Hotel Magnifico, Cabarete 2013

[Irie]

I had a recent stay at Hotel El Magnifico in Cabarete and thought I'd share. The "hotel" is not really in the true sense of the word, but is more like apartments or condos. It is located on the east end of Cabarete and not far from the main attractions of the area. The beach and primary downtown area were no more than a five minute walk. The accomodations were above par (imo), clean, and high on the list for an additional stay should I decide to do so again.


It equals my only other overnight stay in the area at Ocean Dream.

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/showthread.php?381768-Ocean-Dream-condos-Dec-2011&highlight



I searched here based on thread title and only found a couple........lacking info on the accomodations. I'm sure there are plenty of other threads with pictures buried deep within. The one's I found were somewhat dated.


http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/showthread.php?155519-Hotel-Magnifico&highlight=magnifico



http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/showthread.php?1652-Hotel-El-Magnifico-in-Cabarete&highlight=magnifico






http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70797&d=1360978662








http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70798&d=1360978663

[Irie]

They have a few options in regards to number of bedrooms and may not be for the extreme budget minded traveler. Most of us know that price can vary depending on the time of travel during the year......and Cabarete costs a little more than other adjacent areas.



http://www.hotelmagnifico.com/en/index.php




I rented a two bedroom unit. Very nice and would do it again....... It has nice potential, whether with the pick of the night........or with a favorita.



The approach to the unit.



http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70776&d=1360977923





It had a nice porch as well.



http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70777&d=1360977924

[Irie]

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70778&d=1360977925




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70779&d=1360977925




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70780&d=1360977926




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70781&d=1360977927

[Irie]

The main bedroom had a nice set of sliding doors for privacy......should you choose.




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70800&d=1360980119







"Open says me"





http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70782&d=1360977927





It was perfect and had a different feel to it....




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70786&d=1360977930

[Irie]

All the amenities needed were there.




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70788&d=1360977931





http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70787&d=1360977931





http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70785&d=1360977929





http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70783&d=1360977928

[Irie]

I really didn't spend alot of time here, but it looked nice.




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70789&d=1360977932





http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70784&d=1360977928






http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70790&d=1360977933

[Irie]

There are six units there iirc and each had at least three floors. Each with a very similiar set up.




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70802&d=1360980722




i had the first floor, unfortunately. There are a set of double (lockable) doors leading into the second bedroom. This is how they rent out a one room "hotel" type accomodation, or convert it easily into a two bedroom unit complete with living room and kitchen.




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70792&d=1360977934





http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70794&d=1360977936






This room came complete with it's own porch as well.




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70793&d=1360977935

[Irie]

There was a common bathroom too.



http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70791&d=1360977934






http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70795&d=1360977936

[Irie]

The front porch area was perfect......




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70777&d=1360977924






.....for doing a little bit of nothing.





http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70805&d=1360981403






(random units)

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70806&d=1360981472

[Irie]

The grounds were immaculate. It was generally quiet other than hearing the ocean pounding away at the shore.




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70807&d=1360981789





http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70815&d=1360981804






It was only a 10 second walk down to the local beach.




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70812&d=1360981795

[Irie]

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70809&d=1360981792




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70810&d=1360981793






They have a nice "hot" tub overlooking the water.






http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70811&d=1360981794

[Irie]

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70813&d=1360981798





http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70818&d=1360981815






The main pool. It was used on occasion by several of the guests. I didn't quite make that trip though.




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70822&d=1360981827





http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70821&d=1360981824







http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70815&d=1360981804

[Irie]

The people running the place were very hospitable and accomodating to any needs. No complaints from my dealings with them at all. In fact, a small glass shelf was broken while I was there. I let them know upon check out and after some discussion with the owner, I was on my way. I have yet to see an additional charge.


The main office/ reception area is right off the main pool.




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70823&d=1360981830





The view in the morning was very pleasing to the eyes.




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70808&d=1360981790





Right of the side of the porch, as well.




