FELIZ ANO NUEVO 2008

As the sunsets, we say goodbye to another year and to any heartache, disappointment or grief. I pray that tomorrows sunrise brings joy, health, laughter, prosperity and the company of friends. I pray that 2008 be full of sunrises for all of us!

FRIDAY FANTASY 64

Sometimes the guy next door is just as hot as any model or porn star!

FELIZ NAVIDAD

Merry Christmas! Joyeaux Noel! Feliz Natal!

FRIDAY FANTASY 63

So, you just walk in and choose one of their Top escorts...

All Is Well...

...that ends well. Both power and phone service have been restored. Boy, do we take things for granted!! I don't know how the Amish do it. Like so many people across the world, I have come to depend on modern conveniences and just assume they will be there whenever or wherever I need them. Thank God I had a warm place to lay my head and a job to keep my mind diverted from the COLD realities of my home being without power.

Ahh, but alas I am here! I have missed my friend (the computer), and I have missed all of you. How about a group hug?!

MOTHER NATURE

Oh, the weather outside is frightful...!! We are suffering from horrible winter conditions. An ice storm has knocked out power for many hundred thousands of customers. To top it off, ice has caused a tree to snap and pull down my phone line. Thank God for cellphones (which I can charge at work) and for friends with power (whose computer I'm using now).

Don't know when this mess will be fixed. I'm just trying to use a bit of patience, to exercise my faith and to keep my sanity.

Because I can not use my own computer there may not be a Friday feature tomorrow. And though it is not Friday I feel like closing my eyes and drifting off to some small island with balmy temperatures, a cool tropical drink and a beautiful hombre to fan me while I lie on a beachside chaise...

Any Excuse...

...for a party!! And what better place for one than "Temptation Island?" Fellow D.R. lover Mario Sessions will celebrate his 43rd birthday in March. Venir y celebrar!

FRIDAY FANTASY 62

Ahhh, the feel of leather against your warm bare skin...

NEW SERVICE

Orlando-Santo Domingo by JetBlue
Flights from Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo to Orlando International Airport are due to begin on 6 March. Regular fares between Orlando and Santo Domingo start at US$99 to US$349 each way (plus taxes). The JetBlue flight is the only non-stop service between both cities. Flight times are departing MCO at 1:55pm arriving SDQ at 5:35pm, and departing SDQ at 6:20pm, arriving MCO at 8:20pm. JetBlue uses an Embraer E190 fleet with complimentary first-run movies on the airline's seatback televisions. "We are very excited about this new route connecting Santo Domingo to Orlando, Florida's largest airport," said Astrid Diaz, CEO of Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI.

WORLD AIDS DAY

Today is a day that we unite our voices to speak out and to speak up. AIDS continues to be a plague in our communities, but especially so in third world and developing countries.

Our beloved retreats, such as the Dominican Republic, have alarmingly high rates of infection. We must not only save ourselves, but save our world neighbors also. Let us not be disallusioned. We are not truly safe until our global brothers and sisters are as well.

Remember to write or call your government officials and demand more resources for the fight against HIV/AIDS.

FRIDAY FAVORITE 15

Not the desired outcome, but one of my favorite experiences nonetheless. Though I'm older, bolder and wiser, you sometimes wonder what could have been.
Somewhere in the Virgin Islands...

I went out last night.
I wasn't looking for romance, but I danced with the love of my life.

I saw him across the room looking over the crowd.
He didn't seem to be searching for anything particular.
I admired the way he stood there, inconspicuously, not parading like a peacock as the others did. And without my knowledge, he peered through the crowd at me.

I was too shy to ask him to dance, or to even ask his name.
It became evident that this stranger desired to do the same.
He introduced himself to me and from that moment my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.

I knew somehow that the song playing was the last for the night.
I was thinking of how to ask him when our hands joined and we stepped onto the dancefloor. I collected my thoughts as I gazed into his eyes, he was everything I had hoped he would be.

I realized this was the man of my dreams as he held me in his arms. I was in a trance, only the pulse of the music kept my body in motion.
I not only looked at him, but looked within him. I concluded that his personality was golden and I wanted to know the depth of his character. And I knew I didn't want this dance to end.

I felt unusually comfortable with him, as if this dance were a conversation that had lasted an eternity. I wanted to tell him everything about myself. I wanted us to share the world together.

He whispered my name, it was like thunder, and I realized that all I had experienced within those few minutes was fantasy. I knew then that all I had with my stranger was this dance.
I yearned to be closer, to hold him forever, to tell him what I was thinking. But the song that was playing came to an end.

I went out last night.
I wasn't looking for romance, but I danced with the love of my life.

LONG TIME COMING

I must apologize to my female readers who have continued to read the blog, though I have not featured very much in the way of the demure sex and their interests.

