Road trip to Maimon

[TNT72]

Just got back from a weeks vacation. After getting back from my trip in April, I decided to take my kids for a trip. Yes, it was different, but it was great.

On Saturday, after my favorita extended her stay for a day, she was due to catch the bus home. We hit the pool early in the morning. At one point, she says to me "I've met your kids, when are you gonna come to my home and meet my daughter". Normally, I would have put it off. But, after reading TGUNZZ report, and wanting to show my kids the "real" DR and try to get them to appreciate what they have, I said "lets do it today. Instead of you taking the bus, we will take you home and grab a hotel there."

Now, so everybody knows (WSJ), there are no chica pics. Almost 90% of my pics have my kids face, and then more have my favorita's pics. So this is just a little information. Being busy with the kids, I forgot to take a lot of pics.

[TNT72]

After we left Sosua, we headed to Puerto Plata. By the time we made it through town, I was questioning my decision (having her at the condo was a big break for me. Since she can't go out in town, she was more than accommodating with me going out. I got 3 hours sleep both Thursday and Friday night!).

We hit traffic in Santiago, and I was wondering to myself "what the fuck did I get myself into?"!!!!

After getting through Santiago and getting close to Maimon, I seen something I've never seen before. As we were driving along the four lane highway, a cop was waving people over. Then she said "there's an accident". What I seen ahead blew me away.

First, I seen this.

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78799&d=1372298011

Then, after all the traffic was directed into two lanes, we seen this across the highway.

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78796&d=1372298011

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78797&d=1372298011

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78798&d=1372298011

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78804&d=1372298212


A Coke truck had turned over. What we seen were the scavangers who were picking over the left overs. The cops were stopping traffic when they were trying to cross the highway.

The way it was explained to me was...."if a Coke truck turns over, everybody has Coke gratis. If a banana truck turns over, everyone has bananas gratis. If a chicken truck turns over, everyone has chickens gratis. If a pig truck turns over..." I interupt and say "yeah yeah, everyone has pigs gratis!" She looks at me like I'm stupid and says "No, pigs are really expensive. The cops will arrest you if you try to take a pig!!"

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

Gotta give her that one!

[Rubicon]

After we left Sosua, we headed to Puerto Plata.

We hit traffic in Santiago,

After getting through Santiago and getting close to Maimon,

Out of curiosity, did you leave Sosua and take the mountain road to Santiago and up to Maimon? Unless there was a reason to go to Santiago first it would have been much easier and quicker to drive from Sosua through Puerto Plata and hit Maimon 15 minutes or so just west of PP. :confused:

[camaro1257]

Coke truck had turned over. What we seen were the scavangers who were picking over the left overs. The cops were stopping traffic when they were trying to cross the highway.

The way it was explained to me was...."if a Coke truck turns over, everybody has Coke gratis. If a banana truck turns over, everyone has bananas gratis. If a chicken truck turns over, everyone has chickens gratis. If a pig truck turns over..." I interupt and say "yeah yeah, everyone has pigs gratis!" She looks at me like I'm stupid and says "No, pigs are really expensive. The cops will arrest you if you try to take a pig!!"

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

Gotta give her that one!

...remind me NEVER to take a fill in the blank test in the DR...:lol:

[TNT72]

Out of curiosity, did you leave Sosua and take the mountain road to Santiago and up to Maimon? Unless there was a reason to go to Santiago first it would have been much easier and quicker to drive from Sosua through Puerto Plata and hit Maimon 15 minutes or so just west of PP. :confused:

This was the first time I've taken a trip like this, while driving. It was recommended to me to keep it simple and go through Santiago via Puerto Plata.

[TNT72]

Just a side note. When we were in Santiago, we stopped for lunch. The kids wanted some "normal" food. We skipped Burger King and McDonalds, but I gave in for Fridays when all of them wanted it.

I'm not a big fan of Fridays, I think their food is average at best and this location was no different. But, I just about shit when the bill for the four of us was right at $2500 pesos!!

[TNT72]

After we got off the main highway, we were driving along a river. I decided to stop so we could stretch our legs and take a closer look.

