Family Destination of the Year, Dominican Republic

This is what I consider one of my classic Dominican Republic Photos. I posted it on the last blog but saved it to repost.

I took this picture in El Tablon in Charamicos. This is about the poorest and worst neighborhood on the North Coast. The government actually built Apartments to move these people into and the crooks ended up selling the apartments to their friends.

Bermuda and Caribbean > Dominican Republic More on Dominican Republic Family Destination of the Year: Dominican Republic By CAREN OSTEN GERSZBERG Published: January 22, 2006 THE variables involved in planning a Caribbean family vacation can be daunting enough to send the weak scurrying back to a condo in Sarasota. Ideal for honeymooners or stressed-out grown-ups, many Caribbean resorts are designed for those who need to get away from it. Rest of the Story can be read: http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/01/22/travel/22family.html

I nearly fell off my chair when I read this in the New York Times this morning! Man I think Tourism has a long way to go here but I was happy to read the article touting the horn of the Dominican Republic. Sometimes Bulldoodie can pave the way to better things. I sure hope so!

Headed to Puerto Plata now with Niko the Commie to look at some real estate.

If we find stuff worthwhile it will be posted on Niko's website so check it out in a few.

Http://www.sosua-cabarete.com

Hasta Pronto!

KNOCK my SOCKS OFF!

If this post doesn't give you reason to comment I think you may be brain dead.

About 6 years ago I started organizing get togethers which turned out to be HUGE attracting sometimes 200 people and more. Mostly Expats and Visitors who come often to the Dominican Republic. It was an excuse to form a big network of people for the common good. Many many friendships, mucho Business and even future jobs were organized at these gatherings. Last year for Thanksgiving I finally did a fundraiser which I have been trying to get together for years organized and it was put on. It was also a great success!

We have put together a core group of people to facilitate the distribution of the moneys and to also come up with ideas to make this an ongoing effort. Everyone volunteers or I volunteer them (LOL) and no one makes a dime out of this. We have no salaries or overhead. The talent is incredible and as this grows the talent will also grow as there is no limit of great people that care living on the Island who are anxious to help out. I have heard only parts of what has been discussed and I am totally impressed. No FLUFF here folks. NO BS and no one lining their pockets!

We are now setting up the 6th Annual Easter Bash and the 1st Annual Childrens Benefit Silent Auction. At the 1st Annual Childrens Benefit Live Auction we raised 6500 US dollars which was big for the Dominican Republic. I hope to raise a minimum of 10,000 US Dollars at the Silent Auction. Friends have already been sending in donations of goods and services and we are starting to put this all together.

One friend Avacado Brian who has just set up a legal distillery and winery in the DR gave me my first donation of a mixed case of Booze and Wine. Another friend Jack Quontee donated $1000.00 US Dollars which is 10% of my goal right there. Helmut and Amparo donated addition items which were very popular at the last Auction. I have to meet someone for lunch next week to firm up a great donation at a very popular resort on the North Coast which will be a headliner for the auction. The only promotion I have done so far is on this blog but we will go public in the next week.

I got email from Sunnie today. She is in her 20's, did a tour in Iraq, was discharged from the US Army, moved to the Dominican Republic, works for Dominican Wages and donated $500 US Dollars. Man this really moved me and although not the biggest donation to date it is HUGE considering all the factors I just wrote!

^5 Sunnie, thank you so much for opening up your heart and benefiting the Children of the North Coast of the Dominican Republic. You da Woman!

So, folks who are reading this please open up your hearts and join the other great people trying to make a difference here in the Dominican Republic. Together we can accomplish HUGE things here. Alone we can only educate one kid.

Hasta Pronto!

From DR1 News

UN: It's time to define migratory policyThe United Nations Development Program (UNDP) representative in the DR, Nicky Fabiancic has said that the DR should improve the way it deals with Haitian migration, making evident that the time is ripe for the definition of a migratory policy. According to a report in Listin Diario, Fabiancic stated that the DR must learn to live with Haitian migrants who arrive here in search of better horizons and that "the solution to the Haitian problem must be sought by international cooperation as the DR cannot do it on its own". He emphasized that the DR has contributed a lot to Haiti but cannot take on its problems single-handed.

