Juan Dolio Vacation

The Juan Dolio Vacation For Teli and I

I like to get away for the anniversary of the day my son, Billy Jay, died. Even if it only for that day. I hate being in the house and also I like being near water because that’s where we placed his ashes.

I wasn’t sure if I could go anywhere this year because my income drastically dropped. I have been just barley getting by (By the way, please do not use ad blockers when you visit my site or other small web sites. Most make their living from the income from these affiliate ads, including myself). A few very special people helped me out so I was able to take a few days vacation for Billy Jay’s day and also for my birthday.

I did lots of research. I had to find an inexpensive place. Near to water. Accepting a dog. Not too far out of the city, as I had to take a taxi. I searched around and found a great place in Juan Dolio. I am not really fond of Juan Dolio but it was where I had to go. I really wanted to find a river in the campo but, oh well.

I rented an apartment in Juan Dolio for 3 days. My two options were one with no air or TV for US$20 a day or air and TV for us$30. I do not have a TV or air so I decided to splurge and go for the air. It is my vacation. The location was great. The apartment was clean. There was a kitchen. Hot water. Secure. Best of all there was air conditioning and cable TV even though the owner does not have the best business practices it turned out ok.

Oct. 25, Saturday a taxi picked Teli and I up to head to our little 3 night vacation.

This truck we passed on the highway killlled me. It had a Mack Truck sign on the back and it is one of the smallest type trucks on the road. Now is not this just too cute? It is trying to be a big boy truck? lol.

Teli and I got to the apartment just in time to get to the beach and sit there. All went very smoothly at the apartment. I got the keys, put my food in the fridge and Teli and I were off to the water.

I had to get to the water to sit with my sons memories for a little time. Then Teli and I walked around for a few hours and people watched.

I stopped went to the little Colmado to sit for a while and chat with the owners son. A man and woman were loitering in front of the bathroom door. We were not paying attention, too much talking going on, but the people left…we thought. About 10 minutes and the closed bathroom door still had not opened. We listened to see if someone was inside. No noises but the door was locked. Almost 10 more minutes passed and finally the locked door opened. A man and woman walked out and hurriedly disappeared around the corner and down the street both in a different direction. There were 6 of us watching the door and we burst out laughing. The bathroom is small, a little bit stinky and not a good place, in our opinion, to do the nasty. Too funny.

I then went to Cacique Bar & Restaurant and chatted with the owner, Carlos, who I had not seen for over a year so we had a little catching up to do. I got some Curry-wurst to take back to the apartment. Then Teli and I headed back to the room for the evening to eat and enjoy the air and TV

Oct. 26 – Sunday. I am an early riser but I was told by people that I should not go out at 5 – 5:30AM to walk Teli because it is dangerous. So I waited until around 6:30 to take the morning walk.

We headed towards Guyacanes, just walking and checking out the waters edge. The beach was desolate except for a dog walker here and there. It was wonderful.

When we returned to the room I got a good whiff of some baked goods. I love good bread (funny, that was the name of my bread baking business in USA years ago, Good Bread). I love the smell of fresh baked bread. My nose took me to a place next to the apartment building. They had just taken a tray of fresh croissants out of the oven. I have not had a fresh croissant in years so I bought 2 and Teli and I went back to the room. We both showered, had breakfast and enjoyed the air conditioning and TV.

Around noonish we went out to see what was happening in the outside world. It was Sunday and I really do not like going to the beaches on the weekends. There are just too many humans.

A friend, Buddy, called to take me for a little birthday lunch. He wanted to take me to some deli that he said was really good so we went for a late lunch. They let Teli inside the little restaurant. Teli was so well behaved. I was proud of my little girl. The sandwich was fantastic. I was stuffed. I went back to the room and fell asleep. I ended up staying in, watching TV under the covers with the air on high. It was a great day.

Oct. 27 – Monday. I got up early. I decided to chance it and take a walk early before the sun peeked over the horizon even though people said it is dangerous. I never had a problem here in the Zone. I do not walk down dark alleys or places that just do not feel right. I watch my surroundings. I also had my little can of pepper spray in my pouch, as always, and my baby Teli at my side.

 

 

I had no problems at all. The beach was great and the sunrise spectacular. I loved it when the fishermen rowed by so quietly hardly making a ripple in the silver water.

Teli so enjoyed the smells of the beach. She even found some good stinky stuff to roll in. Thank goodness I caught her just in time.

After a few hours on the beach we got some croissants and headed back to the apartment for a shower and rest.

A little before noon we headed to the beach. This was going to be my day to sit for a while and do the beach stuff.

Teli and I went to the place near the stairs that I have been going to for years. I went for a quick dip in the sea while Teli stood in the water only getting her toes wet. Then Teli got her spot under the table and I got a nice cold Presidente beer sitting in the shade under the umbrella.

A trip to the beach is not complete unless I get my clams or oysters. I will not go to the beach if I cannot afford to buy these wonderful slimy morcels. I watched for the man carrying his little bucket. I made sure he had the bottle of hot sauce hanging on the side.

He shucked and I had my fill. Teli does not like them so I had all the food to myself. They were so good. I would have preferred ones a little bit larger but better tiny than none at all.

After a few hours on the beach it was time to go back. We did not leave the apartment again. I was going to enjoy my last night of air and TV.

Oct. 28 Tuesday. Teli and I got up early for our last beach walk in Juan Dolio.

The sunrise was just too exquisite. Pictures just could not interpret the beauty of the lights reflecting off the water. The small waves rolling and glistening at they hit the beach so softly. The spectacular colors, reds, pinks, greens, blues, yellows and golds of the rapidly changing sky were just breathtaking. I do not know how many times a soft “wow” or “oh my” or “sheww” escaped from my lips as I watched in awe this gift from God just for me. I even had to just sit and watch. I think Teli even appreciated it as she came and sat next to me placing her paw lovingly on my leg like she knew just what I needed at that moment.

I took a few videos and so many pictures.

Teli enjoyed running along the waters edge and getting her toes wet.

She had fun digging in the sand.

We had a great last morning.

Before we returned to the apartment I had to get me some croissants to take home.

Then Teli and I showered and relaxed for a little while.

We went out around midday for a last bien fria on the beach.

After about an hour we returned to the room to pack it up. We enjoyed the last few hours in air and some cable TV while we waited for JC Taxi to come and get us.

It was a good trip. Teli and I will return.

I forgot to add a few morning videos I took.

Sun Rising at Playa Juan Dolio

Playa Juan Dolio Panorama 6AM Morning