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78802&d=1372298212

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78801&d=1372298212

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78803&d=1372298212

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78822&d=1372325707

[TNT72]

Out of curiosity, did you leave Sosua and take the mountain road to Santiago and up to Maimon? Unless there was a reason to go to Santiago first it would have been much easier and quicker to drive from Sosua through Puerto Plata and hit Maimon 15 minutes or so just west of PP. :confused:


Now I see what you mean. This town was called Maimon, but it wasn't outside of Puerto Plata. It was about 20 minutes past Bonao, off the main highway.

[Hunter]

Higuey out Maimon in :wink::lol:

[weyland]

Now I see what you mean. This town was called Maimon, but it wasn't outside of Puerto Plata. It was about 20 minutes past Bonao, off the main highway.
It is a tiny village between Bonao and Villa Altagracia. about 25 miles from Santo Domingo.

[tgunz]

Out of curiosity, did you leave Sosua and take the mountain road to Santiago and up to Maimon? Unless there was a reason to go to Santiago first it would have been much easier and quicker to drive from Sosua through Puerto Plata and hit Maimon 15 minutes or so just west of PP. :confused:

I was thinking the same thing as you. The town with all the little seafood spots.. If you blink you will miss it. Looks likes there is another one. Cant wait to read the rest TNT! Especailly your kids take on it all.

[weyland]

Looks likes there is another one.
I just answered that. But it is strange that TNT and I have both met chicas from a place that is too small to appear on Google (unless it is the same chica!).

I think the answer must be that the place has another and official name. Maybe they gave it a new name to avoid confusion, but the locals still call it Maimon (causing more confusion!). That goes on a lot in the DR, especially with street names.

[TNT72]

I just answered that. But it is strange that TNT and I have both met chicas from a place that is too small to appear on Google (unless it is the same chica!).

I think the answer must be that the place has another and official name. Maybe they gave it a new name to avoid confusion, but the locals still call it Maimon (causing more confusion!). That goes on a lot in the DR, especially with street names.

Here is what she has listed as her hometown on FB.

Maimón, Monsenor Nouel, Dominican Republic

[weyland]

Here is what she has listed as her hometown on FB.

Maimón, Monsenor Nouel, Dominican Republic
OK, now I got it. Wikipedia says urban population of 14,000 plus so it is not the place I am thinking of which would be more like 140. That must be yet another one. Lots of Dominican towns are named after the original Spanish Colonial landlords. Maimon is a common Jewish/Spanish surname so there could be quite a few of them.

[TNT72]

So since TGUNZZ asked about it, I'll give my kids take on it as I go through. Was planning on leaving it out, thinking guys really wouldn't care.

As we pulled off the highway, and before we stopped at the river, I got pissed. Here we were surrounded by beautiful mountains and scenery, and for the whole trip, all they did was argue about who got what game, or argue over who was watching what movie on their DVDs. I was as pissed at myself as at them. At that point, I took all electronics away. I didn't want them to spend the entire trip watching monitors. They weren't very happy to say the least.

As we pulled into Maimon, we stopped first at the nice hotel. It looked like a tourist place, very nice. Not what I was looking for to be honest. Luckily, they were sold out. So we headed to the family's spot. Typical Dominican spot. Old, but well taken care of house. Definitely not a shack. Met the family and the daughter.

After meeting the family, we headed to my friends house. It was newer and nicer. (I have to remember to not get to into detail, with the WU and all!)

After that, we headed out to find a hotel. We ended up at a hotel that doesn't have a name posted out front. I never would have known it was a hotel if she didn't tell me. It was basic, clean and had A/C. That's all I cared about.

The view from the door.

To the left, a single bed and the entrance to the bathroom. No door, not top to the bathroom.

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78800&d=1372298212

To the right, a double bed for the kids.

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78807&d=1372298257

It was 1000 pesos a night. I told her we would take it.

