Tuesday, February 28, 2006

TIEMPO DE LA CARNAVAL!!


















The carnival season is in high gear as it marches to a climax this weekend!! For those who were not able to attend the festivities, friends will have to re-tell stories many times as to insure that not ONE detail was excluded.

In the meantime, here is a clip of Carnival 2005 for you to enjoy.

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

SO MUCH TO DO

For those who continue to seek alternatives to the club scene, there is so much to do in Santo Domingo. Again, the Colonial Zone has a plethora of historical sites. If you like bright lights and taking risks, the Malecon is the place for casinos and shows. Of course, I enjoy sitting on the Malecon and eating Bon ice cream as I listen to the waves lap ashore at night.

I can't say enough about the Conde, a pedestrian avenue that is the heart of the Colonial Zone. From shopping to dining to cruising, it all happens on the Conde! My favs are the open air cafe at the Mercure Comercial Hotel and Paco's Restaurant, on opposite ends of the Conde. Both have a variety of menu items, reasonable prices and nice service. If you like to chill and people-watch or if you like to cruise, trust me the experience is fierce at either.

1. Oldest fort in the Americas

2. the Malecon at night (pic by Otto Piron)

3. cruising Paco's (pic by jstheater)

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

MAS DE SANTO DOMINGO

Amber is popular in the Dominican Republic, as it is found in abundance there.
You can get inexpensive trinkets in souvenir shops or high-end pieces from jewelers. There is even a museum dedicated to the Dominican gem. Here are still more things to see and do while in Santo Domingo.


























































1. Old Fort in Colonial Zone
2. Carriage rides around the Colonial Zone
3. Castle of Diego Columbus
4. Street festival on the Malecon (Sundays during the summer)

Sunday, February 12, 2006

SANTO DOMINGO TOUR

Here are some more activities for your trip to Santo Domingo.


























































1. another view from the National Aquarium
2. view of the Ozama River from Alcazar de Colon
3. the Dominican "White House"
4. Trujillo Monument (pic by Paul Gerace)

Thursday, February 09, 2006

SANTO DOMINGO

We've spent alot of time discussing various parts of the Dominican Republic. And trust me, there is much more to discuss and pics to post! However, we haven't spent enough time elaborating on the wonderful sites and activities in Santo Domingo. After all, the capitol city is the destination of choice for most of my readers. But, I do enjoy making readers aware of alternative activities.

Most people will spend much of their vacation time on the Conde or on the Malecon. There are lots of things to do in Santo Domingo, so don't limit yourself. The Colonial Zone is NOT limited to the Conde. Be adventurous and explore the area. There are interesting things just a few blocks over. Such as the Haitian art district and galleries, old Columbus era ruins, neighborhood parks and more.

Also check out the National Aquarium, the Botanical Gardens or the Zoo. Of course, you can get a feel for the history of the country by going to the various museums and historical sites.








































Thursday, February 02, 2006

IF YOU GO DOWN......

....to the river, be sure to look for some familiar faces. Some of the guys who hang out at the clubs in the city don't necessarily LIVE in the city. I can't say enough about how refreshing it is to get away from the tourist trappings and experience a different side of Dominican life.

Some of you may remember Joel from the clubs or from Casa de Monaga. I first met Mauro when he was a dancer at JayDees. He is truly one of the nicest and most humble guys I've met in Santo Domingo. Alejandro was just one of those chance encounters.

These photos were taken by dominicanboys.com