Arganese Invites 10 CigarLive Members Back to the Dominican Republic

[mikedaddy]

Okay so I finally setup an appointment to get vaccinated so I don't die.. They're telling me I need Hep. A & B vaccines, Typhoid Fever vaccine and Malaria pills. They're estimating $400 in vaccine costs!!!! Now CDC recommends Hep A and malaria.

So what do I really need?

[samsgrl28]

Originally Posted by mikedaddy

Okay so I finally setup an appointment to get vaccinated so I don't die.. They're telling me I need Hep. A & B vaccines, Typhoid Fever vaccine and Malaria pills. They're estimating $400 in vaccine costs!!!! Now CDC recommends Hep A and malaria.

So what do I really need?

Sam and I only had to get three shots and a scrip for malaria. We went to Village Family Practice on the Katy freeway and it was all covered under our insurance. We only had to pay the co-pay for the doctor's visit. I would check them out especially if you have insurance. 713-461-2915.

[DBCcigar]

I went to Honduras last year and did not get any shots. JUST DON'T DRINK THE WATER! I had severe diarrhea and stomach cramps when I got home. I did not drink the water, but all I can figure is that I did use the water to brush my teeth. :errrr:

[Yesenia-cl]

I didnt get any vaccines? The CDC usually recommends these type of vaccines if you are traveling to an obscure part of DR for an extended period of time and/or eating local food from unknown sources. The majority of the time (when not spent touring) will be spent relaxing in Gene's house, and all meals will be prepared by the chef. The food is fresh, comes from safe, reliable sources and is thoroughly cooked. As David stated the water isnt drinkable, but Gene's fridge is packed with bottled water and you can bring all you want on the tours and other outings. I used the water to brush my teeth, no problems.

I dont want to mislead anyone, so I would suggest to do some research and find out what vaccinations you feel are necessary to have an enjoyable and safe stay in DR. Here are some helpful links:

Health Information for Travelers to Dominican Republic - CDC

yellow fever vacination requirements, recommendations and malaria situation - World Health Organization

MD Travel Health -Dominican Republic

I would recommended taking some over the counter anti-diarrhea medicine (just in case!) plenty of sunscreen, and mosquito repellant (although I never really had a problem with those). If you take these liquids in a carry on bag, keep in mind the TSA airline regulations.

You'll be okay! If its any consolation, my family is from the DR and some of them have traveled to REALLY rural parts of the DR for months at a time, sometimes without getting any vaccinations...and they ended up fine! But again, only you can decide what is right for you.

[Tazman-cl]

Hi Guys, 10 members of our club just got back from the exact same trip. It was awesome and no one took any meds. You stay at his mansion and everything is included except the airfare. A few more guys are going again next month.

Tazman

[mikedaddy]

I got some Malaria meds and a Hep A vaccine insurance covered it.

Another question.. Should I bring my laptop? Do they have internet/wifi? Will it get stolen?

[Cypress]

Originally Posted by mikedaddy

I got some Malaria meds and a Hep A vaccine insurance covered it.

Another question.. Should I bring my laptop? Do they have internet/wifi? Will it get stolen?

We are taking ours. See you bright and early at IAH.

[patefengreen]

Vaccinations aren't really necessary. We didn't get any. Gene's house has a double or triple water filtration system on it. Because of that, he said we could drink the water out of the tap (I guess he does), but we drank bottled water or cervesa and took a bottled water up with us the night before to brush our teeth with (just to be on the safe side). I didn't hear of anyone on our trip getting sick. Remember, Gene's a gringo too.

Forget about the internet for three days, for Christ's sake! I don't think they had wifi when we were there in January (not that there was any time to play on the computer anyway). Your days will be filled with the tours and the evenings will be filled with smoking and relaxing and listening to the Dominican breeze. Soak it all up! You're not going to want to come back to Houston with all it's fancy smancy internet hookups anyway! You'll quickly learn about "Dominican speed." You guys are gonna have a blast!

[Cypress]

The only reason we are bringing out laptops is to dump the massive amount of pictures on it at the end of each day.

[patefengreen]

Originally Posted by Cypress

The only reason we are bringing out laptops is to dump the massive amount of pictures on it at the end of each day.

Cool!

[ngetal]

wow... sounds like a awesome trip - hope y'all had a great time there

I chanced to meet Gene at the Famous CigarFest about a month ago - really nice guy, and he autographed my figurado box for me (man, am I glad I thought to bring along a white paint pen)