At this point, my kids were tired of days in the sun and we just came off of a long drive. My daughter started crying. She said she didn't want to stay there. She wanted our nice condo back in Sosua. It was at this time that I had a talk with her about the difference between wants and needs. All we "needed" was a clean safe place, she "wanted" a nice, expensive condo. This talk would happen a few more times in the trip, and will continue for a long time before it sinks in.

[TNT72]

Another sidenote:

Those that think driving in Sosua is trouble, DEFINITELY do not want to drive here! The roads were sooo narrow from the cars parking on the sides of the road. Weaving in and out. And at every crossroads there are no stop signs, but there are drains that slow you way down, for the water to drain. It is just controlled madness.

Another thing, I was stared at constantly. It didn't bother me, but I knew everyone was trying to figure out who the gringo was and who was I with. It is a small town where everybody knows everybody.

[knotty]

Thanks for sharing this one. I am always a big fan of sidetrips elsewhere. I like how you broke that down to your daughter. In life it will eventually sink in.

[TNT72]

After unloading the luggage, it was time to get some food. We went to a pizza place that had a playground (lets say a very unsafe teeter totter, and a swing set) that was setting on rocks. Of course, through the meal, all three kids ended up crying over one injury or another.

The kids pizza and empanadas.
http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78889&d=1372430875

My pork chop.
http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78805&d=1372298257


We ended up having a medium pizza, 2 large empanadas, she and I each had pork chops with fries and salad, 2 or 3 Grandes, 3 fruit smoothies, 2 or 3 pops and 1 or 2 waters. The bill came to 1500 including tip!!! It's nice being outside of the tourist spot.

[TNT72]

After dinner, the kids and I headed to the hotel, and she went home.

The next morning, we were going swimming. The plan was to swim for an hour or two, then get on the road. Of course, dealing with Dominicans, we weren't even ready to go until noon. The night before, her mom told me that we could go to her private club. I didn't know what to expect, because when we left Sosua, I thought we were going to Bonao, not Maimon. I accepted of course.

We headed out, and there was nine of us total. When we got there, I knew we weren't leaving in a couple hours. She said we should stay at the pool for the day, and we could sleep there again. I talked with the kids, and they agreed. They liked the pool (and my son was crazy for all the chicas).

I was not expecting this!

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78815&d=1372298931

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78809&d=1372298415

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78808&d=1372298415

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78817&d=1372298931

[TNT72]

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78816&d=1372298931

From before things got busy.

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78812&d=1372298415

In the back, you can also see the large kiddie pool. Later in the day, my son had chicas coming up to him left and right trying to talk to him. He was also getting some kisses from some 14 and 15 year olds. He was loving it!

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78811&d=1372298415

They also had a basketball court

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78818&d=1372298931

You can see behind the basketball court, a playground. I didn't get any pics of that.

They are also building a hotel right there.

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78819&d=1372298931

It might be a while before it's finished!!:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[TNT72]

We also ate lunch there. We had a platter of fried chicken with french fries and fried plantains that fed nine people.

She also ordered 2 chicken of the day plates. It came with rice and salad.

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78810&d=1372298415


Along with two 2 liters, a Grande, 3 or 4 bags of chips, and the kids had a box of cookies each, the bill came to 2000 pesos including tip.

[TNT72]

Sidenote: One thing I noticed at the pool. All Dominican men wear t-shirts when swimming. I was the only guy who didn't have a t-shirt on. I didn't have any extra, since I had only packed for one day. But, to help blend in when you are away from the tourist areas, take a t-shirt to swim in.

After leaving, we headed back to the family's house. My friend wanted to cook dinner for all of us. She and I went to the colmado, and bought supplies for spaghetti. I knew we had to also get something for my son. He won't eat spaghetti. So we got a package of hotdogs as well. I knew there would be leftovers for the family. The total came to 560 pesos.

There is a baseball field close to the family's house. There was a soccer game going on between two Haitian teams. While she was cooking dinner, she mentioned I should take the kids over and watch. As soon as we get there, it starts raining, so we walk back to the house. And it's a damn good thing for the rain!!!

