A DAY IN THE LIFE

Thought I would start my Punta Cana, DR journey with a Day In the Life of my first couple of days and how all my expectations were not just met but exceeded. First after 9 months of long-winded questions on this forum, and a last general question that I feel might have been a little insulting as I had so much trouble signing up for a mail service and wondered if my problem is that the company reps speak too fast... Of course they do as I learn my "el and la" and verbs, it is just as incomprehensible to me to hear Spanish spoken in what I referred to as too quckly but I am sure those who come to the US and hear English spoken back to them after they have learned general terms, it also must sound just as confusing... With that said, I am here and my name is Leslie aka Syringles. 

A first shout out of thanks to those willing to read my long-winded posts as I had so many questions.. Planner, Bob K, and Demi56? and anybody I have not stated, a monumental thank you as this trip would not have happened without your help.  I met with some resistance at home initially as I am disabled but I was determined to be here at least a first 6 months and to possibly look for something more permanent or semi-permanent.  I am in Punta Cana and I hope that sharing the arrival and incredible first two days will allow anyone wondering about safety, friendliness, transportation, etc., to feel more at ease.

I had acquired (for those who have special needs a new type of scooter for disabled persons that is allowed on the airliners, international and American and that went fantastic.  My contact here in PC, chosen by the owner of my condo speaks four languages and he even sent me a document to present to whomever helped with my luggage instructing them to take me to a special section near the rental cars and VIP's.. AWESOME man... I should state that I found the owner (along with many other privately owned but long-term rental optioned) of the condo on the VRBO and Home Away rental sites.  It is clear from all I read that the best owners have a great local contact and that seems to be (per my reviewing hundreds of reviews or PC oceanfront condos) one of the most important attributes.   I feel a little guilty saying this but I was treated with much deferential special treatment at the airport, having the gentleman escorting me from plane, purchased my tourist visa, scooted me through everyone at customs so the process was very easy and quick!  One thing I was surprised about but was warned was the Punta Cana airport has no air conditioning... It was not as crowded I understand as it would be during season but I would hate to be on that cue line after a long ride in an air conditioned jetliner!!

My contact took me to the Super Pola  grocery store.  He said it would be more expensive but would have more items I was familiar with.. I found my diet yogurt so all was well and I made sure to get some rum and mixes.... I have to say that I had read on one post something about problems with garbage being out in some areas and it being a problem. Quite honestly, my condo complex took us on the main "Hotel Zone" road and it was fantastically maintained... Perhaps side streets somewhere have this problem but it hasn't been for me.  The complex is Exactly as pictured and the unit is as well.... No dishonesty from the owner, I think these units were built in 2010? and the landscaping outside and property is absolutely pristine!.. Being perfectly honest here, as I don't know who builds and perhaps this is a first floor issue but for being built in 2010, I wouldn't think there would be cracks in the  ceiling but these are things that don't bother me at all.  Yet, this is the exact reasons I refused to let my sister come the first week.. For goodness sakes, I am paying the same here OCEANFRONT by the pool , as I did for a simple one bedroom in Indiana so do I expect the Four Seasons.. NO... to me it is more important to have the great friendly owner's rep!!!   There are granite countertops and gorgeous doors... You know they are real when they are heavy to shut!  I am using air conditioning sparingly... just at night as advised so I don't have a huge electric bill

Here's where I get to my first full Day..... After looking around briefly, I found myself too exhausted so woke up Friday and went a little exploring.. That incredible gentleman who reps the unit had dropped off coffee filters I found on the patio as he felt bad that he told me I wouldn't need them while at the store but I did.... How awesome is that!  I made my way to the beach and please anyone who has not been to this area of the country or perhaps you think yours is lovelier but I totally cried... just losit it.  This complex seems to have lucked out, being on the widest part of the beach in the Cortecito area... I watched as some party Pirate ship landed nearby and can't wait for my sister to see that... I read the reviews and sure to what I read within a second of placing my camera and bag on the table next to gorgeous beach chairs and beds marked exclusively for my complex, the beach guard, named Jose, made sure to see if I was from the condo units and we had some minimal conversation as he watched me break down in tears but that's okay.... This is where I find my peace and I have never seen such beauty in my life.  I was able to ask in my best Spanish if I should go to the local pharmacy at the El Dorado shopping center as I lost my sunglasses.

