Hi from Dominican Republic

[Raven]

I don't have any experience in the DR, but I have spent a lot of time on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. My winter business involves adventure travel to the "end of the road" and the small village of Xcalak on the border of Mexico and Belize.

As a north american, it took some time to adjust to the way of doing business in Mexico and simply accepting it as that, the way that business is done in Mexico. (A friend of mine once told me, "To the Mexican, a gringo is nothing but a f@#king atm machine.")

Like it or not, once one accepts the differences, things go much smoother.

The other thing that takes some getting used to is a way of life that is radically different than that in developed countries. I can't help but wonder, though, isn't that the reason why we travel?

[dana-tenacity]

I was interested in Dougs comments about the cost of visiting places. It used to be an insignificant part of our budget, no more. One of the reasons ( one of many) that we now live ashore was the changes in the cruising life over the past couple of decades. It IS getting more expensive, and it IS getting overpopulated with people who are less sensitive to those rising costs.
BTW my wife is Domincan, I met her while cruising over there in the mid 80's. She is now one of two Dominicans living in NZ.

[tokarse]

There is a FREE Cruising Guide to the Dominican Republic which can be read or downloaded at the site: Dominican Republic Cruising Guide

The new site is interactive for the user and contains important information on life in the DR, cruising the DR, descriptions of all major harbors and anchorages, as well as links to the Dominican Coast Guard.

Enjoy Cruising the Dominican Republic

Frank Virgintino, Author
Dominican Republic Cruising Guide

[daysailc]

Evidently, Ocean World Marina officially opened on December 16, 2006.
Located on the north shore of the Dominican Republic, in Cofresi, 3 miles west of Puerto Plata (N 19º50.095’ x W 070º43.535’).

Nice place.....DON'T LEAVE THE COMPLEX!!! Unless you have a guide.
Just my experience.

[Cheechako]

For those of you headed to the DR. Take any old basball mitts and balls you can get. The kids play with cardboard mitts and home made balls at times. Usually a Donkey plays third base :>)

[KatKokomo]

Hi Doug,
it looks like you are still hanging out in the D.R. I am at anchor in Luperon for 6 months. I would love to see you again after three years of absence. I was on Kopykat, now Kokomo.
Peter

[d0ug]

Yes I am still hanging out in the DR Peter I have sent you a PM with my phone number give me a call.

Daysailc
The reason they don't want you to leave the area without a guide as you might meet the real people and find that you like it. The closes gringo to me is 5 miles away and I feel safer then the persons living in the gated areas.