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70814&d=1360981800

[trEPP33]

I stayed in Maganifico a couple of times back in 2008/2009. Created reports with pics as well. Very nice place and would stay here again if I ever stay in Cabarete again which is doubtful since I found the villas in Sosua. I think there was a $10 or $20 charge to bring in chicas though. Besides that it was a great place to stay.

[psriches]

I stayed in Maganifico a couple of times back in 2008/2009. Created reports with pics as well. Very nice place and would stay here again if I ever stay in Cabarete again which is doubtful since I found the villas in Sosua. I think there was a $10 or $20 charge to bring in chicas though. Besides that it was a great place to stay.Deal breaker right there!!

What about daily maid service??

[Señor JDR of Medellin]

Deal breaker right there!!

What about daily maid service??

They don't want people like us staying there?:icontd::icontd::icontd::icontd:

[Irie]

Deal breaker right there!!

What about daily maid service??

Daily maid service was part of the package. In fact, they worked great in accommodating my sleep schedule.

[Irie]

Deal breaker right there!!


I had a parent with me who's never been out of the country, so I didn't partake in any activities on site.

I spoke with the "head" security guy there on a few occasions and he told me there was no issue or financial exchange needed. He did mention to be a little low key about it.


I did see a few mismatched couples while staying there. I'll stay there again in the future. :biggrin:

[Talis]

Daily maid service was part of the package. In fact, they worked great in accommodating my sleep schedule.

Thanks for the pics.. I've wanted to try this place but some of the previous reports mentioned a family atmosphere and frowning on bringing girls back (and an extra charge) and left the impression that it might not have a good feel in that regards. Was you impression different? How was bringing back guests?

[Irie]

Deal breaker right there!!

What about daily maid service??


Thanks for the pics.. I've wanted to try this place but some of the previous reports mentioned a family atmosphere and frowning on bringing girls back (and an extra charge) and left the impression that it might not have a good feel in that regards. Was you impression different? How was bringing back guests?

Thanks. It is a little more low key, but not an issue from what I was told and what I saw. (See above)

[MyTio]

I was their a few year ago no problem bring in girl at that time . I even had a few in the hot tub . One of those overprice escort place use to use the condo at that time

[Irie]

One of the possible negatives about the place may be what it surrounds. Behind the wall to the left lies some stories to never be told again.




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70864&d=1361064685





Wicked Willie and I shared a beer or two while I was there. He had some interesting stories about the cemetery that was on premises. Ask him if you ever get the opportunity. It's sure to bring a smile or two.


Look closely ............you'll see it.






http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70816&d=1360981808







......or should I say......them.




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70817&d=1360981812

[TNT72]

Wicked Willie and I shared a beer or two while I was there. He had some interesting stories about the cemetery that was on premises. Ask him if you ever get the opportunity. It's sure to bring a smile or two.





He's got interesting stories on just about every thing, and damn sure everybody!!

[Irie]

The other thing that is mentioned about the place and needs to be repeated here is in regards to the ocean (as accessed on the premises)




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70808&d=1360981790





Their website mentions it (iirc) and I know plenty of other sites do as well (i.e. Trip Advisor). The water can be very rough there and swimming is not recommended.





http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70863&d=1361064684







To the east.......





http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70856&d=1361064677





http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70858&d=1361064678





http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70860&d=1361064679






.....and to the west. Not a place for amateurs for sure.





http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70859&d=1361064679






http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70861&d=1361064681

[Irie]

This was at high tide though.......





http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70857&d=1361064677






At low tide, things calmed down a little due to a little reef/ rocks a few yards out. I witnessed many people swimming at those times.





http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70854&d=1361064676





(Note to self........get a zoom like Tiger or X.......)




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70855&d=1361064676

[Irie]

He's got interesting stories on just about every thing, and damn sure everybody!!

Tu lo sabes hermano! :biggrin:

[Irie]

They don't want people like us staying there?:icontd::icontd::icontd::icontd:

Agreed. Only if our wallets are empty. :rolleyes:

:rofl:

[Irie]

When staying at Magnifico, the lazy monger doesn't have to go far. There is a path leading off the premises that even the most out of shape can handle.




