Just Returned from Santo Domingo Yesterday

[WBALKE]

I’ve been to the DR 7 times over the last 4 years. As you may know from one of my earlier posts my novia is from San Pedro. She migrated to NY last October. Because of her new job she was unable to get a vacation at this so this was my 1st trip to the DR without her company. We usually stay in Boca Chica, Juan Dolio or San Pedro. This was my 1st time staying in Santo Domingo. My novia warned me of all the possible pitfalls (translate = chicas ) that could befall me in Santo Domingo. After assuring her that I would be fine (and chica free) and how much I wish she could come (lol) as well. I flew Jet Blue out of JFK. That’s another 1st for me. I typically fly American Airlines (I’ve also flown Delta once). I enjoyed the flight down. Jet blue clearly has more legroom than American and Delta. In addition the flight was much cooler (mucho fria). I felt more refreshed when I landed in Santo Domingo. I was quickly off the plane. I like to travel very light, but my novia sent a (rather large) bag to her family down there. It took a few minutes for the bag to make it onto the carousel. The bag arrived and I was out the door. I grabbed a taxi (paid 30 bucks to the Sofitel). I arrived at the Hotel and was greeted well. I was given a drink (I forgot to ask what it was – it was very good) and a hot towel to wash my hands. I was taken to my room. The room was on the ground floor. My window overlooked Calle las Damas (the oldest street in the new Americas). The hotel was once the home of the Governor of Santo Domingo. It was built in the 1500s. All the rooms at the Sofitel have high speed internet access. In addition there is wireless internet access in the common areas. I plugged my laptop in and sent my novia a quick message to let her know that I had arrived safely and would call shortly. I took a quick shower and hit the streets. My 1st stop was Orange on the Conde. I purchased an unlocked cell phone before I left NY. I purchased a sim card with a 100 pesso credit for 350 pesos. Next stop was the cafeteria on Conde and Mexico. I next walked to the D Hotel (I think that’s the name). It’s on Independence Circle. I had few Presidentes and Mero Frita (does anyone if the type of fish is sold in the states). It was delicious. I made a mental note to stop by there again before I left. I next walked back onto Conde and bumped into one of the hustlers. He told me that he could get me anything I wanted. I said I wasn’t interested, but he persisted. I ended up grabbing a table outside the cafeteria on the corner of Conde and Mexico and kept the Presidentes rolling. Miguel (my new best friend) joined me. After I was a few presidentes in Miguel invited a chica over to join us. I reminded Miguel that I just want to chill out and enjoy my time here. I wasn’t looking for that kind of fun. I walked back down the Conde toward the Sofitel with Miguel in tow. He offered to take me around to a few discos (now that was up my alley). I asked him to meet me later because I was going to go back to the hotel and relax for a few. I crashed when I arrived at the hotel and did not wake until 12a. It’s something about the Dominican air (or more likely the cervesa frias) that allows me to sleep very well. I went out and grabbed a taxi (150 pesos) and went the Jargua Hotel and Casio. This was my 1st time there as well. I went into the casino bar to get a drink and I was surprised to learn that they did not sell alcohol after 12a (what). How is that possible? I hung there until 2ap. They had a live band and the music was pretty good.

Day 2

I had breakfast at the Sofitel. The breakfast was fantastic. They offered a wide variety of fruits, cheeses and breakfast meats including 2 of my favorites (prosuto and lox). I walked the code again and took some photos. Today my wife had planned for me to meet her tia and friend to drop off the things that she sent them. The bell boy carried the bag from the Sofitel to the Hard Rock café (that was the designated meeting area). We next took a bus to Boca Chica. I love Boca, It is the 1st place that I ever stayed in the DR and it always feels like home for me. The beach was very crowded. Sunday is typically very busy in Boca.

