MOST WATCHED

The humpback whale is an endangered species. They come to the caribbean every January to reproduce and give birth. Whale watching has become a large part of the winter tourism season. Of course, who really needs another excuse to go to the beautiful area of Samana or Cabarete? The whale-watching season runs through carnival, so it makes a great diversion if you want to escape the mayhem!
































All pics were taken in the Samana region.

DIH2 FAST ATCHA!!

The second installment of Dominican Island Heat is fast approaching. Many people have said they will be around for the carnival finale and be able to enjoy the festivities of DIH2. If you haven't booked your flight, Spirit Air still has nice rates out of several US cities for the first week of March.

Check out the DIH2 website for a list of activities. The organizers are promising a more cohesive event that will be even more exciting than last year!

The following pics were taken at Dominican Island Heat 1.

CARNIVAL NUEVO

There is a relatively new carnival that takes place in the mountain vacation area of Constanza. the locals are revving up carnival activities that will take place from the last weekend in January and run until the first weekend in March.

This carnival features characters that are different than most Dominican displays and has the beautiful backdrop of the mountainside!!

If you are going to the island this season, be sure to plan a trip to Constanza.

LA VEGA, AGAIN

MORE LA VEGA

Here are some more pics of Carnival in LaVega. For such poor people they really get into the spirit. Some creative costumes!!

CARNIVAL!!!

Now that you've booked your flights and are ready to embark on your aventura en Republica Dominicana, let's take a look at the exciting carnival celebration.

The government decides when carnival will culminate every year. This year it will end AFTER their Independence Day. The finale will be held the first weekend in March.

Tourism officials seem to have been a bit slow in realizing what a jewel there is in carnival. While the activities in Santo Domingo are said to range from "blah" to "it's okay", there is far more excitement when talking about the activities in LaVega.

Locals and tourists alike trek to this quaint little town in throngs for carnival. One of the reasons, no doubt, is because this is the residence of one of the most noted Dominican artists, Senor Rafeal Hernandez. He employs several apprentices who hand-make the masks that are a staple of Dominican carnival. There is a gallery in LaVega to purchase or to simply peruse.

Here are a few pics depicting the transformation of "Green Acres" into the mayhem that is Carnival en LaVega!!!

ESPECIALES OTRA VEZ

Just wanted everyone to know that Spirit Air is offering specials again from many U.S. cities. The specials are good for round-trip flights to Santo Domingo or to Punta Cuna. Examples are from Dallas-Ft.Worth $198, and there are many more. This is the best deal to hit the industry in quite awhile. You MUST purchase your ticket no later than midnight January 9th, with travel good until April 30th.

So, if you've been thinking about going for the first time or planning a return trip, this is the time to go!! There are a couple of exciting events coming up to make your trip even better!! The country celebrates Carnival in February, which often culminates around their Independence Day on February 27th. Excursions to LaVega are recommended for a HUGE carnival experience.

Don't forget Dominican Island Heat 2. The second installment of this new curcuit event promises to be even better than the first and thrill seekers from all over are expected to fill hotels, so make reservations now.

HAPPY NEW YOU!!!

Yes, I hope everyone in the bloggersphere has multitudinous blessings this year!!!
Remember not to make resolutions you can't keep, but do resolve to do things within reason and set attainable goals. Whether it's losing weight, putting on a new attitude, finding a lover or dumping one, I wish you much happiness!!

And if you haven't travelled to the Dominican Republic, I hope I share something here that will whet your whistle. As I've said before, there is something for everyone on this beautiful island. So, what are you waiting for? Come on, take the plunge!!