What the hell, the UN is thinking it should be involved in a Sovereign Nations business of the Dominican Republic business is hard to understand. While I agree that there needs to be a policy about Haitian workers and illegal aliens I don't believe the UN plays a part in this at all! Hell the UN can't even take care of themselves let along others.

The Dominican Republic does NOT have the ability to solve the Haitian problem and is NOT responsible for it or the cause of it. The DR should make policy on how to deal with the illegal immigration going on every day and a Policy on how to deal with the Illegals already in the country.

The UN should try to help out Haiti in its problems both politically and economically however should stay out of the business of the Dominican Republic.

Hasta Pronto

This was a table of about 12 people who were eating dinner at Dori's Restaurant which is located inside Eddys Sports Bar in Sosua, Dominican Republic. Dori is the Longhair on the Right with the Apron standing. The restaurant was full and everyone enjoyed themselves. Most of the people I was with were friends of Dori's but Eddy told me that even the fussy people he knows that tried to food LOVED it!

I had the Egg Rolls and the Thai Pork Curry. Dori knows that I like my food spicy and he lit it up for me and I was thrilled. I think Dori has a hard time understanding that I like to taste that type of food twice. Once going in and second time leaving! LOL

Say hi to Lou from Lous Shark Bar most recently located on Sosua Beach but now in the process of opening up on Pedro Clisante across from Harrisons Jewelers. His claim to fame is that he is going to be serving food until 6am which should be a good niche for him. He promised to send me email updating me on the construction, menu and other aspects of his business so I can put them here on the blog to let you guys know what is going on here in Sosua on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic.

Standing next to Lou is Ian who posts as Tamborista on DR1 and Jim a contractor from the Boston area. Sheesh talking to Jim last night I thought I was talking to one of the brothers on Public Broadcasting System who do the Car show with that Accent!:)

This is a banner from Eddys Sports Bar in Sosua. Eddys has been voted the best Sports Bar on the North Coast and it is a great place to go to see your favorite Sports on TV, surf the internet on your laptop and now eat great food! Stop in any night, have a great meal and say hello to Eddy and Dori. You will thank me after!

We are planning and getting ready right now for the 6th Annual Easter Bash/1st Annual Childrens Benefit Silent Auction. A lot of people are working on this as I type and we have set a goal of 10 Thousand US dollars to benefit the Children on the North Coast.

We already have a $1000 US dollar Cash Donation, a case of mixed wine and whiskey made in the DR, a week at one of the finer All Inclusives on the North Coast, Spa Package, Pottery, Jewelery and much more donated already. The people are working hard on a plan for what to do with the $6500 already raised and we should have some further info on this in the near future and certainly before Easter. I can tell you that I find what I have heard very EXCITING and gives me hope for the future here and what we as a group CAN accomplish. No Fluff and no angles here folks, just a bunch of very UNSELFISH individuals who really give a darn and absolutely NO OVERHEAD involved. Stay tuned for more info on this. You WILL be impressed!

Please get involved and approach your friends and businesses you do business with and ask them to participate by donating goods and services for the upcoming silent auction. We will promote them both on the internet and on radio in order to promote the auction and their generosity. WIN-WIN for everyone so please get on board early as the promotions will start in one week.

Hasta Pronto!

Tacos BaBy

Had a great crew at Taco Tuesday last night. Included were a whole bunch of new folks who hadn't been there before which was super! Everyone had a great time and always does. Nice friendly group who always welcomes new people!

It is always nice to introduce this special place on Cabarete Beach in the Dominican Republic to new people. First thing when I arrived I saw Paul from NY and a group of 5 people sitting down eating Tacos. They came here with me about 6 months ago and gravitated right back. I didn't even know that they were in town till I ran into them at Taco Tuesday.

BTW folks, the road there has been graded and materials are bringing brought in now as I type to top the road. Yes I know you don't believe me but I left there doing 50 MPH last night and didn 't get bounced around half as much as when I was driving 5 mph last week. You will have to see this to believe it!

Ian or Tamborista can run but he can't hide. The camera was a little too fast for him this time. Funny guy makes like he doesn't want his picture taken but poses like the women pose for me:)

Always a lovely smile from "my gals". Good to know that my wife (on right) is once again my wife and has given up her indiscretions of the past. I accept your faults darling and I forgive you. You can come home now!

