A DAY IN THE LIFE

So the closet is still not really done as  you are missing the shelves. It would have been easier to build a new house
Have a great day.
I fly home this weekend and REALLY looking forward to some sun, warm temps, a good cigar and a cold Presidente, not to mention seeing my honey and kids (dogs)

Bob K

Ahhhh Bob it will be nice for you to be back. I hope your flights are all on time too! 

Here is something interesting about travel here.  When Bob arrives at the airport, if he is part of a typical expat family,  he will be greeted by his wife at the airport, she may have a driver.

IF  Bob was a Dominican and arriving at the airport, after  2 1/2 weeks away, he would be greeted by the following:
HIs wife
ALL his children even the ones he doesn't know are his.
each will bring 2 friends who have never been to the airport,
His driver
All his employess,
12 neighbors who also have never been to the airport
And on the way to the airport they may pick up to "cousins"  who also want to come!

OH and lets not forget the dogs,  they would be there too.

Have a nice flight Bob.

So true. Thankfully for me just the wife.
The other thing about the returning Dominican the entire group (all 36 of them) will then be hugging and kissing each other right in the exit area totally blocking every else from getting out.
Bob K

You guys made me chuckle today, it is the same for all of the Caribbean, there is just something about a returning relative, no matter from where and bearing gifts which turns it into a family outing to the airport. :-) Have a safe flight Bob.

Here is another thing. Have you ever noticed that when flying here (maybe other Caribbean spots but I have not noticed it as much) and on landing all the local Dominicans applaud. It almost seems like they are so happy that the pilot was able to put this giant flying bus on the ground safely.  Pretty amusing and the look on some of the gringo faces when this happens is priceless.

Bob K

You are so right Bob, on arrival  the Dominican entourage will break any and all rules to get close to their "person".  It is an outpouring of emotion that never ceases to amaze me.  It is really fun to watch actually!!!!

The applause on landing -  yup quite the phenomenon.

Planner
That was good/useful info on the diff power grids ,thanks.  I can see how that may effect the sale price of a home.BTW ,if not too personal what are you paying for rent?
Bob. you are on a well?  Is it a system with a pump and pressure tank ?

We have a community well. The water is actually potable but we only cook with it.  For drinking we still use the bottled water.

Bob K

Bruce I live in a middle class Dominican neighborhood in Santo Domingo.  I have a 3 bedroom townhouse, with an office, 2 bathrooms, front garden and back patio and a garage for 20,000RD a month.

Wow! Planner 20,000 RD's for all that, maybe I should forget about Cabarete and look for digs around your way :-) and yes the applause thing cracks me up too, i have experienced it in Jamaica and Panama, I guess will all the stuff that happens these days, it is just a way of showing gratitute to the pilot, for actually making it back to the ground in one piece! I'm not going to sit here and lie, even I applaud after a turbulent flight ;-)

Home at last. Now paid bills all day. Started at 9am and paid a total of 11 bills, did some grocery shopping, exchanged some money (got 43 to the dollar today) and home by 4PM.  Included a stop for breakfast and lunch.  Wow where did the day go.
Tomorrow I get to finish thawing out on the beach...Yipppeee!!!

Bob K

Welcome home Bob.  A lot has happened in Sosua since you have been gone.  A few very disturbing incidents, one in playa laguna residence with a german resident, and another in La Union where a businessman was burnt alive.  They also released the national salaries for the police on the news.
      The entry level officer only makes $166.00 dollars a month???? Are you kidding me! Now I understand why some of these officers are tempted on a daily basis to look the other way, and mind you out of that $166.00 the still have to pay for health insurance and pension deductions, I truly hope they are at least exempt from taxes, because there is not much left after all those deductions.  That salary does not even cover the meal for a family of 2!!!

     I don't see crime going anywhere any time soon and with the recent attacks against foreigners, they will eventually have to rely on private security.  Puerto Plata has been hit hard due to slowing of tourism, and with the increasing violence in that town, tourism will decrease even more.  I think they need to pay these officers way more if they expect to have a real shot of controlling crime.  Be safe my friend.

