Booked the flight.

[ctrob]

Keep in mind that you can be a very cautious driver in the DR but still get in an accident. You really have to have eyes in the back of your head. The motoconches are everywhere and for the most part do not obey normal traffic laws. I am a fairly adventorous type but I didn't drive till about my 6th or 7th trip.

As an example, I was sitting at a stop light on my bike on the far left of my lane, chica on the back of my bike, cop standing right in front of me directing traffic, I see my chance to make my left turn thru oncoming traffic, start to go and a motoconch almost t-bones us flying up on our left, in the wrong lane. We would have been hit but the chica was more street smart then I, she was watching and screamed and slapped me on the back of the head. Really Hard! This type of driving is common place. I survived the slap.

You can't think that stop signs or stop lights mean you have the right of way. You do, but the guy on the motoconch has the right to abuse your right of way.

If you have to drive, I would suggest finding a busy intersection after you get settled in and just watch how they drive for awhile. It will be an education, and sometimes good entertainment. Two good places in Sosua are in front of the texaco station on the Highway or the corner of Pedro Clisante & Dr Rosen in town. There is a nice little open bar right on the corner that is good for people and traffic watching. Don't remember the name, right across from the Taxi stand and the jewelry store.

Good Luck

[BJClintern]

Thank you, ctrob, for the advice.

I don't have to drive, but I am hoping to see some of the country outside of the tourist zones and also play some inland golf courses. I will heed your caution and be very cautious. I hope I may be able to thnak you in person with some refreshing libation on my tab.

Cheers.

[Me_again]

If you have to drive, I would suggest finding a busy intersection after you get settled in and just watch how they drive for awhile. It will be an education, and sometimes good entertainment. Two good places in Sosua are in front of the texaco station on the Highway or the corner of Pedro Clisante & Dr Rosen in town. There is a nice little open bar right on the corner that is good for people and traffic watching. Don't remember the name, right across from the Taxi stand and the jewelry store.
Good Luck

This is some of the best, well-balanced advice I've seen on the topic of driving in the DR. Too often someone who's been driving for years in the country tells the newcomer that everything will be fine just do this or that or the other. I also was into several trips before I thought that I'd absorbed enough road lore to tackle driving -- and I still won't drive at night. (I think that bar was called Herman's but perhaps the name changed a year or so ago.)

OP you can do well travelling by gua-gua or (taxi) publico, and at a lot less cost than rental cars.

[ILLINIFAN]

Originally Posted by BJClintern

ctrob is right, though, about the golf, nightlife, and guest friendly accomodations. I have more in common with Bill than the physical similarities.

Gotta go golf. Just think, in two weeks, I'll be golfing in the DR. Can't hardly wait!

I hope your game is better than old Billy's. Probably the worst golf swing I've ever seen.

Seriously though I'm green with envy. I'll be there in January for my first visit and am planning on playing Playa Grande & Playa Dorada. Please let me know how the courses were when you return.