We had planned our first excursion for Monday. A jeep safari was on the program. We had booked it at EXTRA-TOURS in Cabarete. Many paid more than US$50.00 but we had the best price and only paid US$25.00.

Monday, at 8.00 a.m., the jeep picked us up at the Hotel and after having paid the price for the trip, we were on our way. We passed several vantage points and after some kilometers, the jeep turned left off the highway.

The two guides got on (I always called them our boy scouts). We drove a few 100 meters through sugar cane plantations till we got to a parking spot which was the end of the line for the time being. We were served our first Cuba Libre. We passed through several watercourses and then reached the waterfall.

It consists of 28 cascades, some of which we could climb and the most fun was the return trip. On the way down, some of the cascades could only be mastered by sliding and jumping – very refreshing, but best of all was nature. The vegetation resembling a jungle made this tour very special.

All over, this stop was a very special experience since we had never been so close to a jungle like vegetation  before. Those who keep their eyes open really get to see something.

After we came back to our jeep, we got the second helping of alcohol and were offered Brugal rum with coke. A small girl sold peanuts with melted sugar that we highly recommend. These sweets are made by the natives and then sold in order to earn some money. Often, these sweets are also made with almonds. Both kinds taste delicious but are very sweet.

Then we continued and passing the oldest sugar plant of Puerto Plata we reached a village where only Haitians live. We made a photo stop but I did not take a picture since I felt that here human beings were paraded like in a zoo. While on the road, children ran after us and shouted “mintas”. I investigated and regret to have to say that the children were asking for candy. I was regretful because I did not have any. This will never happen to me again! Then we passed a Dominican school that was closed because it was vacation time.

Now it was already time for lunch. Fortunately, we were treated to a Dominican meal of rice, chicken, beans, etc. and we all thought it tasted great. Of course I ordered an ice cold Presidente (beer) to go with my meal. By this time, I was getting on wonderfully with Mateo. He speaks perfect German and we could joke all the time. The best of them he translated to the driver who then could not stop laughing. Did I already mention that we also had Cuba Libres from time to time…..

After lunch, we drove to the supposedly biggest bull in the Dominican Republic. When we entered a very clean stable, we saw our bull. I noted how largely the bull was endowed and this drove me to tell Mateo the joke about a bull with equally large private parts wherein the boy says to his mother: “Look, mummy, the bull must be very sick!”. After thinking it over, his mother says: “Oh no, I wish your father was as healthy as this bull!”

We stopped at a road where soft stones were carved and sold. Mateo explained the procedure and everybody was bored. I went to the “artists” and had them show me some raw stones and half-finished sculptures and the Dominicans smilingly showed me their soft stones. I bought three figures that cost only 100 pesos here. The reaction of my travelling companions miffed me somehow because they said: “Oh good that you bought something, now we can finally leave!”

Then the truck stopped at a Dominican village where pigs, cattle, donkeys and other animals walked around freely. Before we could explore anything, we had a drink. Did I already mention that we were offered Cuba Libres?

Before I realized it, a Boa Hispaniola was put around my neck. It is the only choking snake of the Dominican Republic. Children surrounded the parrot that was also there for a photo shoot of course.

Then we went to a simple hut that smelled deliciously of coffee. Mateo explained how coffee is produced and everybody got a coffee sweetened with lots of cane sugar that I highly recommend.

Coffee samples were sold (10 Pesos) to help the woman financially. I bought some samples and together with what the others bought….

After visiting a gift shop we went back to the Hotel. It was a successful day and we saw a lot even if we were presented with pre-elected spots. By the way, did I mention already that Cuba Libres were always available on the jeep?

Those who travel to the Dominican Republic should participate in a jeep safari. Please think about it, is it really that hard to leave a few Pesos in the country? Choose a well-priced excursion and then leave some of your savings in the country and thereby help a small portion of the population.