19 Total days in SD

[DAKRA]

Hi All:

Just got home a few hours ago after 19 days in the DR. All were spent in SD. I had big plans to visit BC and Sosua but my plans changed and I just played everthing by ear.

I actually arrived 1 day earlier than planned on Aug 17th. I did this because hurricane dean had me nervous. There was not much effect on the SD area. HUGE surf with mild wind and lots of rain. All in all a big bark but no bite!

I stayed at the Maison Gautreaux hotel for $30 per night. The hotel is nice and clean and safe. They have made a few improvements since the last time that I was there. The safety box in the room is now electronic with a combination lock versus a key lock. Also they have installed a new huge hot water tank so there is plenty of hot water for all. Also they have installed a rooftop jucuzzi for the guests. Not bad, I did not use it but my guests who came to see me sure loved it. The staff at the hotel is great and very accomodating. The only problem with the hotel was a American guest who is on the 1st floor was very annoying to everyone. No doubt that this guy really is LOCO and he is certifiable, but all in all a good trip.

I spent most of my time with good friends and their families. I was in the casino (next door) about 3 nights and lost a total of $80 USD.

I brought a large suitcase full of used sneakers and t-shirts which I gave out to many many young children and young adults. I felt like I made a big contribution to society by way of this effort. The smiles alone will be with me forever.

Met up with another DR1 member who also stayed at the hotel. He was a great guy and had his own fun. He is traveling today and will post a report of his own soon. He went to Sosua and stopped by Rocky's and had the ribs. he love it!

Ok, Now that is my borrrrrrring report. I am back and look forward to interacting on the various posts of the upcoming days.

[Ladybird]

Glad you had a great time, does that hotel have a 2 bed apartment/suite, I cant for the life of me remember which one had it in SD, perhaps someone else knows. Is that hotel Dominican owned?

[Tallman1680]

I stayed one night too at Maison Gautreaux nice hotel, clean, very safe; me and my girlfriend got to enjoin the Jacuzzi.

[Ladybird]

Dakra,

Can you tell us which nistorical sites you visited, museums etc, did you see the fortress? its supposed to be much more interesting than the one in POP. Did you go shopping? which plazas would you recommend, Ive only been to two but Ive heard there are others

[dymmach]

Hey DAKRA,

Dude, dont hold out on all the good info.

You've been planning this trip for awhile, you had it map out perfectly.

With 19 days I know you had ton of fun.

Restaurants, clubs, shopping, chicas, new hotels, come on tell me something!

[jrzyguy]

Thanks Dakra,

I am going to have to check this hotel out! I usualy am in BC but like a night or so in the capital. Where is it located? near el conde or malecon?

I heard the big "event" was pretty much a dud on sunday. Only one of the entertainers showed up :-(

Ladybird...i cant compare the fort to pop....but i have been there quite a few times. You just might want to let the guide take you around. He's sorta shady (as he doesnt tell you up front that he charges for the tour)...but he only wanted 200 pesos (negotiate first)...and i must say that we was pretty informative and had some interesting stories about the history of the fort. We were only slightly taken aback as we paid the entrance fee and figured the tour came along with it. I would certainly pay the dude tho for the tour tho...just ask up front how much ;-)

[DAKRA]

Originally Posted by Ladybird

Glad you had a great time, does that hotel have a 2 bed apartment/suite, I cant for the life of me remember which one had it in SD, perhaps someone else knows. Is that hotel Dominican owned?

The Maison Gautreaux Hotel has a total of 22 rooms each with a King Bed, or 2 Double Size beds and a couple of rooms have 3 twin beds. If you require more space, you could request room # 21 and 22 which adjoin. One of these rooms has a king bed and the other has 2 double beds.

You will be more than impressed for the price you pay. Email the hotel for details. And Yes! - It is dominican owned!!!!. The owner is an awesome man who is onsite just about everyday.


DAKRA

[DAKRA]

Friends:

Yes, I had been planning this trip for a long time and I was very anxious to get there for some fun and sun. This trip was excellent like them all in the past. I had big plans to visit other cities and towns but did not do it. The most exciting thing was that I lost some weight due to the sweating and plenty of excercise.

I have met so many good people in the DR and became very friendly with them. I spent my time hanging out with friends and taking in baseball games. Going to the DR is no longer a vacation for me, it is like going to a friend or family members house and just enjoying myself.

You may call me crazy but going that far and staying so long and not doing all of the exciting stuff, but it was a blast and I love the DR.

Now, many of you who know me, understand that our moderators will "get" me if I post any naughty stuff so just understand that I had a GRRRRREAT time.

DAKRA

[dymmach]

Dude, the next time you go back let me know. I 'll take you on a day trip through the barrios.

Hows your spanish coming along?

Your report just inspired me to get back there.

19 days is the way to go, man Im jealous.

[DAKRA]

Originally Posted by dymmach

Dude, the next time you go back let me know. I 'll take you on a day trip through the barrios.

Hows your spanish coming along?

Your report just inspired me to get back there.

19 days is the way to go, man Im jealous.

My spanish is slowly getting there.... i am considering ordering the Rosetta Stone course to help me out. I am planning my next trip in February. I may try to get a quick get-a-way in November.

and YES, I will definatley take you up on your offer for a tour/trip through the barrios.

thanks!!!!!!!!!

dakra