Boca Chica

[Helpmann]

...I know what this is so I reached in my pocket and pulled out 500 pesos walk to the police officer station and told the police officer that my novia did not start any arguments and I handed the money to him in a handshake...

You can't bribe a Boca Chica police officer with just 500 pesos.

I don't recommend paying bribes, but for this offense, the rate is more like 3,000 - 5,000 pesos. Also, if you are going to do it, do it early in the game. Once other cops get involved, it gets too complicated and costly.

-Helpmann

24 Nights in Boca Chica (Hangin' out with the Politur)

[GrownMan1]

We were chilling in one of my hangout spots watching the street Chica walk by when a long came my ex novia and amiga. My ex novia had been trying to get back in good graces with me ever since I broke up with her. She came and told me that Maria the little chocolate a Chica had been talking about me other chicas. I had already heard this from Justice and E that Maria had been about badmouthing us. (they no good etc). Two minutes later Maria walks up and my brother put in his phone I heard you been talking about. Maria quickly started arguing with my ex novia. The argument became loud and they were about to fight. All of a sudden the police came over and we explain to them that Maria came over and wouldn't stop arguing. He walked Maria away and then ask my ex novia to come with him. I asked him was there a problem and he said no no problem everything is OK. I again told him she is novia and she was over here with me; when Maria came up and started arguing. 10 minutes later I get the word that they're taking my ex novia to jail. I was shocked the police officer had just told me everything was okay and it wasn't a problem. My ex-novia amiga was encouraging me to go to the police offices and talk to them. I know what this is so I reached in my pocket and pulled out 500 pesos walk to the police officer station and told the police officer that my novia did not start any arguments and I handed the money to him in a handshake. He quickly gave me back the money without even counting or looking at it. I looked in the inside of the station and my ex was there along with Maria and two other girls. Her amiga explained to me that if they take them to jail tomorrow the judge is going to let them out in the morning. The officer who did not take the money told me to stand there for a few minutes. He walked off and then came back and said two of the officers are willing to take money but one third officer was saying they're going to jail. This I did not understand. Were they trying to run game on me. As they got ready to place them inside of police car because the female prison is in Andres not Boca Chica which was only the holding area. My novia went into a frenzy. She started crying out loud falling out acting as if her mother had just died. It was a sad sight to see. I almost thought about offering the police officer who wouldn't take the money enough money that he couldn't confused but I smelled a rat so I walked away. My ex amiga said that my novia will probably need some money because she's going to be hungry. Shit it's about 230 in the morning. I am thinking, if she's getting up and out by 9 or 10 o'clock she'll be alright. I begin to walk back toward action and I picked up my number one seed on my way to my room. I noticed one of the police officers was following me as if he was going to speak to me. However when he saw me with another young lady walking into my hotel he turned around. I was wondering was he the one designated to make a deal with me and see how much I was willing to pay to save my ex novia. Hmmm oh well at least I know she won't be cock blocking me tonight.

[JjBee62]

Here are few tips for you. Your Spanish is going to have to be better than basic if you are going to do anything solo, brush up on your Spanish. If you are arriving at 1 pm and head to the bus station there will be a risk that by the time you get to the metro bus station that the last bus at 4 pm will be full. I would suggest that since its your first time in the DR that you head straight to Boca chica and be sipping a beer on the beach by 3 pm. Hangout on the strip and get a feel for the place by bar hopping that night, then catch the 7 am metro bus to Sosua and you will be sipping a beer on Sosua beach by noon. You can always finish your trip at Boca finishing up what you started. I suggested the metro bus because it makes less stops verses the carib bus. Take a jacket because the bus is cold but the view is unbelievable. The metro bus leaves SD at 7 am,11 am, and 4 pm. The carin bus leaves every hour but the ride is longer and with more stops. Catching the earl busses ensures you get a seat and usually you don't have a crowded bus with people sneezing all on you. The price will be about 35 usd to the bus station and 380 pesos for the bus and metro lets you off in Sosua, carib lets you off in Charmicis and the cab ride to Sosua is 150-200 pesos.

Also make your plans now because the hotels will fill up quickly as your dates approach. Casa Cayena is already full and I'm sure that New gardens is full as a few guys from this board are already there. I understand your adventurous side but take time to do the basics. Learn basic Spanish, know the pricing structure, don't tell girls its your first time, and stick to the basics. I guarantee you will be booking your next trip before you leave if you do the basics.