Not 5 minutes later, she yells to me that they are fighting in the street. I look outside, and they are going at it with fists, sticks and machette's!!!! I locked the front gate real quick and go back inside. When I turn around, my son is standing on the gate, looking at everyone fighting, cheering them on!!! (What can I say, he is his fathers son)

I grab him quick and tell him that we are outsiders here, and when things like this happen, we stay out of view!

It ended pretty quick, with no real bleeding from what I seen. The cops showed up and hauled 4 or 5 guys away.

After that, dinner was ready. It was different from our normal spaghetti, but I enjoyed it. My daughter wasn't crazy for it, but she ate it because she knew how excited my friend had been to make it for us.

[BigLongBeach]

Just a side note. When we were in Santiago, we stopped for lunch. The kids wanted some "normal" food. We skipped Burger King and McDonalds, but I gave in for Fridays when all of them wanted it.

I'm not a big fan of Fridays, I think their food is average at best and this location was no different. But, I just about shit when the bill for the four of us was right at $2500 pesos!!

this is a good point. Did you try to get them to try local food like mangu, fritos, chicharon sanchoco, moro, etc. If the kids like bacon they would like dominican pork chops.

Dude you are very brave on this type of family vacation. I was thinking of inviting the fam someday.

[BigLongBeach]

dominicans dont want to get darker, they want protection from the sun. while us tourist want a nice tan, they will be made fun of for being moreno


Sidenote: One thing I noticed at the pool. All Dominican men wear t-shirts when swimming. I was the only guy who didn't have a t-shirt on. I didn't have any extra, since I had only packed for one day. But, to help blend in when you are away from the tourist areas, take a t-shirt to swim in.

After leaving, we headed back to the family's house. My friend wanted to cook dinner for all of us. She and I went to the colmado, and bought supplies for spaghetti. I knew we had to also get something for my son. He won't eat spaghetti. So we got a package of hotdogs as well. I knew there would be leftovers for the family. The total came to 560 pesos.

There is a baseball field close to the family's house. There was a soccer game going on between two Haitian teams. While she was cooking dinner, she mentioned I should take the kids over and watch. As soon as we get there, it starts raining, so we walk back to the house. And it's a damn good thing for the rain!!!

Not 5 minutes later, she yells to me that they are fighting in the street. I look outside, and they are going at it with fists, sticks and machette's!!!! I locked the front gate real quick and go back inside. When I turn around, my son is standing on the gate, looking at everyone fighting, cheering them on!!! (What can I say, he is his fathers son)

I grab him quick and tell him that we are outsiders here, and when things like this happen, we stay out of view!

It ended pretty quick, with no real bleeding from what I seen. The cops showed up and hauled 4 or 5 guys away.

After that, dinner was ready. It was different from our normal spaghetti, but I enjoyed it. My daughter wasn't crazy for it, but she ate it because she knew how excited my friend had been to make it for us.

[Mr. Smooth]

I can see your son is a chip off the old block. I imagine he will be pestering you in the future about heading down again!

This is great! How many guys would actually even contemplate bringing their kids to the DR? Bravo for doing so. And though they might not have liked it, it was the right call to pull the games while traveling. Too many kids lives are wrapped up in video games and such. I seldom even see kids playing outside anymore in my neighborhood.

Look forward to reading the rest. Hope your kids not only enjoyed themselves, but came away with a bit of education as well.

Props to you sir for bringing them along!

[TNT72]

We all turned in early, exhausted from swimming and sun all day. Got up early and was ready to head back. We all met at the family's house. When we started to leave, she said she was riding with us. She rode with me through Santiago, to be sure I made it back. She got out when we got to the turnoff for Puerto Plata. I gave her bus money and some for the salon, and we headed back to Sosua.

[TNT72]

this is a good point. Did you try to get them to try local food like mangu, fritos, chicharon sanchoco, moro, etc. If the kids like bacon they would like dominican pork chops.

Dude you are very brave on this type of family vacation. I was thinking of inviting the fam someday.

I got them to try some fritos, some chicharon and sanchoco. They weren't really into it. But they tried it. I killed some sanchoco at the family's house. They also tried a whole bunch of new fruit.