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=71689&d=1362184211







A mere couple of hundred feet seperate you from what is known locally as Elvis' bar. Officially known as.........





http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=71690&d=1362184212

[Irie]

Chicas were found there everyday. Somewhere around 4pm they would all start to congregate and would be there until at least 11pm before they were probably off to the discos in town. I never failed to see less than four and counted as many as nine. There is enough variety to suit most anyone's tastes.




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=71686&d=1362184208





Unfortunately I didn't get any chica pics this go around.



http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=71687&d=1362184208

[Irie]

I pulled up seat there a time or two, but never got to talk to "Elvis." Wicked Willie and I shared a cerveza or three there one day and he filled in the details.




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=71685&d=1362184207





Behind the bar are several shacks that the girls stay in. Several seem to be transient and only stay for an extended weekend to shake up some business. On Monday afternoon, there had to be 12 chicas sitting at the bar and I spoke with a few of them. About 30 minutes later, a small bus pulls up and they all piled on with suitcases in tow.

[Irie]

The head of security for Magnifico was there one night watching a baseball game and enjoying a couple. We had a chance to talk some about the chicas, chicas in general, and how to obtain them if needed. Once he knew I was on board and not a typical tourist........in other words, I knew the deal.........he went into more detail. Anything is available while the bar is open. If there are no chicas there at the given moment, you merely have to ask the bartender and they will attempt to fill your order. There are rooms on site behind the place for some ST action if needed. We never got into the discussion of price, but once he knew I was "on board" with the game I sensed it would be somewhat reasonable by Cabarete standards.


WW had explained all of this earlier, so the conversation was a mute point for the most part. I did enjoy the conversation and bought him a round for his troubles. This is when he let me know that bringing a chica back to Magnifico would not be an issue.




Across the street was the Velero Beach Resort. Several times I saw guys from there come over and enjoy some Dominican hospitality. They took a more simplistic approach to the game and I perceived a less financially beneficial one.



http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=71688&d=1362184209

[Irie]

Meals can also be had there. Breakfast looked relatively reasonable, but I never tried it. I did get some spaghetti and meatballs to go one night and it was very good.



http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=71691&d=1362184213

[Irie]

Not far up the road from Magnifico and Cafe Barrio is the main road through town.



http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=71698&d=1362187770




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=71697&d=1362187768





Again, you'll barely break a sweat getting there. (interesting use of a newly formed pothole)


http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=71699&d=1362187771





At the main road you'll find Janet's mercado. It has all the essentials you would need to stock up the pantry for the vacation. I think I put a dent in their beer supply this trip. It is extremely convenient and offers money exchange, cellular phone sales, etc. It is one stop shopping in Cabarete.



http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=71700&d=1362187773

[Irie]

You don't have to take the main road to get to the primary beach in Cabarete either. About two thirds of the way up the side road there is a gravel drive that leads through a few more "off the path" restaurants and small hotels. The walk takes about 5 to 8 minutes tops to enjoy the day with your favorita.



http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=71695&d=1362187765

[Irie]

As many of us know, local chicas aren't usually the main event at playa Cabarete. While my preferences in women have become more varied over the years, there are still some wonderful European sights to consume.....




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=71696&d=1362187766

[blazaveli]

Irie, thanks for taking the time to put this up. I've stayed at Ocean Dream's condos as well and they were really on point but I recently got an unfriendly email from them regarding their chica policy changes when I inquired about renting there for an April trip so I've been looking at new places to cheat on Casa Linda with. This did look like a nice choice and I was wondering about their chica policy when I saw the fine print on their site that indicates $20-25 for additional guests. If that does in fact apply to chicas than it definitely would be a deal breaker. Still a nice looking spot none the less.


I stayed in Maganifico a couple of times back in 2008/2009. Created reports with pics as well. Very nice place and would stay here again if I ever stay in Cabarete again which is doubtful since I found the villas in Sosua. I think there was a $10 or $20 charge to bring in chicas though. Besides that it was a great place to stay.

Not to thread jack but I think this info is worth sharing...

