By Vladimir on Friday, January 16, 2004 - 02:49 pm: Edit |
I didn't sleep, I just got my things together and went downstairs to check out at around 7:45am, about 45 minutes before the first bus back to Sosua. I didn't have to leave for the US until the afternoon, but I had to return the cell phone and figured I might be able to squeeze in one more date before I left. The checkout process at Hodelpa Centro Plaza was smooth and painless, so I found myself outside shortly afterwards. I hailed a cab and was soon off to the Caribe Tours terminal. There must be two of them in Santiago as the taxi driver asked a question regarding which one that I didn't quite understand, so he asked where I was going. He knew when I told him I was going to Sosua.
I arrived about 15 minutes before the bus was departing, so I walked around briefly and snapped a couple pics of the terminal. I got my 70 peso ticket and boarded the bus when it arrived. Despite being tired, I zoned about during the ride unable to sleep, likely because of that realization you get when your trip is almost over and you're about to return to the real world of work and traffic and network television. I sat in my seat thinking about these things and watching Battlefield Earth which was playing on the televisions.
I only brought a single bag to Santiago, so I was able to sling it around my neck and shoulders and just catch a moto back into town to the Voramar. I gave the driver 30 pesos and returned my bag to the room before returning back outside to catch a ride to PJs for breakfast. I ordered an omelet and coffee and returned my cell phone while my order was being prepared. I ate quickly, then started walking back down Pedro Clisante.
I then made a stupid move, or rather didn't make a smart move when I was approached by an attractive lady walking down the street. She introduced herself as Carmen and complimented me on my looks. During our brief conversation, I asked where she was going to and she replied that she was going home to her child. Not wanting to be too forward or rude, I neglected to take the opportunity to ask if she'd be interested in keeping me company. I thought about it after we parted, but then at that point it seemed too improper to walk back to her and ask. Instead I admired her nicely curved body from a distance, walking with a stiff member after a night of two incomplete sessions with trophies. I was horny and hell and was regretting my tendency to be polite and proper.
I walked by the Sosua Palace, but no one was there so I decided to look for One Ocean Place as an alternative place to stay in the future. I had read that it was nice and guest friendly, but had not run across it despite walking all over the main streets of Sosua. The map I had gave a general location, so I walked around looking for it.
I finally realized I had been there before when I walked all around where it was supposed to be but couldn't find it. It turned out that One Ocean Place has a new name of Nuevo Mundo which I confirmed at the desk. It looked like a really nice place to stay and had reasonable rates. I also knew that John who runs the Sosua Palace stays there, so I will likely check it out again in the future. I took a few pics before returning back to the Palace hoping to find a final date or talk to John. I had a few questions I wanted to ask him about staying at the Palace in the future.
John was in fact at the Palace when I returned, but he was busy talking with either guests or friends. I waited a while, not wanting to appear as though I was interrupting him for an interview, but their conversation dragged on so I eventually left. I ended up walking over to the Blue Dolphin Resort as I had since read online that they provide a guest friendly environment.
A lady cleaning around outside asked if I needed help when I walked in, and brought me over to a gentlemen named John when I asked for information on staying. John greeted me and was very friendly, giving me a small tour of the grounds, an activity center, and one of the rooms. He asked about where I was staying and other places I knew about, then proceeded to give me some of the Blue Dolphin's advantages when I answered.
I was very impressed by what John told me and what I saw with my own eyes. I liked the large open area outside with the full bar and TV in the lounge area. The small activity center was nice and I was impressed with the decor and modern appearance. They have ladies that hang out and are available like at the Palace, but only two were there at the time. Of course, I couldn't expect much as far as ladies in the early afternoon. Unlike the Palace, the gentlemen that run the place live on site and are more readily available.
John offered me a free drink and told me that the bartender Flo was available if I was interested. Hopefully, me mentioned Flo as a courtesy and not because he noticed I was walking around stiffly. Flo didn't really seem my type, but with only a couple hours left and being horny as hell, I went for her after John and I finished talking.
Photos: Flo 82 83
Flo quoted 1300 pesos ($36 US) which I accepted without bargaining. I thought this was a little high for short time considering her face/body, but she was attractive enough and I really didn't have any alternatives. I was happy with her service which included lots of DFK and an enthusiastic ride, but she did give my second CBJ.
It was nearly time for me to leave after we finished, so I bid Flo and John farewell and returned to the Voramar. I had arranged a 3pm checkout, but they were already cleaning my room at 2:45 to prepare for guests that were arriving soon, so I grabbed my bags and headed to the restaurant. I ordered a reasonably priced dish of steak and onions which was delicious and had the desk call me a cab when I finished. At 3:15pm I hopped into the cab and was on my way to the airport. I ended up getting one of those tourist taxis, so I had to pay the inflated tourist rate.
I arrived at the airport with an hour left before my flight departed for New York. I didn't have check in luggage, so this turned out to be plenty of time. The flight to New York went smoothly, but I ended up having to stay overnight before returning home. The city was cold and miserable, especially after coming from the DR, but I had fond memories of a very successful trip to soothe me. I woke up early in the morning to catch a shuttle back to the hotel and arrived home in the afternoon later than day.
I had a great time in the DR, and look forward to my eventual return.
Vladimir
Links:
Caribe Tours
Blue Dolphin Resort
Nuevo Mundo/One Ocean Place
PJs
Santiago Map
Sosua Palace
Sosua Map
By Porker on Saturday, January 17, 2004 - 10:44 pm: Edit |
Vladimir, again, great report. Maybe because I know ZILCH about the DR, though, it seemed a little confusing at times with all your moving from place to place what the overall scene in the DR was about. What were your favorite places and if you had to be pinned down to one location for 3-4 days, which would you choose and why?
Also, you did a great job of describing the prices you paid and the negotiations involved, but you also seemed confused a lot about what to pay sometimes and paid $100 US at one point for a girl? Can you give a general pricing overview from your experiences there?
Thanks for the write-up on a destination I never really would have considered before, but the tropical setting in your outdoor pics seems very interesting. Oh, and thanks for the pics too!
By Vladimir on Monday, January 19, 2004 - 05:56 pm: Edit |
Thank you Porker, I'm honored.
I moved around a lot in an attempt to get a better feel for the DR since it was my first visit. In my short stay I was only able to visit the north coast. When I return I will visit the south.
Of the places I visited, Santiago was the clear winner for one reason only, the quality of ladies. Prices were higher and the pace was not as relaxed as the beach, but for my particular interests, Santiago worked for me.
I imagine that the capital of Santo Domingo will rival if not exceed the entertainment provided by Santiago. I will confirm my next visit to the DR.
The $120 I paid in Puerto Plata seemed to be the going rate for the most established nightclubs of Cristal and El Bohen. Had I done more research and had more time, I possibly could have done better. However, Diana was the best looking lady I found that night and had a line of other gentlemen wanting to be with her.
I didn't think much of Puerto Plata because of the cost vs quality. However, I did get a deal of $42 US at Galactic for one of the more attractive ladies of my trip, so some of the smaller places may be worth more looking into.
In Sosua prices ranged mainly from $28 US to $70 US, but they seemed most willing to bargain towards the lower end.
In Santiago I saw a range of $42 US to $70 US, but the ladies tended towards the higher end.
I mainly visited the tourist places. Galactic Club was one of the exceptions where I paid a low price in Puerto Plata. I am under the impression that there are many similar places around the DR where one can pay lower prices for good quality because they are more catered to locals.