Take Me With You...: February 2013

Every year I escape the winter weather of the month in which I was born to celebrate my birthday in Dominican Republic. Usually the group stays on an all-inclusive resort. This year I wanted my loved ones to experience something different -- something which I have experienced -- a glimpse into the country I refer to as my 'soul mate.' The day after my birthday we paid $105 for an all day excursion to Santo Domingo. It was well worth it! I had not walked the streets of Santo Domingo since 2010 so I was excited to be back!

Santo Domingo de Guzmán is the capital of the Dominican Republic, the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas and one of the most populous cities in the Caribbean. I love this city because there is such a mix of opposites: old world meets modern times -- medieval palaces, 16th century churches and fortresses are found amongst city streets lined with swanky condos and expensive luxury vehicles. Natural caves have been renovated to sophisticated restaurants serving traditional dishes. The sound of clear, blue waves crashing on the beach mix with with the sexy beats of merengue, bachata and the clink of red-bottomed heels walking the cobblestone streets.

Street in Santo Domingo

A man in the park, Santo Domingo

Street in Santo Domingo

This year, while I'm not from Dominican Republic, I felt a sense of happiness to know that three of my loved ones will experience a city that I absolutely love and know so much about. With every place we were able to visit, every sound we heard, every photo we snapped I would look at the faces of my loved ones and take pride in the look of curiosity, happiness and amazement I would see come across their face, in their eyes. Know they will know why in this country I am in my purest, happiest form. Why this city is part of that joy. We were told we would leave at 615am, arrive in Santo Domingo at 830a, leave at 4p and be back at the hotel by 6p. What actually transpired: leave by 615am, pick up other tourists, arrive in Santo Domingo by 10am, leave at 5pm and arrive to hotel at 9pm. And though it was a long day, we definitely saw our $105 worth of the city.

Faro a Colón was our first stop. Construction began in 1986 with the monument being inaugurated in 1992. The monument's lighthouse projects beams of light, forming a cross shape, which are so powerful they can be seen from neighboring Puerto Rico! The lighthouse serves as a museum and mausoleum housing the remains for Christopher Columbus. The monument is cross-shaped and represents the Christianization of the Americas.

Where the remains of Christopher Columbus rests

Columbus Coat of Arms

Afterward we drove through 'Chinatown.' The guide informed us that there are two traditional Chinese gateways which mark the entrances to Santo Domingo’s Chinatown along Avenida Duarte, one with the plaque that says “四海为家” (Home everywhere). Shops in Chinatown sell general merchandise mostly imported from China. There are 60+ businesses run by Chinese immigrants within 'Chinatown." The guide also informed us that there are a recorded 60k Chinese immigrants living in Dominican Republic today. While we were in Chinatown one of our guides, Carlos, plucked a fragrant flower from a tree. You couldn't even see the flower from the bus. But when he returned to the bus, he ripped the flower so petals were halved causing the amazing fragrance to fill the vehicle.

Obtaining the flower


Petals in my hand

After passing through Chinatown we stopped at Monasterio de San Francisco. The Monestary was built around 1508, with the arrival of the Franciscan fathers. The ruin is is located in the Zona Colonial and is a beloved landmark of the city. Beautiful in its prime, it was the victim of various natural disasters and eventually converted to an asylum. Beneath the monastery was a crypt where purportedly the remains of Christopher Columbus' brother, Bartholomew, were laid to rest. His remains, among others, were moved after the monastery was ultimately abandoned in the 1930s after destruction caused by another hurricane was never repaired.

Next up, another amazing destination in Santo Domingo: Catedral Santa María La Menor, referred to as La Catedral Primada de América (reputed to be the first cathedral in the Americas). Located in Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo, the Cathedral was founded by the Spaniards between 1514 and 1544. The interior is very well maintained, polished, absolutely beautiful. There was an old jail located behind the cathedral. It was said that if a prisoner escaped the jail and touched a cross on the wall near the main entrance they were exonerated of all crimes. Salvation here on earth. Before the Faro a Colón was built, this beautiful cathedral was also the resting place of the remains of Christopher Columbus and his son.


Renovations

Sacrifice

From the Nativity Scene

Alpha & Omega

Upon leaving the Cathedral we entered the Parque Colon. In the center stands a statue of Christopher Columbus pointing into the horizon. At his feet is a young Taino woman, Anacaona, who was the first native woman to learn to read and write. She is writing his name under his feet at the base of the statue. I will hold my personal opinion to myself - enjoy the beautiful bronze structure.

The last stop was Los Tres Ojos. Los Tres Ojos was created centuries ago as a result of tectonic fractures when underground caves collapsed, forming a bowl-shaped depression which subsequently filled with water. Initially, the cave was inhabited by the indigenous Taíno Indians who were the first inhabitants of the Hispaniola island. The women gathered to bathe separately in the "El Lago de las Mujeres." Today, legend has it that any person who touches the waters will have luck in life and of course, love. Any engaged couple is encouraged to dip their hands into the still, blue waters. I'm single but I still dipped BOTH HANDS in the water!

As you can see it was a very long day! What is not captured is the 15 minutes I spent bargaining with a man on the street in a sale of 5 bachata CDs (originally 5/$20, I procured them 5/$10 which is closer to what they were worth) or the delicious meal of "bandera de pollo" at Meson de la Cava. A wonderful restaurant situated inside of a cave, it is decorated with artwork capturing the life of the indigenous people of the island. We didn't take photos of the mamajuana sample enjoyed as we bought souvenirs or the funny stories shared with us by our tour guides.

If you are ever in Dominican Republic, allow me to suggest a tour or a walk around this beautiful city. Please enjoy other photos snapped as we walked through the city - Santo Domingo de Guzmán.