Before heading for the Beach I thought I would go to the local Mall ,and try again to find the elusive ATM that would spout out 10,000P. The Landlord was going to show me were it was but he had company so I did want to bother him at the time. So I decided to walk around the outside of the Mall myself; how hard would be to spot an ATM. I was also advised that it was a " Bank Popularie" machine. Incidentally, all ATMs have a guard and I spotted the Guard near a Popularie sign. As I crossed the street heading for the ATM the guard waved his hands and said NO NO. I'm smart enough to know that when a guard says No he means it, so I corrected my course and headed back into the Mall.
I then recalled that Ron ( who owns the Sports Bar) was watching the Seattle Football game at his Bar so I thought I would ask him about the location of the ATM. Since the game was over he took me to the ATM location which incidental was the one that the guard " shooed " me away from. When we got to the ATM it was gone. Ron did not know whether it was stolen or removed by the Bank. I tried another ATM but it would not even acknowledge my card.
Since we are taking a City tour tomorrow, I will have the Tour Guide stop at a Bank for me as I need the cash.
By the time I returned from the ATM chase, Carroll was ready for the Beach so we headed for the Beach. As soon as you get to the Beach, and stake out your Playa ( umbrella ) the Security guys brings over two lounge chairs and a table. Anyone can sit/lay on the Beach but only our Condo pers can have the Playa. I noticed the security guard checking Carroll's wrist band. I thought we have been here long enough that would have recognized us by know.
When we got to the beach we notice more then the usual amount of folks in the Ocean, so we figure that more people are coming . The water was so inviting we joined the group and swam around in the beautiful blue/green Caribbean Sea. Carroll borrowed a Noodle from the Landlord so she is a little more stable in the waves. We then went for a walk on the beach to see what the people in the" All Inclusive" where doing. Surprise Surprise, they where do the same as us; Swimming, Sunbathing and drinking. What did you expect.
Of course we are following the curling and ( the Hockey ) and we check the scores on TSN after each draw but the Men's final was too late for us as we are 3 hours ahead of Mountain time. Cheers
Monday, 7 December 2015
Sunday, 6 December 2015
Signed up for a City Tour
We headed for the pool area after breakfast to check our emails and to check the Cdn news as our TV cable does not recognize that Canada even exists. However, it was very humid in the morning and my key board would not type due to the humidity. I actually had to hold each key down to the count of 3 or 4 before it register. This has never happen before, even in South Africa where it was 43C and very humid. So that ended the morning computer exercise.
We then decided to go to the Mall, next to our Condo complex to find the ATM. There are 3 ATM machines but we only located too. We were advised to be careful especially if someone ( other than a security guard ) directs you to a machine as it might be set up to steal your card number. We were advised that the Bank of Nova Scotia ATM Puerto Plata was definitely one to avoid.
The first ATM was not working and there was quite a line up at the other so we walked around the Mall , which has many Tourist Trap Boutiques, Time share Scammers, Rental car Kiosks, Tour companies waiting to relief you of your money.
Anyhow I did finally get in the lineup for the ATM and it appears as if these folks have their pay sent to the bank ( or maybe the company wants it that way) so they were there drawing out money and or paying bills. I was told that there is a 10,000 P limit ( 330.00 Cdn ) so I tried but no luck. I did finally get 2000P which is barely beer money. My Landlord says he will direct me to an ATM that has an 10,000 P limit.
While at the Mall we did sign up for a city tour on Monday.
In the afternoon, we headed for the pool and took the computer to check if it would work, and it did so I checked the Curling, Hockey and the Globe. We ended the afternoon with a dip in the pool.
After supper we came to the pool, with the computer to check sports and to try to call the G/KIds. And WHOA: where the hell did these people come. There was 12 or maybe 15 people in around the pool; (Who let the Dogs out ), none of which had English as a mother tongue.
We ask an Oriental guy ( because he spoke some English ) for help to get on Facetime but he deduced it was our problem with the "Mike".
I had plan to go to the local Bar to watch hockey but deferred to reading my book before bed. cheers
We then decided to go to the Mall, next to our Condo complex to find the ATM. There are 3 ATM machines but we only located too. We were advised to be careful especially if someone ( other than a security guard ) directs you to a machine as it might be set up to steal your card number. We were advised that the Bank of Nova Scotia ATM Puerto Plata was definitely one to avoid.
The first ATM was not working and there was quite a line up at the other so we walked around the Mall , which has many Tourist Trap Boutiques, Time share Scammers, Rental car Kiosks, Tour companies waiting to relief you of your money.
