Today is Monday and the Safari Bus is an open air truck style bus with bench seats facing inward. There was 4 other couples, 2 from Sweden, 1 from Norway and a young couple from Germany. Needless to say the all spoke and understood English. The tour Guide spoke " Dominican English " but could be clearly understood by all. In addition, the company sends along a " Filming Crew " consisting of one young guy ( who spoke fluent English ) complete with a camera and a Video camera to capture all of us looking at the sights and sound of this most wonderful adventure. For the low low price of 35.00 USD you get a Video copy or a DVD or a Flash card copy to show to friends and family assuming their life was so boring that they had nothing better to do. He did manage to sell 1 copy.
As we were leaving the city we drove by a Church so I ask what religion where most of the people on the Island and without hesitation the tour guide said 60 % Catholic, 30 % Pentecostal and 10 % Drinkers and Party types. The Photo Tech immediately said I'm 10 %.
We started out by driving thru the city of Puerto Plata to see the early morning sites and sounds which turned out to be mostly Motorcycles honking at the vehicles to say "I coming Thru ". These people ( men and women ) are nuts. They drive recklessly with no helmet , which is against the law, and most are wearing Flip-Flops. Before leaving the city we stopped for Rum, coke, 7 Up and water for the trip as they advertised there would be refreshments. I challenged the lack of beer but it fell on deaf ears.
Then we headed into the hilly area which is also the agriculture area but not to be confused with our definition of farming or ranching by a long shot. The tour guide said that we had about 20 KM of rough road but he could have easily describe it as a plough field punctuated with more potholes that you could count. I assume the previous nights rain enhanced the Potholes. We stopped at several small "farms" to see the did fruits trees such a Avocado, Mango, Papaya, Coconut and a Coco trees. I was amazed at the height of the Coco tree and they are large enough produce enough lumber to built one house. Later in the day we seen many homes sided with lumber from the coco tree.
AS in most of these Island countries, the land and businesses are own by a few families and the Dominica is no different. The Rum company ( Ron Cabrera ) is own by one family and we drove by their ranch which is 15 Miles long. Incidentally the wealth intermarry, Outsiders are not invited.
We also stopped at a place where the advertisement said was a Coffee and Coco plantation. I've seen bigger gardens then these " Plantations " but whatever gets a tourist to fork over their money. However , next to the Plantation was some Artisans carving on a special rock found only in the DR. Their only tools consisted of a Machete, file, small knife and what look much like a chisel. I did see a buffing grinder set off in a corner but they did nor mention it. Their carvings where beautiful. However, to attract Cdn, Americans and possibly some Europeans they also make Sports Souvenirs out of the "precious " stone and the first thing I seen as a stone Puck with the Calgary Flames Logo and I doubt that they got permission from the NHL. They had souvenirs for all sports at 25.00 USD a copy. The only one I could find was a puck for the Oilers, apparently they were Sold Out.
We then went next door ( 50 feet away ) and this older lady demonstrated how, in the "olden days " they would grind coffee beans and Coco beans by pounding them with a big round stick in a carved our wooden block. She also made coffee with the beans she had ground and we all had a taste. Carroll purchased a Coco stick from her.
We then headed for a Cigar "factory " for lack of a better word but on the way we go thru this modern vibrant city which by this time is quite a ways up in the mountains ( actually a large hill ) and I think it surprised us all because 10 minutes early we were in the " back woods".
Anyways, this Cigar factory is a two man show. They grow their own tobacco, Sun dry the leafs and roll the Cigars by hand in a roller much like people use to do when the rolled their own cigarettes. Then they go in a press for 45 minutes and then another guy does the final wrapping. I ask how many they could do in a day and they say 500 large cigars or 750 cigars assuming they did not party the night before. We were invited to smoke a cigar and the 2 Swedish couples, who are smokers, took up the offer. Then we moved into the next part of the building and of course the real reason we were brought here... to buy Jewry, booze and Souvenirs. This is how the tour Guide makes his money.
That last part of our trip was to visit and to play in 7 Waterfalls which include a 25 minute hike thru some rather rough terrain to reach the 1 st one. Needless to say we did not partake nor did we pay for that part of the trip. We lounged in the restaurant awaiting the return of the others.
First you had to be in your bathing suit, then they rented you a pair of water shoes and gave you a Helmet and a life jacket ( what does the tell you) and then there are two guides per group of 5 to 10 people. Our group had 8 people but the one man from Norway was fairly tall and large and they did not have a Life jacket big enough so he went along to take pictures as did the German girl. Then the lady from Norway, " chickened out" after the first waterfalls but when along to look. Two couples said they would not do it again nor would they recommend it for Seniors.
