We initially thought we’d bypass the DR but with weather being what it is decided to layover at least once in a marina. Once here Mother Nature has again played her games and we are in for 10-14 days before we can cross to Puerto Rico.
Never having been here before we really didn’t know what to expect. Wow have we been surprised. After The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos the hills, mountains and just general lushness of the island are a welcome change. Although it’s a poor country the cities and marinas have a concentration of wealth. We’re sitting in a marina at Oceanworld surrounded by several resorts so you can get most anything you need. The US dollar is accepted although you may not get a favorable exchange rate for change.
The second day here we decided to hire a driver to take us in to Santiago. It’s a city of contrasts much like you would find anywhere. Parts of the city are clean, prosperous and really pretty, while other parts are unsafe and we steered clear. It boasts the oldest church in the Americas and Columbus is everywhere (or as they refer to him Columbo). We toured the city, had a nice lunch, visited a huge hardware store (remember the three stops we always make) and then returned to the boat. We were happy to have a local driver as the main road is under construction and once in the city we would have easily gotten lost.
The next day we took a rental car and drove to Puerto Plata, a much smaller town looking for a grocery store, pharmacy and cigar store. You don’t need prescriptions to get medication in the DR. Just go to the local pharmacy and ask for what you need. They also have an extensive stock of generic medications. I was looking for something to replace the Dramamine I’ve been taking that makes me so sleepy. Stugeron was recommended by several cruisers so I’m giving that a try.
Cigars are made here in DR and they are very good. Gary was able to replenish his supply and we even got a lesson in how cigars are made and where the different tobaccos they use come from.
We also managed to find a German butcher shop where I stocked up on beef, smoked ham and bacon. The island has a large agricultural vibe but they are also very industrial. If you need something fabricated or repaired chances are you can get it done here and for a reasonable price. After the Bahamas where everything is overpriced it was a pleasant surprise to buy pounds of beef filet and other meats all for $64!
There are motor scooters here everywhere. For every car there are at least 15-20 scooters. They are used as a mini taxi service as cabs are very sparse and very expensive. Not sure we’re brave enough to try them out but they sure make driving a rental car adventurous. Gary was in his racing element and I held on and closed my eyes for the most part.
It looks like the weather will calm down in a day or two. We will depart our marina about 5:3opm Wednesday and do an overnight cruise, anchor out for the day and grab a few hours sleep and then do it again overnight to Puerto Rico. Traveling at night is supposed to be calmer so we shall see.
Meantime we will visit our favorite restaurant once last time, say goodbye to friends we’ve made and gas up before heading out.