02/07/2012 A TASTE OF THE LOCAL FARE

02/07/2012 DRIVE TO LAS GALERAS


TUESDAY

O NM

DOCKED AT PUERTO BAHIA MARINA    (http://www.puertobahiasamana.com/)
$1./FT/DAY FOR <7DAYS, POWER=.50/KWA, WATER=3.50/DAY

SUNRISE AT SAMANA: 7:10 AM

SUNSET AT SAMANA: 6:33 PM

After jumping into our little, red rental car we zipped off through Samana, congested with tourists from TWO cruise ships. While the ships lolled out in the bay, the passengers flocked to shore to partake in excursions, catch a ride on a moto-concho, sip some local Brugal Rum at a street side café and leave a bit of their money in the shops.

THE CRUISE SHIPS ARE IN TOWN

THE BUSES AND MOTO-CONCHOS READY AND WAITING

Today’s destination was the beach town of Las Galeras, located in the lovely Bahia Rincon. We had passed this area in the early morning hours while making our way to Bahia de Samana in Quest. This time we were able to fully appreciate the expansive bay with Cabo Cabron guarding the bay to the northwest. We wandered the streets, ducking into a few shops but didn’t tarry too long.

CABO CABRON MARKES THE ENTRANCE TO BAHIA RINCON

Stopping at some of the roadside stands proved to be the day’s highlight. The fruit vendor sold us many different local treats. The sapodilla (or zapote) was a new experience for us. I, at first, thought they were medium sized potatoes. The accommodating proprietor whipped out his knife and gave us a sampling of this unusual fruit. It has large, dark seeds that you discard. The pulp is reminiscent of a ripe pear and has a mild but delightful taste. Of course we couldn’t resist adding this to our booty. Our stash of local fruit ended up consisting of the sapodillas, a pineapple, bananas, a grand papaya and a gigantic avocado.




LOCAL BANANAS RIPEN WHILE HANGING








HOW'S THAT FOR A PAPAYA?

OUR STASH: PINEAPPLE AVOCADO AND BANANAS
WITH CUT SAPODILLA AND PAPAYA ON PLATE

YES, WE HAVE SOME BANANAS!!!!!

Our next stop brought us to a spot where we bought a disc of luscious flat bread and two empanadas stuffed with fish. At our last stop we bought a piping hot loaf of bread similar to Italian bread. Quite a haul!

HERE WE BOUGHT ONE OF THE ROUND, FLAT LOAVES OF BREAD
THEY ALSO SOLD DRIED AND SALTED FISH