There was a flock of young people who seem to enjoy adventure but I was on " Bikini Watch" so I can not say how many of the young people where men.
We then return home thru Puerto Plata on a different route which took us by the Port for the Cruise ship and it is obvious the this city is going all out to attract Cruise ships. This is a deep water port so the Cruise ships can dock as opposed to dock off-shore. We return home about 4 PM badly in of a beer. cheers
Tuesday, 15 December 2015
Where did all the Rain Go
When I got up Sunday morning around 6:30 I went to our window on the 2 nd floor to see what kind of mess would be left after the Torrential rain storm we had last evening. When we went to bed around 10:30 and it was still raining. To my surprise , the Sun was peeking over the mountain and you could not tell that we had a rain storm 8 hours earlier. There was the odd Palm tree leaf on the ground, other than that, no evidence of the rain. Obviously the ground sucks it up.
This is the only rain we have had since our arrival , however, everything is green and the golf course looks in great condition.
We did hit the beach ,later in the day and the high tide had delivered some debris ( mostly grass ) on the beach caused by the rain. Sometime during the following evening they drag an apparatus along the beach to pick up the grassy weeds. I have not see the machine but I have seen the tractor tire marks. This is done anytime the tide brings in any weeds/ grass. Hence the beaches are very clean.
Tomorrow , Monday we are going on a Safari, DR style not African Style.
This is the only rain we have had since our arrival , however, everything is green and the golf course looks in great condition.
We did hit the beach ,later in the day and the high tide had delivered some debris ( mostly grass ) on the beach caused by the rain. Sometime during the following evening they drag an apparatus along the beach to pick up the grassy weeds. I have not see the machine but I have seen the tractor tire marks. This is done anytime the tide brings in any weeds/ grass. Hence the beaches are very clean.
Tomorrow , Monday we are going on a Safari, DR style not African Style.
Sunday, 13 December 2015
Rain, Rain and More Rain
In the morning our weather was cloudy and in fact while were at the Beach in the afternoon we mews about how it looked like it could rain due to the dark cloud. We brushed it off because we have seen this dark cloud before but no rain so we figured it was just DR weather.
Around 3 PM we Skyped Carroll's sister Jeannie as she was hosting Christmas Dinner for the sibling so Carroll got to talk to her brothers , sisters and outlaws. I reminded Jeannie that she forgot to invite us again.
While at the beach we stop to talk to a University Professor who was in the DR with his wife and 5 Kids and he was teaching at the University for 1 year. We ask if the Kids were home schooled and he said no; we just threw them into Spanish school and they learned the language real quick. In fact two of them scored near the top of their class and the other are doing good.
In the late afternoon, while sitting by the pool it started to rain ( real rain ) so we headed for the condo and made it just in time. It was a torrential rain, coming straight down with no wind. I don't believe I have seen a rail storm like this every and it last at least 1 hour.
The rain had slowed to a shower around 6 PM and we had called a taxi to take us to a restaurant at 6:30 for supper. Shortly after we got into the Taxi it started to pour rain again and continued until 8 PM. The restaurant was sort of upscale, at least in décor but the eating area had a roof but no windows, just opening , which is by design for the Dominica. It rained so had they had to move the table about 6 feet in from the window opening. We were not getting wet but they moved us anyway.
Our Pizza meal with wine ( for me , water for Carroll ) followed by desert cost 36.00 CDN which I thought was reasonable. It is an Italian restaurant, recommended by the Landlord and the menu seem great so we will return for a Pasta dinner at a later date.
After our supper we went grocery shopping again as this is the 4 th. time. Apparently we don't know how to shop!!!!!. Incidentally, when we exited the Grocery store the Security guards ( there are several ) walked us to the taxi with a large umbrella so we would not get wet. I never seen that happen at WalMart. cheers
Around 3 PM we Skyped Carroll's sister Jeannie as she was hosting Christmas Dinner for the sibling so Carroll got to talk to her brothers , sisters and outlaws. I reminded Jeannie that she forgot to invite us again.
While at the beach we stop to talk to a University Professor who was in the DR with his wife and 5 Kids and he was teaching at the University for 1 year. We ask if the Kids were home schooled and he said no; we just threw them into Spanish school and they learned the language real quick. In fact two of them scored near the top of their class and the other are doing good.
