Luperon is an active and alive small town with incredibly friendly, resourceful people. There is no industry here so folks make do by using their homes as small tiendas (stores) or colmados (restaurants). They feed each other and sell whatever they can. There is no welfare in this country, so families take care of their own and share with their neighbors.

The grande muelle (large Government dock) is where we park the dinghy and then we walk into town. The main streets intersect at an establishment called El Pichichi. The roads diverge and Duarte goes straight and Independencia branches to the left. El Pichichi is a hopping place most nights and especially on the weekends. The photo below shows the activity. There is music (when there is power) and you will hear merengue, salsa and bachata music and see folks dancing. Bruce and I had our first dance lessons today and boy did we sweat! We have lessons on Mondays and Thursdays.

We often eat at Captain Steve's Place which features several choices as specials at $100 pesos ($2.80 US). Tonight Bruce had filet mignon, baked potato and veggies. I often have the fried chicken (with the same side items). That price is unbelievable! Steve has a pool that is completely in the shade. We usually walk in, hop in the pool, shower off and then eat and do internet. The pool brings the body temp down several degrees and makes for a cooler night sleeping.

When one walks the streets of Luperon it is not unusual to see chickens, goats, cows, dogs, cats, ducks and horses. All the animals get along with each other. The houses butt right up to the street with no front yards and folks sit in their chairs right on the sidewalks. There is a general feeling of activity all the time. Some of the young men make their living by driving motoconchos. These are motorcycles you ride as a passenger. Other folks provide transportation with their vehicles, called gua-guas, and they pack in as many people as possible before leaving for the destination. It is very inexpensive, but you get to know your neighbors very well.

More to come later.