The Dominican Republic doesnt need amusement parks. It has motoconchos for anybody who wants to go on a wild and crazy ride! One of the greatest visceral experiences Ive had in my life was speeding up the darkened coastal roadway, under a starlit sky, on the back of a motorcycle. The tropical breeze, combined with the headwind gusting against my bare head, as the loud hum of the bike accelerating beneath me, made for a truly liberating experience. Not sure rollercoasters can truly compare. And there is no better way to start a night out in Cabarete. I trekked up to the main roadway to find the motoconcho driver with the nicest bike. To my amazement, Juan, the same driver who taxied me around last summer, was sitting on the corner, waiting for a rider. And there I was. Hola, mi amigo! Long time no see. Hola! Si. Yo estoy aqui para mi vacacione! Cabarete por favor! Si. I climbed on the back of his bike and we were off. The ride was just as I remembered. Aside from the headlamp, only the stars illuminated the salty beachside sky. And just like an amusement park ride, the trip to Cabarete was over in a blink of an eye. I hopped off the bike and paid Juan. He gave me his number and told me to call whenever I needed a ride. I crossed the street and down the alley like pathway that led to the beachside bars and restaurants. With each step, the sound of bass drums grew louder. Dancing lights and Japanese paper lanterns decorated the sandy lounge areas. Clusters of people gathered at the bars and beyond. Immediately, I found Ada and some other co-workers from the Mariposa DR Foundation. I decided to head up to Ojos and meet up with them later. I was anxious to hear some good djs playing good music because the first two I heard, were lacking and their crowds were weak. The right choice was made. Deep house music oozed out of the roof-deck speakers, causing a contagious head bob in all who were there. The DJ was playing some of the nicest house music that I had hear since my summer in Ibiza, over 10 years ago. I grabbed a presidente and let music do its thing. People trickled in and my Mariposa friends showed up as well. We talked and danced and then said goodbyes as the night grew long and my energy grew short. My friend Sara hit me up on whatsapp and invited me to join her and her friends at another spot, so I took her up on that offer. I didnt have time to call Juan for a ride so I just picked the first motoconcho driver with a nice bike and negotiated my ride. The guys bike sucked. I think I could have pedaled faster on my Trek Madone. Oh well. He got me to the bar safely so that is worth something. I found Sara and joined her for a bit. Her English is as good as my Spanish but we still had fun trying to share conversation. Tiredness was waging a war with my eyelids, and winning. Time for bed. I awoke an older man. 40. I figure I got about 10-20 more good years in me if I stay fit, so Im gonna start making the most of each day. Starting today. I rolled out of bed, showered and suited up. To the beach. The rest of the day was spent soaking up the sun, swimming across the bay, and enjoying a great meal at my friend Freddies beachside restaurant, with Sara. It was a good day. Ice Cube would have loved it.
Posted on: Mon, 27 Jan 2014 23:52:01 +0000