It almost sounds as if you've done this before. That was an appreciative joke, not a sarcastic jab. I had not considered the 4 pm Metro bus being full, but the rest of that has crossed my mind. Thanks to a few older posts, I know about the advantages of Metro over Caribe. I had considered a first night stop in either BC or SD, if I run into any delays. I never know what to expect at an airport. In Bogota I had collected my baggage and was outside in less than 30 minutes, and 10 minutes was my own fault, and that was with a checked bag and a checked oversized item, a guitar. I expect the Dominicans are less efficient than the Columbians.

I'm working on my Spanish. Reading and writing I am decent, maybe 50%, speaking maybe 20%, but hearing only about 5%. Trying to bring those numbers up.

I'm fairly good at appearing competent, and will try to keep from looking like an easy target.

I was curious about Casa Cayena, that was my first choice, but if they're full I will try Plaza Europa. I made a note about a place in BC, if I stop there first night. Just can't recall the name at the moment.

If my flight is on time and I escape SDQ without major delays, I will probably head straight to Metro, if the bus is full I'll spend the night at Reyna Ysabel and catch the morning bus.

[Charles Pooter]

... bus to Sosua, then rent a car local to explore.

Commented on this in the Sosua section post #24191

[Mr Gogo]

Thanks Grownman. Fear really isn't an issue, it's more of weighing the cost against the benefits. I'm thinking about some sort of compromise, bus to Sosua, then rent a car local to explore.

If you're going to be in Bogota, let me know. I'll get my friend there to give me the info on her friend. She can probably hook you up with some high quality chicas.

Here are few tips for you. Your Spanish is going to have to be better than basic if you are going to do anything solo, brush up on your Spanish. If you are arriving at 1 pm and head to the bus station there will be a risk that by the time you get to the metro bus station that the last bus at 4 pm will be full. I would suggest that since its your first time in the DR that you head straight to Boca chica and be sipping a beer on the beach by 3 pm. Hangout on the strip and get a feel for the place by bar hopping that night, then catch the 7 am metro bus to Sosua and you will be sipping a beer on Sosua beach by noon. You can always finish your trip at Boca finishing up what you started. I suggested the metro bus because it makes less stops verses the carib bus. Take a jacket because the bus is cold but the view is unbelievable. The metro bus leaves SD at 7 am,11 am, and 4 pm. The carin bus leaves every hour but the ride is longer and with more stops. Catching the earl busses ensures you get a seat and usually you don't have a crowded bus with people sneezing all on you. The price will be about 35 usd to the bus station and 380 pesos for the bus and metro lets you off in Sosua, carib lets you off in Charmicis and the cab ride to Sosua is 150-200 pesos.

Also make your plans now because the hotels will fill up quickly as your dates approach. Casa Cayena is already full and I'm sure that New gardens is full as a few guys from this board are already there. I understand your adventurous side but take time to do the basics. Learn basic Spanish, know the pricing structure, don't tell girls its your first time, and stick to the basics. I guarantee you will be booking your next trip before you leave if you do the basics.

[JjBee62]

Man don't let them scare you 1 or 2 night in BC is not bad. Just keep to yourself, be firm, say no hell when appropriate. As far as driving. I what driving in the DR my first trip. However that was after I learned the area a little and we had a chica that knew the area with us. Police prey on lost Gringos. Any ok driver can handle the drive from SD to ST and other areas. Its just going through SD that's the big risk factor. You must be use to very aggressive driving and have your navigation working very well. I wouldn't go BC to Naqua route solo.

I love your sense of adventure I am using it as motivation for me in Columbia next month. Mr G will be in Sosua during that time and you could link up with him when you are on the north coast. Bqk-Rib is on the south coast but if he hasn't reached out to you- let it go.

Thanks Grownman. Fear really isn't an issue, it's more of weighing the cost against the benefits. I'm thinking about some sort of compromise, bus to Sosua, then rent a car local to explore.

If you're going to be in Bogota, let me know. I'll get my friend there to give me the info on her friend. She can probably hook you up with some high quality chicas.

[GrownMan1]

If you do not want to use condoms, you will find plenty of chicas who will agree. The more professional ones may use it as a reason to charge more. Local girls rarely use condoms with their boyfriends and I have fucked plenty of semi-pros and non-pros without condoms.

I don't know I think finding a chica to go raw is not going to be easy. Only my regulars offer that and that's after sometime.

