Just Another Day in The Dominican Republic
A real day of life in the Dominican Republic — the small things that stand out.
Buying fresh chicken in the Dominican Republic
This morning was nothing out of the ordinary. The skies were blue, light clouds and a steady breeze. Around 11am, from a distance, I can hear talking through speakers. This happens often, with trucks passing by selling fruits and veggies from the farms.
Oh, but this time it's different from what I've ever seen — this truck is selling chicken. We just bought a whole chicken from the butcher the day before, at a good price too ($4.37 USD). But as it's being explained to me how these live chickens on the truck are sold, I’m interested to see for myself.
Gotta move fast and get out by the sidewalk quickly. These trucks don't wait for customers — they rely on their loud speakers to alert people to come out and wave them down as they slowly cruise by.
Sort of like when you’re younger and wave in the ice cream truck, lol.
We wave in the truck, and the guys pull over on the side. The truck is full of livestock.
The culling of a chicken is a really fast process. Before you know it, the chicken is defeathered and put in a bag to go.
Abundance of aloe vera
Later on that day, my lady came in with a large rooted stem of an aloe vera plant. It looked healthy, as if nothing was wrong. I questioned why someone would throw it out. She said people do that here and there, and that she found it at the side of the road right in front of the apartment.
Not only does aloe vera offer healthy benefits for skin, weight management, and so much more — we use it in our hair. I never thought I would have a use for this plant until living in the Dominican Republic. It’s a home remedy using natural resources.
The gel from inside the plant will strengthen hair, help with hair growth, dandruff, calm itchy scalp, and deep cleans oily hair. The feeling of having a fresh layer of aloe vera gel on your head just feels healthy.
Personally, I like the idea of using natural plants for any use, rather than buying brands with toxic ingredients.
Shopping in the city center
Heading towards the city center to buy knockoff slides, lol. Well, not exactly, but that’s how it ended up. The Dominican Republic has these nice tranquil parks all over the country — either with one of two views: a beautiful mountain view or overlooking the water.
I decided to take a stroll through the city center, and while I was there, I could look at buying cheap slides to wear and tear at home.
Here in Puerto Plata, we have a few what locals call “Tienda de China” (Chinese store). These shops are known for very low prices.
These shops carry almost everything from snacks, toys, kitchenware, clothes, and the list goes on. They pretty much have everything, and at lower prices than already low priced competitors.
I have been here a few times and was surprised to see such a wide selection of US name brands. Popular brands are not why people come here, let’s be honest — it’s the prices.
I’ve bought items here that were half the price that their competitors sell them for, which was already a good price.
As I was walking through the aisles, yet to have uncovered the whole store, I saw some name-brand slides. I just knew they weren’t authentic, but they didn’t look bad at all. The salesperson was very convincing — would have you forgetting that the slides are knockoffs.
I figured, why not? I could buy these for less than $4 bucks (USD) and just wear them out. The beach destroyed my previous slides that cost over $90 (USD). No regrets, they feel comfortable and I wear them every day at home.
Rideshare Realities
Now waiting on my rideshare to take me back home. The driver messages me to negotiate an extra 50 pesos (84 cents) from me. Half the time they do that here. I figure it’s because my 10-minute drive is only 200 pesos ($3.40 USD). Sure, why not — at least he’s upfront with it.
As always, the driver shows up in good spirits, not wearing a seatbelt — a common sight here — playing some soothing music, and being conversational. It’s just another day in the Dominican Republic.
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Okay, I was a little grossed out by the chickens. But I'm not big on thinking about how we treat animals we're going to eat.
Loved this 'just another day...' great article!!