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Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a popular destination for vacationers from around the globe. With its beautiful beaches, clear, blue water, and the friendly Dominican people, it may be hard to leave your beach chair and piña colada. But if six college students can do it, then anyone can!
While visiting the Dominican Republic for spring break of our senior year in college, five friends and I traveled to Santo Domingo. From the resort hotel, it cost only $10 a person, about 330 Dominican pesos, for six of us on a personal guided tour through Santo Domingo for four to five hours. Though our driver spoke some English, it was very helpful to know Spanish, not only for the tour but also for our entire trip in the Dominican Republic.
Those in the tourism business will know some English, to be sure, but a little knowledge of Spanish is welcomed, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect. On our way to the city, we were very grateful that we had our own local guide, Chico.
Our Tour of Santo Domingo
Driving on the streets of the Dominic Republic is not for the faint-hearted. Weaving through people, motorcycles, taxis and trucks, our driver sped down the highways and side streets. If you get the nerve to look out the window, check out the colorful buildings and crowded streets filled with Dominicans.
We finally reached Santo Domingo, the oldest European city in the New World, and a place filled with earlier Caribbean history. Founded by Christopher Columbus' brother Bartholomew Columbus, this city is the second most populated city in the Caribbean (Havana, Cuba is first).
Our first stop was to a market in the Zona Colonial, also known as La Zona or The Zone, a walled in area situated in Santo Domingo. We opted for this market because it was laid back, less crowded and there wasn't as much pressure to buy from the vendors, unlike the Mercado Modelo, which has a reputation for pickpockets and overeager vendors, making it a definite tourist trap.
In other parts of the city, many stands and shops sold basically the same variety of items as all the others, from paintings to jewelry to clothing. The vendors are up front, however, about their negotiable prices, so don't accept their first offer without haggling a bit. Credit cards are accepted, though there is a charge for using them, and Euros, dollars and of course Dominican pesos are welcome as well.
After visiting the market, we headed to Calle El Conde, a street known for selling jewelry, especially amber, the country's national stone. Popular with both Dominicans and tourists, this pretty, shaded street is closed off to traffic and is a great starting place to explore other areas of the Zona Colonial.
One place you might like to visit is the Plaza de España. Alcázar de Colón, a palace built for Christopher Columbus' son Diego de Colón and his family in the early 16th century, is one of the oldest buildings in the Dominican Republic, and is located at the plaza. With its beautiful architecture and refurbished interior, it is well worth a look.
The Plaza de España is a great place to relax and people watch. Outdoor cafes, concerts and shows are also popular at the plaza. Across the Ozama River at the edge of the square you can see the cross-shaped building where Christopher Columbus is buried, el Faro a Colon. On the edge of the square you can stop by the Museo de Jamon for a quick bite. In English it would be called the Museum of Ham. Salt cured pork hangs from the ceiling in this great restaurant, and it's a fun stop during your trip. If meat décor isn't your thing, there are a wide variety of restaurants on the plaza and around the city with both international and local menus.
I was a little apprehensive since I have never been on vacation during the holidays before, but like Kristen, we stayed at the Barcelo Capella and it was a GREAT TIME. There was a huge tree in the middle of the resort decorated with lights and they even had parties for all the guests on Christmas and New Year's Eve.
The staff is comical, welcoming and entertaining. My favorite part of each night was after dinner when the performers took a break from their music and dancing and put on what the resort calls, "Ice Breakers." Basically, they pull out random guests and members of the audience to come on stage and participate in embarrassing, but incredibly funny activities. You may have to dance the tango with a stranger, pop balloons with your butt, or make animals noises. It keeps the crowd pleased and certainly does break the ice.
I went down with my family, but left the resort with a ton of friends. The Barcelo Capella definitely enhances the typical family vacation. PLUS- It is ALL INCLUSIVE and beach front. You really cannot go wrong here.
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