One of the first things we do in a new country is draw the flag (DR is the only flag in the world with a bible on it), and then read some of the history of the place we’re visiting. Such an easy way to learn—for all of us.
Our slightly grubby home here in Santo Domingo. Our 50A power cord is run to a splice with another boat’s 30A that then runs into a standard extension cord and wall outlet, providing each boat just enough power to charge a laptop without blowing a fuse. Always nice to have all that solar power on top of the boat.
Strolling around the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo. This street reminded us so much of Mazatlan.
Lots of ruins in town, nicely preserved and free to wander around.
Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor. Not to harp on about the cost of things, but it’s so nice when a place like this offers an audio tour, in just about any language, free for kids and only about a dollar for adults. Super accessible for anyone. This tour had the added benefit of being focused more on the architecture and history than on religion.
Braving a run-in with the pigeon food lady, again.
Feeding pigeons in the plaza has to be one of our longest running family traditions.
After taking this picture I walked over to give the artist a small tip. The big man off to his side took the money and thanked us. I would not have guessed that it was his job, but apparently this artist keeps busy and needs an assistant to handle money matters.
I liked his paintings a bit more than the kitschy tourist shop art on display nearby, though you have to give the place props for their marketing. There was a pretty constant stream of people taking their own selfies with the butt selfies.
Really enjoying Santo Domingo so far. Everyone here just seems happy. The marina guards are super friendly, offering us help with anything we could possibly need while we are here. The immigration officers charged us a couple of fees and when I asked for receipts they promised to bring them to me later. Normally, that would elicit a giant eye roll, but when we came home later that day our two reciepts were waiting there for us. While walking back to the marina one night, a police officer came running up behind us and kindly asked where we were headed. “Ahhhh, La Marina,” he said with a big smile. He clearly thought we were lost and headed in the wrong direction away from town. All of these little positive interactions go so far in forming an opinion of a place.
This thing came in for a few hours, providing a nice backdrop for evening drinks on the Lido Deck of the M/V Bumfuzzle.
13 Comments on “Around Santo Domingo”
I haven’t heard anything about tacos yet?
Oh we had some good ones. Returned to one place 3x in our six days there. Yumm.
I’m impressed with the clean streets and colorful homes. Very nice!
Yes pretty clean but we did wander down a few blocks where it was a different sight. With cruise ships in port, streets and plazas are in good shape.
Looks like a fun place to explore!?
Ouest so looks like her mama.
blushing…(I don’t know how to do that emoji)
My daughter lives in Santo Domingo! She also says how friendly and kind the people are. Love your pictures.
Oh wow! Great place, we could have stayed awhile for sure.
Seeing happy children makes my heart swell ❤❤❤
Really wonderful to read about how nice folks are there! We feel the same as we travel, all the positive interactions offset the negativity of manipulative media reports of bad news! It’s great that your kids get a first hand experience of goodness in the world! Love the colorful photos!
A life without T.V. (and that kind of media) will shape their lives, plus like you side their first hand experiences will impact them greatly. It will be fun to talk to them when they are 18…
The mirror photo of the family is a nice touch Pat.