[TNT72]

this is a good point. Did you try to get them to try local food like mangu, fritos, chicharon sanchoco, moro, etc. If the kids like bacon they would like dominican pork chops.

Dude you are very brave on this type of family vacation. I was thinking of inviting the fam someday.

Let me clarify "normal food". They were wanting to eat someplace that they were familiar with. They ate a lot of pizza, fried chicken and wings while there, but from places they had never heard before.

[Ramair4]

Thanks for sharing your kids perspective on the trip. My son has been demanding to go for a while now, but am meeting some resistance from his mother. Did you have to get any special paperwork to travel, as a single parent, outside the country with your kids? Or have any problems in that regard at the airport?

[TNT72]

Thanks for sharing your kids perspective on the trip. My son has been demanding to go for a while now, but am meeting some resistance from his mother. Did you have to get any special paperwork to travel, as a single parent, outside the country with your kids? Or have any problems in that regard at the airport?

I had my attorney draw up some paperwork and had their mom sign before I left. But for me it was two fold. I knew that the DR did not require it, but since we are headed into a custody battle, I didn't want her trying to say that she didn't know where I was taking them.

So for you, no. The DR does not require proof from the other parent for you to travel with him.

[tgunz]

Great Thread! Kids days these dont get taught the diffrence between what they need and what the want! Thats a great lesson to learn early. Especailly when surrounded by people who usually dont have either.... Kudos.

A road trip like this with two children takes alot of moxy. One question would you do it again?... lol

sounds like the little man may make a great future wing man!! When he joins isoc he will probably start off "green"... lol

[BrooklynBeas]

Any chance of you son writing a trip report? I'm thinkin TNT jr. As his screen name... I'm kiddin of course but he must have been liking those little kisses from his part time girlfriends... How old is he again? Good report papa TNT!!!

[Rubicon]

I was thinking the same thing as you. The town with all the little seafood spots.. If you blink you will miss it.

Yes, that is it.


Now I see what you mean. This town was called Maimon, but it wasn't outside of Puerto Plata. It was about 20 minutes past Bonao, off the main highway.

That would explain it. Couldn't figure out at first why you would drive over 2 hours to get to a location only 40 minutes away.

Definitely enjoying the stories of your kids. I've taken my two sons twice and they LOVED it there, hanging out in the barrios with the local kids, in spite of the language barrier. They wanted to go back this summer again but, unfortunately for them, it's Cancun this year.

[Sidney]

I met the kids twice. They really great and very polite! TNT, you did good ! :lol::lol::lol:

[MrHappy]

Out of curiosity, did you leave Sosua and take the mountain road to Santiago and up to Maimon? Unless there was a reason to go to Santiago first it would have been much easier and quicker to drive from Sosua through Puerto Plata and hit Maimon 15 minutes or so just west of PP. :confused:


You were thinking about the Maimon near Puerto Plata. The one he went to is the one near Cotui.

The Puerto Plata Maimon is where my farm is (was). There's a huge wall on the right when you enter Maimon from PP.

That was my place..

[Apos]

It's trips like this that the kids will remember, fondly, and talk about forever!

I'm loving this! :up:
After unloading the luggage, it was time to get some food. We went to a pizza place that had a playground (lets say a very unsafe teeter totter, and a swing set) that was setting on rocks. Of course, through the meal, all three kids ended up crying over one injury or another.

The kids pizza and empanadas.
Click to see pic (http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78806&d=1372298257)

My pork chop.
Click to see pic (http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78805&d=1372298257)


We ended up having a medium pizza, 2 large empanadas, she and I each had pork chops with fries and salad, 2 or 3 Grandes, 3 fruit smoothies, 2 or 3 pops and 1 or 2 waters. The bill came to 1500 including tip!!! It's nice being outside of the tourist spot.

[mrblackluv]

Nice side trip...Thanks for sharing. I've spent some time in that city, and in the "Country Club" as well. My chica friends tell me the name of the town is Maimon de Bonao. Lots of foreigners are around there due to the mining industry. The discos get pretty busy on the weekends.