[GrownMan1]

Man, I did invest quite some time reading up and that is what was steering me towards bringing gifts versus tips. I believe it was GrownMan1 that had a substantial amount of information on that with money saving techniques. .

Yes this works for me. Sometimes the chica will offer to buy a dress if she loves 2 dresses and I am only giving her one. Its a great propina but I made mistakes learn this art. LOL. They will beg you for more if you seem too generous. Offer propina during price agreements after you take 500-1000 off your paying price. If the gift is nice she will walk out the room bragging to her amigas. Plus plus para ti.

[GrownMan1]

There is a possibility of me spending one night in BC, but thanks to the advice of many, I am sure there are better places for me to stay, including Sosua. Unlike many of you, sport fucking, or P4P, or GFE is only part of my ever-changing goals for this trip. I want to see some of the other things the country has to offer. While this does expose me to many potential risks, it also offers its own rewards. In order to maximize my ability to see the country, I've chosen to rent a car, something Mr. Gogo, whose opinion I have a great deal of respect for, claims is a big mistake.

There are many here, who, even though they are very experienced in the DR, never rent a car. They travel by bus, gua gua or taxi, when walking is not an option. Others always rent a car. It all depends on comfort level. Personally, I am more comfortable driving than doing just about anything else. I've driven well over 2 million miles, everywhere in the US (except Alaska), and in Canada and Mexico. I've driven everything from motorcycles to 18 wheelers on every type of road and in every type of weather. I learned a long time ago, that most people are very poor drivers. I make allowances, always know what is around me, what my options are and where my emergency exit is (driving tip: you should always have a default move, in case of emergency. First choice is to stop, but if that doesn't work, then usually going to the right, especially if there is a shoulder, is your next choice).

I realize that driving in the DR presents challenges, bad roads, bad drivers, lack of any consistent safety standards, are just a few. To reduce my risks, I plan to finish my driving before dark, never drive after drinking (2 years scraping dead drunks off the freeways in SoCal, cured me of that urge), and to not drive in Santo Domingo. I might even bypass Santiago, if I feel the traffic makes it too risky. I also plan on making my hotel choices based upon the parking situation. Overall I feel my chances to survive are good. If you feel differntly, I'd like to hear your perspective.

Where all I will go is undecided, it's an adventure. The adventure starts in two weeks, WiFi willing, I'll try to post updates.

Thanks again.

Man don't let them scare you 1 or 2 night in BC is not bad. Just keep to yourself, be firm, say no hell when appropriate. As far as driving. I what driving in the DR my first trip. However that was after I learned the area a little and we had a chica that knew the area with us. Police prey on lost Gringos. Any ok driver can handle the drive from SD to ST and other areas. Its just going through SD that's the big risk factor. You must be use to very aggressive driving and have your navigation working very well. I wouldn't go BC to Naqua route solo.

I love your sense of adventure I am using it as motivation for me in Columbia next month. Mr G will be in Sosua during that time and you could link up with him when you are on the north coast. Bqk-Rib is on the south coast but if he hasn't reached out to you- let it go.

[JjBee62]

Mr. G, that post belongs in the RoD. Truly an excellent report.

You touched on one of my worries about renting a car, having the funds tied up by the rental car company. Although I don't plan on using my card for anything, there's always the risk of a serious situation where mucho dinero is needed. The other concern is in case of an accident. No matter what my skills, it's always a possibility. I learned that when, on an almost deserted stretch of I-40, in New Mexico, I had to choose between a fatal accident and driving my semi into the median. Granted, if I hadn't been driving 100 mph, I would have had other options. I've learned to slow down since then.

Sometimes, between my pride and my stubbornness, I get into trouble. I will take a wrong turn and find myself in the South Bronx, or at the gate of a major Mexican drug operation, or drunk, at 2 am, in the wrong neighborhood for a young, white farm boy who has never been alone in a city before. I've always come out clean, but the first time I fall is probably going to hurt like hell.

I'm considering dropping the rental plan and just grabbing a taxi to the Metro station and riding into the safety and security of Sosua. The only thing holding me back is the urge, I have always had, to wander off into the unknown. I've made some great discoveries doing that, an abandoned mine and a Basque sheep herder, or a tiny restaurant deep in Baja California where the owner drank homemade meal with us. I also ended up walking out of the mountains of Idaho on a very cold night and walking out of the Snake River canyon after a failed white water rafting adventure.

