Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

We took a long trip by almost everything but an animal, last week and arrived in the old city. Walked for miles thru areas not recommended, and sweated profusely.




Then we walked through the entire district called the Colonial Zonas to check our ALL the hotels/that Bruce Van Zant recommended or at least talked about. He has longer legs than I and I am sure many other tricks. I was exhausted and a bitch/bastard, by the end of the afternoon....we finally chose his ending recomendation in the book which was the..the Hotel Nadar....my first choice.

A walk down CONDE offers beauty and crap/ architecture and hookers, pizza ? and much imported garbage. However, one 'cannot' loose the sense of History here and it stays with you. Old world architecture, city layout and the influx of outsiders keep this city alive. Restaurants offer what the locals cannot afford to keep up as this is truely a poor country. The locals however add a MOST pleasurable atmosphere. They are lovely people, both physically and in spirit.
We should be as nice.

Problem was that by the time we got back to Hotel Nadar, the rooms were full. OK, we then chose the $100 US/night room nearby. It was very nice..but the TV did not work..the internet did not work...and my Espaniol did not work.... the fire in my eyes DID! We got a new room (better) and then slept the night.

After a very nice breakfast(extra$), we were quite full and ambled on one block North to the NaDAR Hotel.

He wanted $80 I again said no, $70. ....he nodded OK! Very nice rooms, included breakfast and I would recommend this place to anyone, anytime.








Hotel Nadar









Outside Santo Domingo, on the south coast, the river dumps tons of plastic and other garbage on the beaches. The Cruise ship docks nearby and one would think the government and industry would care.
The resorts are place miles away, with white sandy beaches...supposedly.

Many good restaurants were available within walking distance. Van Zant's book has been accurate about more than weather and has been a good guide overall.


Downtown areas are poor, dirty, dusty third world environments. I felt comfortable having grown up in NYC, which is a melting pot for the poorer of the immigrant populations as well as the overly rich, but it was an eye opener for Dorothy. There is much to be done here that might never be done. Looking "Back" historically, it is beautiful. Looking "forward" makes you think.


As a cruiser, we see some of the reasons, and am not blaming anyone. We, are doing something here and there, as people to make a difference, one on one. Nothing maybe considering the scale of things, but hopefully life still allows a 'ripple' effect.

Luperon, Dominican Republic

We arrived and quickly settled into this beautiful country. Luperon is a safe haven, secure harbor, friendly folks and a suprisingly large cruising community. Now, there are 85+ anchored boats in this harbor and last month there were 210.

Chillin' out, enjoying the local food and Presidente and Bohemia beer, life is good. Intending to do some inland travel to see Santo Domingo and Santiago as well as Puerto Plata-on this north coast-if they get road construction stopped for a few days...but doubt it.

Old gated entrance to the now present, Luperon Yacht Club. A competitor to the long existing Puerto Blanco Marina, it is well run altho struggling to get fine tuned. Food is good, service wonderful and friendly and run by Robert, a gentle bilingual hard working fellow.

Was planning to go further East before turning and running for Guatemala for Hurricane Season, but life throws curve balls. Weather and taking time to smell some roses, has prevented us from that. Our plan has changed to trying to see some of this country, then going around it one way or another and Country Hopping to Guatemala. Have not taken much pictures here, but will soon.

PA-po is the local character that does everything for a price. Fuel, water, bottom cleaning, tours, repairs, boat maintanace etc. etc. etc....did not ask about mistresses..but I'm sure he covers that too. He operates out of the Marina and shows up with the Navy for first clearances. Nuf said.

Fuel here at the Yacht club-where I will by it- now is $3.80/gal. diesel. The government sets the price once per week. A 20 oz. Presidente is 65-80 pesos, about $2.00 US. at any restaurant in town, cheaper in the outer areas. We have enjoyed the food very much.

Luperon harbor is the end point for a minor river and at the end of town. That means rains turn the basin brown and twigs to logs can be found floating around as well as town trash and sewerage.. Hey, do not be surprised! This is part of the 3rd world experience you and I have paid maybe hundreds of thousands of dollars as well as loosing as much for NOT working, to get here. When you do, "Enjoy it" it is very relaxed.

later ya'll!

We are well.