INTERNATIONAL FEES MAY APPLY

Welcome to the Dominican Republic where there's an abundance of culture, humanity, poverty, Presidente jumbo beers, sunny beaches & woman to go around! As soon as you get off the plane you can feel the relaxation & FRESHness in the air. In an instant the Mimik says to himself that he's never leaving this place!

It took about 20 min to get thru customs, an 1hr to get my luggage, about 15 min to get my rental, & another 15 min to meet up w a friend from the states who was already there 2 days earlier. Unfortunately the weather is a bit of a downer 'cause there was a passing storm the day before.

Checking into the hotel is 1st on the list. Not knowing the country side the selected areas are quite a distance apart from each other. From the airport to the hotel in Juan Dolio is 40 min in the opposite direction of Santo Domingo where the Mimik will be spending most of his time. Now let the Mimik explain something... he didnt stay at a resort. He didnt want to be w tourists. He wanted to see the heart of the country for what it is & he can tell you that he got what he bargained for!

He scoped the areas for potential piecing & there was definitely a nice spot just down the street from his hotel that was already bombed by what he would imagine to be the local graffster 'cause of all the tags & throwies from the hotel to Santo Domingo. All he needed was some cans & a time frame to get started.

All along the coast one can see the clear, teal blue waters & breathe the FRESH air. Pull off to the side of the road & buy a bottled water for 30 pesos ($1.00) or a beer for 100 pesos ($3.00) at any time of the day.. lunch, dinner, & breakfast! Even though the country is poverty strickened they always seem to have money to drink!

Having lunch in China town & nite on the town w some quickly made friends lightened up the bad weather situations. The drinks played a role in that too! The next couple days was filled w fun, eating mangu, sightseeing, kicking back, learning the culture & peoples behaviors... did the Mimik mention the drinks?

And you can leave your drivers license at home. Learning to drive in the streets took skill 'cause the people dont believe in signals or stop lights. On 2 ocassions the Mimik witnessed cars being driven on the same side going in the opposite direction... crazy stuff!

Nonetheless it was an educated experience that left a harsh impression, but would definitely repeat a visit. This time to a resort... the mimik loves air conditioning!

The Mimik would like to thank Kenny , Joanna, Arisson, Natasha, & Fidia for their help in sharing in the experience... & the drinking! 

P.S.   The Mimik never got the chance to paint. Next time... maybe.