Well, we are back in the states now and I can't wait to get back. Trip started as you would expect, getting taken here and there for a few dollars.
*BAD STUFF*
The day we arrived we had Don Miller (someone had suggested him) pick us up at the airport and take us to Casa Linda. So far so good. We ate and asked if he could run my father and sun to the store to pick up some odds and ends we needed to stock the fridge. He proceeds to take my father from Casa Linda (Sosua) all the way to PoP telling him that was the only good market around, charging $30 for the trip. This guy runs a website ( roomspop.com or http://www.geocities.com/poprentroom/) that people need to be aware of. Stay far away from this person at all costs.
The next fun experience we had was with our maid. We were paying her 7k for the month even though we were to only be in town for 3 weeks. Our 1st mistake was inviting her to eat our meals with us. The 2nd mistake we made was letting her swim in the pool. Yeah yeah, I know, Chester4 and Escott both already set me straight on this. She then tells the people who hired her for us that she needs MORE MONEY because we are MAKING her eat our meals with us and swim in the pool. I could not believe what I was hearing. She was told no.
A few days later she starts bringing one of her two children to work with her in the morning... Feeding that child breakfast then lunch, then taking that child home and bringing the other for dinner. So now we are feeding her, her two kids, and he brother who comes to pick her up. We knew we had to put a stop to this and told her no more bringing the kids. This was a Saturday. On Monday... guess what, kids again. We made it VERY clear to her this time that this was not a daycare and that no more kids. She went home at lunch, and never came back. The person that hired her called her and she gave some crappy story about how she thought we lost faith in her. Bah... another lesson learned, and another Dominican out of work.
*GOOD STUFF*
I must say, the ribs at Rocky?s are to DIE for. I can taste them even now as I type this and drool. The menu at La Roca was very tasty as well and you can't beat the prices. The two brothers that run Jungle Juice on Sosua beach are some of the coolest guys you ever want to meet and have a great little spot. Met some GREAT people there... Chester4, an Aussie or 2, The Aussie's girlfriend who I call the energizer Dominican cause she keeps going and going and going...Dean Brown and Anabela from Century 21 were also a big help. Met Escott and Dawnwill and a few others as well.
The country does have its problems (power for one) but for the most part is a beautiful country with VERY friendly people. The beaches are incredible, and the sunsets are even better. Plan on heading back in the next 30 days or so, depending on how long it takes to wrap up some loose ends here in the states. All in all, it was an incredible trip and we are extremely glad that we got to experience a little slice of the heaven that most of you live in on a daily basis already.
See you VERY soon!
CPYou
*BAD STUFF*
The day we arrived we had Don Miller (someone had suggested him) pick us up at the airport and take us to Casa Linda. So far so good. We ate and asked if he could run my father and sun to the store to pick up some odds and ends we needed to stock the fridge. He proceeds to take my father from Casa Linda (Sosua) all the way to PoP telling him that was the only good market around, charging $30 for the trip. This guy runs a website ( roomspop.com or http://www.geocities.com/poprentroom/) that people need to be aware of. Stay far away from this person at all costs.
The next fun experience we had was with our maid. We were paying her 7k for the month even though we were to only be in town for 3 weeks. Our 1st mistake was inviting her to eat our meals with us. The 2nd mistake we made was letting her swim in the pool. Yeah yeah, I know, Chester4 and Escott both already set me straight on this. She then tells the people who hired her for us that she needs MORE MONEY because we are MAKING her eat our meals with us and swim in the pool. I could not believe what I was hearing. She was told no.
A few days later she starts bringing one of her two children to work with her in the morning... Feeding that child breakfast then lunch, then taking that child home and bringing the other for dinner. So now we are feeding her, her two kids, and he brother who comes to pick her up. We knew we had to put a stop to this and told her no more bringing the kids. This was a Saturday. On Monday... guess what, kids again. We made it VERY clear to her this time that this was not a daycare and that no more kids. She went home at lunch, and never came back. The person that hired her called her and she gave some crappy story about how she thought we lost faith in her. Bah... another lesson learned, and another Dominican out of work.
*GOOD STUFF*
I must say, the ribs at Rocky?s are to DIE for. I can taste them even now as I type this and drool. The menu at La Roca was very tasty as well and you can't beat the prices. The two brothers that run Jungle Juice on Sosua beach are some of the coolest guys you ever want to meet and have a great little spot. Met some GREAT people there... Chester4, an Aussie or 2, The Aussie's girlfriend who I call the energizer Dominican cause she keeps going and going and going...Dean Brown and Anabela from Century 21 were also a big help. Met Escott and Dawnwill and a few others as well.
The country does have its problems (power for one) but for the most part is a beautiful country with VERY friendly people. The beaches are incredible, and the sunsets are even better. Plan on heading back in the next 30 days or so, depending on how long it takes to wrap up some loose ends here in the states. All in all, it was an incredible trip and we are extremely glad that we got to experience a little slice of the heaven that most of you live in on a daily basis already.
See you VERY soon!
CPYou