These are the new salaries for the national police as per the newspapers.  I had to translate the ranks in order for you to see who is getting paid which salary.  I'm not a police officer, but I believe I translated the rankings as accurate or as comparable to what we have internationally.  These salaries are per month and they are in Dominican Pesos, not dollars.  I have posted next to each salary the U.S. Equivalent.  These numbers are very alarming since an underpaid officer in many cases will not be overly motivated to protect and serve, and possibly be open to temptation of all sorts.  They are many good officers who are honest and hard working, but will perhaps find it hard to avoid peer pressure and temptation of all sorts.  I read that even police officers in next door Haiti get paid more than their Dominican Counterparts.  If the island really wants to kick crime in the butt, this is most definitely not the way to motivate the troops!

Private RD$ 7,000 Pesos=$162.79 U.S.

Corporal RD$ 8,000 Pesos=$186.04 U.S.

Sargeant RD$ 9,000 Pesos=$209.30 U.S.

Sargeant Mayor RD$ 11,000 Pesos=$255.81 U.S

2nd Liutenant RD$ 13,000 Pesos=$302.32 U.S

1st Liutenant RD$ 15,000 Pesos=$348.83 U.S

Captain RD$ 17,500 Pesos=$406.97 U.S

Major RD$ 19,500 Pesos=$453.48 U.S

Coronel Liutenant RD$ 22,500 Pesos=$523.25 U.S

Coronel RD$ 23,500 Pesos=$546.51 U.S

General RD$ 37,300 Pesos=$867.43 U.S

General Major RD$ 62,500 Pesos=$1,453.47 U.S

National Police Chief RD$ 81,700 Pesos=$1,899.98 U.S

These are monthly salaries folks. I'm interested to hear from the expats living on the island what is your take on these numbers and do you feel if general safety would be compromised by these numbers? Mind you, the number of incidents involving active members of the national police this year is up including a recent 38million brink truck heist belonging to Caribe Express and most recent hit on a businessman in Santiago found burned in la Union and a police seargent is being fingered as the main culprit.  I'm hoping that as expats you can ban together and let your voices be heard towards getting these guys better salaries that way at least a few good cops can be proud and motivated to do their jobs. I apologize for deviating from the blog topic, but I felt it was necessary to help many understand why many don't waste their time reporting crimes to the police, there is just not that much motivation on the officers part to deal with your petty issues :-(

Hate to say this but this is all old news concerning the police.

As to the folks who lost lives there is much more to the story that is now coming out.  Not as innocent as it seems.  True the outcome certainly is very disturbing but the "general population  is at no more risk now then before.  You screw with the devil you pay the "devils" price.

Bob K

yes Bob that is often the case.  Here if you lay down with dogs, you wake up with fleas!!!!!  Take that to heart when we say not to hang out or accept certain kinds of people! YOU get caught up in it.

Salaries - well they suck - and often this is the reason they are on the take. BUT that does not excuse their behaviour. They knew the salaries when they signed up.  Looking at it from a different angle - imagine what kind of quality people you get at these pay levels!!!!

By the way - up to about  32,000 RD a month there is no "income tax" deduction from  salary.  Yes there is a small amount for pension and insurance but it is very minimal.

On a cheerier note - I went to Puerto Plata and Cabaret this past weekend - partly business, partly  R&R.  I did the business first, then straight to the R&R.  Saturday night i went out dancing - dance about  5 hours!!! Woooo hooooo.  There are some nights I really cannot count how many different men I dance with!

I spent some time on the beach,  at El Carey (newly rebuilt restaurant /Bar on Costambar beach) for food - awesome food. More dancing,  more beach time, more food............ you get the idea. It was a very welcome break!

I am back in Santo Domingo for a few days and then on the road again to see some clients!!!!

Sounds like you had a great weekend.  Certainly could not complain about the weather on Sunday!

Bob K

Sunday was fabulous. And I am back again thursday evening, appointments on friday!  I am there the weekend if you are coming to POP let me know we can all meet!!!!