Here's part of the email I got from Ocean Dream. I received an email promo and reached out to them to inquire about room availability for my upcoming trip. I mentioned that I had done business with them prior so I figured they looked me up and forwarded my inquiry to the same lady who initially set us up to keep things smooth. One of my boys who initially referred me, his crew only stays at Ocean Dream and they've spent well over $35K in Ocean Dream over the years... they recently booked a trip and did not get any message like the one below. If anyone has recently stayed at Ocean Dream in Cabarete and or worked with this lady in setting up their reservation please feel free to chime in if you have additional info on this. I'm curious to know cause the crew I mentioned recently booked and didn't get this notice.

Relevant section of her response to my inquiry:
However - and please forgive me my directness - as you have stayed with us before and last time you visited with a group of single travelling men - please be aware that our guest policies have changed since your last visit at Ocean Dream and Harmony Residence.
If you plan to have guests visiting in your condo, you have to register your guests with their full name and ID during office hours (9am - 5pm) at our administration office. Guests that are not registered during office hours won't be able to get access to the Residence at night. We have very strict rules now, prostitutes are not allowed to enter our Residences. This had to be done, as we cater to many families with children and to guarantee that our residence stay very luxury up-scale and secure.
Again, I hope my comments won't offend you, but I want to make sure you are aware of the new guest policies and you book the right accommodation where you can enjoy your vacation.

Please don't hesitate to contact me, if you have any further questions.


Looking forward to hearing back from you,
kind regards,

Sonja Medina
SeaLane Management
www.oceandreamcabarete.com
www.luxurycondocabarete.com


I went with a crew of 7 who all arrived on different dates but we all ended up with 3 different condos. I do recall one small incident where she advised one renting member of our crew had complaints of too much noise during the night. This was a one time occurrence and only complaint we got for the remainder of the trip but nonetheless I'm wondering if that had anything to do with or if this change is actually legit. The crew that recently booked will be going in the next month so I'll know for sure when they get back if shit is really different but in the meanwhile I'm left thinking whoa...:confused::confused:

[WickedWillie]

Blaz, your post is misleading. You didn't receive this email from Ocean Dream management or administration.

You received it from Sonja Medina, the manager of SeaLane, a 3rd party owner of properties within Ocean Dream and Harmony. They have every right to impose whatever regulations they see fit for their own properties and as such their policies may well be different from Ocean Dream in general.

For the record Ocean Dream has no discrimination policy against guests BUT if they are non-registered they will have to leave their cedulas at security at whatever time of day or night they enter.

[blazaveli]

Well that explains a lot and makes more sens. Thanks for the clarification WW. It didn't make sense that this would have been an Ocean Dream policy sense my boy's crew didn't get this communication but I believe the property they are scheduled to stay at would fall under the management of SeaLane so I'll see how their upcoming trip goes.

By the way the intent wasn't to mislead anyone. Didn't realize there was a difference between SeaLane and Ocean Dream. Just trying to share this experience and get some feedback as it didn't make much sense to me.


Blaz, your post is misleading. You didn't receive this email from Ocean Dream management or administration. You received it from Sonja Medina, the manager of SeaLane, a 3rd party owner of properties within Ocean Dream and Harmony. They have every right to impose whatever regulations they see fit for their own properties and as such their policies may well be different from Ocean Dream in general.For the record Ocean Dream has no discrimination policy against guests BUT if they are non-registered they will have to leave their cedulas at security at whatever time of day or night they enter.

[Irie]

Happy to share Blaz.

Unless I'm reading it wrong, the rates are for two people per day. I can see that being an issue with any 2+ bedroom unit. On a one bedroom unit there should be no additional charge. Either way, you and I know Cabarete can be pricey.



Irie, thanks for taking the time to put this up. I've stayed at Ocean Dream's condos as well and they were really on point but I recently got an unfriendly email from them regarding their chica policy changes when I inquired about renting there for an April trip so I've been looking at new places to cheat on Casa Linda with. This did look like a nice choice and I was wondering about their chica policy when I saw the fine print on their site that indicates $20-25 for additional guests. If that does in fact apply to chicas than it definitely would be a deal breaker. Still a nice looking spot none the less.



