Nice article. So happens my husband and I (Canadians) were guests at the Jack Tar Resort when the first American Charter plane landed, and boy, were the Dominicanos ever excited. The beaches of Playa Dorada were almost deserted they
had no hotels , beach bars etc. spoiling the beautiful coastal view. I also remember we rented a small motorbike or scooter and happily made our way down a virtually empty highway to a small little town by the name of Sosua. We went to the beach and a number of small boys offered to "guard" our bike for the sum of 1 peso while we
perused a small local market set up there. I also recall going into a small corner bar and striking up a conversation with a european (I believe German) gentleman who advised us to invest in property that was being developed for Apartments. Sure wish I had taken his advice!!!lol Anyway things have sure changed . But I'll never forget that first trip, even the crazy traffic in Puerto Plata itself which we braved on our scooter but-- that's another story in itself.lol The island and it's people certainly had a lasting impression because after touring most of the other Caribbean Islands and retiring we find ourselves constantly returning there. We will be back again in Sept. I miss my Barcelo Imperial!!
