Sun, Sand, Swimsuits, and Sexy People

[kia027]

will do...can i travel wid pepper spray in mi checked luggage?

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/prohibited-items

Self Defense Sprays - One 4 ounce (118ml) container of mace or pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. Self Defense Sprays containing more than 2% by mass of Tear Gas (CS or CN) are prohibited in Checked Baggage. For more information visit www.faa.gov., click on Passengers, then Preparing to Fly.

[CeaBee]

Have fun.

[applepie]

Enjoy yourself! You will be fine.

[Skelly]

Thanks ladies. Reading travel tips on boards about females traveling alone in the DR. Sounds like typical common sense IMO.

Women Traveling Alone

It’s generally safe for women to travel in theDominican Republic. However, women traveling alone are best off playing it safe and doing any trekking during the day and on public transportation so that they are not alone. You might be given some grief and opposition if you tell a Dominican (male or female) that you wish to travel throughout the country alone. It is not seen as “right” for women to “have” to travel alone. The major thing you will come face to face with is the machismo of Dominican men in the form of whistling and ogling. They mean no harm and it is a completely normal interaction for them even though it might startle a newcomer. Just be smart about whom you talk to and whom you decide to befriend. Using common sense is always a good idea. Don’t wear flashy jewelry—you don’t want to attract attention for a robbery—and dress conservatively when traveling alone. If you carry a purse, don’t carry all your money in it. Separate your cash, credit cards, and bank cards so they aren’t all in one spot.

http://www.moon.com/destinations/dominican-republic/essentials/tips-travelers

[Gen]

yuh have common sense so you will be fine. just mek sure nuh badda get junk.

and walk and look behind/around yuh (like yuh deh pan flatbush 2.00am in the mawning)

oh if anybody ask yuh, yuh are there with 2 cousin (1 US ex marine and 1 yard ex police)

[Diplomat]

My travel partner is annoying me. She caan do dis. She caan do dat. The prices are soaring! I decided I will go ahead and book without her and get there a half day earlier than her then we can fly back together. Dats why mi nuh like go nuh weh wid nuh baddi ie nuh. Cho!

Leave the friend if you have to. For what this trip represents for you, she might be drama you don't need. Sometimes the best company is your own. Take a journal, a couple of good books, some music, the camera, and enjoy the down time.

[SamChabs]

What Churchdude said...

I find that my most enjoyable trips are ones I take alone. Get to do what I want, when I want, buy what I want, regardless of price or use.

Enjoy yourself Skelly and "wash away" all the stresses of the past couple of years. In my culture we believe that sea water washes away all bad luck and bad omens ( not surprising considering we are landlocked so sea is fascinating to us)...

[Skelly]

My girlfriends all ganged up on me over drinks on Friday night and said I was crazy. They still believe I am traveling to meet up with a lover or something. I got strict orders to report all my movements to them. My friends are even more protective than my mother! Dios mio!

Well I am just here trying to get my things together and do my last minute packing. Hasta luego! Pray fi mi!

[UKBlackLady]

You seem like a sensible smaddy Skelly, so just go and have a wonderful time. For the past 17 years I have taken at least one vacation a year to somewhere far-flung by myself. It is these vacations that have me returning feeling the most revitalised, refreshed and ready to go again...

Trip report when you get back please!

[Skelly]

I am currently in Ft Lauderdale waiting to board my flight. Did not meet up with any boardies but instead, discovered that one of my besties from HS was down here so we hooked up for a long lunch and bwoy did we have a lot to catch up on! It was wonderful!

This morning when I took off from Hartford I got so emotional. I cried. I can't explain it but as the plane ascended I had memories of me and di man. We used to travel to FL at least twice for the year. This is the first time since 1994 that I have traveled to FL without him. It has always been with him.

Sigh...

Ah well...I feel like a new feeling of freedom swept over me as I am moving into the next phase of my life. Who knows, maybe when I come back I can completely open myself up to the whole love thing again. Maybe I can fearlessly tell the right one yes...but until then..I journey on.


I met some folks on a forum similar to ours, but it's about the DR of course. I got in touch with someone who has a trusted taxi driver and so I will be greeted by this person who will take me to my apartment. Pray fi mi!

[MsExced]

Skell nuh worry about the love ting just focus on healing and loving yourself. Everything else will fall into place

[Skelly]

Well, mi reach! It's just like Jamaica, only seh dem speaky paniol. Rooster wake mi up at 6 dis mawnin. Man I felt like I was HOME. I love my place! It is very clean and spacious. I really feel at home here. I am now having breakfast (I cooked). saltfish fritters with mint tea, v8 splash and pineapple chunks. (I brought everything I could legally bring. Mi nayly bring a tin a ackee too. LOL!)

Gonna shower and head out to do the first day business stuff like bank, cambio an store. I can't believe I forgot my deodorant! After that I plan to just hang out at the beach, swim and eat then come back and do some writing. Loving it so far!

And I am surprised my spanglish is better than I thought. I am able to hold entire conversations so long as they speak slowly and clearly, which is a major challenge for most. lol


Lata!

[CeaBee]

cook pon vacation? no man

but glad u reach safe

[MsExced]

Glad to reach safe, enjoy

[Marielle]

Hey Skelly, how great you are in D.R.!

I,ve been twice and love it. Both times in Sosua, where I have a friend who lives there. He's Dominican and lived here for 30 years, before returning about 4 years ago.

Love the beach in Sosua for hanging out during the day. Also Cabarete is great and probably better at night than Sosua, which has a thriving sex trade in the evenings/night.

My son learned to scuba dive there (Dutch Diving school).

If you can try to go to Samaná, it's still on my to-do list..... In February the whales come there, they may be still around (?).

Oh, and the Dominicans are lovely. Friendly, charming and I never had a problem when I was there (also alone the second time).
Oh, and their music is great! Merengue and Bachata - makes you want to dance!

Have a great time! Look forward to the trip report.