Naked Fountain Guy

[andy4theherd]

When I was in the Domnican Republic I took an outback tour in an open bus that took us into the back country where we experienced the third world nature of that country. The poverty and rubble and trash was eye opening. We toured a little village where cacao and coffee and various fruits were grown. We went into their schools and homes. We bought the little woven bracelets from the kids that help support their families with the money from the tourist. I left with a much better feel of the place than I would otherwise sitting in some resort.

had a similar experience in Belize. still have a magnet on the fridge with "Belize" written in blue ink from a cheap pen. bought it from a little guy that was living out of a box. puts a lot of things in perspective.

 

[Y.A.G Si Ye Nots]

If we want to visit a turtle farm why not? Mix it up. Experience a variety.

That's my point. Going to the turtle farm and rum factory are some of the highest rated tourist activities there. I was giving him a hard time for not "mixing it up" and instead doing the tourist trap things in a country that has some of the best snorkeling and beaches in the world.

Good rule of thumb: if you have to pay a company and sign up for an activity that claims to show you how the natives live, it is pretty much a tourist trap. You can rent a car, a moped, or befriend a native who will show you the real things in their country. Sure, it might get you in some hairy situations, but the trade-off is well worth it.

 

[andy4theherd]

You can rent a car, a moped, or befriend a native who will show you the real things in their country. Sure, it might get you in some hairy situations, but the trade-off is well worth it.