A DAY IN THE LIFE

Planner it was great meeting you in Costombar, hope you had a good time dancing. We will be back there again!

Welcome Salsamama..... a girl after my own heart! Yes edenorte is one of the worst run companies in this country!

Jan it was a pleasure to meet you and hubby!!!!  Glad you liked El Carey, it's my fav spot there. And I went back later and did some dancing..... haughty.

Planner welcome back home.  Sounds like you had a good time up north.  See you really do miss us here

Today for me will be a rough one.  First and hour and a half massage then I will have to relax/sleep off the effects of the massage on the beach in Sosua.  Oh well someone has to do it.

Bob K

Yes Bob we all appreciate you doing your part!

While it was mostly for work, I did spend some good time with friends and managed a bit of dancing!!! Yayyyyyy.

More stories later.

I'm very interesting for life in Rd but no shure for life in las terrenas, i was visit more country in Republic,

Tank's for the information planner

Sorry for my vocabulary, i was take a course in Spanish because it's very important for the life in RD

No worries! As long as we understand it is all good. Las Terrenas is very different then other areas. I will ask some members to post their experiences here.

Bob
While your working off your massage, do you know the name and directions to the cigar factory you got cigars from in Santiago? We will be going on thursday and are always looking for some good cigars.

Jan

Very curious to hear from those if you who live there and don't own a car. I spent two months in Sosua last year and thoroughly enjoyed myself...without the headache of owning a car. Just curious to hear opinions of those that live there as it relates to owning and driving a car. I thought NYC drivers were all over the place. Sheesh!

I live in the Capital city, Santo Domingo and my advice, unless you have to have a car for work - take a taxi!!!!  It is expensive to own a vehicle here,  it is dangerous to drive here, and it is much easier to take a taxi!

When I lived on the north coast it was much more expensive to get taxis, and the distances can be much bigger town to town.

Wow barely survived the day on Sosua beach.  I mean with all that sun and hot temps it was very hard

Janlindy the place I got to for most of my cigars is La Tradicion Cubano Tabacalera and the address is Callie Real #105 Tamboril ,  and the guy to see is Oscar.  Tell him Bob (Gary and Chucks friend sent you).  Tell him you want to buy unbanded cigars (much cheaper0 and he should offer  you one to try there.  Just know that this can turn into a social event with a cigar or two and maybe a beer ( you buy it).  Nice little shop and most of his cigars are sold in the US.  Also while in Tamboril see if you can get into the la Aurora factory.  Great tour and ok prices at the gift shop.  There is also a corner store you can't miss across from the ISLA gas station called Victor's.  A bit more expensive but good cigars.  Let me know how you make out.

Bob K

icoryking living on the north coast full time we would be lost with out a car. In fact we have two.  Driving is expensive between gas, insurance, and car prices but could not live with out it.  When we go to Santo Domingo we do take the bus down and then cab around the city. No way in hell would I drive in the city or even back and forth to SD.

Bob K

We also own a car here in Luperon, could not do without. We drive to Santiago weekly for dentist appointment (hope that ends soon) . We love to explore so a car is good for us, it uses propane, a bit too get used too but cheaper fuel.

thank you very much

See you later loll

Wow, thanks Bob K. I love to explore too, but I found it liberating and quite easy to get around without one (I cabbed it...actually had a driver). I liked the Caribe Tours bus for Santiago or SD trips (I hear Metro is better), but overall my experience was quite pleasant for the 2 months I was there analyzing a full time residency. But, 2 months and residency are two different things. I really found it easy to get where I wanted, how I wanted without needing a car. Again, I would not drive anywhere in RD. It's a whole new experience.

Yes Metro is better.... first hand experiences too numerous to count....LOL And yes driving is not for everyone....

Do you drive, Planner?

Actually  you get used to driving here. My wife describes it as a real life video game.

Bob K

If you want to know what it is like to drive here then get plenty of practice playing Twisted Metal on PS3 or any of the Need For Speed Games.....LoL that should get you ready!

I tell folks you need 4 sets of eyes (one on each side of your head), a neck that swivels 360 degrees and the reflexes of a 13 year old playing on a game boy.

Bob K

Yes i do drive.  I drove on the north coast for  7 years but in the capital I have little use for a vehicle.  When I need a vehicle, I rent one. 

Little story: My 2nd month in the country, I knew very little Spanish and I needed to go from Puerto Plata to La Romana and back. A friend lent me his van and off I went!!!!!  Looking back:  WHAT WAS I THINKING????

I had no idea what I was getting into!  It was nerve wracking, not in any way enjoyable. The worst part - I came upon a "detour" just before the main bridge getting out of Santo Domingo.  Once the detour said go here....... .then NOTHING. No instructions, no more signs, I ended up in some poor neighborhood!!! A little frightening but I must say the people helped me as much as our limited languages could allow. Finally a moto concho lead me out!!!!   

I would never recommend anyone do this!  I was NUTS.

I found that I had very little use for a car on the north coast during my time there last year. If I did, I would rent, too (or hire a driver like last year). Scary story for sure, Planner.