I am staying again in Costambar!

Bad weekend for me. I have to help on a renovation project for a friend Saturday and then Sunday is Stupid bowl, sorry Super bowl, parties. However MY BRONCOS are in it and will be victorious....I hope

Bob K

LOL I will not be watching any bowl. I will be on the beach.

Tough day today. Went to the bank to cash some money for bills next week.  Got 43.00 pesos to the USD. Good for us, bad for the Dominicans.
Then a leisure stroll along the beach in Sosua with my wife and a great lunch at Big D's BBQ on the beach for some delicious fall off the bone, tender ribs and a couple of presidentes.  I does not get any better than this

Bob K

This will make it even better
-15c here today.

Good new though ,had some response on the house already,fingers crossed, maybe I'll be able to join you for some of that great BBQ one day.
have a good one guys and gal.

It has gotten cloudy with a shower and cooler this afternoon. Now only about 24 or so.  That is +24C

Bob K

I had a much different weekend this time around. I went to Puerto Plata Thursday evening last week.  Friday morning I was meeting with a company in the Zona Franca. All went well.  Friday night we went out dancing and had a good time, not great but good.

Saturday more business - 10 am (how painful after a night of dancing)  this meeting went even better then expected.  Then Saturday afternoon some sunshine and hanging out.  We had big plans to go dancing on Saturday night - so we went. Let me tell you about the rain!!!!  It rained torrential on and off for about 3 hours. We had to time ourselves between downpours just getting to the taxi.  The night was good!  As long as the rain lets up just long enough for people to get from home to the venue - there will be dancing!  And there was, lots and lots of dancing.

Sunday - it was a strange day all around.  We went from cloudy to sunny all day long.  Was sunny long enough for me to get some new tan lines.....  many places in Costamber were closed or had superbowl events.  We went to one of my favorite places - El Carey.  It is on Costambar beach and I highly recommend it. Their food is awesome and well priced!  The drinks are good, waitresses and waiter are excellent and the place is fun. Sunday at 2pm to 6pm  is karaoke,  we arrived at  5pm (sorry I really hate Karaoke)  but we danced until 11 pm.  We did have plans to go somewhere else dancing,  the hell with that.  We had a blast!!!!  They do this every Sunday night - sorry i can't be there every Sunday!

Monday another business meeting, which ended just  before noon.  Instead of waiting for the 2pm bus (Metro) I decided to try for the noon bus on Caribe Tours.  I  will NEVER EVER use them again!  As we were all waiting to board the bus, someone was helping put suitcases and bags in the under the bus.  This employee informs me I have to pay 150RD per bag.  Oh really I said,  where does it say that on my ticket. OH its a new rule was his response!  Oh really I said,  like what in the last 5 minutes???  You didn't charge the guys in front of me!!!

Bloody hell a new "gringa" tax. I refused to pay, went to the ticket window, demanded  a refund and asked for a manager.  He told me the guy wanting money from me was just enforcing a new rule!!! Really, so I asked if he was on the take as well!!!!!

For everyone to know  CARIBE TOURS is out to gauge you!!!!  I use Metro Bus and will now use them exclusively!   What a lousy end to an otherwise fabulous weekend!!!!

Wow Planner, sorry to hear about the caribe tour hoax :-( please keep us updated if you get any more info on this new charge, because if that is the case, I will be forced to use metro bus on my next tour. I will have to do my own investigating as well.

      I don't know if it is just my own perception, but it seems to me that as of last year scams targetting tourists are on the rise, as well as crime of violent nature, the scams and crime have been there all along, but it seems that more incidents involving foreign nationals are constantly popping up in the news.  The latest being a Canadian Missionary who was shot 9 times while trying to foil a break in robbery in Cabarete this past weekend. 

