A scary time for me in the Dominican Republic...
By mariaf324
@mariaf324 (96)
United States
November 19, 2009 8:36pm CST
Oh my god. I went to the Dominican Republic, San Francisco de Macoris to be precise a couple of weeks ago. It is the scariest thing. I saw so much violence over there that even on the day of my arrival, they stole items in the house that I was staying at, including next door. Then when I got on a "Pazola" (motorcycle), my friend said that if I didn't tie my long hair the bandits would chop it off with a machete. Sure enough, as we approached a red light going to the supermarket, a group of guys were standing on the corner waiting to chop my hair. I had to tie it up quickly. Nor was I able to wear any jewelry. They severed my uncles finger to get his ring and they crept up from behind my sister and stole her earrings.
Forget about hanging your clothes to dry, they stole that too!!!!
Sadly I was not at a resort so I had to stay behind closed gates most of the time!!!
Has anyone had this kind of experience in DR??
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2 responses
@maximax8 (31042)
• United Kingdom
20 Nov 09
That was a really scary time that you had in the Dominican Republic. I am shocked that some of the local people violently grabbed your uncles ring and ripped of your sister's earrings. It was awful that those local people stole from the guests that stayed in the house you were residing in. That was not a relaxing vacation at all for you or your family. I am pleased that the local people didn't chop your hair off.
I am an independent traveler and I like to stay in non-touristy places. I would have thought it was ideal to stay in a house instead of a hotel. Resorts probably have security guards. I haven't been to the Dominican Republic. It is known as a budget destination in the Caribbean. In Kenya I stayed in a hotel by the beach I ignored the security guards warnings. I wondered where I liked. In the Maldives I hired a bike and went to other islands. It was such a shock to get attacked on a lonely beach there.
Good luck with future traveling. 
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@mariaf324 (96)
• United States
21 Nov 09
wow, that is incredible, even you got attacked on the beach?? I even went to costa Rica where I had to be (at the bed and breakfast where I was staying at) by a certain time or else they would lock their gates and leave me out!! Beautiful place but I guess at that time crime was high too!!!
@maximax8 (31042)
• United Kingdom
21 Nov 09
I hired a bike and cycled over bridges. I was cycling up the road when I saw a path with a beach at the end of it. So I followed it and then I saw a number of beautiful islands. There didn't seem to be anyone on the beach. Then a man came over said some very nasty things and attacked me.
I would love to visit Costa Rica.
@hsofyan (3446)
• Jakarta, Indonesia
20 Nov 09
Wow ... scary experience .... I've never been to the Dominican Republic. After reading your story, I probably would never there.
Thanks for sharing, maria....
@maximax8 (31042)
• United Kingdom
20 Nov 09
The Dominican Republic shares an island with Haiti. Some of the Dominican Republic has resorts which have security guards. It is fairly poor place. I am sure most of the local people are friendly but a number of them act like criminals.
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