Massacre River escapades.............

One of the things about having a house across in the Dominican Republic is that you have to get back across the border (a bridge with 2 metal gates) before it is closed. However, there have been people who shall remain nameless who have maybe found other ways to cross without the use of the bridge. There may be known "persons" who are able to help you cross the river on foot (or on their shoulders) for a nominal fee. So when we found ourselves at the gate on Saturday as it was being pulled closed and the "gentleman" smiling at us as he chained and locked the gate we decided to look at the alternatives. First we went around the outside of the bridge onto it and walked to the Dominican gate. No go. Closed and locked. We then returned via the outside of the bridge around the Haitian gate and were taken to the other, newer border which is only open 2 days a week. This was not one of the 2 days...........

We then proceeded to walk to the river's edge and pick our fella to help us. I chose to have my fella carry my laundry. NO WAY was I getting on someone's shoulders to be carried across a river. I managed to wade and when I joined our group of 4 there was some discussion about payment (as always) as well as discussion with the guards above about 'permission". We needed that? Apparently if you get permission from the guards at the OTHER border you can cross by foot/river at THIS border but not without permission. OH. Thank goodness Mami Mya speaks spanish because I had no idea what he was saying other than the shake of the head "NO". At one point Mami Mya threw out the "Really, what would they do if we just ran for it?" As we stood in the middle of the river, closer to the DR side than Haiti and debated for about 20 minutes. "Ummm, shoot us?" We found out afterwards that they would only have arrested us.......:0. So off we go to return to the Haiti side. Our friend Dan asked what the big deal was because there were so many people crossing the river. "Well............ they're going INTO Haiti and that's allowed." It's the other way that's the problem. "Oh, well I don't mind being hit a bit but I don't want to get shot". Says Dan. It's okay, Dan. Neither do we.............. Really, we only wanted to go 4 blocks to get to our house! Note to self for next time - GET PERMISSION or BE ON TIME.................................