Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Adventures In Haiti
For those who are adventurous and love the caribbean, you may want to assist Haiti in a very real way. You can still travel to Haiti and your tourist dollars can directly benefit the local economy and the locals themselves.
"The cultural tour is an incredible experience" remarks one traveler. Labadee is a piece of land purchased by Royal Caribbean. The hidden cove, Paradise Beach, has a beautiful beach and a cool fresh water spring that you can plunge in to rinse off. The cultural tour is a great way to learn about the fascinating Haitian culture.
If you want an adventure visit Jacmel. The views are incredible and Jacmel is a wonderful little town that still has remnants of its colonial past. There are art galleries, restaurants, tourist shops, hotels and great black sand beaches.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
INFERNO 2010
Many airlines are currently having fare sales. Now is the time to book your trip for Inferno 2010!! You said you wanted an alternative to Santo Domingo, what better opportunity? Inferno is shaping up to be quite the circuit event. Labor Day weekend, September 2-6, in beautiful Punta Cana. There are several packages from which to choose. You will also be able to mingle with some gay celebrities!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
If At First...
...you don't succeed, try & try again. I was reminded of those words as I read the personal experience submitted to the blog by Jack Crew, who was in SDQ last June. My advice is to always learn from other travelers. It's great that he will give it another chance.
I had read Monaga and Tropical Desires blogs and felt that I had a pretty good understanding of what to expect. But my trip started to unglue as soon as I arrived.
The first problem was that my phone didn't work outside the US. Looking back this may seem obvious but it never crossed my mind to check prior to my trip. I was pissed that my ride/taxi was nowhere to be found and I couldn't call to find him. So I took another taxi with no problem.
I soon checked into the hotel and it was basically what I expected. Well, except for the micro-sized bathroom. But hey, I was in Santo Domingo so I rolled with it.
Although I had seen photos of the Conde before arriving, little did I expect the grunginess of that street. It is one of the largest attractions and yet it is so hot and dirty. I thought..."can't the government spruce up the place?"
I was walking around trying to find a mobile phone store but instead found a "social services worker." Not a buggie, but he can introduce you to someone. This person also can help you find the best clubs, restaurants or whatever all for a fee. Since I needed a phone, we took a cab to a phone place and I purchased a couple of phones. (one was for him) He needed a phone so we could stay connected. Anyway, I was happy to have a phone. But in addition to the phone I had to pay for his time for helping me.
Later that night my "worker" invited me and some of his friends to go clubbing. So I went. It was truly tons of fun. We took a taxi (at my expense), had many drinks (at my expense) and he introduced me to a friend who was to be my date that night. Everything was cool until his friend and I returened to the hotel. Somehow the price negotiations got confused. I had paid the "worker" who was to pay the buggie. The buggie said he never gets the money from the "worker" and wished to be paid directly. I disagreed so he left without incident, or sex.
The next day I was stressed and hungover but wanted to explore the city. It wasn't long before I was approached by another guy. I understand buggies, but aren't there willing gays in the city? This guy seemed totally gay and totally into me. I consider myself fairly attractive so why not? I thought this was a regular hook-up. I thought that until the sex was finished and he wanted $200. Not only was I surprised to be asked to pay but I was shocked at the amount. Suddenly the guy appeared highly aggressive. I paid him something like $50 and explained we would have to go downstairs to the ATM. But when we got to the lobby the security was there so the guy left.
By now I did not like SDQ. I was not impressed with the men, I was hungover and I had spent more than my budget on pimps and phones. So I booked a return flight back to the US for the next day. Naturally things immediately got better. I met a super nice guy with a great body/personality and had lots of fun. Tried a few great restaurants and was enjoying myself. Then I left.
This month I head back to SDQ to try again. No more pimps and I have called my provider to work out the cell phone situation. I have a different plan also. I guess my story is a warning to watch out for the unexpected.
I had read Monaga and Tropical Desires blogs and felt that I had a pretty good understanding of what to expect. But my trip started to unglue as soon as I arrived.
The first problem was that my phone didn't work outside the US. Looking back this may seem obvious but it never crossed my mind to check prior to my trip. I was pissed that my ride/taxi was nowhere to be found and I couldn't call to find him. So I took another taxi with no problem.
I soon checked into the hotel and it was basically what I expected. Well, except for the micro-sized bathroom. But hey, I was in Santo Domingo so I rolled with it.
Although I had seen photos of the Conde before arriving, little did I expect the grunginess of that street. It is one of the largest attractions and yet it is so hot and dirty. I thought..."can't the government spruce up the place?"
I was walking around trying to find a mobile phone store but instead found a "social services worker." Not a buggie, but he can introduce you to someone. This person also can help you find the best clubs, restaurants or whatever all for a fee. Since I needed a phone, we took a cab to a phone place and I purchased a couple of phones. (one was for him) He needed a phone so we could stay connected. Anyway, I was happy to have a phone. But in addition to the phone I had to pay for his time for helping me.
Later that night my "worker" invited me and some of his friends to go clubbing. So I went. It was truly tons of fun. We took a taxi (at my expense), had many drinks (at my expense) and he introduced me to a friend who was to be my date that night. Everything was cool until his friend and I returened to the hotel. Somehow the price negotiations got confused. I had paid the "worker" who was to pay the buggie. The buggie said he never gets the money from the "worker" and wished to be paid directly. I disagreed so he left without incident, or sex.
The next day I was stressed and hungover but wanted to explore the city. It wasn't long before I was approached by another guy. I understand buggies, but aren't there willing gays in the city? This guy seemed totally gay and totally into me. I consider myself fairly attractive so why not? I thought this was a regular hook-up. I thought that until the sex was finished and he wanted $200. Not only was I surprised to be asked to pay but I was shocked at the amount. Suddenly the guy appeared highly aggressive. I paid him something like $50 and explained we would have to go downstairs to the ATM. But when we got to the lobby the security was there so the guy left.
By now I did not like SDQ. I was not impressed with the men, I was hungover and I had spent more than my budget on pimps and phones. So I booked a return flight back to the US for the next day. Naturally things immediately got better. I met a super nice guy with a great body/personality and had lots of fun. Tried a few great restaurants and was enjoying myself. Then I left.
This month I head back to SDQ to try again. No more pimps and I have called my provider to work out the cell phone situation. I have a different plan also. I guess my story is a warning to watch out for the unexpected.
Friday, April 09, 2010
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Vacation Planning 101
Be sure to visit the Travel Info Page for helpful tips when planning your vacation to the Dominican Republic. Click on the ads for great deals!
Friday, April 02, 2010
A Very Good Friday
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