In the late afternoon, while sitting by the pool it started to rain ( real rain ) so we headed for the condo and made it just in time. It was a torrential rain, coming straight down with no wind. I don't believe I have seen a rail storm like this every and it last at least 1 hour.
The rain had slowed to a shower around 6 PM and we had called a taxi to take us to a restaurant at 6:30 for supper. Shortly after we got into the Taxi it started to pour rain again and continued until 8 PM. The restaurant was sort of upscale, at least in décor but the eating area had a roof but no windows, just opening , which is by design for the Dominica. It rained so had they had to move the table about 6 feet in from the window opening. We were not getting wet but they moved us anyway.
Our Pizza meal with wine ( for me , water for Carroll ) followed by desert cost 36.00 CDN which I thought was reasonable. It is an Italian restaurant, recommended by the Landlord and the menu seem great so we will return for a Pasta dinner at a later date.
After our supper we went grocery shopping again as this is the 4 th. time. Apparently we don't know how to shop!!!!!. Incidentally, when we exited the Grocery store the Security guards ( there are several ) walked us to the taxi with a large umbrella so we would not get wet. I never seen that happen at WalMart. cheers
Booked a Tour
Today we went to the Mall to book a Tour for 8:30 Monday. Hopefully, I soften the guy up yesterday when I walked away because he was too expensive, although he probably was not but if you don't barter , there is no fun in it. He did knock off 5.00USD each.
The Tour is actually called a Safari , which has a completely different definition in the Dominica than in South Africa. They have the same Bus configuration but there are no animals ( wild or tame ). We will tour a Coffee plantation, a Coco Plantation and a Cigar factory all before Lunch, which is includes all the beer you can drink.
Then we go to 5 different Waterfalls, however, we can only go to the first one as the others can only be seen after walking thru some rugged terrain and scaling a small rock face by pulling yourself up by a rope. We will let the younger guys do that while we will wait at the 1 st waterfall as it has a pool that we can laze around in. I hope there is beer there?
After getting the Tour settled we walked by our friends Bar again and there was a " Caucasian "couple having an early afternoon drink so we stopped in to say hello, mainly to have a conversation with someone who speaks English. They are from North Bay and are on the first of 7, two week vacations stops they are making this winter. I didn't ask but I assume they won the Lotto.
After lunch we head to the Beach as it was another gorgeous day. Long before we got to the beach we realized by the noise that the 20 or so College Kids had beat us there. They were have a great time as most of them were in the Ocean complete with a drink in their hand. How they kept the Seawater out of their drink was beyond me.
The beach in front of the ( several ) all Inclusive Resorts , usually has a crowd but today it was practically empty and there was nobody in the water. I can only assume it was " Go home Day " or " Exchange Day", whatever it is called. We will see tomorrow, if it back to normal as they usually have Water Aerobics, led by a Local in the afternoon.
After our Beach time was over we headed back to the Condo for Supper, computer work after supper and watch the US and BBC news , if they are on. TV here is hit and miss. cheers
The Tour is actually called a Safari , which has a completely different definition in the Dominica than in South Africa. They have the same Bus configuration but there are no animals ( wild or tame ). We will tour a Coffee plantation, a Coco Plantation and a Cigar factory all before Lunch, which is includes all the beer you can drink.
Then we go to 5 different Waterfalls, however, we can only go to the first one as the others can only be seen after walking thru some rugged terrain and scaling a small rock face by pulling yourself up by a rope. We will let the younger guys do that while we will wait at the 1 st waterfall as it has a pool that we can laze around in. I hope there is beer there?
After getting the Tour settled we walked by our friends Bar again and there was a " Caucasian "couple having an early afternoon drink so we stopped in to say hello, mainly to have a conversation with someone who speaks English. They are from North Bay and are on the first of 7, two week vacations stops they are making this winter. I didn't ask but I assume they won the Lotto.
After lunch we head to the Beach as it was another gorgeous day. Long before we got to the beach we realized by the noise that the 20 or so College Kids had beat us there. They were have a great time as most of them were in the Ocean complete with a drink in their hand. How they kept the Seawater out of their drink was beyond me.
The beach in front of the ( several ) all Inclusive Resorts , usually has a crowd but today it was practically empty and there was nobody in the water. I can only assume it was " Go home Day " or " Exchange Day", whatever it is called. We will see tomorrow, if it back to normal as they usually have Water Aerobics, led by a Local in the afternoon.
