Things To Do-water-ice-drinks-spices

[missingstthomas]

Other than beaching/snorkeling, does anyone have any suggestions on something fun & adventurous (not hiking tho)? We really don't want to spend more than 30/pp. Are there waterfalls or something really different to see? Also, I assume you drink bottled water at the resorts... my ? is this - how safe is the ice in drinks? Are there any good drinks strictly known to those in the DR? I love to cook, and wondering if there are any good spices (or spice shops) that I can bring home to the US?
All answers are welcomed... We are leaving in 16 days -- countdown begins.

[Rocky]

Originally Posted by missingstthomas

Other than beaching/snorkeling, does anyone have any suggestions on something fun & adventurous (not hiking tho)? We really don't want to spend more than 30/pp. Are there waterfalls or something really different to see? Also, I assume you drink bottled water at the resorts... my ? is this - how safe is the ice in drinks? Are there any good drinks strictly known to those in the DR? I love to cook, and wondering if there are any good spices (or spice shops) that I can bring home to the US?
All answers are welcomed... We are leaving in 16 days -- countdown begins.

Here's a thread with activities around the Sosua area.
So you're bored in Sosua...
Where will you be going?

[drloca]

Originally Posted by missingstthomas

Other than beaching/snorkeling, does anyone have any suggestions on something fun & adventurous (not hiking tho)? We really don't want to spend more than 30/pp. Are there waterfalls or something really different to see? Also, I assume you drink bottled water at the resorts... my ? is this - how safe is the ice in drinks? Are there any good drinks strictly known to those in the DR? I love to cook, and wondering if there are any good spices (or spice shops) that I can bring home to the US?
All answers are welcomed... We are leaving in 16 days -- countdown begins.

What part of the country will you be visiting? Once we establish that, suggestions may be forthcoming.

A typical DR drink...try mamajuana.

Spice-wsie...I find Dominican food pretty bland but you could buy Saizon Ranchero in a supermarket.

[missingstthomas]

We will be in Punta Cana - at the Majestic Colonial.

[Rocky]

Originally Posted by drloca

Spice-wsie...I find Dominican food pretty bland but you could buy Saizon Ranchero in a supermarket.

The DR certainly isn't the land of hot spices, but our cinnamon and ginger are world class.

[drloca]

No waterfalls in that area that I am familiar with.

In that area, your best options are likely excursions.

You may also want to check out the beach at Miches.

[Rocky]

Originally Posted by drloca

No waterfalls in that area that I am familiar with.

In that area, your best options are likely excursions.

You may also want to check out the beach at Miches.

Punta Cana is so bloody far from everything.
I've heard that Bayahibe is a worthy adventure, but would wait for PC experts to chime in with first hand experiences.

[drloca]

Originally Posted by Rocky

Punta Cana is so bloody far from everything.
I've heard that Bayahibe is a worthy adventure, but would wait for PC experts to chime in with first hand experiences.

I have travelled to Bayahibe from PC...while it is doable for a day trip (approx. 2 hours each way), some people dont wish to spend precious beach time on a guagua. The beaches in Bayahibe are great and you may want to consider a trip to either Saona or Catalina island from this area. (both are great for snorkelling).

[missingstthomas]

Rocky - someone mentioned your name. I read about Marie losing her home to a fire. I will be in the DR next month - and I have a TON of good girls clothing - sizes 8, 10 and 12. Can you help me reach this family do that I can donate the clothes to them? I would rather give them to a family that needs them! Thanks so much...

[Chirimoya]

I wouldn't recommend Sazón. It is used by many DR cooks but is very synthetic. The actual herbs and spices used in Dominican cuisine are preferable.
The more typical are probably:
Oregano - dried leaf AND ground - very unusual flavour, used to season beef, goat dishes.
Bija/achiote/annato - natural red colouring used in coconut-based dishes
Agrio de naranja - a bitter orange vinegar used as a condiment
Thyme, cilantro (fresh), aniseed, cinnamon and allspice are also popular for both sweet and savoury dishes.

Here's a nice, illustrated guide to Dominican spices in English:
The Dominican cook spice rack - Dominican Cooking

As well as mamajuana there are drinks like guavaberry and coconut and coffee liquers, and a whole range of natural fruit drinks like champola and morir soñando - check the desserts and beverages section in the Dominican Cooking site - although be aware that Dominicans tend to add far more sugar than our timid foreign palates are used to dealing with.