THE RESORT

My days of leisure in Bayahibe...

The sand was soft and never too hot, and the water was equally as lovely... clear blue, warm, with hardly a wave at all. The clouds were also amazing. Since this was technically the rainy season, we had storms almost every day. But the weather was constantly changing so every hour we had something different.

Due to the extremely poor economic conditions at the time, however, there was constant concern about riots and strikes on most of the island. There were extremely long lines at the local propane stations with people filling up huge tanks in preparation for a gas crisis. This is what most people use for cooking. In order to make it affordable, it was always subsidized by the government. But the government had become so corrupt that it simply stopped paying its bills to Venezuela, where they got the gas. Naturally the suppliers are no longer going to supply unless they get paid. That means either no gas or a huge price increase. And if people can’t afford to even cook their food... well, it didn't look good. Robbery and murders of those who "had" by those who "had not" were already not uncommon.

As a result, most of these resort areas were closed off and one had to wear identifying wristbands. Thus it was unfortunately only a paradise for some and a living hell for others.

The local tourist shopping area...

Former co-workers... the old gang is back together!

More beauty...

The evenings were as spectacular as the days.

return • continue