San Pedro de Macoris First Time Traveller

[mountainannie]

Originally Posted by DrChrisHE

One more thing...how about those who DO actually care to improve this country post some helpful suggestions to this newcomer? His father has been here multiple times for work, but not stayed in the more primitive conditions of fluctuating electric and water. For the most part, this intern will be safely within the 400 acre NPH compound OUTSIDE of SPM in Ramon Santana or with my family in Juan Dolio (in Metro--which while it has its share of problems is NOT a batay!)

Yes!! Sound off, DR!!! My advice would be to put lots of Juan Luis on your IPOD shuffle and don't come without it ! I would also recommend that you bring a headlamp - camping style- for walking on streets and sidewalks the
that often have gaping holes and no lights.

And read the article I wrote on first arriving here, three years ago.


Preparing For Expatriotism: More From An American In The Dominican Republic ~ by Elizabeth Roebling

[DrChrisHE]

M'annie: A quick funny story about the headlamp...I keep one in my med bag (it's a camping head lamp) and one week at NPH we had visiting MDs from Canada. One of the Canadian MDs was going to pull an infected tooth of a local batay woman who'd come to NPH for help. He offered the op for me to help but that is WAY out of my expertise (& it was HIS first extraction ever) and I had kids to fetch. But I did suggest that he move the table so it was under the light (8 ft above) and wear a head lamp (along with giving her some actual pain meds and local anesthesia). First, I strongly suggested that we send her to one of the DENTISTS who works with us pro bono, but he was determined. Fortunately is all went well but I try to stay out of those procedures if there is someone else who is willing to do it. One NEVER knows when those headlamps will come in handy.

As I am a night owl and dh must get up early, I use my headlamp for reading. My son--while living in the same orphanage that the OP is volunteering in--also did likewise because of the group living situation.

[nikke]

Sorry i don't log in often enough, but welcome I hope you are enjoying San Pedro. I moved here in August...what are your thoughts?

[DrChrisHE]

Originally Posted by nikke

Sorry i don't log in often enough, but welcome I hope you are enjoying San Pedro. I moved here in August...what are your thoughts?

I don't think he's logged on recently but I just saw him at the NPH clinic today and he is well and doing a fine job of adjusting. He's being very useful to NPH and his Spanish is getting better everyday (he arrived knowing 0 Spanish.) It's funny you posted this because I just asked him if I gave him an accurate picture of the DR prior to his arrival, to which he answered 'Yes.'

I will nudge the OP to logon and answer this himself.

[Enteri2]

Well I know I'm late in posting this, but I hope that you're enjoying your stay in San Pedro.

I have always enjoyed SPM. The city has a lot of character, the people have always been friendly to me, and to me it is very comfortable.

To each his own, but I have think very highly of SPM.

Be sure to check out "Amable" for the very best pasteles. It is located near Iberia in the central park area of the city.

The Malecon is lively/crazy at night but this is to be expected.

Embrace all that SPM has to offer and enjoy your time there. In my opinion it is truly a unique and wonderful city.

[Steve Pindar]

Thank you for your post Enteri2. SPM seems to take its share of "knocks" and criticisms. It's nice to see someone post something positive about it. I, too, think it's a great city.

[London_Calling]

Likewise I agree with Enteri2 - worth visiting just for a trip to Amable.

SPM has a very intersting history and evidence of it boom at the start of the 20th century is clear to see. The town has some very elegant though run down buildings from this period.

[STEVE G.]

Agree with you guys . Every time I go to SPM , always drop by for some pasteles there , either made from yuca or platano are good . Personally prefer from yuca

[DanaP]

Originally Posted by STEVE G.

Agree with you guys . Every time I go to SPM , always drop by for some pasteles there , either made from yuca or platano are good . Personally prefer from yuca

certainly don't forget to complement your pasteles with a lechosa con leche batida....they are absolutely divine...and Amable at the parque has good ones...trust me

d

[SINCERA]

hello,

would anyone know a juan carlos from san pedro de macoris he is in his last 30