I like having the option of getting up in the morning, jumping in the car and just driving, find a little village, an isolated beach or a scenic view, then head back to civilization in the afternoon. I like the option to head to Mao for a night at the hotel and disco located right across the street from the University. Wreck Beach in Vancouver is right across the road from the University of British Columbia. The combination of a nude beach and college girls is my kind of place, same with a small town disco and college girls.

I'm halfway convinced and have time to give it lots of consideration.

Almost forgot, you mentioned an excellent point earlier about the tourist card line and the customs line at the airport. I had read about that before, but it had slipped my mind. I will make a note of it.

[Mr Gogo]

JB62,

Good post. You remind me of my first trip to the DR in 2006. My advice pre-trip was coming from my dad who had been hunting in the DR for 20 years but I didn't want to hear it so I did it my way and it was a major clusterfuck and everything went back to what he was trying to tell me. He told me he had everything set up but I didn't listen. I went to the internet and booked an all inclusive to do it my way not knowing he had booked me at Black beards. When I arrived I rented a car which pissed my dad off so he let me learn the hard way. First, they locked my credit card down at the car rental agency at POP airport which hurt me financially. Then my dad said since I have a rental car he would meet me in Puerto plata. Here I am speaking no spanish in a rental looking for a shell gas station in Puerto plata. I got lost as I went to the wrong shell gas station. My dad said wait there as I'm this crazy looking gringo in a foreign country lost. He arrives with a chica sitting shotgun and we go to Black beards.

At Black Beards I walk in and they ring a bell and all these fine women are hanging out. I broke my cherry in the DR at BB that night forgetting that I had booked at the all inclusive that I would never visit. I just couldn't let my dad take the lead, I wanted to control my destiny. My money was running low and me and my dad had one of those father and son disputes. He knew I was broke in the DR and said if I needed money to just ask, I felt if he knew I was broke I should have to ask. My stubbornness wouldn't let me ask so I did without. The good thing was that I had a car and a tank of gas, the bad was that I didn't have cash. I discovered Sosua this way on a broke tip. I was just hanging out driving around. I finished that trip as a broke guy in the DR but over the next year I would visit Sosua 3 times and I found my paradise.

The lesson here is sometimes we have to swallow our pride and go with the flow and be lead.

[JjBee62]

There really isn't a good thread to put this in, but the Boca Chica thread has been rather underused lately, so this is as good a place as any. It's also where I first posted, so maybe it's appropriate to stick it here.

I want to begin by giving my thanks to everyone who has offered me advice, or told me I'm a damned fool, and also to everyone who has shared their knowledge throughout the site. I'm certain that you have saved many people from everything from minor inconveniences to potentially life threatening situations. You've also put literally hundreds of years of hard won knowledge at the fingertips of anyone who knows how to use a search engine.

Several people here have offered advice and have not been afraid to criticize, some have been more diplomatic than others, and that advice has helped me to, if not make better decisions, to at least see the alternatives. My first choice was the DR version of the all you can eat sex buffet. An all-inclusive resort that also includes plenty of chicas to choose from all for one price. There are 2 such places in Boca Chica, serviced through about 5 different companies, and 5 or 6 others around the country. Of these, I still feel I picked the best value and best service option of all of them. For a certain portion of the people coming to the DR, this is a very good option. But, I have decided to be a little more adventurous (or a damned fool), and I am charting my own course.

There is a possibility of me spending one night in BC, but thanks to the advice of many, I am sure there are better places for me to stay, including Sosua. Unlike many of you, sport fucking, or P4P, or GFE is only part of my ever-changing goals for this trip. I want to see some of the other things the country has to offer. While this does expose me to many potential risks, it also offers its own rewards. In order to maximize my ability to see the country, I've chosen to rent a car, something Mr. Gogo, whose opinion I have a great deal of respect for, claims is a big mistake.

There are many here, who, even though they are very experienced in the DR, never rent a car. They travel by bus, gua gua or taxi, when walking is not an option. Others always rent a car. It all depends on comfort level. Personally, I am more comfortable driving than doing just about anything else. I've driven well over 2 million miles, everywhere in the US (except Alaska), and in Canada and Mexico. I've driven everything from motorcycles to 18 wheelers on every type of road and in every type of weather. I learned a long time ago, that most people are very poor drivers. I make allowances, always know what is around me, what my options are and where my emergency exit is (driving tip: you should always have a default move, in case of emergency. First choice is to stop, but if that doesn't work, then usually going to the right, especially if there is a shoulder, is your next choice).