Having taken enough incredible pictures to send home, I got out my battery powered scooter to rider to the pharmacy which is about a block and a half... There were a number of people about and as I had my braces on, I found I got a number of stares but only from those on the real scooters as they are known here (and the accidents waiting to happen that I have read so much about)... I hope it looked clear that I was not riding any type of real motor scooter, but quite honestly, I didn't know what side of the road to be riding on!!!  I have already found that the Dominican people are (at least those I have met) very friendly and helpful.  The pharmacy seemed closed and I went by Hurricane's bar next door thinking I would go home empty handed, when a gorgeous young DR lady who spoke great English asked what I needed and she explained that the pharmacist likes to lock up and take a break at the bakery nearby and she insisted that she go there and find him and he came right back... No rip offs as the sunglasses were only $7.50 and believe me I have paid much higher for cheap plastic at American resorts..

I even found myself being almost too helped when I saw people coming out of the Veterinarians office and mentioned to the Pharnacist that I would like to get a little puppy (didn't explain all my detailed requirements) but another young DR man asked me if I really wanted a puppy and then opened door and hollered to the vet's helper to let me see any puppies they had... Of course, they only had little Chihuahuas which I declined but upon my return to my unit, I was confronted by a tiny Maltipoo/Maltese which is the exact puppy I want to get (I realize I probably won't find one here)... but I am taking that as a good sign...

So that is a summary of my journey here on the first couple of days... The incredible friendly people, helpful people and my dream come true that I could do this... I tried to write to one of you personally but don't know if that got through but if anyone finds that they will be in the Punta Cana area during the next six months..... Please write to me,.

Again, all my expectations have been exceeded and I know that everyday of my journey won't be as wonderful as I believe it to be at this moment but point is... I tried, I came and I made it.. Thanks to all who prepared me for this journey.. I plan to now be a more vital and helpful participant on this forum.. I also hope that my writing is complete and on point so that anyone wondering if they can do this will know... YES YOU CAN...

Regards, Syringles... Leslie
c

Leslie, Glad that after all these months of planning, fretting, ups and downs you are here....Congrats.

Hope all continues to go well and WELCOME to the DR!!!

Bob K

Your post made me cry...its too close to home for me.  I also want a fresh start.  I haven't been there yet but so want to come and just stay as soon as possible.  I prefer the north coast though with the mountains which so sing to my soul. Am hoping to visit in July now instead of June or August. My bro gets married Aug 9th but think we might just go early. Figure once there for good can see them frequently.  I am also coming basically on my own so its nice to see your story. Good luck to you! Maybe someday we will meet there....

I think as long as you do all your homework ....and believe me I spent 9 months asking questions here on these forums and doing other homework, that you will be okay.... I not only checked out my Owner's reviews on Home Away, VRBO and I think he's on Flipkey but I read on Home Away each and every review for every condo rented by someone at Stanza Mare.. making sure that even if my owner had good reviews that there weren't other owner's who broke rules or did things that devalued the persons stay.  Every owner on  Home Away with a Stanza Mare unit seemed to have almost all 5 stars.  The only things I saw that were negative were posts from people unhappy with their Punta Cana experience as a whole .. (maybe they were unfriendly and expected more  but you can't blame the legal Prostitution on the condo??  That doesn't really have to do with the owner either.   So I wish you luck... I was really relegated to Punta Cana as it has more opportunities, roads I can travel on, Medical care, etc., than I could find in smaller northern areas and that is one thing that my health demanded.  Good luck to you...

Ahhhhh Leslie thank you for updating us!!! How awesome for you!   Please continue to share your story with us as we really do want to know!!!!

Seems you have found your way quite nicely!

That is what doing your homework will do for you.

Bob K

Thanks...I don't post here much but believe me have researching for over a year now in lots of places mainly online. I've been reading books from library, talking to people in my world that have been there some for several years. I have also made three friends with three locals from the DR and shared info with them.  I lived next door in PR for 2 years. I feel as prepared as I can be without actually being there. Although still doing the "detail" research still as in exactly where to go, and schools etc.  There is some natural trepidation due to the change but think that's normal and healthy. No daydreaming of the perfect life here. Realize no matter where you live life will have problems but to me why not have them in a much nicer environment without snow/ice? And also  just know what kind of life I do want from here out and the DR seems to offer just that as best as I can tell.  Planning on coming and trying for at least a year. If after that time it doesn't sit right then I will re-evaluate. But somehow feel that won't be necessary.

