Hope you had a great weekend and are feeling refreshed!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Cultural Diversity Applauded
I am quite thrilled to be made aware of this event considering the attitudes of many Dominicans toward the darker brother.
San Cristobal is bring together African heritage groups from 13 provinces nationwide for a tribute to the beat of the drums, inherited from the African slaves brought to the island in the 15th century. In its 35th year, it honors late Dominican singer and composer Luis Dias. Dias incorporated many of the original rhythms of these grassroots groups into his compositions.
The festival takes place November 26-28. It is a weekend of songs, dance, workshops, arts & crafts, gastronomy and Dominican folklore.
San Cristobal is bring together African heritage groups from 13 provinces nationwide for a tribute to the beat of the drums, inherited from the African slaves brought to the island in the 15th century. In its 35th year, it honors late Dominican singer and composer Luis Dias. Dias incorporated many of the original rhythms of these grassroots groups into his compositions.
The festival takes place November 26-28. It is a weekend of songs, dance, workshops, arts & crafts, gastronomy and Dominican folklore.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Airport Transfer
I was furious! The flight had been delayed in Boston due to a horrible snow storm. I had originally scheduled myself to be in Santo Domingo a day ahead of my presentation so I could relax and familiarize myself with the new clothing factory we just completed there.
To add to my frustration the driver was 30 minutes late. When he finally pulled the limo to the curbside to greet me he had a sheepish grin on his face and was mumbling in spanish. I saw nothing in the situation that would cause him to be smiling unless he had lost his mind.
I gave him a look that would freeze tap water in Hell and told him to load my bag into the car. As he opened the door for me he said in broken english..."I so sorry I late, but you partner forgot his suit." And there was that grin again. During all the madness I had not thought about Jorge de la Cruz, the Dominican site manager that was to be my shadow during my brief visit. I bent to climb into the rear seat, preparing a simple greeting in my head for Senor Jorge, who I'm sure is the typical 50ish, overweight executive the company is known to have on staff. I lowered my head into the limo to deliver my prepared greeting...
To add to my frustration the driver was 30 minutes late. When he finally pulled the limo to the curbside to greet me he had a sheepish grin on his face and was mumbling in spanish. I saw nothing in the situation that would cause him to be smiling unless he had lost his mind.
I gave him a look that would freeze tap water in Hell and told him to load my bag into the car. As he opened the door for me he said in broken english..."I so sorry I late, but you partner forgot his suit." And there was that grin again. During all the madness I had not thought about Jorge de la Cruz, the Dominican site manager that was to be my shadow during my brief visit. I bent to climb into the rear seat, preparing a simple greeting in my head for Senor Jorge, who I'm sure is the typical 50ish, overweight executive the company is known to have on staff. I lowered my head into the limo to deliver my prepared greeting...
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Secure Flight Program
A program began last week which subjects travelers to "behind-the-scenes" passenger watch list matching as an additional safety precaution.
It is the end of a year-long grace period for the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Secure Flight Program.
The biggest change affecting passengers is that it requires airlines to submit to TSA each passengers full name (as it appears on government ID), date of birth, gender and Redress Number (if applicable) at least 72 hours before the trip.
If the information is not submitted three days in advance, a boarding pass will not and cannot be issued. If a traveler has an existing reservation for immediate travel it's strongly advised the traveler contact the airline or booking source prior to going to the airport. Many sources allow you to add the information online, others require you to visit a ticket counter or call the reservations number.
The Program helps prevent the misidentification of passengers who have similar names to individuals on the watch lists and better identifies individuals who may pose a threat to aviation. If all reservation identification is listed correctly, TSA estimates that more than 99% of passengers will be cleared to print their boarding passes at home.
It is the end of a year-long grace period for the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Secure Flight Program.
The biggest change affecting passengers is that it requires airlines to submit to TSA each passengers full name (as it appears on government ID), date of birth, gender and Redress Number (if applicable) at least 72 hours before the trip.
If the information is not submitted three days in advance, a boarding pass will not and cannot be issued. If a traveler has an existing reservation for immediate travel it's strongly advised the traveler contact the airline or booking source prior to going to the airport. Many sources allow you to add the information online, others require you to visit a ticket counter or call the reservations number.
The Program helps prevent the misidentification of passengers who have similar names to individuals on the watch lists and better identifies individuals who may pose a threat to aviation. If all reservation identification is listed correctly, TSA estimates that more than 99% of passengers will be cleared to print their boarding passes at home.
Monday, November 08, 2010
Friday, November 05, 2010
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Jazz Festival
The Dominican Republic Jazz Festival will take place November 26-27 at the Cabarete Beach in Puerto Plata. The festival will close November 28 at the Gran Teatro del Cibao in Santiago. Leading jazz performers from the US and caribbean will participate. Visit their website for more information!
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