[marliejaneca]

with quaqualita. Samana Santa and Independence Day could be pretty overwhelming for a first timer. Although I never ventured to Cabarete during these times, I know for a fact that Puerto Plata is absolutely insane. Hotels get filled up by, discos are impossible to get into without waiting in line for hours. My aparta-hotel that I lived in in Costambar literally got taken over by Dominicans from the cities- couldn't even use my pool because there were so many people partying in it and yes - the garbage is everywhere!!! Not to mention - during Samana Santa isn't there a time where there is no watersports or music to be played?
Now, don't get me wrong - it is still a blast and I enjoyed meeting people from elsewhere on the island. The costumes etc during the carnival are pretty awesome, but really you are dealing with a lot of drunkeness, violence and overwhelming numbers of people.
As for Christmas, I can't say as I always went home for Christmas -how else would Santa find me!!!
Marlie