The pool is in Mao and is in a complex called Agua Azul, where they also have big bands on at night sometimes. It was 130 pesos each to get in, around US$3, but free for the under 5's. We told them that Chivirico was 4 but he kept proudly announcing it was his 6th birthday! They still let him in for free as we tried to shut him up.
Having got inside the first thing you notice is the noise. There is a massive central bar in the middle, with seats on one side and the pool on the other. The music was deafening. Chivirico donned his googles and off he went to the kids pool.
Meanwhile we organised the drinks and the hot dogs which were full of everything including corn. Never had corn in a hot dog before. It is interesting.
The pool has slides of various sizes all around, and the only rules written on signs were not to run, and that it was not wise to be at the bottom of the slide in the water when people were flying down them. There were no rules about bottles of beer or rum in the water, no rules about jumping in, diving in, flying in. Chivirico loved the slide, and went on various ones as often as he could.
However, the water was too deep, and given he couldn't swim, my husband had to keep rescuing him.
People were dancing around the pool as the afternoon wore on and it got busier and busier, and more and more alcohol was consumed. Not one person was swimming in the swimming pool, everyone was standing, drinking, singing, laughing and having a great time. Chivirico showed me how to dance reggaeton.
I went in for a swim, but it was impossible avoiding people dancing, or jumping or sliding down on top of you. The only thing to do was the same as everyone else. Stand in the water and drink.
Chivirico couldn't swim, actually I don't think any one in the pool could, and he discovered that having a mask was one thing but a snorkel would help, as he seemed unable to keep his head above the water, and given that he didn't have one, he made one from two straws. I have no idea if it worked.
Finally it was time to come home, and I let Chivirico drive the jeep through the streets of the barrio. A few bruised chickens, and flattened verges and all arrived home safe and sound.
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| Time to go home |
Dominicans know how to enjoy themselves more than any people I know. All you need is family, friends, water, alcohol and loud music. The stage is then set.
LOL loved your birthday at the local pool story. I cant wait to see this place sounds much nicer than the one that used to be in navarette :D
ReplyDeleteIt is really nice - as long as you don't want to swim!
DeleteAnd a good time was had by all!! Chivirico is so clever, imagine using the straws for a snorkel.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure they worked too well, but yes a very good idea!
DeleteHappy Birthday Chivirico! Looks like he had an awesome time.
ReplyDeletelol hotdog with corn and lots of stuff"....sounds like a pizza I once had in Mao.It too, had corn and the works!interesting indeed -maybe it was the same chef!lol
ReplyDeleteThey seem to put corn in everything here. Even ham and cheese sandwiches!
DeleteThat's a great story, I once went to a similar style of swimming pool in Malia. It was an after hours party, so the place didn't even open until about 3am and went on until 10am. Nobody was swimming, just standing, swaying and drinking. A dangerous combination.
ReplyDeleteIt inspired me to the idea of a pool made for relaxing, and some handy friends installed my swimming pool at home for the same purpose. Though there's less drinking, and more eating!
And a fab looking pool it is too!
DeleteChivirico definitely had a blast on his birthday! I, too, would immensely enjoy celebrating my birthday near the pool. It is über fun to eat my favorite hotdogs and take a slide straight to the pool! I bet Chivirico would like to have a repeat of his fantastic birthday next year. But maybe the best birthday gift is to have your own pool at your house! He will surely love it!
ReplyDeleteHa I am sure he would. I used to have one and it was great but takes a lot of upkeep and only used to use in the summer as was too cold in the winter!
DeleteThe photos show that you guys had a lot of fun during Chivirico's birthday. I'm sure Chivirico would be absolutely happy to have a pool because he’ll be able to dive in anytime he wants. Your friends and colleagues can enjoy a little dip in the pool, too, when they visit you. =)
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ReplyDeleteFeel free!
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