Ok, we've been here nearly four weeks and are still adjusting to some things. Here are some thoughts on what it's like here.
The condo we have is very nice. Plenty of space and only a few steps to the pool. The pool is seldom used by anyone; it's almost like having a private pool. We get a breeze nearly all the time and with opening doors on either side of the condo, the condo stays cool. We really only close the doors and turn on the A/C to drown out the traffic on the street and the night club noise. Yes, I said the traffic on the street. When we looked at this unit in September, we were led to believe the road was a private road and seldom used. That is far from the truth. Although the road is a private road, it services numerous resorts and condos between us and the beach. All day, every day we get trucks delivering goods, small buses and large buses delivering tourists, school buses delivering and picking up workers at the resorts, motor bikes, and taxis of all sorts. Our unit is located exactly in the middle of two speed bumps, so the drivers speed up as they cross a speed bump and consequently are flying by with engines roaring and fumes flying. All day and all night; every day of the week. Add to the constant traffic pattern the night club that sits about 200 - 300 yards across the field from us. They start their music about 9 PM every night of the week. It goes until 3:30 AM the following morning. We get the BOOM/BOOM/BOOM all night long from the bass they have turned up. If our condo was on the other side of the complex, the noise issues would not be issues, but the administrator says there is nothing available. So for the time being we are stuck.
The people here are very nice and helpful. If there is a communication problem, it always seems to get worked out. The cost of living is great. The weather is superb. As an example, we have been in the mid 80's every day for the last two weeks with very little humidity. We get a rain storm or shower nearly every day, but it usually blows through.
We have been to town numerous times; only a ten minute walk. The beach is farther that we expected - about a 30 minute walk. We've been there only once. Oh, and the golf course just accross the street that we were told would be re-opened in November. Well, guess what. It hasn't happened and no one can tell me when it will re-open. Another misleading story given to us. So, we have not yet played any golf.
Life is easy here.
Oh yeah, the internet has been a big issue. This is the third time I've been able to access it. And the only way I can do it is if I sit on the back patio.
We rented a car the other day. Needed to get the grocery and do some other running. We didn't want to rely on a taxi and the car gave us some freedom and helped us reconnect.
Attached are a few photos from our first rain in the DR.
All in all, it's a beautful location and the weather is great. If the condo were located on the back side of the complex so we didn't hear all the constant noise, this place could work. With the issues that we have to deal with - who knows if it will eventually work out.
