What do you miss?

lilcanadiangal

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Well, I have been home for 8 days after what I must call the most incredible year of my life. The Dominican Republic is such an incredible country and will always have a very very special place in my heart. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels more at home there than I do here in Canada and can't wait to go back. Anyways, I was just writing and made a little list of all the things I was missing from Puerto Plata and decided to share them with all of you. Alright, here goes...

- Being able to walk five minutes every morning and buy jugo de avena or cereza -- Something that always seemed to start my day off on track. Mmm, I miss batidas de lechoza as well.

- I miss turning around and hearing bachata, merengue and salsa every second of the day; I keep turning my radio on and expecting bachata and remembering I have to put in a CD if I want to hear that.

- I miss being able to jump on a motoconcho at whatever hour of the day I needed to go anywhere. I didn't have the luxury of a car and I must say, those motoconchos came in very handy. When I'm here without a car, I'm stranded.

- I miss going out 3 or 4 times a week dancing with my friends. I love salsa dancing, as well as the others...and I just don't get my fix of it here in Brantford, Ontario.

- I miss the interesting people from all parts of the world and all walks of life that I met down there every day. I was working in Cafe Cito and never had a day where I didn't meet someone interesting.

- I miss Helado Bon

- I miss living between a beautiful mountain and the ocean. It was great living only 5 minutes from the malecon and being able to see the mountain anytime I made the effort.

- I miss not having to pay for minutes on my cell phone when someone calls me

- I miss going for hamburgers on the corner or pizza at Esso at whatever hour of the day

- I, obviously, miss the sun and the beach (Although I hear that it's basically been raining since I left, which comforts me a little. lol)

- I miss moro de habichuelas and carne de res for lunch. I'm having a really bad craving. I attempted to cook it myself today and although the beef turned out okay, I suck at cooking rice.

- I miss cheap pedicures

- I miss receiving marble cheese as a present and somehow making a little party out of it (my brother came to visit and brought my some marble cheese, which I couldn't afford, and some of my foreign neighbours joined in and we finished the huge bar off in a matter of minutes)

- I miss platanos amarillos

- I miss hearing Spanish everywhere, all day long and being able to speak it. I've become addicted to Telelatino with nothing else better to do with my time. lol

- I miss not worrying about having money and all of that bull that I seem to have to deal with daily here. I had so little money over there, but I always felt content. Here, with commercials and malls and the consumer mentality in general, I always want more. I rarely felt that over there.

- I miss sandwiches de pollo y de pierna..mmmmmmm

- I miss laughing after breaking another sandal...I don't even know how many sandals I bought down there that broke the day after due to either the quality of the show or perhaps some random pothole I didn't see in the ground while walking in Puerto Plata. I never seemed to be able to get used to always looking at the ground. (I suppose I should have invested a little more into a better quality sandal, but I had no faith because I never found a Dominican sandal that lasted me...even when I did spend)

- And last but not least, I miss laughing over the various things I would see on the roads in Puerto Plata, that I could never get over. For example, someone driving up to turn right, but being in the left lane and turning right in front of the person in the right lane. Or the number of things or people they fit onto motoconchos, etc. You all know what I mean.

Well, those are all the things I could think of at the exact moment. Of course, as well, I miss all of my friends that I made down there that became like a family to me.

Now what I would like to know is...what does everyone else miss? Or what would you miss if you were to leave?

lilcanadiangal :classic:
 
Nov 5, 2004
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I would like to just say ditto(!!!)and leave it at that..but so many of the things u wrote struck home and I want to either add a bit more or comment on them..since it is a long (but WONDERFUL) post..I will try to keep it to a minamum...! ;)