[TNT72]

Nice side trip...Thanks for sharing. I've spent some time in that city, and in the "Country Club" as well. My chica friends tell me the name of the town is Maimon de Bonao. Lots of foreigners are around there due to the mining industry. The discos get pretty busy on the weekends.

My friend told me their were quite a few foreigners too, but I didn't see any. But, we were their on the weekend, and didn't get out and walk around town much. On Sunday night, the streets and colmados were PACKED!

About the Club. During the day, it was mostly familys or teenagers with their novio/novias. But as the evening time came around, their were a lot of well dressed, 20's and 30's couples coming out to party, or get the party started.

[JDR]

Thanks for sharing your kids perspective on the trip. My son has been demanding to go for a while now, but am meeting some resistance from his mother. Did you have to get any special paperwork to travel, as a single parent, outside the country with your kids? Or have any problems in that regard at the airport?

Better to do what TnT did so you don't have issues when you come back thru.

[hugrad95a]

My friend told me their were quite a few foreigners too, but I didn't see any. But, we were their on the weekend, and didn't get out and walk around town much. On Sunday night, the streets and colmados were PACKED!

About the Club. During the day, it was mostly familys or teenagers with their novio/novias. But as the evening time came around, their were a lot of well dressed, 20's and 30's couples coming out to party, or get the party started.

I guess there are Dominicans with Moneyyyyyyyyy.jajajajaja

[hugrad95a]

Nice side trip...Thanks for sharing. I've spent some time in that city, and in the "Country Club" as well. My chica friends tell me the name of the town is Maimon de Bonao. Lots of foreigners are around there due to the mining industry. The discos get pretty busy on the weekends.

Really nah I why am I not surprised lol.

[TNT72]

A little review to answer some of the questions.

I would not recommend to every single guy, to take a 5 and 7 year old on vacation in the DR. At least, like I did. If you do the AI's, you'll be fine. But, I am VERY blessed to have some great friends that live there. Balcoach set up my condo (will give the name and a few photos in another post) and my jeepeta. Rick from Rockies and Robert set up a babysitter each, so the nights my friend wasn't in town, I could still go drink and have my "ay papi" time!:wink: But, I also had her. And I knew before I got there, that I could trust her completely with my kids. She's not someone I just met (everybody in Green has seen her pics. She is the only one I put there with her own thread). But to be honest, while I knew I could trust her with them, she shocked the hell out of me with how she was with them!

We went to the cable car (telerifico) in Puerto Plata one day. Then hit Weylands favorite restaurant on the malecon (won't go there again, they gouge tourist!) but got rained out. The next day, we drove to Cabarete to meet WickedWillie at Gorditas for tacos and burritos. After lunch, we headed back towards Puerto Plata to ride the go carts. They had no problems letting my 7 year old daughter have her own go cart, and my 5 year old son could drive a double with an adult, but they didn't care if the adult help drive! Also, when you (the adult) are riding the grownup go carts, remember to tell them to take off the regulator! My carts were screaming with burning rubber around corners! (of course, a small propina goes along with it!).

Some said it took moxy or I was brave to take my kids on the road trip. I respect those opinions, because the come from two guys that don't just do Sosua. They travel around, and have shown me a lot either in person (BLB) or in Trip Reports (tgunz), but I don't feel that way.

1) When it comes to my kids, I trust her completely. She wouldn't put my kids in danger.

2) I'm still a big dude that knows how to handle himself. And if someone wants to threaten any of my children, God help them.

I'll offer this. If you're thinking of taking your kid or kids on vacation in the North Coast, you can always PM me. I didn't come to the conclusion to take my kids there lightly. And to be honest, my kids seen a tourist town, and the only place they seen was around 5pm, and that was Rhumba. But that was as we were driving by. (And of course my 5 year old son said after the second time...."that bar is busy and always has some pretty chicas!!!" Damn I love him!!!!!!!!)

[Rubicon]

I remember the first time I took my boys it was more than just a trip - it was a real "experience" for them. Did you get that same feeling with your kids?