Now here is the funky part. As we were packing up to leave, I hear what sounds like fire crackers and it looks like the entire beach is running toward me. I quickly go into NY mode and realize that was gun fire. So my wife's tia, friend and I take of running as well. It was a very interesting experience. Needless to say that was the end of my day in Boca. I caught bus back to Sano Domingo. Guess who was the 1st person that I see – Miguel. He gave me some wild story about how he was waiting outside the hotel for me last night and the police were going to arrest him so he had to pay a couple of hundred pesos so that he wouldn’t be arrested (I know that’s the set up). In any case we walk down the Conde the Hotel Mecure. The Mecure is owned by the same folks that own the Sofitel, but it is not on the same scale. We hook up with a guy from California (Mike) and have a few drinks at the Mercure. While there we another guy (Bob) pops up. He knows Miguel from a previous trip to the DR. It turns out that he and I grew up very close to each other and we know some the same people (small world). Miguel takes of with the guy from Cali (I guess he was the better cash option). My feeling weren’t hurt. So Bob and I kick it. He has been coming to the DR since 95 and he knows his way around pretty well. He and I hit a few clubs. Of course they all close at midnight so it was an early eve.

Day 3

[rubio_higuey]

Well, what do you mean Conde and Mexico? Peatonal Conde does not cross Mexico... would it be Mella/Independencia? or Duarte?

[azabache]

Your novia has a LOT of faith in you to let you go to Sto. Domingo alone.....
...no fair unless you tell everything now.

[jruane44]

Nice trip report. I know your not finished because what man would go to the DR by himself, to hang out with a bunch of dudes. Lets get all the details, unless of course the novia reads DR1.

[GFar]

ya,

I wanta hear more about BC! The juicy stuff!!!

[M.A.R.]

Originally Posted by jruane44

Nice trip report. I know your not finished because what man would go to the DR by himself, to hang out with a bunch of dudes. Lets get all the details, unless of course the novia reads DR1.

see???? that's why women don't let their men go to the DR alone and even if they go with their wive/girlfriend they still get away, I've seen it in my family, arghghghh. Me voy a quedar solaaaaaa!!!!!

Hey its been a week already and you haven't finished your story!!!!!

[Kyle]

BC-juicy stuff.. an oxymoron ? BC is a nice place to be a recovering monger. i've been 2 times this year. they have a new (actually old) a/c disco reopened which is better than sitting in the middle of the street duarte.

[azabache]

Originally Posted by M.A.R.

Hey its been a week already and you haven't finished your story!!!!!

It's OK......he'll have to come up for air again sooner or later.

[DAKRA]

Nice Report WBALKE! - Sounds like you had an interesting time in SD. I too have been approached my Miguel from el conde. If this is the same person that you are talking about, he is short and a bit plump and has currly hair. He speaks very good English and is truely a Predator. He preys on tourists. I too have stayed at the Jaragua and he has been there too in the lobby and in the casino waiting and and trying to scam me. Always looking for money money money. He is one of the worst people that I have ever run into while in SD. In fact, he tried to intimidate me by telling me that he was going to tell the Police that I had asked him to get me drugs and other illegal things if I did not give him a few hundred pesos. I for one have Never used drugs or had a need for them - Where did this guy learn this tactic?. I just could not believe that this guy stoops to the bottom to try to get money out of some people. - - - After being at my hotel for a day or 2, I went back to el Conde (From Jaragua) with another American guest who was staying at the hotel next door to me. He and I walked to el conde and the first person but I had briefed him about Miguel and his tactics...... as we got to el conde, we ran into was Miguel. But, before he could try to get his hooks into us, we just ignored him and kept walking.... he was so persistant and bothering....

Just a warning to everyone: If you see Miguel - RRRRRRRRRRUN!

[dymmach]

Stay away from Miguel, all conversation should be no more than (HI and Bye).
Trust me on this, even sitting haveing a brew could cost you big money, jail time or worse. El conde has a few hustler types, most of them mean no harm as they offer you a historical tours or women. But miguel is TROUBLE.