Exploration

Trip Start May 31, 2010

Trip End Jun 24, 2010

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Flag of Dominican Republic Bayahibe, Dominican Republic
Friday, June 18, 2010

Up for a new breakfast it was actually quite good. Then we got the great idea to walk along the beach towards the big resorts at "Playa Dominicus". It didn't look far at all in or guidebook it just seemed to be a straight line, that should have made me suspicious. In reality it was not straight, the sun was burning no shadow to hide in. Because we were walking with sandals on a coral reef for what seemed to be about 3 km in total, it was quite an effort. We wanted to explore the resorts and see what it would cost, so we stopped by a few of them. But after speaking with one guard (there are guards everywhere) that called up a person so I had to explain what I wanted to three different people before I reached the deciding person on the phone. Then I got the information that since I hadn't booked a room in advance I couldn't enter the resort (we wanted to see how the place was before we booked anything) for security reasons. My patience was tested, we should probably have booked it in a travel store months in advance like a resort package

.

I am not sure which option is best, being locked in at an expensive resort (with only French speaking guests?) or having more freedom in the local village, but being frequently approached by the local bizniz (hookers and drug dealers?)
What happened to paradise?

So we went back to our hotel and then we got the great idea to book a resort called Oasis by phone. Then we had to buy a phone card to be able to use the phone in the hotel reception, but that didn't help at all, too much language confusion I guess? So what's next?
We finally did a four day booking, directly on their website since that was the simplest solution. I sure hope it was a good move? At least he price was a lot cheaper than what was suggested on the phone?

Went out in the evening expecting craziness, sat down on a really local bar. It was good music and a mix of everything and I mean everything...
It felt like we were in a ghetto style music video, but the funny thing was that it felt totally safe.
Then we went down to "Jungla Bar" our favorite place where we ordered a delicious sandwich with "Jugos" (Mango and Banana). We enjoyed or meal while being surrounded by two guys with guns. It is strange how quick you can get used to things, it started to feel normal.

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