I met this couple for the first time last night. They just purchased a condo at Cabarete East and it is being built and completed as I type. The wife is Dominican and they live in NY. I explained to her that she was a Dominican York and I am a York Dominican! She had a hard time believing me. Took her 25 years to leave and I went there all on my own:) Kind of the reverse Yola if you will.

There were a whole bunch of New Yourkers there last night. We may have outweighted the Brittish contingent.

Ok folks last reminder, tonight is Dori's Restaurant at Eddys Sports Bar OPENING and a bunch of us are going at 7pm to eat Dori's great food and to Toast Dori's Good luck. Come join us if you can for good food, good people and GREAT FUN!

Listen to Rubi 92.5 this afternoon for an interview By the Rocket of Doug Hicks who is a retired NHL Great. We will find out if Rocket can actually take Doug which he alluded to in a previous broadcast.

See you all tonight and can't wait for the great meal! Herman, I wish you were here to enjoy the festivities! Glad Brian and Debbie are finally coming back next week.

Hasta Pronto!

Slucking and flucking, Licking and Sticking, at Escotts favorite BBQute:)

Say hi to Michael and Ian. We all went to Taco Tuesday and when driving Nicky the Commie back to his home we were returning to Sosua and my stinkin car turned into my favorite whore house in Cabarete. I swear that car has a mind of its own and I had nothing to do with it!

Look at these two, pretending that they don't notice any of the gals around them and talking about business and such. If you don't think this is put on take a look at the photos below and let me know what you think!

Now this one has been around for quite a while. Sweet looking nice gal who everyone likes! You wouldn't believe how long it took me to get this shot with the moustache. She made me take 20 other photo's of her before I was able to get this one. Sweet smile even with the hairy lip:)

When I take the camera out of the car they all parade in front of me to get their pictures taken. I must have taken 50 shots and all of them wanted to pose. Good tip folks, bring your cameras to the Hooker Heavens:)

We had a few beers which we shared with the gals and headed back to Sosua. Man I love this place and I want to move in! No one hassles you here and you can sit and drink, chat and look without being bothered.

I just got an email sent through DR1 from a person in the UK. I have been getting these nice messages for a long time and have saved a bunch of them which I intend to publish one day. It is nice getting these and it makes me want to continue writing when I get the feeling I am appreciated.

hello theremy names reece im from the uk ,i came to the dom rep for the 1st time in nov of 2005 and loved it whilist researching the dom rep i came across your blog and loved visiting it since then i have lost your web address,i would love for you to send me the link so i can once again visit the site thanks.regards reece

I sent her the new address and now have added hopefully another reader to the blog. The numbers are coming back slowly but surely and I thank you.

Look out for my next piece with a bunch of pictures coming today.

Hasta Pronto!

Acting and Eating... Great Combination!

I just got these pictures via email. My daughter is in the first row in the middle one to the right.

I don't know which play this is but it looks like a Dance/Musical.

My daughter is in the front left in the picture below. Same play or musical.

Had a great time at Taco Tuesday tonight and even had a good time after. I will post the pictures in the morning.

Tomorrow is Dori's first night at Eddys Sports Bar in Sosua. Just turn at Banco Santo Cruz and half a block up the road on the Right you will find the place.

A bunch of us are going for dinner so if you are around stop in and enjoy good food, good times and great people! This is Dori's first night so I want to put the pressure on him to handle big crowds and still make everyone happy:) Don't be surprised if you see all your companions serving if it is overwhelming since we are all friends of Dori.

Hasta Pronto!

Breakfast & Texas Holdem...

Ok folks, two things first. Keep up the comments because it is always good to get feedback and it is even better for idiots to show their colors so I won't have to waste time getting to know them.

LIfe is too short and too busy to waste time on dopes anymore! Cuts down on the amount of time I have to waste and gives me more time to converse with DECENT people. I spend a good part of my time here seperating the good from the bad as there are a great many people here that plain are a waste of time. It is all worth it because what is left are a great bunch of expats who have something to offer but this is one humungous chore you constantly have to have your eye on!

Two is to click the google ads above to make me a rich guy:) Hey you guys bought me breakfast yesterday by clicking away! What more can a guy ask of his readers other than a good breakfast:)

I got an email from a friend this morning and there was a bunch of good info in the email so I am posting it as a piece of the blog since it would be something I would write about anyway and it is always good to get good info here for everyone who comes down here for your future trips to the Dominican Republic and hopefully I can even entice some folks down with some worthwhile info.

