The TOP souvenirs to take home from Dominican Republic...

[lucy106]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragonfly Hey Lucy, how was your girls vacation, bet you had a blast:)

It was wonderful, we did the excursion to Saona Island (reccommend it, the Island is gorgeous and Catamaran ride back is awesome). Very relaxing! Great shopping, great weather! I look out of place in this Chicago weather with my nice tan but thats ok! Thanks for asking!

[S2BLennon]

MAMAJUANA-- When we went to St Thomas our Tour driver to Megans bay kept saying that word...(there were about 35 people on it) we had no idea what it was all about and then he actually pulled over to some locals to get some... we thought he was getting something else if you know what i mean! I guess you had to be there.

Now that I know what it is I may have to get some as a joke! That is only if I can get a local to pronounce it like our tour driver!

[CJEB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinkletoes Found this on a website this morning, and just thought I'd share with all my fellow DR brides-to-be:~) MAMAJUANA - Also known as Dominican "Viagra" (this medicinal drink contains rum, wine, honey & mixed herbs) COFFEE - The best is called "Santo Dominigo" (3rd best in the world after Brazil & Colombia) LARIMAR - Dominican Republic's national gemstone (the only place in the world where this blue stone is found) FACELESS DOLL - Ceramic doll usually made from red clay (these dolls depict Dominican country life) "151" RUM - Known locally as Dominican "Gasoline" (clear white rum containing 75.5% alcohol) CIGARS - Brand names like Cohiba & Arturo Fuente (the DR is the leading manufacturer of Hand Rolled cigars)

Watch out:[*]"151" RUM - Known locally as Dominican "Gasoline"
(clear white rum containing 75.5% alcohol)

We were told that you can not take this on a plane

[Scott C]

Also, if you are trying to take the dry bottle of Mamajuana on the plane, the guys checking you in at the airport will not allow it. They made me go across the street and buy a bottle of Rum to pour into it. Not the way the dry mix is supposed to be prepped but I wasnt going to throw it away. So make sure to get some wine at the resort and pour into it before leaving. That should get you past the airport guys.

[SummerBeachBum]

Interesting post, I'll be sure to look out for some of these. Thanks!

[CJEB]

We are giving bottles of brugel for favours / favors

[foxytv]

I never saw any of the faceless dolls ... :-(

 

Anyway, just wanted to share what we brought home.

 

2 boxes of Cohiba cigars (we asked for Dominican but got Cuban, so who's complaining? :-)

 

Bottles of Brugal Rum (and I just found a local liquor store here that carries it!)

 

ARTWORK! Some amazing Taino artwork ... we got a huge piece for over the bed or couch and two smaller pieces to use as accents.

 

Vanilla. Amazing homemade vanilla. Very affordable too!

 

Larimar. I bought a necklace, earrings, bracelet and ring (all silver w/ larimar) along with a regular shell necklace and 2 anklets during our Saona Island trip -- all for $25 (the haggling really does work!)

 

Mamajuana ... be careful packing it if you don't get the pre-made mixes with liquid in it. The herbs and bark are considered agriculture and can't be brought back into the US. Luckily I wrapped everything and had it stuck in our luggage so it wasn't spotted suring Customs.

 

I wish I had remembered the COFFEE!!! I don't drink it but it would have been great for gifts! :-(

 

We haggled for everything and were very pleased with what we got.

 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinkletoes Found this on a website this morning, and just thought I'd share with all my fellow DR brides-to-be:~) MAMAJUANA - Also known as Dominican "Viagra" (this medicinal drink contains rum, wine, honey & mixed herbs) COFFEE - The best is called "Santo Dominigo" (3rd best in the world after Brazil & Colombia) LARIMAR - Dominican Republic's national gemstone (the only place in the world where this blue stone is found) FACELESS DOLL - Ceramic doll usually made from red clay (these dolls depict Dominican country life) "151" RUM - Known locally as Dominican "Gasoline" (clear white rum containing 75.5% alcohol) CIGARS - Brand names like Cohiba & Arturo Fuente (the DR is the leading manufacturer of Hand Rolled cigars)

[Thomasjsgirl]

thanks for the ideas and advice ladies -- I'm definitely going to put this in our welcome survival guide -- with the warnings too!

[PrecisePlans]

Anyone bring back any dominican hair products. They are suppose to be the best! I'm a junkie!!!

[foxytv]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrecisePlans Anyone bring back any dominican hair products. They are suppose to be the best! I'm a junkie!!!

OMG, I didn't know their hair products were some of the best. I wish I did though, b/c I would have broughht some home.

I had my hair done at the salon on our wedding day and they did an absolutely AMAZING job ... and my hair stayed in place with no problem all day and night -- and without the flaky build-up you sometimes get from using a lot of hairspray and product.