Sosua for 35 days

pmey27 · #1 07-22-2007, 11:03 AM

Well I did my longest trip ever to the DR and it just went by too fast! It was great seeing friends I have met over the last 3 years and I actually got out of Sosua a few times this trip with day ventures to POP, Rio San Juan, and Cabarete. The thing I heard most on this trip from the ex pats who are in business and simple retirees is that life is not as good as it has been....they were refering to the lack of customers due to the big decline in tourists and the big increase in beer and cigarette prices. It has caused many of my friends to start looking into relocating to Panama as they are offering somre great incentives there. I have 5 or 6 more yrs left til I retire and and will be scrutinizing the various retirement havens...but I love the north coast of DR for now. This last trip I had several meals at Rocky's and they were all great! The pizza was so good I had it a few times.....don't order it if you don't like cheese as it is loaded w/ it! # 38 is my order every morning on the breakfast menu. The night life was as good as ever with the 2 main clubs..Sosua Life and Classico offering the usual great looking attractions and great friendly bartenders. One observation I made this trip is that there were much more Hatian girls working the trade as far as in the past and more of the Hatian men are driving the motor bikes....probably as a result of their girlfriend's shaking their moneymakers. Lou's was a great hangout once again...just that you are going to pay NYC prices! But Lou is a great guy to run around with late......like 2 or 3 AM over at the Casino when everything else closes. Brittania girl with the dimples has gained 20 lbs since april but she still looks good and food is good! I am back in Miami now and depressed big time from missing the fun and relaxation of the DR.

DAKRA · #2 07-22-2007, 01:28 PM

Sounds like you had a good time. My DR trips usually last between 8 - 14 days and they seem to go by extrmely quick. My next trip will be to Sosua.

thanks for the great report.

:

Kyle · #3 07-23-2007, 07:27 AM

pmey27, if you're looking for another good suggestion for retirement, try Costa Rica. i've been many times and it's similar to Panama in country stability. the weather varies depending on where you are and you have your choice of the carribean side (usually hot) or the Pacific side (variable). San Jose is a balmy 80 or so year round with nights in the lower 60's.

i could tell you more but this is a DR site. pm me if you have questions...

glad you enjoyed your trip...

Rocky · #4 07-23-2007, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyle

pmey27, if you're looking for another good suggestion for retirement, try Costa Rica. i've been many times and it's similar to Panama in country stability. the weather varies depending on where you are and you have your choice of the carribean side (usually hot) or the Pacific side (variable). San Jose is a balmy 80 or so year round with nights in the lower 60's.

i could tell you more but this is a DR site. pm me if you have questions...

glad you enjoyed your trip...

I think that comparing the DR to CR or Panama on this board is more than acceptable, and even welcome.
It certainly is not off topic.
The only comment I might add of any value is that I have met many people throughout the years, who have moved here from CR, complaining that the CR is no longer as Gringo friendly as it was in the early 90's.
I have no Panama info.

pmey27 · #5 07-23-2007, 12:04 PM

I actually used to hang out in Costa Rica during my vacations for about 8 years then prices went sky high from everything from hotels to property to airline tix. I used to hang out aroud San Jose and saw most of the country...I know this is a DR site so I must say I love the north coast and just hope things stay good for the next several yrs. My retirement lwill take some research and I may just do the rental thing for a couple yrs in a couple different places til I find a place to settle down .

Kyle · #6 07-23-2007, 01:41 PM

i must agree with you on the CR prices. i've noticed the difference in the last 3 years and just like your friends i too spend more time in the DR than in CR.
i've got about 8-10 years before retirement so i'm also doing research and i'm sure things are going to change before my retirement.

who knows, Cuba may be open to the world by then....

pmey27 · #7 07-23-2007, 01:48 PM

Kyle...you must admit there is no place like the Del Rey Hotel!

pyratt · #8 07-23-2007, 09:58 PM

The CR has changed and none for the better, (crime rate), like Kyle I'm hoping for Cuba to open up although it is...for the rest of the world. There is also going to have to be a regieme change

I'm interested in hearing about Panama....any help?

Kyle · #9 07-24-2007, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmey27

Kyle...you must admit there is no place like the Del Rey Hotel!

hey hey, just got back last week from 7 days at the Del Rey...i'm tired ~~

Lucille · #10 07-24-2007, 01:49 PM

The whole world is getting expensive, I've been in CR and I found it very expensive.. what you have to try to do "gringos" go to the dominican area to shop, for instead, in Santiago go to the "hospedaje" and avenida valerio "almacenes" to shop food, beers, fruits, vegetables, cigarretes everything is cheaper in that area, also you can "bargain" and I am sure every other town has a place where to find everything cheaper .Tell me where dominicans buy when they only make $200.00 dollars a month. just hang on with locals to see if you can save some bucks.....