Now this email speaks about a decent place for Breakfast I didn't know about and a Poker Tournament that does NOT really interest me but must interest others because of the rising popularity of Texas Holdem Poker.

Hi, Scott. Happy New Year to you and yours.Just stopping to say hello. You came up in conversation with my friend Tamborista, who is staying in your building for a few weeks. I was wondering what happened to you as, to me, you just disappeared. Now I know and I know where to read your blogging. From what I gather things on the finca are blooming and Billy, his wife and the Kid are thriving. Surprisingly, I was down for 10 days just before Christmas and did not run into you. But then, I rarely go into Rocky's other then to stick my head in in the a.m. Tipico Alberto's makes a wonderful breakfast with excellent coffee so it's a good alternative.

By the bye, friends of mine are holding a Texas Hold Em tournament March 16th thru the 19th at the Breezes outside of Sosua. I posted the info on DR1. 1st prize is $40,000.00 U.S. plus a seat at the World Poker Tour. It pays all the way thru 15 place. If you could mention it to Nicky and the other players from Chiquita Casino I would appreciate it. They are always saying that they would like a good tournament. Buyin is $2,000.00 U.S.locally and $2,500.00 from the states. Air, accommadations, drinks, etc.

Thanks and stay well, John

To John (Thanks for the email) and everyone else, I don't go into Rockys anymore at all so don't bother looking for me there. You can give me a call if you like before you hit town at 845-810-0212 which is a Vonage NY number that rings here. Just don't call till after Friday as I have a guest in the Condo and I am not there. Once you get here you can call me on my Cell phone 809-223-1178. Email of course is always a great way to get ahold of me jazzpaging@yahoo.com If all fails you can catch me holding up a corner of the Bar at Taco Tuesdays on Tuesday evenings or just show up there to have a great time!

As far as me disappearing this was something Robert did after I put in the blog that he hosted how it was wrong to edit and censor someones blog and perhaps it was better for him NOT to host blogs if he feels he needs to keep his advertisers rather than expose them for doing the wrong thing and being exposed.

Shame as I thought DR1 was better than to take that position and part of the purpose of the message boards was to find out who NOT to do business with. Well just remember you will hear the good, the bad and the Ugly on Dr1 as long as it doesn't include advertisers! Shame on DR1 in my opinion. It would have been better to hold their advertisers up to some scrutiny and standards which would have been better for them in the long run instead of give them control of the website. Robert did all he could to hide my new blogsite and it took a few weeks to get up to speed but alas yesterday there were 221 Unique visitors here still below my numbers before but higher than I should have considering Robert deletes any thread that mentions me and where the new blog is located, so I am told. It still pisses him off he cant come in here and edit what he wants but he just has to adjust a bit:)

I have a closing today and an Airport run this afternoon. Mario and Howard are leaving I am sorry to say. I am glad I took the opportunity to hang out with them in Costambar for a few days!

One last mention of Dori's Restaurant Opening Wednesday at Eddys Sports Bar in Sosua. A good size group of us are coming on Wednesday at 7pm and if you are in town, want to taste great food and meet a bunch of nice people show up for dinner! You will have a great meal and great conversation with the possibilities of meeting some real fine people. NO petty people will be allowed in:) Don't be surprised to see half the group waiting on tables depending on how busy he gets since most if not all of us count Dori as a great friend as well as a great chef.

Again, we are planning our Easter Dinner and Childrens Benefit Silent Auction for Easter Sunday so start making your plans to join us at Eddys and if you have something we can Auction or want to make a cash donation please email Dawn, Carina, Robert or myself with the details. Thanksgivings LIVE Auction brought in over 6500 US dollars and we are looking to raise over 10,000$ this Easter so we NEED your help and support! For the many of you who have already committed to donations of money or services I want to thank you. In a few weeks we will start promoting this bigtime on both DR1, Ruby 92.5 and on a bunch of Blogs so the earlier you get involved the more publicity you and your business will get out of it. Win/Win for both you and the children! Doesn't get any better!

Hasta Pronto!

(Hey Click my Google ads and Make me rich!)