I realize that driving in the DR presents challenges, bad roads, bad drivers, lack of any consistent safety standards, are just a few. To reduce my risks, I plan to finish my driving before dark, never drive after drinking (2 years scraping dead drunks off the freeways in SoCal, cured me of that urge), and to not drive in Santo Domingo. I might even bypass Santiago, if I feel the traffic makes it too risky. I also plan on making my hotel choices based upon the parking situation. Overall I feel my chances to survive are good. If you feel differntly, I'd like to hear your perspective.

Where all I will go is undecided, it's an adventure. The adventure starts in two weeks, WiFi willing, I'll try to post updates.

Thanks again.

[Frannie]

Wow, that's a whole different ball game! If "nearly fluent" then you have the advantage of 90% of us here. By the time you come to report on your trip you will be able to give us advice!

In that case I certainly would not recommend spending much of your time at Blackbeards. You can enjoy a more varied and cost-effective holiday elsewhere. However, you might like to spend two or three nights there, just for a change of pace. Or maybe the first two or three nights just to "play yourself in" (to use a cricketing expression. I'm English).

Speaking good Spanish will also make you less of a target and make it easier to wriggle out of embarrassing situations. Still keep your guard up at all times, though.

Like I said there is no "right" or "wrong" in such matters. Just different strategies. I have every respect for GrownMan1's opinions. If you have read the board as you state you will know that we all differ about things.

This all depends on what sort of women you are looking for. I break them down into three types:

Full-time pros: they rely on prostitution to support themselves and their families and / or boyfriends. Upside is it is point-and-click for guys with limited time. Downside is it is all business and they soon get hardened. Some of them will have unpleasant and potentially dangerous associates.

Part-time pros: they don't get up each morning expecting to sell their bodies. They have other ways of supporting themselves. But if some gringo offers them money for sex they may well accept. This is the category I soon concentrated on after my first two trips.

Non-pros: Unless you are young, or good-looking, or an excellent dancer, you will be unlikely to hook one of these first trip, though possible to build up trust with successive trips. Good Spanish is a must. Don't be misled by guys posting about the non-pros they have banged. Most of these will be semi-pros and either the guys are bullshitting us or they have bullshitted themselves. Hell, it may even be the women have bullshitted themselves. My present girlfriend I picked up in a bar. She would go with anyone who paid her (and Dominicans don't pay much). But she is genuinely indignant whenever I say she was a prostitute. She honestly does not think of it like that.

Any area will have a range from the snooty princesses to the crack-head working girl trash. (I am not sure if any snooty princesses are to be found in Boca Chica though).

I have had hundreds of chicas here and I can only remember two or three whose behaviour seemed to be drug affected. But then I avoid full-time pros and never hunted late at night. Also I might have been naive and missed the clues.

Prostitution is legal here, but there has been much talk recently, and some ambiguous evidence, that police may now target the customers. I would say if you do not hang with low-life and don't get drunk you have nothing to fear. If you get into a confrontational situation with a Dominican, swallow your pride and slink off. But I have never needed to use my cowardice skills here in eight years. I can usually sense when trouble is brewing and make my excuses to leave.

I would now recommend your staying in Sosua, with the first two / three days at Blackbeards as an option. There is plenty in Sosua to keep you occupied for two weeks, especially if you hook up with other mongers, which is easy enough. And from Sosua you can do day-trips to other locations on the North Coast incredibly cheaply by public transport. Everything in Sosua is walkable, unless you are badly over-weight or disabled.

Of course, if you have to fly into Santo Domingo rather than Santiago or Puerto Plata, it might be better to spend all or some of your time in the capital. It is a whole day trip across the island. Even with two weeks at your disposal, you don't want to waste two days sitting in a bus.

The first step to fluency in Spanish is fluency in English. If you forget which language you are speaking, you have arrived. My Spanish will never be perfect, but I can say anything I want to say, so that is enough. The only problem is that sometimes Spanish speakers forget that I am not a native speaker and speak slang too fast for me.