I was contacted through Craigs list regarding an ad I posted for a Studio for rent in Costambar.  A man emailed me from Florida inquiring about the space for 2 people and requesting some pictures and availability.  I sent them off and he contacted me again to try to negotiate the terms which I did not do but I suggested that if he wanted to lease the space he could credit my account in the States.  He never acknowledged that message.  He said he was arriving today March 26 and driving from Santiago airport he asked that I send directions which I did.  I got a call at 8:45 am from him saying he was in Cofresi using someone else's cell phone and could I give him directions on how to get to my place.  I did one better and told him I would drive there and escort him back to my place.  He had rented a car for just the day and was to bring it back to Puerto Plata by 5:00 pm. And there was only one of him in the car.  Needed to get a cheap cell phone as well could he borrow one if I had an extra.  Didn't have one to loan out, especially since he hadn't even made a decision to lease my place. I showed him the rental space and what was included with the rental.  We spoke for several more minutes about the benefits of the community I live in and the conveniences as well.  Still no commitment. He finally left to see another rental space.  He said he'd call me or come back (doubt that). Any body want to guess what's going to happen?  Is he or isn't he?  What's your guess?  That was this morning...God only knows about this afternoon....
And my cleaning lady just informs me that her daughter who is 8 months pregnant was in the hospital and is now missing... or its her son that's missing,  not sure, she was near tears.  She will have to leave to deal with that crisis.  In the mean time the house is upside down and I'm not good with mopping anymore.  They just never look right after I give them a once over.  Of course she's speaking Spanish so rapidly I can't even make out half of what she's saying so maybe her daughter is not missing after all at least not the pregnant one....she does have 5 others.  So its probably 2 stories that I made into one.  There will come a day when the language will be free flowing and I'll finally get it.  Until then its hit and miss and lots of hands a flinging.

I've been here permanently for 3 + years and have probably done most of the repairs ion my home 3 times so getting it right takes time patience in this case most of my cash as well.  So when I watched the man fiddle with the electric lines it looked like a confident fiddle (haha) you could tell he was somewhat knowledgeable and I was right for once and it only cost me $1000RD which I considered not expensive for the time and the materials (he brought his own..even a shovel)

Wait you found a Dominican repair person with his own tools.  No that is very rare.  My electrician usually only shows up with one small flat head screw driver and that is on a day he remembers to bring that.

As to your "renter" hope you did not waste too much time with him.

Bob K

Sounds like he is iffy at best! Not fun.  Next time - just a suggestion - no deposit no commitments no holding. At least a 2 night deposit compensates you for prepping and helping him get there.

Planner is right we NEVER accept a reservation without  a deposit, under any circumstances for our rental unit in Cabarete.

Bob K

Too funny that's what I told My hubby when I first started driving here......Now I am a pro!

It does take practice. I have a friend with 7 moto stickers on his front fender. I guess that makes him an "ace"

Bob K

I did request a deposit which was about 3 days prior to him leaving the States...But he just never acknowledged the email request.  So I just figured he wasn't coming anyway.  So what would you have done if someone contacted you and asked your fee's and then shows up to be guided to your location, view it and then say "oh, by the way I'm looking at something else as well"...? I really wanted to smack him on his head but I figured there was still some sense in their so I refrained...I know...Should of smacked him just for laughs...Always lessons learned here and always new ones every single day...Is there ever going to be a day free of "lessons"....ummmm...doubtful..

Lessons are a part of things. I would.say: without a deposit I will not hold the unit for you. You can show up, if it's available great, if not too bad!

And I do vote for smacking him upside the head too! For.sure!

Smack him a couple of times.  What are people thinking.  No deposit no reservation.  For us we don't take "walk ins"

BObK

Time for an update........... lots going on. First I am still not back to 100%, I seem to be stalled at about 80%, and I still have daily pain in my hands and feet!  Good grief.  Follow up with Doctor this week.

The temps are changing here, yes winter is over, we skipped spring and we have launched into summer. It is getting hot during the day and not cooling off much at night.,  Yesterday I went so far as to get my air conditioner checked and serviced!!!!  I have a feeling I will need it this year.  And with that, gone will be my under  RD 1,000 monthly electrical bills! 

For those wondering here is how we pay for electricity, all figures are in Dominican Pesos (exchange currently 43 to 1 american dollar)  This applies to the 3 main distributors EdeSur, EdeEste and EdeNorte I am told.

Flat fee                                                               137.67RD
First 200 KWH                                                      4.44 RD per unit
201-300 KWH                                                       6.97 RD per unit
301-700 KWH                                                     10.86 RD per unit
Over 701 KWH                                                    11.10 RD per unit

My last bill was just under RD 1,000 and my normal bill for summer use will be close to RD2,600.  I manage my electrical use pretty closely, turning off unused lights, fans etc.

Our big issue and the reason for such high electrical prices (relative to income) is the theft and corruption. many here believe it is their right to steal electricity. And of course the political (small p and capital P) corruption and theft.....