After our Beach time was over we headed back to the Condo for Supper, computer work after supper and watch the US and BBC news , if they are on. TV here is hit and miss. cheers
Lazy Day again.
This morning was spent checking Hockey score and the resulting stories especially when the Oilers win' followed by checking emails and the news in the Globe and Mail.
We did not feel like going to the Beach right away and then the Landlord came along and said he was having a Safe installed in our Condo today. I question why; because I did not have any money which got a chuckle out of him. Apparently the couple moving in Jan for 3 months want a Safe for their Passports, money and other documents. I must admit it is a good idea , however we are on the second floor which would be hard to scale from the outside as the outside is all Stucco. The Landlord expected the " installer" in the early after but my question was.... is he on Mexican time. ha ha.
We had to go to the local Mall to pick up a couple of items and to " Spar" with the tour guide about a couple of tours that we were considering. I always like to walk away the first time so I might get a better deal the next time I pass his way. They are NOT doing a great business at this time so they usually knock off a few buck just to get a Bus Load.
When I'm in the Mall I usually walk by my friend who our a Bar as I never see him in the Condo. This time he was busy putting up some Christmas decoration and talking to customer. He quickly called me in and introduced me to the customer who was a "bolsters " Brit and then he left me to listen to him while he carried on with the decorating. I swapped stories with the Brit for a while until Carroll gave me " silent " signal that we had to go.
I should note that the population of our Condo increased by 30 College aged kids ( not English ) and they were definitely in a happy mood. In the early afternoon the headed for the Beach and after supper they had a pool party and they were not drinking straight Coke.
We did our after supper computer work and returned to our room for reading and TV. The Landlord said the party lasted until the Pool closed which is when everyone goes home. cheers
We did not feel like going to the Beach right away and then the Landlord came along and said he was having a Safe installed in our Condo today. I question why; because I did not have any money which got a chuckle out of him. Apparently the couple moving in Jan for 3 months want a Safe for their Passports, money and other documents. I must admit it is a good idea , however we are on the second floor which would be hard to scale from the outside as the outside is all Stucco. The Landlord expected the " installer" in the early after but my question was.... is he on Mexican time. ha ha.
We had to go to the local Mall to pick up a couple of items and to " Spar" with the tour guide about a couple of tours that we were considering. I always like to walk away the first time so I might get a better deal the next time I pass his way. They are NOT doing a great business at this time so they usually knock off a few buck just to get a Bus Load.
When I'm in the Mall I usually walk by my friend who our a Bar as I never see him in the Condo. This time he was busy putting up some Christmas decoration and talking to customer. He quickly called me in and introduced me to the customer who was a "bolsters " Brit and then he left me to listen to him while he carried on with the decorating. I swapped stories with the Brit for a while until Carroll gave me " silent " signal that we had to go.
I should note that the population of our Condo increased by 30 College aged kids ( not English ) and they were definitely in a happy mood. In the early afternoon the headed for the Beach and after supper they had a pool party and they were not drinking straight Coke.
We did our after supper computer work and returned to our room for reading and TV. The Landlord said the party lasted until the Pool closed which is when everyone goes home. cheers
Thursday, 10 December 2015
Power Problem during supper
After breakfast we head to the pool area to check the computer for news about the happenings in the World ( mostly sports ) and emails from home and then we hit the Beach which is our favorite past time. We just can get enough of the Sun, Sand and the Caribbean Sea. However, we have to be careful of getting to much Sun all at once but we are definitely getting brown. One of the Hawkers ask us how long we were staying here and Carroll told him 31 Dec and he said, Heck you will be as brown as me by then.
After our Beach time was up we return to our Condo for a quick lunch and then to the pool area to lounge around , read our book and take a quick dip in the pool if it gets too hot. Believe me it is not crowded.
At supper we decided to use the oven for the first time. We could not understand the symbols on the oven knob nor could we get the oven to work so the " Electrician " in me said to check the breakers as it may be in the Off posn. The Electrical panel had two 30 Amp Main Breakers and several 20 Amp breaker for each appliance or room. The entire condo has only 120 service to each appliance which has the fridge, Stove Top, Oven and Hot water tank, the Microwave two A/C units plus the lights. I thought maybe the oven had one of the 30 Amp breakers so I turn it off and holy shit we had no power at all. To make matters worst I thought the breaker was going to fall out in my hand. I believe they export their Electrician's from Mexico. I fiddled some more and got everything back on except the Stove top. Therefore we had to cook supper using the oven and the Microwave. I'm sure I can get everything to work but at this time of night I will leave it until morning.