Anyhow I did finally get in the lineup for the ATM and it appears as if these folks have their pay sent to the bank ( or maybe the company wants it that way) so they were there drawing out money and or paying bills. I was told that there is a 10,000 P limit ( 330.00 Cdn ) so I tried but no luck. I did finally get 2000P which is barely beer money. My Landlord says he will direct me to an ATM that has an 10,000 P limit.
While at the Mall we did sign up for a city tour on Monday.
In the afternoon, we headed for the pool and took the computer to check if it would work, and it did so I checked the Curling, Hockey and the Globe. We ended the afternoon with a dip in the pool.
After supper we came to the pool, with the computer to check sports and to try to call the G/KIds. And WHOA: where the hell did these people come. There was 12 or maybe 15 people in around the pool; (Who let the Dogs out ), none of which had English as a mother tongue.
We ask an Oriental guy ( because he spoke some English ) for help to get on Facetime but he deduced it was our problem with the "Mike".
I had plan to go to the local Bar to watch hockey but deferred to reading my book before bed. cheers
Saturday, 5 December 2015
Another Beach Day
Talk about a lazy day, well this was it. We lazed around most of the morning and search the TV for a news channel and low and behold we did get 2 new " English " channel with some US news. The cable network is really a hit and miss and today was the first time we got some news other than BBC.
Around noon we headed for the Beach to soak up some more Sun and to go for a swim in this beautiful Caribbean Sea. I spend my time reading and / or falling a sleep while Carroll does the Beach watching which consist of one couple walking by every 5 minutes.
After chasing back a beer followed by a snooze it was time for lunch at the beach restaurant, There was also a father and son eating there besides us, so I don't know why the stay open.
About 4 PM we returned to our Condo and then took our computers out to the pool area as we can not pick up the WiFi in our Condo
We spotted two more couple wandering around so maybe the activity will pick up. I planned on going to the sports bar to watch the hockey game but my booking reading whiled away the time and I forgot about it. Cheers
Around noon we headed for the Beach to soak up some more Sun and to go for a swim in this beautiful Caribbean Sea. I spend my time reading and / or falling a sleep while Carroll does the Beach watching which consist of one couple walking by every 5 minutes.
After chasing back a beer followed by a snooze it was time for lunch at the beach restaurant, There was also a father and son eating there besides us, so I don't know why the stay open.
About 4 PM we returned to our Condo and then took our computers out to the pool area as we can not pick up the WiFi in our Condo
We spotted two more couple wandering around so maybe the activity will pick up. I planned on going to the sports bar to watch the hockey game but my booking reading whiled away the time and I forgot about it. Cheers
Friday, 4 December 2015
Shopping Day followed by pool time
Man ; is it every quiet and lazy around this place. This Condo complex houses 12 Condos per building and there are 16 buildings which surrounds a beautiful pool area complete with a Bar , if there was anyone to serve. The grounds are a lush green with more staff then occupants. So far we have met/seen 3 single seniors all male which includes our Condo owner and the owner of the Bar plus another man from Montreal.
Last evening at the pool checking our email we seen another couple so we said Hello and that was the end of the conversation. He talked on his cell phone for over an hour and she was doing exercises. There was another couple in the pool 2 nights ago but they did not speak either of our official languages.
Earlier in the day we seen Mario , our condo owner and advised him the Condo lack a few necessities like a decent frying pan so he said the next time you go shopping buy what you need and give me the bill. We then ask him to call us a cab for a one PM pickup and to advise the Taxi that we wanted to go to the Market and then to the grocery store and that he had to stay with us.
When we got to our parking area for the pickup I notice a black Van not the white one I expected. Then the security guard came running with his cell phone , handing it to me so I knew that something went off the rails. The original taxi could make it so he sent a friend , which was OK except he did not speak any English. We agree on a price before I would get in the Taxi and I'm sure he wanted more than my offer.
First we went tot the Market to buy fruit and Veggie as they are much cheaper then the Store. However, the market "ambiances" is at least two levels below Mexico. We did purchase all the Veggies and fruit that we needed. Then went tot the grocery store and spend another 3000 P ( 90.00 Cdn ). The taxi driver had a discount card so use it again and saved another 10%.
In the afternoon we spend 2 hours at the pool ( by our self) as expected. The pool is not heated but it doesn't need to be as the sun keeps it at a nice temp. Cheers
Last evening at the pool checking our email we seen another couple so we said Hello and that was the end of the conversation. He talked on his cell phone for over an hour and she was doing exercises. There was another couple in the pool 2 nights ago but they did not speak either of our official languages.
Earlier in the day we seen Mario , our condo owner and advised him the Condo lack a few necessities like a decent frying pan so he said the next time you go shopping buy what you need and give me the bill. We then ask him to call us a cab for a one PM pickup and to advise the Taxi that we wanted to go to the Market and then to the grocery store and that he had to stay with us.