Not to thread jack but I think this info is worth sharing...

Here's part of the email I got from Ocean Dream. I received an email promo and reached out to them to inquire about room availability for my upcoming trip. I mentioned that I had done business with them prior so I figured they looked me up and forwarded my inquiry to the same lady who initially set us up to keep things smooth. One of my boys who initially referred me, his crew only stays at Ocean Dream and they've spent well over $35K in Ocean Dream over the years... they recently booked a trip and did not get any message like the one below. If anyone has recently stayed at Ocean Dream in Cabarete and or worked with this lady in setting up their reservation please feel free to chime in if you have additional info on this. I'm curious to know cause the crew I mentioned recently booked and didn't get this notice.

Relevant section of her response to my inquiry:
However - and please forgive me my directness - as you have stayed with us before and last time you visited with a group of single travelling men - please be aware that our guest policies have changed since your last visit at Ocean Dream and Harmony Residence.
If you plan to have guests visiting in your condo, you have to register your guests with their full name and ID during office hours (9am - 5pm) at our administration office. Guests that are not registered during office hours won't be able to get access to the Residence at night. We have very strict rules now, prostitutes are not allowed to enter our Residences. This had to be done, as we cater to many families with children and to guarantee that our residence stay very luxury up-scale and secure.
Again, I hope my comments won't offend you, but I want to make sure you are aware of the new guest policies and you book the right accommodation where you can enjoy your vacation.

Please don't hesitate to contact me, if you have any further questions.


Looking forward to hearing back from you,
kind regards,

Sonja Medina
SeaLane Management
www.oceandreamcabarete.com
www.luxurycondocabarete.com


I went with a crew of 7 who all arrived on different dates but we all ended up with 3 different condos. I do recall one small incident where she advised one renting member of our crew had complaints of too much noise during the night. This was a one time occurrence and only complaint we got for the remainder of the trip but nonetheless I'm wondering if that had anything to do with or if this change is actually legit. The crew that recently booked will be going in the next month so I'll know for sure when they get back if shit is really different but in the meanwhile I'm left thinking whoa...:confused::confused:

[blazaveli]

I like Cabarete because its a nice alternative if you don't want to be in the action of the SU 24/7 but still want it readily accessible. For the most part its worth the price imo. What I was thinking with the $20-25 policy was maybe for instances if you rent a 2-bedroom condo and share it with a wing. The price of the reservation covers you and your wing but I figured they meant that if either of you bring an an additional person to stay the night (chica) than that 3rd or 4th person would exceed the 2 person requirement at which point you would pay the $20-25 extra per night for that person. I've never stayed there so I honestly have no clue but that's what I gathered when I read the additional charge on their site and after reading what trEPP33 wrote. Definitely considering them for future stays though.


Happy to share Blaz.

Unless I'm reading it wrong, the rates are for two people per day. I can see that being an issue with any 2+ bedroom unit. On a one bedroom unit there should be no additional charge. Either way, you and I know Cabarete can be pricey.

[Irie]

I like Cabarete because its a nice alternative if you don't want to be in the action of the SU 24/7 but still want it readily accessible. For the most part its worth the price imo. What I was thinking with the $20-25 policy was maybe for instances if you rent a 2-bedroom condo and share it with a wing. The price of the reservation covers you and your wing but I figured they meant that if either of you bring an an additional person to stay the night (chica) than that 3rd or 4th person would exceed the 2 person requirement at which point you would pay the $20-25 extra per night for that person. I've never stayed there so I honestly have no clue but that's what I gathered when I read the additional charge on their site and after reading what trEPP33 wrote. Definitely considering them for future stays though.


I'm with you and yes, that situation could become an issue with price. Sharing a beer or two with certain security may help the financial aspect though. (Not that he said it directly :wink:)

This trip was an eye opener for me. I rented a car for the first time. I too am looking strongly at Cabarete as a home base again in the future. It's nice to be away from the main action sometimes.