After supper each night we head to the Pool area where it is cooler and to check the emails, the Sports scores and the News and to talk on Skype to " those " family and friends smart enough to put Skype on there computer. ha ha Cheers
After our Beach time was up we return to our Condo for a quick lunch and then to the pool area to lounge around , read our book and take a quick dip in the pool if it gets too hot. Believe me it is not crowded.
At supper we decided to use the oven for the first time. We could not understand the symbols on the oven knob nor could we get the oven to work so the " Electrician " in me said to check the breakers as it may be in the Off posn. The Electrical panel had two 30 Amp Main Breakers and several 20 Amp breaker for each appliance or room. The entire condo has only 120 service to each appliance which has the fridge, Stove Top, Oven and Hot water tank, the Microwave two A/C units plus the lights. I thought maybe the oven had one of the 30 Amp breakers so I turn it off and holy shit we had no power at all. To make matters worst I thought the breaker was going to fall out in my hand. I believe they export their Electrician's from Mexico. I fiddled some more and got everything back on except the Stove top. Therefore we had to cook supper using the oven and the Microwave. I'm sure I can get everything to work but at this time of night I will leave it until morning.
After supper each night we head to the Pool area where it is cooler and to check the emails, the Sports scores and the News and to talk on Skype to " those " family and friends smart enough to put Skype on there computer. ha ha Cheers
Wash Day Tuesday
Carroll decided that today was the day we need to wash clothes or what she meant was: too get the clothes washed. There are no Washing Machines in the Condos, however they do have a Laundry Mat but not for our use. Here is the drill and it suites us just find. I go to the office and ask to have some laundry done and they don't ask how much. We had 3 garbage bags plus the sheets from our " King Size bed. I pay the Office 150 P ( about 5.00 Cdn ) and I also have to purchase a package of soap which I think was about 50 P. They also ask for my room number which I assumed was so they could return the clean clothes. To my surprise, by the time I got back to our Condo the Laundry lady was there to pick up the dirty Laundry. So , for 5.00 Cdn they Pick up the laundry, Wash it, dry it, fold it and deliver it and I'm sure if we had given her the key she would have put it in the drawers. ha ha.
And to top it off the Laundry lady found a 100 P bill in one of the pockets and she returned it to us. I intended to tip her anyway so I gave it back to her.
Later this week we intend to have our condo clean and they will also do that for 150 P ( 5.00 Cdn ). I guess I now know why Mario, our landlord and Ron, the Bar owner like living in the DR.
After getting the "Laundry " out of the way we headed for the Beach to soak up the Sun and swim in the Caribbean Sea, The water is wonderful. I always buy beer from the Beach Restaurant and sometime we have lunch there. However today is Tuesday ( which I forgot ) and for some reason the Restaurant is closed on Tuesday. So there I am being a Beach Bum, reading my book and no Beer. How much worst can it get. ha ha
After returning from the Beach and having lunch we walked to the local Mall in search of Beer, Bread and some Bug spray. There is some little bugs that are around the pool after the sun goes down. They are not bad but they bite around the ankles.
My friend Ron ( from Vancouver) has invited me to join him at his Bar to watch hockey but we are on Atlantic time , therefore the Oilers and Flames don't start until 9:30 our time so it is kind of late. cheers
And to top it off the Laundry lady found a 100 P bill in one of the pockets and she returned it to us. I intended to tip her anyway so I gave it back to her.
Later this week we intend to have our condo clean and they will also do that for 150 P ( 5.00 Cdn ). I guess I now know why Mario, our landlord and Ron, the Bar owner like living in the DR.
After getting the "Laundry " out of the way we headed for the Beach to soak up the Sun and swim in the Caribbean Sea, The water is wonderful. I always buy beer from the Beach Restaurant and sometime we have lunch there. However today is Tuesday ( which I forgot ) and for some reason the Restaurant is closed on Tuesday. So there I am being a Beach Bum, reading my book and no Beer. How much worst can it get. ha ha
After returning from the Beach and having lunch we walked to the local Mall in search of Beer, Bread and some Bug spray. There is some little bugs that are around the pool after the sun goes down. They are not bad but they bite around the ankles.
My friend Ron ( from Vancouver) has invited me to join him at his Bar to watch hockey but we are on Atlantic time , therefore the Oilers and Flames don't start until 9:30 our time so it is kind of late. cheers
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