HABLAR ESPANOL

This is basically a shout out to Simbul. Thanks for the comments. I feel anyone who plans to vacation repeatedly in one place should learn the language. It is really to your advantage! From bargaining to haggling to simply knowing what's going on around you, one can have a more enjoyable experience if you at least speak "spanglish".

A friend of mine sent me a CD from D.C. a couple of years ago that has been a big help. It's called World Talk Spanish. There is also a free learn spanish section at www.dr-tourist.tv . Look on their menu to the left. Of course, a great way to learn the language is to make sure you're able to USE the language regularly. I suggest you make friends with someone or hang out at places that are frequented by spanish-speaking people. And by all means, get a Spanish-English dictionary that helps with the pronunciation of words.

Hope this helps you, and I hope you make it to other destinations on the island soon. Happy traveling!

FINE ARTS

I personally LUV all things cultural; music, drama, dance and visual arts. I admire talented people and enjoy being around them. Not unlike any other place, the Dominican Republic is full of creative expressions.

They have a great National Theatre, an awesome artists colony (Altos de Chavon) and of course the familiar music/dance called merengue.

You should check out a movie at a local theatre or see a live concert. Maybe you'd like to see a dance recital. Art appreciation from a different perspective.

















































1. the Altos de Chavon complex
2. amphitheatre at Altos de Chavon
3. boy band Aventura
4. mask museum in Santiago

AT PLAY

Continuing with the look at Dominican life, I once again chose to point out the similarities of the two cultures, Dominican and American. No matter where you are in the world kids like to play and adults enjoy their leisure time. I find it interesting that there are so many similarities in our cultures. It can probably be accredited to the significant African influence throughout the caribbean and America, particularly in the south.

The pics below depict some of the similar ways we use our leisure time.
























































1. backyard cock fighting
2. inside cock fighting venue
3. playing dominoes
4. basketball in the street

NO DIFFERENCE

Alot of people ask me "how are the people?" in the Dominican Republic. I have found through my travels that people, in general, are the same everywhere. There is no difference between most cultures. We all want to provide for our families, we want recreational time and many people want a means to express their creative side or talents.

The manner in which this is done may vary depending on resources, traditions and locale. However, those basic needs and desires remain the same.

The Dominican Republic has a growing number of textile factories and designer brands taking advantage of the cheap labor force, but agriculture and it's related industries continue to be the biggest source of employment. In the cities, of course, there are the usual middle class jobs in finance, media, education and others. Baseball players are a strong contender and I predict that the tourism industry will grow rapidly in the next couple of years.

The following pics are of Dominicans working in traditional roles.














































1. Cigars are big business
2. Most agriculture jobs are now done by Haitians
(this Haitian is in the sugar cane fields)
3. Street vendors are a common scene

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.

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)

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)

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)

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.

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

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!!