When we got to our parking area for the pickup I notice a black Van not the white one I expected. Then the security guard came running with his cell phone , handing it to me so I knew that something went off the rails. The original taxi could make it so he sent a friend , which was OK except he did not speak any English. We agree on a price before I would get in the Taxi and I'm sure he wanted more than my offer.
First we went tot the Market to buy fruit and Veggie as they are much cheaper then the Store. However, the market "ambiances" is at least two levels below Mexico. We did purchase all the Veggies and fruit that we needed. Then went tot the grocery store and spend another 3000 P ( 90.00 Cdn ). The taxi driver had a discount card so use it again and saved another 10%.
In the afternoon we spend 2 hours at the pool ( by our self) as expected. The pool is not heated but it doesn't need to be as the sun keeps it at a nice temp. Cheers
Thursday, 3 December 2015
Lazy Day at the Beach
Our condo is on the 2nd floor and is a nice accommodation, located about to 200 feet from the pool, which we have not utilized yet. It is a 1 bedroom ( King bed ) with lots of room, so that makes us happy. The one drawback is that we have to go to the pool to access the WiFi but that is not a show stopper.
We have TV, in fact two TV's so we can follow the US news so we know about the shooting in CA.
The close grocery store is located in Puerto Plata which is about 5 miles away so we need a Taxi to go shopping. However, there is a Mall within a few hundred feet the houses Banks, Bars, Nic Nac stores, Pedicure places, Hair Salons , Time share sellers and Tourist Trip Advisors ( I like that name ) that will relieve you of your money. Carroll got sucked in yesterday by the Nail lady. The lady said let me paint one nail to show you and before long she painted them all and said that will be 10.00 US please.
We have a very nice beach within about 300 yards away, complete with a Bar and Restaurant. The chairs and Umbrellas are also provide so you don't need to carry too much with you. We decide to spend a few hours being a Beach Bum . So we spent the afternoon, swimming, swelling a few beer ( Carroll a pop ) and we even had a Hamburger for lunch there.
We noticed that the dishes and cutlery need replacing as the big knife had a broken handle and both frying pans had broken handles. Of course, Mario, the owner does check those things so he said to replace whatever is need and give him the bill so we will do that the next time we go shopping.
Apparently , Carroll say I sleep for about an hour at the beach so that was my afternoon nap.
We intended to make a normal supper but neither one of us were hungry so we settled for a salad. We wasted the evening by sitting by the pool and they watching the aftermath of the shooting in San Berdinio .
There are not many tourist here yet. Apparently they don't arrive until after Christmas. We have not found another tourist couple in our condo area, who speak English yet. There does seem to a few French people on the beach and in the local Mall. cheers
We have TV, in fact two TV's so we can follow the US news so we know about the shooting in CA.
The close grocery store is located in Puerto Plata which is about 5 miles away so we need a Taxi to go shopping. However, there is a Mall within a few hundred feet the houses Banks, Bars, Nic Nac stores, Pedicure places, Hair Salons , Time share sellers and Tourist Trip Advisors ( I like that name ) that will relieve you of your money. Carroll got sucked in yesterday by the Nail lady. The lady said let me paint one nail to show you and before long she painted them all and said that will be 10.00 US please.
We have a very nice beach within about 300 yards away, complete with a Bar and Restaurant. The chairs and Umbrellas are also provide so you don't need to carry too much with you. We decide to spend a few hours being a Beach Bum . So we spent the afternoon, swimming, swelling a few beer ( Carroll a pop ) and we even had a Hamburger for lunch there.
We noticed that the dishes and cutlery need replacing as the big knife had a broken handle and both frying pans had broken handles. Of course, Mario, the owner does check those things so he said to replace whatever is need and give him the bill so we will do that the next time we go shopping.
Apparently , Carroll say I sleep for about an hour at the beach so that was my afternoon nap.
We intended to make a normal supper but neither one of us were hungry so we settled for a salad. We wasted the evening by sitting by the pool and they watching the aftermath of the shooting in San Berdinio .
There are not many tourist here yet. Apparently they don't arrive until after Christmas. We have not found another tourist couple in our condo area, who speak English yet. There does seem to a few French people on the beach and in the local Mall. cheers
Wednesday, 2 December 2015
Calgary to Puerto Plata
We got to the Calgary airport a couple of hour before takeoff and " wisssed thru the check mainly because there was nobody ahead of us. There check in girl says I sorry but you have too much luggage and I will have to charge you for the extra. Carroll says but I husband is a Veteran and she says in that case you have just the right amount. Please carry on. Incidentally, the couple behind us said they even had to weight their carryon. Finally, us Veterans get one perk.