Good for you!  Take the time to do it right!  And I trust you will keep us updated as you go along, makes it interesting and  educational for the rest of us.

We are all still learning - every single day I learn something new.

Planner your a doll! Thanks!

Am looking into JetBlue for air travel.  We have used them before and liked them. Their planes feel a little small but other than that they are really nice.

Living Social Website seems to offer some awesome deals for traveling so looking an offer from them for a hotel stay in Puerto Plata.

Have contacted a realtor, Polita Barecelo who is somewhere near Santiago. Her daughter actually works at the embassy in DC...small world.  Hoping that this lady will be able to assist me in finding some kind of decent rental to start. If not our realtor here can hook me up with a Remax agent there as a courtesy thing they do. Trying to do all the work and then hoping it actually comes to pass. Sometimes you plan life one way and then a different path shows up. So I always tell my friends and family "I am planning on coming but no promises" Have found that when I say "yes, absolutely I will be there!" in evidently something happens that blocks my way. So playing it safe here too.  Meanwhile going ahead and continuing to pack. Know we are moving somewhere so packing up as much as can without interfering with stuff we use everyday.

Thanks guys!

It's a pretty daunting task, but you have a great attitude and that helps a lot!!

Yes do take your time, and plan on a 3-6 month rental to start and see if it works.  However you might find that a real estate agent in the Santiago area will have no idea about properties on the north coast.  it is worlds apart. There are ReMax agencies on the north coast as well. If you would like info on them PM me. I actually worked for one here on the north coast for 6 years.

Bob K

Glad to see you took the leap and made it there safely Leslie, please keep us posted on your adventure.  I love a woman who puts a game plan together and follows through.  Will be in the North Coast in about 2 Weeks, can wait! New York is working my last nerve!  :-) mind you, my job is to keep everyone else relaxed LoL :-) Enjoy you stay, and once again glad to see you made it to PC.

Massagewiz we look forward to your return. 

Bob K

Thanks Bob.  I'm still working on the potato smuggling scheme :-)

ohhh good.  I can taste them already. We just put in a new garden and I have saved a corner for sweet potatoes.

Bob K

I'm with you Bob, what they call sweet potatoes here
are a lot different than ours at my old country!
So, We had to go to Puerto Chiquito this weekend,
& we stopped in at Pola and left 10 mill pesos &
came home with a car really full of grub!
Lots of good prices there!
But as anywhere else, gotta be careful.
What liked most were the staff.
Also not 10 people standing around watching you don't steal
a handful of rice!

Yes they understand customer service. Unlike some other place that shall be nameless.  Prices are generally about 10% less. Selection not quite as good but good enough.  Great seafood section, fresh bakery, AND you can pick you veggies and don't have to buy a package which will always have 1 out of 4 items in it that is bad or rotten.
But are right the staff all smile and are helpful.  This will save me from having to go to PP ever week or two for shopping at la Sirena.

A welcome addition to our north coast community.

I noticed yesterday after commenting on how thin the plastic bags are that the reason for this probably is because they are bio degradable.  Now that is another HUGE plus for them.

Bob K

Is the drought over ???? Seems that way here on the north coast as we have had some rain (sometimes several inches at a time) and most of it at night with sunny days over the last week. Everything is green and the mango trees are dancing.

Bob K

You are right Bob! The mangos here in Cabrera
have grown from golf balls to softball size
in a week!
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM good!
Some trees have ripe ones already!

We had our first two drop off the tree yesterday.. Bring them on

Bob K

We've had some rain here in the capital too!  Not enough yet but a start.  In my backyard the mangoes are all done.  The tree lost the last couple earlier today. Yet my neighbor's tree is still loaded with fruit......

And Bob, guess what,  closet boy messaged me wanting to come buy and take some measurements. I told him to kiss my little white you know what and he is offended!!!!!

All is progressing in the capital! yay......

I am amazed that he contacted you and it only took 6 weeks.  Amazing and yet so typical.

Rain has stopped here.  Yesterday a perfect day on the beach!

Bob K

Yes amazing...lol. we are overcast here and hoping for rain later.

Ok you can turn the faucets off now.  We have had lots of rain here on the north coast. In fact this month so far it seems to be just over 10 inches and it is still raining.  So thanks but the gardens don't need anymore.