[TNT72]

And I still forgot to answer one question. tgunz

It's not "would I do this trip again", it is when will I do a trip like this again. I am always walking a fine line with showing my kids a good vacation, and also teaching them a lesson or two. Doing 1 week a year with the kids, I need to do a Disney cruise, I need to show them other places in the world. But, I feel that every once in a while I will need to take the kids back to the DR to remind them why daddy is happy there, and why they should appreciate what they have.

So yes, I will absolutely take my kids back. And the more trips, the more we will leave the "tourist spot of the North Coast".

[TNT72]

I remember the first time I took my boys it was more than just a trip - it was a real "experience" for them. Did you get that same feeling with your kids?

Absolutely! When we hit Maimon, my kids knew they were seeing something for the first time. And they are only 5 and 7.

They haven't said much about it, so that's why I know it hit them.

But my ex wife is bitching so much about the kids speaking what Spanish they picked up, and they keep saying to her that they have to donate toys.......yes, at 5 and 7, they realize they have too much.

[weyland]

And they are only 5 and 7.
I didn't realise they were that young. Very brave decision to take them and I am surprised your wife allowed it. Have to give her credit for that.

Pity you didn't bring them to the Na Rive school. Or did you think seeing how Haitians live would be a step too far?

[TNT72]

I didn't realise they were that young. Very brave decision to take them and I am surprised your wife allowed it. Have to give her credit for that.

Pity you didn't bring them to the Na Rive school. Or did you think seeing how Haitians live would be a step too far?


I thought that the school was closed for the summer. I absolutely would have brought them by if I would have known it was open.

When we were riding up the telerifico, they couldn't believe the shacks that they seen were peoples houses.

[weyland]

I thought that the school was closed for the summer. I absolutely would have brought them by if I would have known it was open.

When we were riding up the telerifico, they couldn't believe the shacks that they seen were peoples houses.
Yes, sorry, I misjudged your dates. Not used to people posting that promptly after their trips.

The school closed on the 19th and we discouraged visitors for the week before that because the students were sitting exams, although I was not anticipating "same age" gringo visitors, which would have been a novel experience for our students and we would have made an exception for that had the dates fitted.

See top blog here:
http://www.narive.org/news.2012_2013.html

Love your new slogan for the Teleferico:
"Ride the Teleferico - it's telerifico!"

[TNT72]

Yes, sorry, I misjudged your dates. Not used to people posting that promptly after their trips.

The school closed on the 19th and we discouraged visitors for the week before that because the students were sitting exams, although I was not anticipating "same age" gringo visitors, which would have been a novel experience for our students and we would have made an exception for that had the dates fitted.

See top blog here:
http://www.narive.org/news.2012_2013.html

Love your new slogan for the Teleferico:
"Ride the Teleferico - it's telerifico!"

We landed on the 18th.


Yeah yeah, I'm a little hazy today, broke into the Duty Free bottle of Brugal last night.

[hugrad95a]

A little review to answer some of the questions.

I would not recommend to every single guy, to take a 5 and 7 year old on vacation in the DR. At least, like I did. If you do the AI's, you'll be fine. But, I am VERY blessed to have some great friends that live there. Balcoach set up my condo (will give the name and a few photos in another post) and my jeepeta. Rick from Rockies and Robert set up a babysitter each, so the nights my friend wasn't in town, I could still go drink and have my "ay papi" time!:wink: But, I also had her. And I knew before I got there, that I could trust her completely with my kids. She's not someone I just met (everybody in Green has seen her pics. She is the only one I put there with her own thread). But to be honest, while I knew I could trust her with them, she shocked the hell out of me with how she was with them!

We went to the cable car (telerifico) in Puerto Plata one day. Then hit Weylands favorite restaurant on the malecon (won't go there again, they gouge tourist!) but got rained out. The next day, we drove to Cabarete to meet WickedWillie at Gorditas for tacos and burritos. After lunch, we headed back towards Puerto Plata to ride the go carts. They had no problems letting my 7 year old daughter have her own go cart, and my 5 year old son could drive a double with an adult, but they didn't care if the adult help drive! Also, when you (the adult) are riding the grownup go carts, remember to tell them to take off the regulator! My carts were screaming with burning rubber around corners! (of course, a small propina goes along with it!).

