Hump Day

Face Time

Wade in the Water

What's REALLY Going On?

I have been intrigued by the mysterious deaths that are happening in the Dominican Republic. While I'm sure tourist deaths happen in other parts of the Caribbean, It doesn't seem those deaths are "questionable" or "mysterious."

I wanted to do some research so I googled "tourist deaths in the Caribbean." To my surprise and dismay the first two pages were all related to the DR. So much for attempting to do a comparison with other Caribbean destinations. Also, YouTube is full of speculative videos from vloggers both in and out of the D.R. None of which really give concrete evidence. I mean there are conspiracy theories of organ stealing, political theories of the US pressuring the DR to favor them over China in trade dealings or face the consequence of lost US tourism and many more theories.
 And now comes news of the latest reported death, making 31 year old Tracy Jester of Georgia the eleventh since June of 2018.

These are the times I miss the old Monaga blog. I could always count on clarity and good inside tea.

HERE is a link to a recent survey regarding how US tourists are feeling about travel to the DR.

U.S.A. Independence Day

Rumming Through the Caribbean

If you consider yourself an aficionado of fine rums here is some info you can use to check out some of the Caribbean's best!
The new Martinique Rhum Awards is July 4-7, featuring a rum tasting event at La Case Thai restaurant, a bartender competition at Ti Sable, distillery tours, a banquet and much more. Click HERE for more info.

Don Pedro Fernandez would carry his rum around in a small wooden barrel under his arm, giving a taste to those who wished to try it. He had studied the art of brandy distillery in France and returned to Puerto Rico with a copper pot still in 1871, soon producing the islands first rum. Today Ron del Barrilto also has a two-star and three-star variation. You're probably familiar with Bacardi brands, but no trip to PR is complete without a bottle of "Barrilto." Tours of the old plantation house and distillery are available.

And finally, from the DR-
Participate in rum tastings, lectures and workshops, concerts, cocktail contests and gastronomic tastings, among other events, that are part of the 2nd Dominican Rum Festival set to be held 19-20 July 2019 in Puerto Plata. In its second year, the organizers have chosen the impressive panoramic setting of the Puerto Plata Amphitheater.

Puerto Plata boasts the two leading options for touring rum factories – Brugal and Vinícola del Norte, both with outstanding excursion options including tasting and buying opportunities.

https://www.facebook.com/DominicanRumFestival/

sources- DR1.com, caribjournal.com