Chad,
Times are bad in north coast. Venders in sosua and in puerta plata are getting more desperate by the day. The economy is shattered and tourists are low in number. When these venders try to hang on to you like leaches, they are only shooting themselves on their own foot.
Did you notice how many hotels were closed in playa dorada; I bet your hotel was not even 50% full.
I agree with you on sosua. I just don't seem to find out what is it that attracts tourists to fall in love with that place except cheap hookers by the dozens. That place is full of ugly hookers and street-wise thugs. There is no Dominican culture to be seen in miles there. Most restaurants are owned and operated by foreigners and the Dominicans who live there are from the lowest cast. Many Dominican from other cities only go to sosua for the beach and return the same day; most people prefer Cabarete beach to sosua.
When we mentioned about getting out of the resort to see the country, we didn't mean that you take a trip to puerto plata or to sosua for a day (only). Getting out of the resort, for me, means to get out of town and go further into the country where real Dominicans can be found. DR is not only about sun and beaches, in fact, I hardly ever go to the beach.
Take a trip to Jarabacoa, nearby mountains around santiago and visit some of the rivers and water falls that you would never hear about from tour agencies.
If you like to stay away from the venders then go to Semana and spend a day in Cayo levantado beach. The beach is exotic and the venders are not so aggressive.
Try not to walk around with a curious expression on your face and don't be so nice to the venders. Just do your thing and they will leave you alone.
Anyway, I hope you would return to explore other parts of this island.
I recommend Bayahibe area (near La romana) ex: casa del Mar hotel / resort. The food will be unforgettable and the beach is exclusive to the guests. It will be an experience you will talk about for many years to come.
Have a nice day.
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