Thursday, January 26, 2012

01/25/2012 TAKING THE BUS TO PUERTO PLATA

01/25/2012 OCEAN WORLD MARINA, DR
http://www.oceanworldmarina.com/


WEDNESDAY

0 NM

DOCKED AT OCEAN WORLD MARINA NEAR PUERTO PLATA $1.26/FT/DAY FOR <7DAYS, .45/KWA, .20/GAL

SUNRISE AT PUERTO PLATA: 7:20 AM

SUNSET AT PUERTO PLATA: 6:31 PM

Last night’s downpour earned us a spectacular rainbow this morning. We are learning why this island is so lush and green. Not only does it have freshwater rivers and lakes but the rain constantly feed the greedy soil and plant, a small price to pay for the ability to grow crops.

THE MORNING RAINBOW HOVERS OVER THE MARINA

A BEAUTIFUL WHITE HIBISCUS FLOWER

THIS MAN WAS "MOWING" THE FIELD WITH HIS MACHETE

Our big excursion today involved leaving our own safe compound and venturing up the hill to the highway. From here we caught one of the little collective minivan/buses to Puerto Plata, the second oldest town in the new world. We crammed into a couple of open seats and crept at a snail’s pace, stopping to dispatch or accept new passengers, until we exited at the entrance to the town. Walking the streets of town we observed typical shops, unusual motorbike taxis, the lovely Parque Central and picturesque old buildings. We took time out to sample some of the ice cream shop’s wares then walked on. This area is known for its large source of clean amber and is home to a museum/shop for the tourist’s enjoyment.


PARQUE CENTRAL

WOMAN CARRYING HER WARES IN THE PARK

COLORFUL AND CHARMING


STOPPING FOR ICE CREAM
After catching the bus back to our stop and meandering our way back towards the marina, we stopped at a charming little ocean front bar and restaurant for a light afternoon libation. We wiled away much of the afternoon sipping our rum, munching on wings, reveling in the ocean breeze and watching the beach activity. The DR is known for its all-inclusive resorts scattered all along the island’s shore line. One of the large resorts was just down the beach from the bar and guests walked the beach or rode the resort’s Banana Boat. We were quite content to just take in all the passing sights.

PAYING OFF THE BUS AS WE ARE THE LAST TO EXIT

NOW THIS IS THE LIFE!

Tonight we got all dressed up and attended the Ocean World Casino’s glittering show. The ocean theme was exquisitely carried throughout the reception area, restaurant, lounge and casino. After the show Dan played a few hands of Blackjack before leaving his $$ in the capable hands of the casino. Unbelievable, not only did they have a $5.00 table but also a $3.00 table. Jackie, you would have loved to find that the slot machines still use coins and they even had a few 5 cent machines. Boy, we haven’t stepped out like that for a while!


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