oh, santo domingo

i won't deny that i had some complaints when i returned from the dominican republic after a trip for work. the whole "caribbean" lifestyle and mindset doesn't really apply when you are traveling for work and not play. no, sir, i won't have a cocktail at 11 am.

however, santo domingo itself was pretty incredible, and gave me a taste of what it might be like to travel within south america. i look forward to it--someday! many tourists who travel to punta cana or la romana don't ever venture into the capital, which is full of historic buildings. we certainly sensed tension with many immigrants crossing the border into the dr from haiti--i wonder if this has changed post-earthquake.

view of the water from my hotel room

ozama castle--oldest formal military building still standing in america

alcazar de colon: diego (chris' son) columbus' house in santo domingo

downtown santo domingo...mamajuana (and tobacco) salesman.

some restaurants i'd recommend:

-el conuco: bright, fun environment, great local food, lots of dancing--a great time had by all the night we went here!
-adrian tropical: casual restaurant directly on the ocean. i think one of the decks is actually over the water. great local food (maofungo was my favorite here--yucca with vegetables).
-restaurant vesuvio: seafood/italian, a little fancier, good outdoor seating. huge lobsters!
-meson de la cava: didn't get here, but heard great things. you eat dinner inside of a cave...sounds amazing!