Provisioning—A Tale of Two Cities
The two largest cities in the DR are Santo Domingo on the south coast and Santiago in the northern center of the country.
Puerto Plata on the north coast, is also a large urban center with a number of large stores.
Provisioning in the DR, especially for fresh fruits and vegetables and other fresh food stocks is simple, straightforward and can be easily accomplished in virtually any “pueblo”. There are Bodegas and Colmados (small grocery stores) everywhere. You will find most store owners friendly, anxious to help and reasonably honest. The price is usually the price but if you are buying in sufficient quantity you may ask for your Lagniappe (slang for a free little extra from the merchant in a local store….pronounced LAN-YAP-PA). Do not ask for this in large stores in the major cities as they will think you are naïve. But do ask for it with local vendors to get the 13th banana or the 13 pan de agua (small rolls). When you are buying something large you can ask for a discount, but in local grocery it is the Lagniappe that is the custom (research the word on Google; it has an interesting history). You can also buy potable water in 5 gallon jugs very inexpensively but you will have to pay a deposit for the jug. However, when you return the jug to get more water, you pay only for the water by exchanging the jug. Or keep the jug for your next oil change and engine room waste.
You will also find in most small towns the FERRETERIAS. These are the hardware stores. They carry a wide variety of “this and that”; the bigger the store, the wider the variety. And you can also find Propane refill stations throughout the DR. Propane is a bargain in the DR because the government subsidizes it. It is used by virtually every family to cook. You can bring your tank and have it filled. Or you can find someone with a motor bike who can do it for you for a small tip.
If you have need of something in the way of parts, or something beyond the range of normal daily provisioning, your best bet is Santo Domingo if you are on the south coast, and Santiago if you are on the north coast. These two cities are major population centers. Specialty items for sailboats are not readily available and need to be imported, probably from the United States. However, many engine parts, tools and the things that make life simple (or complex) such as TVs, toasters,microwave and other “electrodomesticos” as they are called in the DR are readily available.
The FERRETERIAS in these cities are huge. In Santiago, Ferreteria Ochoa comes to mind. In Santo Domingo (often referred to as the Capital or La Cap-E-tal) Ferreteria Americana stands out.
There are PRICE SMARTS in both Santiago and Santo Domingo if you really want to provision in depth. If you do not have a member’s card, you can buy a card for the day. They have it all from fresh groceries and meats to televisions and clothing.
There are EXCELLENT medical facilities in Santo Domingo and Santiago. You can get your blood work done without a prescription and you can see specialists of all types. While they will not accept your medical plan, you will not find them expensive and in most cases you will find them quite good.
WHILE you are in Santo Domingo or Santiago, you can also take in the cultural aspects of the cities. They have museums, theatres, art galleries and other stores of all types. Santo Domingo has the “COLONIAL DISTRICT” which is a major tourist attraction. It should not be missed.
GETTING AROUND
There are private Taxis. Large Buses (Caribe tours and El Metro as well as others). For local and inexpensive travel there are Guaguas (Buses) and in Santo Domingo there is the new underground subway (very high tech). And for the adventurous and frugal, there are the carros publicos and the motorconchos.
The carros publicos are small buses that route all over the city along major thoroughfares. They are crowded and cheap….don’t expect air conditioning and do not be surprised if the woman next to you is holding a live chicken. The motorconchos are motor bikes. You sit on the back and the driver takes you to where you want to go. Usually used for relatively short distances and quite cheap ($1.00 US more or less). They are dangerous in that if the driver has an accident you have no protection. If you decide to use one, watch out to not burn your leg on the muffler.
OTHER TOWNS AND PLACES OF INTEREST:
IN THE MOUNTAINS
There are many other towns of interest. Among them are Jarabacoa and Constanza in the mountains of the DR. Remember the DR has the highest mountain range in the Caribbean with Pico Duarte measuring over 10,000 feet. You can reach these two cities easily by major bus lines (Caribe tours and some others). Once there, you will find river rafting, small mountain hotels, and excursions to the top of Pico Duarte, for those amongst us who like to climb.
Also, just outside of Jaracaboa, is Salto Jimenoa; a really beautiful waterfall.
ON THE WAY TO SANTIAGO (from Santo Domingo):
La Vega at Carnival time in February. Many towns and cities have Carnivals, but La Vega’s is considered the best in the DR and one of the best in the world
LA VEGA CARNIVAL 
SOUTHEAST COAST:
Bayahibe…A small town on the SE coast which is a tourist attraction for day trips to Isla Saona. You can go with others on a large Catamaran, or for those inclined to speed, in high speed boats to visit the island of SAONA, a short distance to the east. Saona is a national park and for those that like nature in the wild, it is a veritable feast.
Casa De Campo complex (just east of town of LaRomana) is ALTOS DE CHAVON which is a re-creation of a medieval European village. Many times it is used for concerts. It is well worth visiting for its beauty, views, restaurants and quaint shops.
The Dominican Republic is part of a very large island. Take your time as there is so much to see and to enjoy. The weather is normally excellent, the people friendly and the cost inexpensive to modest.
Last but not least, let us not forget the NIGHTLIFE. If you like nightlife and you like to dance, you will think you died and went to heaven. Merengue, Bacchata and Salsa until your legs fall off! And if you do not know how to do it, look up and smile, and you will be swept off your feet.
The biggest problem in the Dominican Repbublic is easily summed up by a saying that is often used in the town of Nagua. (NAG WA)
“Entra si tu quieres, sal si tu puedes!”
Enter if you want, leave if you can!
For more information on the DR, hotels and attractions, try: www.Hispaniola.com.
There are also many other sites and links that cover the country in detail depending on your interest.
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