Please know that there is a good time to be had by all in the Dominican Republic, regardless of sex or preference. Yes, there are lesbians who like to party. And the beauty of the people is not restricted to the male persuasion.

pics of Dominican girls from Hi5.com

Taxi, Taxi !!

The narration in this clip is comical, but so true. Everyone should have an experience riding in a publica!

FRIDAY FANTASY 61

Marcus Patrick is a television celebrity with real charisma. He is quite frankly one of the most handsome men on the tube and enjoys sharing his assets and talents with his fans. Check out this link for a sexy shower scene. http://youtube.com/watch?v=4vyDammMyQo

TRAVEL ALERT

If you will be in the Dominican Republic for vacation within the next couple of weeks, be advised:

Evacuations and rains continue. Heavy rains have led to the evacuation of 44 more people, leaving parts of Barahona and Monte Plata provinces cut off from the other communities. Because of the risk of more rains due to a storm front over Haiti, the Emergency Operations Center (COE) has maintained a red alert for San Cristobal, Monsenor Noel, Ocoa, Azua, Peravia, Duarte, Barahona, La Vega, Sanchez Ramirez and La Altagracia with yellow alerts for all remaining provinces.

1. rough waves in Santo Domingo

2. bridge out at San Cristobal

FRIDAY FANTASY 60

How do you say "WOW!!" in the language of the Dominicans?

WINTER SPECIAL

CheapCaribbean. com just cut the price of 5-night all-inclusive vacations to theDominican Republic by 40%. Travel during the peak wintermonths -- with roundtrip flights from New York for $499per person. You must book by November 20. This $499 special includes: Roundtrip air from New York to the Dominican Republic- Choice of departure dates between Jan. 11 & March 11- 5 nights at Lifestyle Tropical Beach Resort & Spa- All meals, drinks & non-motorized watersports- All tips and gratuities- FREE entrance to Ocean World Water Park and more.

You must use the promo code 'WINTER2008' to get the $499 price. Initial pricing will be displayed as $599, and you will only get the full discount with the code above. For full details of this offer and to book directly through CheapCaribbean. com, click the link below. Or call them at 1-800-915-2322. http://www.travelzo o.com/Newsflash. asp?340731

AMIGO 5

William is a 26 year old cutie in Santiago, Dominican Republic. He would like to make new friends. http://elbebe199.hi5.com/

A BIT OF HOME

From NYDailyNews. com
You don't need to break a sweat exploring Washington Heights to find traces of its hefty Dominican population. But other than the ubiquitous racks of platanos, tabletas de dulce and bizcocho dominicano, there is more than meets the eye at upper Manhattan's bodegas.The list of products from back home that only a clued-in Quisqueyano can find is long and includes prescription medications like antibiotics as well as high-proof rum and beer, all of which can't be imported to the U.S. If you are feeling lucky, you can even play the loteria - the Dominican national lottery. It is referred to as the lottery "de alla" (from there). "I play all the time, it is a custom. Sometimes I dream a number, and then I will play it," said Joselito Royer, 41, a barber."What people like the most is what is forbidden," says bodega owner Fabio Rodriguez, 52, about the popularity of the products. "They are everywhere."

Of course, he doesn't sell them. Nor anyone else we asked for that matter. But customers say among the items that fly out of the back-drawer fastest are cigarettes from D.R. which have more nicotine - a favorite is Malboro light. Also, Brugal rum and Presidente beer, both with a higher octane than the same brands legally imported here."We definitely go for the Brugal. It tastes different because it has more alcohol. It is better," laughed Rafael Rodriguez, 36, a truck driver. "Everybody loves things from one's own country. You want to feel for a moment that you are there."

But getting the goods can be nearly impossible for outsiders as owners are suspicious of unknown customers. The trick is knowing your local bodeguero, says a graphic designer who didn't want to give her name. "They don't just sell to anyone," she said. "But I wanted Dominican rum, and, since they knew me, they took me in the back and they had cases upon cases of it." As for how the supply works, many in the bodegas seem to know someone who turns visits to the D.R. into a business opportunity. "You buy it there for 2,000 Dominican pesos (about $60) and you sell it here for $125," says Jhonovich Scherell, 26, who says he knew others who did it. But word of a September bust at a Dominican bodega in Perth Amboy, N.J., that was selling antibiotics and Viagra has some wary that authorities may target their establishments and that sought-after products will become scarcer. "Since then, people are bringing less stuff over," says Rodriguez.

