Santo Domingo

In the Caribbean of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic part 3

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(Photo Courtesy of Tony Polanco)

Following up from my previous series about the Dominican Republic, my adventure in the Santo Domingo, Dominica Republic was amazing. I stayed at the Beaterio Guest House in La Zona Colonial.

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(Outside Courtyard at El Beaterio Guest House; Photo Courtesy of Tony Polanco)

This guest house was amazing and seemed like something out of a movie. It’s location on Calle Duarte was a safe one and I never had any issues. The front-desk attendants were well-educated Haitians and their customer service was impeccable. I spent a lot of time exploring the streets of Calle Duarte and Calle Esconde. These streets lead me to La Plaza de Santo Domingo which was similar to the Spanish colonial center of the city commonly known as “Plaza Mayor”.

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As I explored this area, I came across so many taxis. The taxi drivers in Santo Domingo are competitive and can be found all over the island anytime of the day. I was able to find a taxi driver that was willing to work with my  budget and he was so hungry for business that he accepted whatever I offered him. While on my journey, I had to get a haircut and I had a Dominican barber exclusively for the past 3 years. I ran onto Tony’s barbershop. Dominicans are experts when it comes to hair care, salons, and grooming.

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(Photo Courtesy of Tony Polanco)

    Since I was in the Caribbean, I had to explore the beach. I visited Boca Chica and relaxed in the calming waters. I noticed that there were a lot of street vendors selling fruits, shrimps, glasses and other things directed towards tourists. Having a very common Dominican last name, I was able to blend in with the other Dominicans. I helped the street vendors by translating for them and helping them make a few sales. Therefore, I spent the entire day receiving free fruits, shrimps, and even a pair of Burberry glasses (they were knock-off but I really appreciated the gesture). After spending so much time at the beach, I returned back to La Zona Colonial and had good food, a Presidente beer, and good music to end the night.

Stay tuned as we continue our journey in the Caribbean as we explore Jamaica.

One Love. Peace!

In the Caribbean of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic part 1

It’s October 30, 2013 and I rush to the John F. Kennedy International Airport. I arrive at the departure gate with less than 30 minutes before the plane is scheduled to departure (the pressure is on). I meet with the an flight assistant and she jumps to action. Drained from an intense day of work, I take a deep breath and we both take off.

The assistant and I run and she allows me to skip the entire of people at the security gate. She gives me clearance and I suddenly hear the final boarding call for the flight. She yells, “rover”, and I catch the airport shuttle. We speed to reach the terminal gate ( like an Afro-Latino Speed Racer). I arrive at the last minute and barely catch the flight. I find my seat and I review my first publication.

As I prepare to travel to el Aeropuerto Internacional de las Américas (the airport of the Americas), I realize that I manifested my goals into reality. These are the moments that all the stress, frustration and dedication pays off. I fall asleep with my headphones jamming Brazilian hip hop.

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Photo courtesy of Google

 

Hours later I arrive in el Aeropuerto Internacional de las Américas in Santo Domingo at 12:30 am excited and ready to release my first publication. I convert my dollars to Dominican pesos and I catch a taxi to La Zona Colonial. We cruise through the highway and I am engulfed in the Caribbean city that reminds me a lot of Tocumen, Panama. I arrive at the El Beaterio Hotel at Numero 8, Calle Duarte and my body tingles with excitement (and fatigue) as I am in still in disbelief that I have arrived in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

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Photo courtesy of Tony Polanco

Thank you so much for taking your time to read this. Drop a like like and a follow. Next week we will be talking about the founding father of the Dominican Republic . Much love!