      This was a group of students and parents visitting from Canada, and they were so traumatized after the event, they just packed up shop and got the hell out of dodge! I don't think this will increase ticket sales to D.R. In Canada. The sad part of the story is that the missionaries were there to help out with a orphanage in Puerto Plata :-/ As it is the government has done very little for these people, and it is just a shame when outsiders trying to lend a hand get repaid with such hostility. Here is the video link to the story. The Canadian gentleman did not die, and I must say: he is one brave soul with guts! 
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm5xE9WiJI … m5xE9WiJIg   

     Another similar incident was the one in 2012 at the monkey Jungle where the Dutch Doctor shot one of the perpetrators and killed him.  It just seems that being a foreign bussiness owner is not too healthy in D.R. But as Bob would say:  There is probably more to both these stories than meet the eyes, but to those of us just reading the headlines, It is not a good look for tourism, and I can't imagine that lousy raise the cops got recently has motivated them to work any harder. I hope Mr. tom antonious plakkar after that incident found a better place to live, where he can be safe and live peacefully. Here is an english link to the written report http://www.nicepeoplenetworking.com/201 … ry-attack/

Here is the Canadian newspaper version.

http://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/canadian-sho … -1.1666064http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/02/01 … 09360.htmlhttp://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/ … -1.2519822http://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/past-trip-to … -1.1667167

The incident recently in Cabarete certainly looks like a robbery gone bad.  Remember this can happen anywhere but here in a tourist area it is BIG news.  Bad news none the less.  Most of the other violent crimes reported recently have been caused by the same old stupid stuff like drugs, love triangles, domestic violence, revenge, scamming someone etc.  Very little of it involving tourists or those of us who keep our noses clean.  My lifestyle has not changed a bit because of this stuff.

Bob K

Planner are they really charging for bags or is this really a BOHICA Tax (bend over here it comes again).  If this is in fact true it is Metro for us from now on.  We actually always try to  use Metro as buses are cleaner, trip is faster and it stops in Sosua not Cherimicos.  In fact we will be on Metro Feb 22 heading to SD and leaving on a 8 day cruise from there.

Bob K

Good morning!  Massagewhiz that story just gets bigger and bigger.  When I was in Puerto Plata I heard about it, not on the news but by the local rumor mill.   It was said the man was shot 4 times but was in serious but stable condition.

I've read a lot about it since coming back to SD.  Apparently the guy owns a place with apartments he rents.  He was watched as apparently he was speaking about the group coming in and bringing "lots" of things for the  charity work they do. According to the news this is the reason the place was targeted.  They also assumed the group was bringing lots of cash to pay for their lodgings! 

While I don't actually know if any of that is true, it underscores the need to live quietly - under the radar.  I have no issues but you certainly  won't hear me talking about certain issues in my life!  I take precautions and nothing I have is worth my life.  My attitude - here you can have it.

I believe there is an increase in crime on the north coast - I also believe it increases every winter during high season! The north coast is specifically vulnerable this year due to the  level of unemployment!

You need to be smart, take precautions, be careful what you say and to whom, and don't flash money or jewelry!

Another morning of getting a lot done. So Un-Dominican of me.  In 1.5 hours I went to the small Calmado on the edge of town and bought water. We only go every 2 weeks or so and get 10 bottles at a time.  So 10 bottles for 300 pesos. That is right only 30 pesos a bottle (70 cents US)! The to the gas station to fill the car before gas goes up once again for no real reason tomorrow. If they actually used formula set down by law gas would be about 160 pesos a gallon not the nearly 235 that is being charged. Some one is making lots of money on this one.

We have guests coming over for dinner tonight so off to get stuff needed for cooking.  A stop at my little veggie lady's shop for yucca (fritters) tomatoes, cucumbers (Greek salad), a melon (huge cantaloupe).  Then to the liquor store as one cannot have enough beer, wine or vodka for this crowd.  Last stop at Playero for fresh feta cheese, some hearts of Romaine lettuce, eggs and grapefruit juice (good with the vodka).  When leaving this poor gringo was trying to get a moto driver to jump his car with two pieces of wire.  it was pretty funny.  So stopped to jump start his car. If one is living here and owns a car you should ALWAYS have a set of jumper cables in your car.