Happily, some "illegal" products get out of the shadows every now and then. So it was with elation that Jacqueline Osorio, a housewife, found neatly stacked cans of Cafe Santo Domingo - until recently not allowed for importation - when she walked into her corner meat market the other day. It was the same dark, bitter roast that she loves to drink black with a pinch of nutmeg. "It makes me happy," Osorio says. Only the irresistible flavor of the forbidden was gone.

FRIDAY FANTASY 59

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JORGES GANG "FIN"

This is the final post of the planned series on Jorges Gang. It has been said that his site is amateurish. TRUE. But that is the intent. He does not use polished Playgirl models, he prefers to use guys you may meet on the street. No pretense. It is not for everyone, but many do enjoy what he offers.

I chose to feature the re-launch of the site to coincide with the "Feel The Heat" event in Boca Chica. I want the readers to be aware that several young men in that area have been working with a few crooked cops to set up tourists for the purpose of extorting money from them. Always use good judgement and always ask to see an ID. With so many people in town for this weekends activities it may be best to use the referal system.

To close out the series, here is what Jorge sent me...
My site is set up like a steak house. The menu is everything from appetizers to dessert,which i call azucar moreno. My "wild game" section is my personal favorite, because i like street meat.

There is also the "takeout menu" at the bottom of the members section that has the clips I did not want to throw away, but were not up to the main menu.

The forum is for people to contact JorgesGang models and each other. Also,you can upload small video files and photos of people 18yrs. and older.

I will be here for the Feel The Heat event in Boca Chica. If you need a tour or anything I'm sure my guys can help. Contact me at jorgesgang@hotmail.com

FRIDAY FANTASY 58

It has been a year since Iran and I first met. Time moves quickly when you're having fun! The two of us have been behaving like high school sweethearts, staring at each other, saying silly things and we can not keep our hands off each other.

Working in the same office has been a challenge. I make no secret of my sexuality and it is accepted. I mean, hey, we are in Brasil! The problem is not that he hasn't disclosed his sexuality to our peers, but the company policy forbids fraternizing between co-workers. So, the temptation to steal a kiss at the watercooler or to hold hands at the conference table can be grueling.

However, we both love our careers. After all, we met on the job. This is why we decided to take some time off for our anniversary and celebrate at the hotel where we met. We were fortunate enough to get the same suite we had shared during last years shareholders meeting!

We have spent the week "trying new things" as we conquer self-imposed boundaries in and out of the bedroom. This has had some effect on us physically. Iran has been heading to the spa room to stretch and relax after some of our late night trists...

JORGES GANG DOS

JORGES GANG

JORGE AND THE HEAT

Veterans Day is just around the corner! That means "Feel The Heat," sponsored by Dominican-Heat.Com, is about to jump off. It sounds like it will be an awesome event, the final circuit party of the year! If you will be anywhere in the Dominican Republic during this time, you MUST go by and join the festivities in Boca Chica.

Just in time for the event, Jorges Gang turns up the heat with the re-launch of their website! Some of you have anticipated this since I first mentioned it in a previous post. Many of the models are from the Boca Chica area, so don't be surprised if you see familiar faces at the activities. I will be sharing more information about Jorges Gang (and pics) this week.

FRIDAY FANTASY 57

Jose Luis is yet another Brazilian bombshell to fantasize about!

MORE FROM JETBLUE

Low-fare carrier JetBlue has announced that it is adding a new service to Puerto Plata, on the north coast of the Dominican Republic as of 10 January 2008. JetBlue is marketing itself as the low-fare, low-cost airline with the most flights to the Caribbean. The flight will come just in time to fly snowbirds down from the US northeastern region. Customers flying JetBlue to/from Puerto Plata will travel on the airline's modern Airbus A320 fleet, which features all-leather seating and the most legroom in coach (based on average fleet-wide seat pitch for US airlines).

The airline is also highlighting the fact that passengers will be able to view complimentary first-run movies and bonus features from FOX InFlight(tm) on JetBlue's signature seatback televisions. Through its largest focus city at New York's JFK Airport, JetBlue also offers Caribbean travelers convenient connecting services to destinations coast-to-coast. JetBlue's new service is promoting fares starting at $109 each way, plus taxes and charges. The flight departs JFK International at 10:30am and arrives in POP International at 3:20pm as of 10 January 2008. The flight is scheduled to depart POP at 4:15pm and arrive at JFK at 7:05pm. The airline advises that the best fares are found on midweek travel dates.

DAY TRIP TO BANI

As you know, I advise travelers to get out of the city and experience different parts of the country. On my recent vacation I took a day trip to Bani. Didn't know exactly what to expect. I figured it was far enough away from the city to offer a different vibe, yet close enough not to have to spend the night. In my internet surfing I had noticed that Bani had it's share of beautiful muchachos.