Finally, I couldn't upload pictures and then the internet went down. Wow, finally! Look at Mary Lips below. Does this woman have style or what? Say what and I will let Mary Lips tear your head off! No kidding, she yoked me today when I stopped at Dori's to say hi. That women had it going!

This is my friend from Ny who happens to be actually from Jamaica. Yes he even talks funny. Say hello to Howard. First time here and he LOVES the place. Glad also as I want him to keep on coming back and often!

Friday night Dawn had Cocktail Hour at her Penthouse. Actually it was Cocktail 6 hours and included all sorts of appetizers and wine and booze. There were 9 of us at the most and 3 left early and we went through a half bottle of the Top of the Line Brugal in the Royal Decanter and 7 bottles of wine of different persuasions and a 91 Port which was out of this world.

Attending Cocktail Hours were Camden Tom, Mary Lips, Linda Love, Doug Hicks, Mario, Kathy, Dawn, Howard and of course Yours truly Escott! Howard and Mario had just gotten off the plane and came to Cocktail hour but were staying in Costambar because all my condos were filled and even I am not living there for another week so I had to take them down to their car so they could make the trip back. Traveling is exhausting!

This is Mary Lips and Dawnwil. These people would do anything to get in my blog because they are blog whores~! Ok Guys you made the big time! That is the Moon that they are holding up btw. I should have taken a better picture but they made me drink wine I swear!

This is Dr. Mario and Dawn posing to get into the blog. Sheesh what some people wouldnt do.

We had a great time of course and the wines and apps were great. Just another noche in Sosua in the Dominican Republic!

I spent the Saturday evening in Costambar hanging with my friends. We had a great meal at Cafe Negril. I had Sea Bass in Safron Sauce which was out of this world. The owner of the place Mickey is also Jamaican and one cool dude. Cool Runnings! If you are up there this place shouldn't be missed. I WILL BE BACK as Arnold said.

Wednesday Dori's Restaurant in Eddy's Sports Bar opens. We have a nice crowd showing up so join us if you want. Dori is a fabulous Chef and I LOVE his cooking. He wanted to have a soft opening but "Screw Him" we will TUNE HIM UP REAL quickly! He was talking about having to get to know the temperatures of the new equipment but hell we are all friends of his so we know he will do great and cant wait to eat his food again.

Eddys is in Sosua on the road that Super Super Liquor Store and Banco Reservas is on 1/2 block up from Pedro Clisante on your right. Be there or be square.

I am exhausted and have a closing tomorrow. Maybe more to write manana!

Hasta Pronto!

Costambar Restaurant, Friends and New Restaurant in Sosua

(Click the Google Ads to make me some money) I was cruising some blogs and stole this picture. I picked up a new tenant for my condo yesterday and he came in from NY. He said that he got out just before the snow storm. I couldn't help but think how lucky I am to be living in the Dominican Republic by the Beach!

I have a few other friends in from NY who I picked up the day before. They are staying in Costambar because I don't have room for them in my condos and I am even moved out for another week because of bookings.

I went up and stayed in Costambar with them this weekend and it was nice hanging out up there. We had dinner Saturday evening at Cafe Negril which is in the Atlantico One complex. Man I had a great meal. Sea Bass in a Safron sauce. If you are ever up in Costambar check the place out as all the food I have had there has been out of this world. It is run by an Authentic Jamaican by the name of Mickey. Real nice fellow and very helpful so if you get to Costambar stop in and say hello!

Wednesday Dori's Restaurant at Eddys Sports Bar opens. I am going with a group of people there on Wednesday at 7pm if anyone would like to join us. Always nice to support your friends by attending their opening night and I am looking forward to eating Dori's food again. Tell your friends about the opening and join us there.

Dawn had some people over for cocktails on Friday at about 5pm and I have pictures to upload which were neat pics you will enjoy. It will take some time shrinking them up for the blog but I will get them posted this morning.

Tomorrow is Taco Tuesday. Yes I am looking forward to it and will be bringing some fresh blood for all the Taco heads to pick on. Frank the Tank called me yesterday and said he may make it down from Nagua for Tacos and I am looking forward to seeing him again.

Happy Birthday Grahame! I may be a little late for this year but probably the first for next year! LOL

Hasta Pronto!