P.s. If I don't comment..it means I agree 210% with what you are saying...very nostalgic...lol...my comments on a specific point otherwise, just mean I have something to add...but that was a grrrreat post if I do say so myself :D:D:D

lilcanadiangal said:
- Being able to walk five minutes every morning and buy jugo de avena or cereza -- Something that always seemed to start my day off on track. Mmm, I miss batidas de lechoza as well.
Y..nunca olvides jugo de chinola y mango!!! :D (passion fruit and mango juice too)


lilcanadiangal said:
- I miss Helado Bon

Since I agree so much with the rest of your post..I'm sure I would say the same..but I'm not sure what Helado Bon is (ice cream comes to mind? :p lol) But I suuuure miss LOTS of things...lol

lilcanadiangal said:
- I miss living between a beautiful mountain and the ocean. It was great living only 5 minutes from the malecon and being able to see the mountain anytime I made the effort.
I didn't live right by the malecon...but the same feeling in genrel of missing moutains and the oceans...let alone the atmposhpere that it is impossible to find here in Canada....

lilcanadiangal said:
- I miss going for hamburgers on the corner or pizza at Esso at whatever hour of the day

Well my only problem with this comment is one of the only times I got violently ill in the DR was from Pizza from the Esso, that I INSIDTED on stopping for, (when I was drunk and craving pizza) on the way home. Carlos, my husband, just told me it wasn't good to eat...but I was borracha and NEEDED pizza..so I ate it. Afterwards when I was so sick I was almost unable to walk for 2 days after, he told me that they just reheat the pizza a few days in a row if ppl don't buy it the first day! ahhhh! tell me this ahead..don't just say "their pizza isn't good" I think you mean you don't like it..I don't take that as meaning I will be unable to move for 2 days after for being so sick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Otherwise beside the All-(north)American Pizza Hut...and other chain resutrants..I REALLY miss ROSALINA'S PIZZA place in Luperon DR...A HUGE pizza with EVERYTHING you want on it for $120RD pesos

lilcanadiangal said:
- I miss moro de habichuelas and carne de res for lunch. I'm having a really bad craving. I attempted to cook it myself today and although the beef turned out okay, I suck at cooking rice.

HAHAHHAH! Attempting to cook Dominican food in Canada in my own kitchen is a joke....but I have tried..(and after tasting, promptly gave up)

lilcanadiangal said:
- I miss receiving marble cheese as a present and somehow making a little party out of it (my brother came to visit and brought my some marble cheese, which I couldn't afford, and some of my foreign neighbours joined in and we finished the huge bar off in a matter of minutes)

Please tell me where this mystical marble cheese is? I LOVE cheese (and milk) and have trouble finding what I like in the DR except for high prices at a big supermarket in Santo Domingo or Santiago...which is too much of a drive for everyday cheese (no matter how great cheese is).


lilcanadiangal said:
- I miss hearing Spanish everywhere, all day long and being able to speak it. I've become addicted to Telelatino with nothing else better to do with my time. lol

I just speak it on the phone at least 4 times a day with my husband and his family, when we call each other. And I also mutter it to myself (example : "diablo cono" when thing happen that I don't like) But I know, it's jsut not the same.

lilcanadiangal said:
- I miss not worrying about having money and all of that bull that I seem to have to deal with daily here. I had so little money over there, but I always felt content. Here, with commercials and malls and the consumer mentality in general, I always want more. I rarely felt that over there.

Actually since I never go out at all really (to save money) in Canada, this isn't so much a problem for me here. Neither is this a problem in the DR, since my husbands family...and mine, always offer to help us out financialy in any way they can if we have problems. But I totally udnerstand the basic "ideal" and "way of thought" that is repeatedly pumped into our minds here in the great North America.

lilcanadiangal said:
- I miss sandwiches de pollo y de pierna..mmmmmmm
YUMMMMM!

-
lilcanadiangal said:
I miss laughing after breaking another sandal...I don't even know how many sandals I bought down there that broke the day after due to either the quality of the show or perhaps some random pothole I didn't see in the ground while walking in Puerto Plata. I never seemed to be able to get used to always looking at the ground. (I suppose I should have invested a little more into a better quality sandal, but I had no faith because I never found a Dominican sandal that lasted me...even when I did spend)

Got these beautiful sandals...very stylish..not just flip flops on sale for $100RD pesos...they lasted for 2 days before they started looking old and falling apart! lol...they still look nice...but they look 4 years old from wear (that I only wore for 2 full days!!!) lol..