All of this and still home in an hour and a half (30 min of that time is just driving to and from town, so actually all done in an hour. Plus had time to stop and talk to my favorite AMET cop who recently was transferred to Puerto Plata but is now back in Sosua where he belongs (and can be a contact person for us).

So soon to start preparing the feast....

Bob K

About time for my updates........

Since my return from Puerto Plata it has been work work work.......  it seems I have a few little "friends" at my house.  OMG you had to see my two dogs, they had chased and "trapped" this itty bitty mouse under the dining room table. Little bugger simply ran off in another direction and the two dogs are still sniffing.......   they are definitely not mousers.

So I put out 2 traps that night. Caught them within 1/2 hour. Problem is I can't stand the thought of those little mice in there.... ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

So the problem with the mice continues.  They trapped one behind the water cooler,  hysterical to watch.

Well the other problem started Thursday night. Was headachey (is that a word) all day, went to bed and it got worse all night. I had and still have sever joint and muscle pain, massive headache and nausea and of course a rash developed. By Saturday morning it was time for the clinic.  I have dengue!  I must have met the wrong mosquito about a week ago.

Doctors wanted to put me in the clinic (hell no)  and I insisted on coming home. I promised to spend 90% of my time in bed. So I feed animals,  grab some 7up and go back to bed. As long as I don't get worse I am ok they say. It should run its course in 6 or 7 days from first symptoms!  Meds for pain,  stay hydrated and sleep! 

When i am able I will  keep up with my emails and that is about it for then next few days!

I wish you a speedy recovery planner, hope you get well soon.  I guess avoiding mosquito bites is just a luck of the draw.  I wish there was a surefire way to repell them 100% but it seems there is not :-(

Planner do feel better.  Do keep your fluids up as well as your electrolytes.  Things like gator aid help as well are rehydration salts and Coconut water ,which may actually be the best but needs to be fresh.
If you are not doing better in a couple of days recheck your blood work (platelets).

Lo siento

Bob K

Planner,Hope you feel better soon.

Planner hope you are feeling better this morning.  Dengue can take some time to recover from. If you were on the north coast I would make you some chicken soup

Bob K

Thanks everyone. I am finding out this is a tough one.  My friends and neighbours have been awesome. Bob if I was there I would take you up on the offer.  For the first time in days I am actually hungry! So I will eat a little bit today.  updates again soon.

Good morning,  much of the joint and body pain is now tolerable, the fever is gone but man am I exhausted! Wow.  I still have the rash, which is now itchy, but I have to think I am on the mend. Food is an issue - not hungry and the nausea comes and goes. But I am trying.  Just working at my computer for an hour has me complete wiped out.  Back to bed!

The rules for  the next few days, Rest, fluids, rest, light food, rest, no strenuous working, and most of all rest.  Did I mention rest?????
Hope  you fell a bit better every day and are back to dancing by next weekend!

BobK

@ planner: Wish you a speedy recovery and take good care of yourself

Thanks Bob!  I do little bits of things, then i rest.  Then i do a bit more and I rest.........  Yup, I get it.  It is hard for me but I know this is how it must be done! 

I am truly blessed with good friends and neighbors.  They have been helping me a great deal!  Once the neighbors knew I was sick they have been here everyday to make sure I am ok,  play with the dogs and bring me food! They are awesome.  My friend came and cleaned my house yesterday!  Others are on the phone with me everyday checking up on me, sending food and drink......  4 different Dominican friends have brought or sent over juice.  It is guayaba with red onions.  It is not too bad. But all say the same thing - drink this to regain your strength. So I am drinking it.

Thanks for all your messages and thoughts. It sure does help.

On a last note - go Canada in those winter Olympics. I have watched from my bed and it is exhausting to help them ski jump farther, make those triple toe loops look flawless,  ski faster and shoot straighter  and damn the 1/2 pipe is my favorite!!!! Got to love those  flips and twists and turns!!!!  I cannot believe it was over 60F there yesterday!

Today I think I am helping the skaters and curlers!  Its a lot of responsibility I have.......