Bob K

So even after 8 years here I have managed to be "taken".  Seems I had my oil changed about 10 months ago and when I changed it 4-5 months ago the guy told me that the last person that did the oil change did not put in new oil, just left the old stuff and put on a new filter.  I Paid for a complete change.

Well today I went to a place that I have used mostly for the last 8 years and Luis was very upset as the oil in the engine was basically sludge and he said new oil not use last time either or a very chap brand was used.  So $6000 pesos, 5 hours later and after a complete drainage, removal of internal line filter, cleaning of internal parts, and other things I have no clue about. I have a clean running car.  Thank you Luis.

Motto of the story when you find someone you trust and does a good job even if it is hard to get to him.... USE HIM. It was worth the drive to Puerto Plata.

So for the first time in a long time.... I was "taken by two mechanics changing my oil.

Bob K

Wow Bob,  it is why you stand and watch whatever is being done.  Yup stick to who you know and trust.

Today I left Costambar at noon to go to Playa Dorada and then the airport - OMG what rain and flooding..... unbelievable. 

Tonight I walked one block to El Carey for the countries best cheeseburger -  wet to my knees trying to cross a drain area. It was too wide and I could not jump across - got wet!  LOL

Sorry Bob...guess even the best can be fooled now and then...

Planner
Are you still planning on being in the Sosua area tomorrow?

Bob

Nothing written in stone Bob,  I should know more later today - unfortunately this heavy rain is playing havoc with plans!!!!

Thanks just keep me posted or give me a call

Bob K

Will do honey!!!!

Good morning everyone,  sorry I've been a bit offline lately I was in Puerto Plata for 5 days of work and what should have been a few days of fun, sun and dancing.  Right.

So work went well except for the pouring rain -  4 straight days of pouring rain.  That led to Thursday about 5pm when I went to a nearby restaurant to meet a friend and find food. Off I went in the pouring rain -  up 3 badly built wooden steps and I tripped. OUCH.

Later the foot started to swell but I thought ok,  low shoes for going out. Out I went and it was tough to walk on but I managed,  managed to dance 2 bachattas and then 1 salsa and I was soooo done. Ow ow ow.  I took a taxi home early the foot has swollen up badly.

Next morning it hurts - I go to work, clients leaving and arrangements to be  overseen.  Done. I get back to apartment with my friend and decide its time for a clinic run.  Off I go to Bournigal in Puerto Plata.  In for  doctor visit, some painkillers, xrays and YUP a partial cast.  Broken in two spots -  from where the big toe connects to my foot broken going to the left and the right..... NICE.

So we pack up and come home on Saturday morning. Apt was on the 2nd floor, nothing but slippery (when wet) floors and too far to crutch for food.  We come back by Metro - thank goodness for my friend  who helped me with everything.  I purchased to 2 seats at the front for me and one for my friend, that way I could put my left foot up.

All good, they loaded me first, helped my friend with bags.  People can be truly amazing here!!!!!

Except of course the 22 ish year old young lady who decided she was going to sit beside me.  I said no - it is occupied -  she asks - by who. I said ME, I bought two seats. Oh she says you can't do that, move.  HELL NO.  I took out my two ticket stubs and told her to move her ass!  Ha.

The trip was hard anyway even with the two seats, I could not have done it with one!   Got home and settled and will be here a lot for the next 19 more days!!!!!

By the way - cost of  emergency department visit - with insurance 0!   Not one peso came out of my pocket for this treatment,  regular doctor, medications,  xrays,  orthopedic specialist and cast!  I did buy my crutches.....  makes it possible to get around.  Metal crutches 1,100RD.  or about US 25.

Sorry about your (mis)Adventure....hope then pain is not too bad.  So lucky you know the country... clinics, etc. I had to almost hold back a glimmer of a smile as I thought.. ..Sounds like a typical week I would have... Hope to gain some of your courage through your stories...

Hope the foot is feeling better.  A couple of mojitos I hear help.

Sorry we missed you on this trip.

Feel better

Bob K (and Pat)

Thanks honey!!!!  There is a lot more to the story of course.....LOL  I had to make some noise to get my xray expedited, they forgot me.  Bloody hell, no one forgets the gringa.....LOL

Thanks Bob mojitos will certainly help....

We just had a mild earthquake,  websites say 5.3.  Lasted about  30 seconds. I was sitting in my office chair and it started shaking.....

I hear on FB it was felt on the north coast too.

Did not feel it here on the hill

Bob K