And...as far as looking at the ground.....me and my husband have "discussions" about this. I say I am just clumsy, and the uneven ground doesn't help matters at all...but he thinks if only I looked at the ground where I walk I would trip and fall so much...hmmm...

-
lilcanadiangal said:
And last but not least, I miss laughing over the various things I would see on the roads in Puerto Plata, that I could never get over. For example, someone driving up to turn right, but being in the left lane and turning right in front of the person in the right lane. Or the number of things or people they fit onto motoconchos, etc. You all know what I mean.

Drive?Driving? In the DR? They don't drive in the DR...they just manouver vehicles...it's not called driving. One of the only times I drove in Puerto Plata...Carlos kept telling me to "get in the lane". The only problem is, THERE WASN'T A LANE! NO ONE WAS DRIVING IN A FRICKEN "LANE"!! LANES DIDN"T EXISIT!! How can u get mad at me for not driving in a "LANE" when it doesn't exist??????????????????????
hmm..maybe DR driving in cities is just not for me...I would like to keep what little sanity have....
lilcanadiangal said:
Well, those are all the things I could think of at the exact moment. Of course, as well, I miss all of my friends that I made down there that became like a family to me.

Don't get me started on family, "family", and friends....I could list for hours...

Just the genreal atmosphere can never be captured in Canada...unfortunatly I don't think that could ever happen...but that's what I miss the most...
 

lilcanadiangal

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PeachezNcream84 said:
Got these beautiful sandals...very stylish..not just flip flops on sale for $100RD pesos...they lasted for 2 days before they started looking old and falling apart! lol...they still look nice...but they look 4 years old from wear (that I only wore for 2 full days!!!) lol..

QUOTE]


Honestly, I think the sandals I had that lasted me the longest (maybe like 2 months even) I purchased in the Solo A 10 Pesos store on the 12 de Julio in Puerto Plata. I bought them for 40 pesos. I even bought them as a joke basically because I just thought it was great that they were sooo cheap. The next week, I spent like 300 each on 2 pairs and they both broke within the first 2 days of wearing them. I even paid 100 pesos to get one pair fixed but still only wore them once more. It's ridiculous. lol

Oh and regards to your pizza comment, I've never gotten sick off of that pizza--yet! I find I've been actually getting sick HERE in Canada the last week more than I had gotten sick there in a hell of a long time. Guess I've been drinking too much milk and eating too much cheese. lol. Good Old Canadian dairy...
 
Nov 5, 2004
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Honestly, I think the sandals I had that lasted me the longest (maybe like 2 months even) I purchased in the Solo A 10 Pesos store on the 12 de Julio in Puerto Plata. I bought them for 40 pesos. I even bought them as a joke basically because I just thought it was great that they were sooo cheap. The next week, I spent like 300 each on 2 pairs and they both broke within the first 2 days of wearing them. I even paid 100 pesos to get one pair fixed but still only wore them once more. It's ridiculous. lol

Oh and regards to your pizza comment, I've never gotten sick off of that pizza--yet! I find I've been actually getting sick HERE in Canada the last week more than I had gotten sick there in a hell of a long time. Guess I've been drinking too much milk and eating too much cheese. lol. Good Old Canadian dairy...[/QUOTE]

Wow girl! We need to talk! We have too much in common! lol

My sandles that have actually lasted the longest were from here in Canada, Old Navy on sale for $4.50 cdn. I have 2, cuz I wear them everywhere, can ware them with a casual skirt and sun dress, or with shorts and a bikini. They are have a wedge heal, and one pair is teal and the other is black. Left my sister in law the teal pair cuz she liked 'em so much, and went home and bough the exact same ones (it was getting closer to winter time in Canada) on a further sale for $2.50 cdn!!!! YEAH FOR GOOD DEALS!!!!!!!! :D I do all my Dominican shopping in Canada at outlet malls in the middle of July and August, cuz all summer clothes are EXTREMLY reduced. Got 2 pretty sundresses from Faithweather in late July last year, one for $3 cdn and one for $2 cdn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(In the Dixie Outlet Mall) They get reduced by 50%, and then another 50%, and then a final sale of %25 off!!!!!! LOL. Anywas 'nuff bout shopping for now...where in Canada you from? PM me...if u are close enough we will have to go shopping before I leave next time (July 17th-ish)