[Frannie]

I have recently taken the plunge and have decided to hit the DR for some excitement. I have heard a bunch of mixed accounts. Wondering if anyone has any newbie advice such as negotiation techniques, places to go, quality of women, et cetera. I am planning a 2 week stint and am trying to pack in as much of a good time as possible and looking to make this my regular go to spot. In particular I am wondering what the frequency of condom use is and if that is able to be negotiated. I hate stuff in the way if you know what I mean. However, saying that, I want to know if these women are safe and clean. Has anyone on this forum foregone condom use and how has that experience been, all still checking out OK? I have also gotten some tips as to bringing gifts versus tipping as this is a clever money saving technique. Can't wait for this experience and looking forward to gaining as much insight as possible so I can arrive like a seasoned pro.

Thanks all.

You will know when you are a Zen master of mongering, because sex will no longer seem more important than any other bodily pleasure

Yes condoms may be used on occasion, but a true pro will know when to hold 'em and when to unfold 'em.

[Charles Pooter]

I do have a pretty decent grasp of Spanish, nearly fluent

Wow, that's a whole different ball game! If "nearly fluent" then you have the advantage of 90% of us here. By the time you come to report on your trip you will be able to give us advice!

In that case I certainly would not recommend spending much of your time at Blackbeards. You can enjoy a more varied and cost-effective holiday elsewhere. However, you might like to spend two or three nights there, just for a change of pace. Or maybe the first two or three nights just to "play yourself in" (to use a cricketing expression. I'm English).

I will say you did burst my bubble by being blatantly honest and saying that in no means will I appear to be a seasoned pro. So much for that idea.

Speaking good Spanish will also make you less of a target and make it easier to wriggle out of embarrassing situations. Still keep your guard up at all times, though.

I believe it was GrownMan1 that had a substantial amount of information on that with money saving techniques. Maybe I was wrong.

Like I said there is no "right" or "wrong" in such matters. Just different strategies. I have every respect for GrownMan1's opinions. If you have read the board as you state you will know that we all differ about things.

As far as areas are concerned, which ones have the highest caliber women and what areas tend to be the bottom of the barrel. Certainly some areas must be relegated to those one would consider trashy, low class, or not even worth the time.

This all depends on what sort of women you are looking for. I break them down into three types:

Full-time pros: they rely on prostitution to support themselves and their families and / or boyfriends. Upside is it is point-and-click for guys with limited time. Downside is it is all business and they soon get hardened. Some of them will have unpleasant and potentially dangerous associates.

Part-time pros: they don't get up each morning expecting to sell their bodies. They have other ways of supporting themselves. But if some gringo offers them money for sex they may well accept. This is the category I soon concentrated on after my first two trips.

Non-pros: Unless you are young, or good-looking, or an excellent dancer, you will be unlikely to hook one of these first trip, though possible to build up trust with successive trips. Good Spanish is a must. Don't be misled by guys posting about the non-pros they have banged. Most of these will be semi-pros and either the guys are bullshitting us or they have bullshitted themselves. Hell, it may even be the women have bullshitted themselves. My present girlfriend I picked up in a bar. She would go with anyone who paid her (and Dominicans don't pay much). But she is genuinely indignant whenever I say she was a prostitute. She honestly does not think of it like that.

Any area will have a range from the snooty princesses to the crack-head working girl trash. (I am not sure if any snooty princesses are to be found in Boca Chica though).

You also mentioned something about the chicas wanting money to support their drug habit, how prevalent is that in the scene?

I have had hundreds of chicas here and I can only remember two or three whose behaviour seemed to be drug affected. But then I avoid full-time pros and never hunted late at night. Also I might have been naive and missed the clues.

Lastly, would a person such as myself be a target for police harassment or do they usually leave tourists alone and instead focus on the women?

Prostitution is legal here, but there has been much talk recently, and some ambiguous evidence, that police may now target the customers. I would say if you do not hang with low-life and don't get drunk you have nothing to fear. If you get into a confrontational situation with a Dominican, swallow your pride and slink off. But I have never needed to use my cowardice skills here in eight years. I can usually sense when trouble is brewing and make my excuses to leave.

I would now recommend your staying in Sosua, with the first two / three days at Blackbeards as an option. There is plenty in Sosua to keep you occupied for two weeks, especially if you hook up with other mongers, which is easy enough. And from Sosua you can do day-trips to other locations on the North Coast incredibly cheaply by public transport. Everything in Sosua is walkable, unless you are badly over-weight or disabled.

Of course, if you have to fly into Santo Domingo rather than Santiago or Puerto Plata, it might be better to spend all or some of your time in the capital. It is a whole day trip across the island. Even with two weeks at your disposal, you don't want to waste two days sitting in a bus.