I hit a few clubs. Of course they all close at midnight so it was an early eve.
Day 3
Day 2
I had breakfast at the Sofitel. The breakfast was fantastic. They offered a wide variety of fruits, cheeses and breakfast meats including 2 of my favorites (prosuto and lox). I walked the code again and took some photos. Today my wife had planned for me to meet her tia and friend to drop off the things that she sent them. The bell boy carried the bag from the Sofitel to the Hard Rock caf? (that was the designated meeting area). We next took a bus to Boca Chica. I love Boca, It is the 1st place that I ever stayed in the DR and it always feels like home for me. The beach was very crowded. Sunday is typically very busy in Boca.
Now here is the funky part. As we were packing up to leave, I hear what sounds like fire crackers and it looks like the entire beach is running toward me. I quickly go into NY mode and realize that was gun fire. So my wife's tia, friend and I take of running as well. It was a very interesting experience. Needless to say that was the end of my day in Boca. I caught bus back to Sano Domingo. Guess who was the 1st person that I see ? Miguel. He gave me some wild story about how he was waiting outside the hotel for me last night and the police were going to arrest him so he had to pay a couple of hundred pesos so that he wouldn?t be arrested (I know that?s the set up). In any case we walk down the Conde the Hotel Mecure. The Mecure is owned by the same folks that own the Sofitel, but it is not on the same scale. We hook up with a guy from California (Mike) and have a few drinks at the Mercure. While there we another guy (Bob) pops up. He knows Miguel from a previous trip to the DR. It turns out that he and I grew up very close to each other and we know some the same people (small world). Miguel takes of with the guy from Cali (I guess he was the better cash option). My feeling weren?t hurt. So Bob and I kick it. He has been coming to the DR since 95 and he knows his way around pretty well. He and I hit a few clubs. Of course they all close at midnight so it was an early eve.
Day 3
gre: