Return from my return
Just got back from Florida, so I'll try, as best I can, to recall the events of my previous trip to POP/Sosua of July 19-26.
I arrived at the airport in POP and was to be met by a driver. Lo and behold, it was Escott, rather than the driver I was told it would be. Of course, Escott being Escott, I wasn't informed until well into the drive that he was in fact the famous, or is it infamous?, Escott. LOL. He took me to the Puerto Plata Beach Hotel Apartamentes, where I met, for the first time, Carina. I didn't arrive in POP with any expectations or pre-judgements of the people or my lodging, but will say that I found both to be pleasant. Both Escott and Carina were very gracious hosts (I think that I've found some long term friends), and the lodgings were certainly sufficient. The front desk and help staff were helpful, the rooms were what could be expected for the price, and the area was quiet (except for Sunday), which is how I like it. Carina, Escott and myself made a quick trip to a market where I stocked up on a few items, and afterwards made a run over to Sam's, which was to serve as my base during my time in POP. I met Sunnie who, along with Joanne, turned out to be really sweet, and I enjoyed the time I spent there, along with the food, the cold Budweiser, and the company.
Escott and I attended Taco Tuesday that night, as has been mentioned in his blog, and I had a great time. I met some really great people there, especially the women (LOL), and mingled easily. We endured a brief downpour, and retired for the night.
The following day I met up with Carina at Sam's during the afternoon, and found myself spending most of the afternoon/evening there. The party really started after Carina left. There was a group of people who had arrived as the evening wore on and, by this time, Sunnie was off of work. We did numerous shots and I had one hell of a time. It felt like home. Not the drinking part, just the ease at which people interacted with each other. I guess what I should say is that it felt like it could be home.
The following day I headed over to Sosua to get a feel for the area, and to look at some properties. First, let me state that I was told that Sosua is 15 minutes away from POP. Not according to my calculations. It seemed a good 20 minutes and, depending on what part of POP you're coming from and what part of Sosua you're going to, closer to 25 minutes. I spent 3 days here and found it pleasant as well. Pedro Clisante, a main street which seems to house the bars and restaurants, was an enjoyable area, and was layed out in a way that I appreciate. Just like at home, I prefer an area where things are centralized. Everything was within walking distance. I met a gentleman who was from the states, and he invited me to go to the club Classico with him (which I did) and we had a great time. Many, many beautiful women, though I did not partake of the offerings, unfortunately.
My one regret is that I did not make it back to POP to attend the Christmas in July event, which I was really looking forward to. It didn't even cross my mind while in Sosua until late the evening of Saturday and, by that time, I was settled in for the evening. Hopefully, next year I'll remember. (As a side note, my mind seems to be failing me as of late. In late July on a trip to Punta Cana I left about 20 DVD's on the plane. My first night in POP I lost a pair of sunglasses. Still have no idea where. And on my trip to Florida recently, I left behind not only the new DVD's that I had bought to replace those I lost the previous month, but also the damned DVD player and headphones. Must be the Lipitor I'm taking. They say it creates Alzheimer-like conditions in people.) So, in the future, if anyone sees me with a pair of sunglasses, camera, or something of the like, please remind me not to leave it behind. LOL
Anyhow, I returned to POP on the 24th, and settled back into the POP Beach Apartamentes. I took my first motoconcho ride over to Sam's and actually felt like a little kid (in a good way) sitting on the back of that little scooter and just breezing along in the wind. That evening I, along with several others, went to dinner at Papillon's. I think this was the best evening I had during my trip, in addition to Taco Tuesday, thanks to Joanne, who pulled it all together. I met several interesting people and I think we all had a great time. The food was pretty damned good, and there was plenty of conversation floating around the table. It's not something one would do nightly as the food is a bit expensive, corresponding with its quality, but it was a great way to meet new people and just have a good time.
My final day was a quiet one. I went over to Sam's for lunch, and retired to my room early. I have a practice of not going out the night before my departure as the flight itself takes enough out of me, and the last thing I need is to compound that with a night out on the town the evening before. The following day I went over to Sam's for breakfast and was able to say my goodbyes to those who were present. I'll be returning in September and this time I think I'll reverse my stay, meaning I'll stay in Sosua and make quick jaunts over to POP.
All in all I had a good time. It was a much quieter trip than what I normally do as a tourist, but that was the point of this trip; to meet people and to get around and get a feel for the area; not the party all night--recuperate all day type of thing. One point of advice for anyone who is going to the North Coast--have a plan. I noticed that there wasn't much going on during the day. If you don't have a plan for activities during the day you will find yourself bored to death. But, as is typical with most places, the area lights up at night. Admittedly, Carina offered to hang out with me during the day on several occasions (bless her heart). But, as I told her, I'm just visiting; she has a life there she has to live. So I didn't feel comfortable with taking her away from the things she needs to do as a part of her everyday life.
Finally, and again, thanks to all of you who helped me along and made my stay so enjoyable. I think it's amazing that many of you are so willing to take time out of your lives to help people like myself who you don't know. I enjoyed everything from advice on real estate in the area to discussions on philosophy and religion, and I enjoyed it all. I'll see you again soon.
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