About the milk and cheese, every flight back to Canada, I annoy the flight attendents with my endless requests for another carton of milk. This is one thing I will have a big problem with while in the DR for 6 months...MY MILK :( :eek:

Anyone flying to the DR after July 17th..who doesn't mind to ask the flight attendent for an extra carton of milk near the end of the flight....I will come meet you and, depending what mood you are in, (if you are kind enought ot provide this service for free, or if you would like a bribe)I will even give you a few pesos for the stuff!!! LOL. The things you will go through for true love...I will even miss out on my REAL :cry: milk to be with my husband! LOL
 

Malibook

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I've had numerous late-night pizzas at the Esso and they always hit the spot.
I wouldn't eat one of the slices they have sitting there but the pizzas they make fresh are quite good.
I give the guy a tip to load up the cheese and other toppings.

I miss walking along the beach.

I miss hanging out and relaxing on the malecon at Barco's or Tam Tam having a few cervezas.

I miss the casinos.
You can play in pesos and not have to lose an arm and leg.
They serve nice premium drinks for free.

I miss the partying and bar hopping.

Most of all I miss the freedom of just getting away for a nice holiday.
 

DianaC

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Jan 8, 2005
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I miss.....

I miss...

the huge avocados, extra-sweet toronjas, quampani, chinola, mango, yuca, zapote, jagua, and exceptional oranges on my husband's farm and the sight of him climbing the trees at 5:30 am to get me my breakfast. Don't get me wrong he still fixes me fruit for breakfast, but the flavor is just not the same when the fruit is imported. Does anyone know the English translation for jagua? I don't miss the roosters crowing from within 5 feet of my head every morning though.

I miss...

pescado con coco, cangrejo, and hugo natural of any flavour. Again, with my husband being a professional chef in the DR, we still eat a lot of Dominican meals here, but it is very hard to get the ingredients here, and the flavour just isn't quite the same.

I miss...

late nights in the pool at our apartment, evenings on the third floor terrace, scuba diving whenever I wanted, the wild waves at Playa Chiquita when there was on offshore storm, and surprises/new esperiences around every corner.

I miss...

Playa Caleton, clear, cool ocean water, humidity (I live in Alberta where it is extremely dry), motoconchos, guaguas, bachatas, the children (always wanting to learn and befriend a person), and the hospitality of friends and family.

But mostly, I miss...

my Dominican husband.... he's been in Canada long enough that it has changed him. He always worked there, but here he studies english full time and works at least full time. The pressure his family from there puts on him to send enough money is huge. And of course he misses his home.
 

Jersey Devil

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I miss.....

What I miss most of all is my family. After that what comes to mind first is Rica's Orange Juice.


JD
 

trina

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DianaC said:
I miss...

pescado con coco, .


My husband makes the BEST pescado con coco, he uses sole for the fish, and usually adds other mariscos - but you're right, it just isn't the same. Where do you live in Alberta? We're in Calgary, we should meet up if you live nearby! We have many other Dominican friends living in the city, and have made friends with the 3 Dominicans playing for the Calgary Vipers. We all get together often for a Dominican fiesta. Send me a PM or e-mail if you're interested in getting together.
 
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Ladybird

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Dec 15, 2003
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Homesick

Thank you for this wonderful post.
I am in the UK for 6 days and have only 2 days to go before I return HOME to the DR. It has felt like 4 years here so far. I will never leave the DR again, except the odd break in USA. Let no-one disparage the DR. It is the island of paradise compared to the problems and stress in other countries, Not to mention the arrogance and rudeness. If your car broke down in your country would lots of people stop and help? NO! If someone collapsed or was in other trouble, the same thing would apply. The Dominicans are wonderful people. Everyone in any country rips you off, the only difference in the DR is that they have experienced great poverty and hunger so you can understand the few that cheat when they can. Those of you that disagree have never lived in the DR amoung the people. You just live in THEIR country. A few of you that tear it apart should remember that, and perhaps P... off back to your own "perfect" countries.

