This morning started way too early after drinking caffeine the night before and not being able to fall asleep until 2 or 2:30. But by 6 the day had begun so we could make the 7 am bus to Jarabacoa. After arriving at the bus stop at 6:55 am and running right onto our bus (good timing for sure), I was able to somewhat sleep on the 2.5 hour drive up into the mountains. Jarabacoa is a large town in the eastern/central area of the country known for being “cold” by Dominincan standards (aka not cold, it might get down to 60 at night). This area, therefore, has different vegetation then is around the city and other coastal areas. They can even grow strawberries and flowers there (things that couldn’t survive in warmer climates). Upon getting off the bus we met up with Carla, one of Jordan’s friends from D.C. who lives in the area and she showed us around all day.
We piled into her car (4 in the backseat, typical Dominican style) and made our first stop an empanada stand so we could get some breakfast. After a delicious egg and cheese empanada (my first time having egg in it, it was pretty good), we drove to Salto de Jimenoa. This is one of the huge local waterfalls that is popular for locals and tourists to visit. Walking there, we went over a fewsuspended bridges made of wooden planks that are the type that you would see in movies or guidebook pictures. And the type that bounce a lot when you get to the middle of them. The waterfall was gorgeous and pictures will be coming soon. We swam a bit and then headed back out. Next stop was Carla’s house where we were presented with a delicious, full Dominican lunch (rice, beans, salad, chicken, tostones, boiled green bananas, and lots of juices: passionfruit, guabanaya, lemonade, Coke) and a sweet coconut paste for dessert.
After lunch we drove up to a place called la Jamaca de Dios (God’s Hammock) which is a rich, gated community on a hill. The houses and scenery were absolutely gorgeous. From the restaurant, you had a overlook of the entire city from far away and you could see the mountains surrounding it. Unfortunately, there wasn’t actually a hammock, but the view made up for it. We stayed there and they sat and enjoyed wine (makes me wish that I actually liked it) for an hour or so. At 4 pm, it was time to head back to the bus stop and we made it at 4:25 for the 4:30 bus (good timing once again). I slept all the way home, which was great except for the fact that I should be in bed by now to wake up early, but I’m not tired.