While we were loading I did notice that they were de-icing the Aircraft even thought it was above zero. The first announcement on the plane, which I had never heard before , was that this is a " Dark Aircraft" which means No TV and No Music.
The flight to TO was.. the trip to TO. What did you expect. We had a 4 hour wait in TO so we had breakfast, knowing there would be no meal on the "leg" to DR, unless you want to pay extra.
By the time we loaded I was really tired and while we were on the taxi strip l fell asleep and didn't wake up for an hour and a half so I guess I was tired. Normally, they don't let you sleep during take off.
When flying into DR it was obvious that they get a little rain because the entire countryside was a lush green.
We arrived on schedule and our Taxi was waiting with a sign saying TOM, San Marnio, which is our condo. I told the driver I would need a beer as soon as I get to the Condo so he says I will stop so you pick some up. He actually pulled up on the wrong side of the road into oncoming traffic which caused a few horns to blast away at him. ( actually I found our later there is no right or wrong side of the the road ) .. I believe we would call it chicken;they call it driving in DR. Anyhow I ordered 6 beer assuming they came in a case of 6 or maybe 12 . Since it was just a small roadside bar they come "each " in Quarts, no less. So I said, just sell me 4 bottles at 3.30 Cdn per bottle.
When we got to the Condo complex the Securty just handed us the Keys and two wrist band and the Taxi drove thru to our particular complex. There are 4 complex buildings surrounding the Pool area and we are #4. We had too much to carry into the Condo so the taxi sent the Gardner to get a cart for us and then he loaded it with our 3 suite cases and 2 each, carryons. We are on the 2 nd floor so he carried the luggage to our room. When we got there , Mario, the condo own was also there waiting for us but more likely waiting for his rent money. Anyway, he is a nice guy.
We then arrange to have the Taxi return at 6:30 to take us to a Sea Food restaurant ( probably his friend ) and then to get groceries.
After I polished of the Quart of beer Carroll wanted to rest, which is her word for sleep. I decided to seek our a Sport Bar that I was told had the Hockey games. I found the bar quite quickly and knowing I had an hour to kill I ordered a beer. I also noticed a guy at the Bar with a ball cap with Canada on it so I ask about the hockey games. I also ask how he got the signal and he says I steal and I am Canadian and I own the Bar. JUST MY TYPE OF PEOPLE. So we exchanged lies about hockey and he told me about his son who play for Swift Current and Portland. His son also had a 3 practice game tryout with the Cauncks and that is were his career ended. This person " Ron Motts " lives he all year round but keeps a residence in Vancouver. Earlier this year he had a heart operation in the DR to install 7 Stens. I question why then did not just run a new "Hose " in and he said they would have if they had know ahead of time how bad it was.
As mention the Taxi took us to a Seafood restaurant and then for groceries. The groceries come to 100.00 Cdn but he got us a 10 % discount with his Rewards Card.
After returning home with the groceries we had a cup of tea and called it a day. By this time we had been awake for more then 36 hours. cheers
Monday, 30 November 2015
Heading for Dominica Republic ( DR ) 30 Nov 15
We are leaving at 12:05 AM 1 Dec which means we have to be at the airport by 10:00PM tonight , 30 Nov . We arrived at Todd's yesterday to delivery the all important G/Kids Christmas presents and of course to stay overnight. Todd will take us to the Airport later this evening. The weather is great so there should be no delays.
WestJet sent us an email reminding us to be at the airport 2 hours early for check in. The next hurdle is the self check in but I'll just act stupid ( which isn't hard ) and someone will help us. We are allowed 3 pieces of luggage ( Free ) with no limits on the weight because I'm a veteran. It's the only perk I get for spending 30 years in the Military and dragging my all ove "Hell's half Acre " . For Carroll that apparent means we could bring everything but the Motor Home and the Tow vehicle.
We have a 4 hour layover in Toronto so we will have breakfast there which will help to kill time. The flight from TO to Puerto Plata is a little over 4 hours. My next note should be fro the DR and I will try to send some Pics this year.
WestJet sent us an email reminding us to be at the airport 2 hours early for check in. The next hurdle is the self check in but I'll just act stupid ( which isn't hard ) and someone will help us. We are allowed 3 pieces of luggage ( Free ) with no limits on the weight because I'm a veteran. It's the only perk I get for spending 30 years in the Military and dragging my all ove "Hell's half Acre " . For Carroll that apparent means we could bring everything but the Motor Home and the Tow vehicle.
We have a 4 hour layover in Toronto so we will have breakfast there which will help to kill time. The flight from TO to Puerto Plata is a little over 4 hours. My next note should be fro the DR and I will try to send some Pics this year.
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