So the A/C is ready to go, regassed, cleaned and serviced = cost under US 20! 

We finally had some rain here the last few days,  it builds up during the day and we get those tropical bursts of rain.  We needed it!  The country is in near drought conditions and Dominicans as a whole, do not know how to conserve water!  They will waste gallons and gallons washing their cars every day,  they use buckets and buckets just washing floors......

My dogs are crazy!  Jack - the big boy,  is awesome with Rambo - the little boy.  They play and make lots of noise but Jack never hurts Rambo.  By the way Jack is about 40 pounds and Rambo is like 3 pounds!!!!

The BAD NEWS!!!! YES there is some - I have to go to the dentist!  I have been in denial for some time now, hoping beyond hope it will just go away. NOPE this bad boy is gonna need to come out! So tomorrow I will make the call,  set the appointment and drag my sorry ass to the dentist.  I need someone to hold my hand please!!!! I am a big big baby when it comes to dentists. 

I hope you all are having an awesome Sunday!!!!

Without reservations and requesting a pick up "for look see" NO way " seems like tire kicking to me.

Wish I could help but I'm doing my lab work in the am, besides I'm afraid of dentist !!!!!!!!

Yes summer is here but up on the hill here we still have a  nice afternoon breeze.

Today I was reminded on why I don't go to the beach on Sunday in the summer.  Today Sosua beach was wall and I mean packed solid wall to wall people.  There were NO I repeat NO open lounges on the beach and very little actual real estate to put a towel down on.  The Dominican's come up from Santiago for the day by bus (school bus size of bigger) and today there were 44 buses parked along the street along with hundreds of cars and vans. Lots of the shop and bar owners will now close on Sunday as was the case today.  Seems the city guests bring multiple coolers with food and drink and there are also some local BBQ pits open selling food. As well their chairs and tables would disappear  for the day. Live bands abound as well.  It is a festive atmosphere but not very good for relaxing.  So no more Sunday beach days for me till September.

Also Planner what makes the electric bill so crazy here is that if you go over 700 KW you pay the higher price  11.10 from KW hour number 1 not from 700.   We actually had a bill one time for 702 KW and the month befofe was 695 and our bill was basically double for 7 more KW.  You got to love the system.

Bob K

Updates and ramblings......

Good morning, today I am touched in a very small way by nature. I am sitting at my desk, in my home office, and I look out the window to see a gecko on the metal work bars!  He is just sitting there sunning, watching me work.   I would take a picture but I do not want to scare him off.  It is just serene, part of the reason I live here............

This week has been at times challenging.  ON Saturday the roof boys showed up over 7 hours late to "seal" the roof. We have had filtration problems since I moved in and finally they are dealing with hit. They were here 1.5 hours doing "something" up there and will return "this week" to put the first coat of sealant on.  And if you believe that then it would in fact be an Easter miracle......

Easter  - Semana Santa - when all resorts are jammed full. Every beach is full, every river,  every club and every bar...........except those in the big cities of Santo Domingo and Santiago.  There is a mass exodus (already begun)  from the cities into the countryside, beach areas and where family is.   The next wave of exodus will happen Thursday!! Many many offices and companies will close Thursday at noon or 1pm,  and then there will be a race to get out of dodge...........  I remember watching this traffic jam in previous years!  I will be in the city for the entire weekend, enjoying the peace and quiet!!!!!  There will be no line ups anywhere, no crowds etc.......except maybe in the big churches.....

SO if you are not in the city, if you are near the beaches etc please please please be careful!!! There are many fatalities this weekend.  Traffic accidents!  Drownings!! Alcohol poisoning deaths!!!!  Be careful out there!

You are right the beaches were more crowded with families yesterday and almost seemed like a Saturday.  I just go back from la Sirena doing my weekly and actually two week shop as we will be in SD next Wed. which is my shopping day. I know I am in a rut but do only shop Wed in Puerto Plata. Anyway when I got there at 9:30 it was pretty empty. When I left at 11 it was a zoo.  It looked like the day before Christmas you could not even get into the meat and veggie area with a cart. Wall to wall shoppers. Thankfully  I was done. 

After going to dinner in Sosua with some friends tonight and lunch with a friend tomorrow,  we will not leave hour house again until Monday morning.  Too many idiots out and about for my taste

Bob K

I second your final thoughts Bob. I had planned to be there this month, but after one Semana Santa weekend in Cabarete back in 2011, never again! Too many fools out there to risk having a negative episode with.  Hey Bob, since you get around town much, could you recommend a spot in Sosua or Cabarete where I can get some darn sweet potatoes? Last time around your crop was not available and really want to make a sweet potato pie for my girl and some fries for her, any chance of pointing me in the right direction? Or if you happen to have some slips or eyes that I could have her plant, that would be great, I don't want to risk bringing that stuff into the airport, lord knows what they will try to charge me to get out of that Jam! Not looking to play with Dominican Fuzz. Help a brother out with some sweet potatoes :-) Thanks. Have a great Easter and be safe.