Some said it took moxy or I was brave to take my kids on the road trip. I respect those opinions, because the come from two guys that don't just do Sosua. They travel around, and have shown me a lot either in person (BLB) or in Trip Reports (tgunz), but I don't feel that way.

1) When it comes to my kids, I trust her completely. She wouldn't put my kids in danger.

2) I'm still a big dude that knows how to handle himself. And if someone wants to threaten any of my children, God help them.

I'll offer this. If you're thinking of taking your kid or kids on vacation in the North Coast, you can always PM me. I didn't come to the conclusion to take my kids there lightly. And to be honest, my kids seen a tourist town, and the only place they seen was around 5pm, and that was Rhumba. But that was as we were driving by. (And of course my 5 year old son said after the second time...."that bar is busy and always has some pretty chicas!!!" Damn I love him!!!!!!!!)

Are you going to write the Mayor a letter and explain to her how both worlds can exist.

[DMV]

Thanks for the report. I love reading about different places in RD. Nice to get a view point from a monger/vacationer. Yes you can do both.

[BigLongBeach]

Absolutely! When we hit Maimon, my kids knew they were seeing something for the first time. And they are only 5 and 7.

They haven't said much about it, so that's why I know it hit them.

But my ex wife is bitching so much about the kids speaking what Spanish they picked up


thanks for the shout out.

You might have ruined your son for gringas when he is older LOL i still remember the 1st dominicana that turned me out when i was 16, ahh good memories



They keep saying to her that they have to donate toys.......yes, at 5 and 7, they realize they have too much.

My 1st trip i didnt bring any gifts, once i knew i would go back i remember the girls asking for my stuff, and giving our stuff to the younger kids around town. So I got a bunch of items from my mother, sister, and ex. I gave them to the different girls i session with. After that i always loaded up my bags with hand me down. It started to get bored about going through the trouble to do that. one trip i didnt load up my bags with goodies. No sweat, i went to a campo with a friend and visited some "family" members. It got me when i saw one of the little cousin with beat up barbies but they kids loved them. i was upset i didnt have anything for them.

Later i asked my friend who is a size 00 what she does with the clothes my sister who isnt a 00 (maybe 4-5). She said what ever she cant fix or tailor to her size she gives it to people that need it.

since then i always bring a ton of toys to give out to the kids of the girls i know, even if i am not with them. Same with the clothes. Look i got the means to buy the toys for the kids, and my family have the clothes for the girls. Some guys on the board might said your soft bring items for whores because all they want is money, that is TRUTH but i have the money and means to bring those things and guess what? its my money

[Mr. Smooth]

Absolutely! When we hit Maimon, my kids knew they were seeing something for the first time. And they are only 5 and 7.

They haven't said much about it, so that's why I know it hit them.

But my ex wife is bitching so much about the kids speaking what Spanish they picked up, and they keep saying to her that they have to donate toys.......yes, at 5 and 7, they realize they have too much.

Trey, far be it for me to jump into a private matter between ex's when it comes to the parenting of their kids, but I would have to think that your ex should be just a bit appreciative if not surprised, that her kids have been made aware at such an impressionable age of their good fortune and realized how others their age who they met aren't as fortunate. What they have gained from what they experienced puts them so far ahead of their peers, even as youngsters, I'm sure it will stay with them for a long time and be a positive influence.

As to your ex, well, if she finds reason to bitch about a matter like this, I can only imagine what reasons she found to bitch about something that didn't involve your children when you were married to her. Not having that stress in your life on a daily basis must be godsend.

I've known you personally as a good dude with a solid character. Through this report, I now know you as a dedicated and loving father to your kids as well. :iconTU: :iconTU: :iconTU:

[El-Rey]

Nice stuff T..

Tu saaabbeee