Interesting coincidence: My friends and I were sitting on the Mercure veranda having a late lunch when this guy (whom they had seen earlier) came over to chat with us. Surprise, he was from Bani! He was headed home that evening, but agreed to meet us in Bani the next day.

We started out for Bani the next morning, but stopped by San Miguel to visit our friend Narciso. He was excited to see us and we made arrangements to stop again on our way back from Bani.

I can't emphasis enough how different Bani is from the city. It is unbelievably clean and charming. (Sort of like the way they clean Disneyland every night so the next days visitors will also be awestruck.) And the muchachos didn't disappoint. I will definitely spend more time there on a future vacation. While we were relaxing and taking pictures in the park, two guys (who spoke english well) approached us to inquire what type of services we may need. They appeared somewhat questionable so we basically ignored them. We then went across the street to have lunch at a chinese-operated buffet. DE-Lish! During this time, two guys had taken the booth behind ours and kept glancing our way. When they finished they sat outside across from our van. (an obvious gesture for attention) Unfortunately, our time was short. However, all this action in such a short amount of time is why I will definitely be going back to Bani!

We stopped at a river on the outskirts of town, the view of the nearby mountains is stunning. We said our goodbyes to a new friend, then headed back to San Miguel where Narciso had arranged a small party. What a day!

FRIDAY FANTASY 56

Mmmm, a dark chocolate delight!

CHANGES

There are some changes that have been positive. The educational system is one of them. Families used to have to pay for their children to go to school. Recent changes have eliminated most of those fees, but many children still cannot afford the uniforms, books, etc. But at least it is a step in the right direction. I also appreciate the artwork that is displayed at Independence Park. It is changed periodically and allows viewers to learn about culture and artists from different countries. The current display is of works at the Louvre in Paris, France. It was refreshing to see students with their pads and pens taking notes about the works of art.















Another change, which was inevitable, is the amount of new condominiums and apartments going up. Many of these are on the Malecon, but there are others springing up throughout the city. Whereas many of these have modern architecture, I would like to see more of them reflect the classic deco style of some of the older buildings. In any case, this gives investors, retirees and those Dominicans who can afford them, some variety when choosing a new place.

PARTY SCENE

I enjoyed being in Santo Domingo this time of year. I have visited at various times of Spring and have been there in December. I must say that October was quite nice! There were no events, no holiday travelers, no crowds. Wherever we went to party there were no more than about 10 tourists. The discos were still full of patrons though, the locals do love to party!

Bar Friends was the only establishment where the numbers were sparse. I guess the buggies were not there in large numbers due to the lack of tourists. That suited me just fine. The only issue with that is the way the buggies swarm the few tourists that are present. Because it is considered the "off season" they all vye for your attention and your dollars. This is a time when one can get highly discounted rates for services.

JayDee's Disco Bar continues to be packed on Friday and Saturday nights. The Dominican gays, the buggarones and tourists keep the place jumping. They are no longer open on Sundays.

CHA, the new kid on the block, is the place to go if you want to party with the "club kids." It is a mostly young crowd that likes the high energy scene similar to clubs in New York or South Beach. Conspicuously absent is the presense of the buggies. We attempted to go on Sunday after we closed Bar Friends. The taxi driver got lost because Bolivar Avenue evidently splits and he went the wrong way. By the time we got there it was 15 minutes till closing. We sat there on the Malecon to relax and talk, when all of a sudden the doors swung open and this massive throng of people came pouring out. The few masculine guys I saw appeared to be the dancers. It was interesting to see the kids hang around, laughing and talking, rather than split the scene so quickly as they do at other clubs.

After we left CHA we decided to check out Duarte Park, since we were told that people congregate there after the clubs close. Not a soul. I reminded myself that Sunday is usually a much quieter day in Santo Domingo. People do the Malecon Libre or the beach during the day and by evening the streets are empty. So we'll have to check out Duarte Park on our next visit.

Overall, the clubs are hot!! Some changes have been made in scheduling and hours of operation due to the new liquor laws. However, a good time can still be had. If you're a night owl you will have to be more creative since things close earlier during the week. CHA has now been given permission to remain open until 3AM on the weekend.

COLONIAL ZONE

If I wrote the entire contents of my recent vacation in one post it would be much too lengthy. Therefore, I will make several posts over the next few days.

Of course when you visit Santo Domingo you can't help but view the historic structures in the Colonial Zone (regardless of how many times you have visited). Something that was painfully obvious to me on this trip was the filth in the streets and the unkept condition of many of the structures and businesses in the area (which appeared so attractive only 18 months ago). There is no doubt that the economy and the citizens of the country are suffering. I hope they are both able to have a rapid recovery once the Metro is complete and the government does not have to funnel so many resources into it.

all photos taken in the Plaza Espana area