[blazaveli]

I like the way you think. :rofl::rofl:

I've had a car rental every single trip I've ever taken to the DR lol


I'm with you and yes, that situation could become an issue with price. Sharing a beer or two with certain security may help the financial aspect though. (Not that he said it directly :wink:)

This trip was an eye opener for me. I rented a car for the first time. I too am looking strongly at Cabarete as a home base again in the future. It's nice to be away from the main action sometimes.

[Irie]

There have been a few stories recently about security in some of the area hotels that without doubt have had a negative slant. Pondering all of this, I reflected on a recent situation that I thought I’d share.


On this trip to the north coast and subsequent stay at Magnifico, I bridged and bonded some generations in my family by bringing the one who brought me into this world as well as one that I did the same. It was to be a trip of a lifetime for one and hopefully a glimpse of the world (and hopefully future) for the other. For me, it was a chance to give back, enjoy family, and............well, slip just a little bit of mongering in.


It was shortly after Christmas Day when we all touched down on the North Coast and headed for a New Years together in Cabarete. “Santa” brought a new iTouch (iPod) for the little one on the morning of the 25th and it never left those hands for the ensuing days. It was enjoyed and treated with extreme care and a new found understanding of it’s value and importance as a gift that needed some TLC. Little one’s are fun to shape and mold. Often, their thoughts are still naive to the ways of the world (several of you can relate, I’m sure).




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=72805&d=1363742955




Well as it happened, this new “toy” was just another step towards maturity and surely wasn’t going to be left at home for this trip. The tell tale sign of enjoyment once on the ground was evident when enjoying the newness of the island, people, culture, etc……….along with some “cool” (her words) new tunes to romp around with.


Day three or so rolled up and she and my mom wandered up to the Magnifico pool area while I entertained myself in Sosua with WickedWillie, Robert, and Michel for an afternoon breakfast and good catch-up conversation. I returned quite a bit later after a stop in at Rockys to say hello and a stop at another off the path beach courtesy of WW, I found all to be good with the family.


This all ended an hour or so later while enjoying the late afternoon on the porch and the little one went to grab some tunes while the adults talked and enjoyed a beverage or two. It was nowhere to be found. Cutting to the chase and after some frantic searches, it was determined that the afternoon at the pool ended up turning into a jaunt down by the ocean just off premises before heading back to the apartment. I put two and two together and did a quick search of the pool area before taking a look at the beach. It was dark by now and there was no luck in either area.


The night was turning out to be an unpleasant one, especially when my daughter realized and understood the consequences of what she had done…….or better stated, what she had forgotten to do. Needless to say, I wasn’t happy at the moment but I knew how to handle it with her and get her calmed down (the tears would make a grown man crumble).

[Irie]

The next morning came and I slept in a little late. When I finally got my cup of coffee and walked out to the porch, I found my mom and daughter there already enjoying the new day. I happened to glance on the table and there sat her iPod in all it’s glory………….and a beaming grin from my little one. :ilike:


She had followed my advice from the night before and at first light, grabbed her abuela’s hand and headed to the front desk area to ask if anyone had found her new prized possession (currently newly lost). The front desk immediately contacted security who arrived to hear the whole story (and probably still witness a tear or two). They obviously hadn’t found anything, but went into CSI mode from the way the story was relayed to me.


The security gentleman scoured (I think) and came up with nothing on the premises before heading down to the beach. He then went down to the beach and looking around. Now the story is a little fuzzy, but I was told that several fishermen were asked and one immediately piped up and produced the lost treasure (still in case and ear buds attached) at the first questioning. My little one left it on a couple of sea rocks the day before and the gentleman found it that morning.


Whether the end of the story has some truth or not, my little one had a smile on her face and a new found respect for her possessions. Through our writings here, many of us tend to lump them all together in their characteristics and usually in a negative perspective. I walked away with a new respect for the people of the country and the integrity that sometimes may seem hard to find, but is not always as rampant as we sometimes perceive.


(security can be good too, btw :))

[blazaveli]

That's whats up!! I'm glad the fisherman who found it returned it! Good to see there are still decent human beings out there. I bet she will be holding on to that thing like its her finger prints at this point lol