HB, what is the spanish for home, apart from the word casa?
 

carina

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Hogar dulce Hogar... (Home sweet home )

Welcome back home then Ladybird!
;)


Ladybird said:
Thank you for this wonderful post.
I am in the UK for 6 days and have only 2 days to go before I return HOME to the DR. It has felt like 4 years here so far. I will never leave the DR again, except the odd break in USA. Let no-one disparage the DR. It is the island of paradise compared to the problems and stress in other countries, Not to mention the arrogance and rudeness. If your car broke down in your country would lots of people stop and help? NO! If someone collapsed or was in other trouble, the same thing would apply. The Dominicans are wonderful people. Everyone in any country rips you off, the only difference in the DR is that they have experienced great poverty and hunger so you can understand the few that cheat when they can. Those of you that disagree have never lived in the DR amoung the people. You just live in THEIR country. A few of you that tear it apart should remember that, and perhaps P... off back to your own "perfect" countries.

HB, what is the spanish for home, apart from the word casa?
 
Nov 5, 2004
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Excuse my earlier long posts in this thread...I need to learn not to post so much when I have been drinking :D

I forgot one of the most important things that I miss....

PRESIDENTE!!!! :D
 

Mr_DR

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lilcanadiangal said:
Well, I have been home for 8 days after what I must call the most incredible year of my life. The Dominican Republic is such an incredible country and will always have a very very special place in my heart. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels more at home there than I do here in Canada and can't wait to go back. -

I miss moro de habichuelas and carne de res for lunch. I'm having a really bad craving. I attempted to cook it myself today and although the beef turned out okay, I suck at cooking rice.

:

Nice post LilCanadian, I know the secret for cooking Moro de Habichuelas closest to DR taste with limited fresh ingredients and limited resource.

My trick is also fast and simple....I am usually eating Moro withing 30 mimutes after turning on the stove......Just let me know if you want the spill.

It was refreshing to for once read a post about someone that misses clean DR fun things and not "un tonto Sankie"
 

heldengebroed

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Mar 9, 2005
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Why long post to explain what you miss it's simple to explain

The weather
The island
The people
The food
...

Or even more simplified

EVERYTHING


Greetings


Johan
 

Ladybird

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How about it Robert? The best of DR as a sticky

Mr_DR said:
Nice post LilCanadian, I know the secret for cooking Moro de Habichuelas closest to DR taste with limited fresh ingredients and limited resource.

My trick is also fast and simple....I am usually eating Moro withing 30 mimutes after turning on the stove......Just let me know if you want the spill.

It was refreshing to for once read a post about someone that misses clean DR fun things and not "un tonto Sankie"

I agree Mr DR, its so monotonous to constantly read about sankies, when this country has so much more to offer. But usually those that post about Sankies dont know the country.
What about a weekly post Robert "A nice thing that happened to me in the DR this week/or today", Im sure we'd have some lovely stories, instead of the usual negative posts .
 

lilcanadiangal

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Ladybird said:
Only 31 hours to go and I'll be home (DR), sorry for all you folks that have to wait longer, Larry, Anna etc

I'm glad you all liked my post. The Dominican Republic is an incredible country and I can't wait to get back. Time can honestly not go any faster. (I'm so jealous of you Ladybird!)

Mr_DR -- I would LOVE your secret moro recipe. That would be great. I'm not too much of a cook as it is, although I try, and any hints are greatly appreciated.
 

andrea22

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Apr 15, 2005
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Missing Puerto Plata

I, too, have been missing Puerto Plata. I especially liked living only a block from the lovely Malecon. I've been back in Canada for just over a month now and miss practically everything about it (except the crazy traffic). I definitely cannot wait to go back and work there again for another travel season. I can put up with the driving - everything else makes it worth it!
 

Camden Tom

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Dec 1, 2002
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Lilcanadiangal, it sounds like you had found your "perfect place", I'm curious as to why you left. BTW, great post.