Luperon, Dominican Republic, May 4-11, 2009

Arrived in Luperon at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 4, after a two-day and two-night sail from Boqueron, Puerto Rico.  Our new friends, Bruce and Lin, on the sailing catamaran, Alize, stayed in touch with us every hour on the hour during the nights and often during the daytime although we were a few miles apart.  Since the seas were a bit confused and choppy through the dreaded Mona Passage (between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic), it was good to hear another boat should any problems develop.  Of course, none did.

We were a little unsure of what to expect in Luperon.  We had heard it was a very dirty area where one dare not get in the water.  However, although the water in the anchorage is not especially clean, the town is delightful.  There is a large ex-pat community here.  We meet many people who sailed this far and stayed.  

The town is full of ramshackle homes, chickens, geese and goats running loose and mopeds zipping recklessly with two or three people or boxed wares.  Mike says it reminds him of Saigon.  We have found the people very warm, friendly and helpful.  

Joined with another boat, Bonnie and Jeff on the sailing vessel Quickstep, in a trip to Santiago, the second largest and oldest city on the island.  It was an hour away.  We had a wonderful taxi driver, Julio, who took us to the grocery store--a Walmart-type place, where we were able to get among other things prescription drugs over the counter for not too much.  Julio took us to a very nice cafeteria for lunch and for $3, we had a full meal--roast pork, rice and peas, salad and fruit.  Delicious.  Did some other shopping including filling our propane tank for $2--far less than the $20 it cost in Curacao.  Julio also filled the propane tank that runs his car! 

Meanwhile, we're enjoying the relaxed, friendly ambience here as we wait for weather to go on to the Turks and Caicos.  Looks like we'll leave Tuesday morning.