News and Anecdotes from La Dona:

News and events are really hard to come to grips in the Dominican Republic . We hear so much from our own networks and its truly difficult to come across information.

I thought about doing this page because I come across wonderful bits of information and sharing this info will help someone somewhere along the way. Anyway, my caveat is this: many of the comments and ideas are my own and do not necessarily reflect anyone else's opinion. I have a right to these opinions and I apologize upfront if on occasion,will get on my soap box.

October 17, 2006

A cultural festival has been going on in the city since Saturday, until Saturday the 21st. Have you caught any of it? It's the Festival ACP ( Africa , Caribe, Pacifico) and there have been concerts in the Plaza Espana in the Zona Colonial, and Plaza Cultura. Its all FREE!

Oct 17: Tonight, there will be Mungal Patasar, Malouma and Maracande.

Oct 18: Roldan/Luis Diaz , Errol Lee and the Bare Essentials (form Jamaica ) and Nifithe.

Oct. 19 th : On Thursday, Seven Stars Band, Simon Nwambeben, Andy Palacio anf the Garifuna All Star Band.

Oct 20, Friday: Bongo Love, Menwar and Kekele.

Oct. 21: Saturday will be Manuel Jimenez.

It's too bad that this event wasn't advertised early enough. It's a great way to get to know the music from Africa and the Caribbean . Also, it's a wonderful time to be connected to the global community and experience ethe music and culture of all these wonderful countries and have them experience the warmth of this country.

Tennis/Sports:

The qualifications for the Nationals will be held this Saturday, Oct. 21 at the Parque del Este. This is called the Distrito. If your child makes it to at least top 8, then they move on to the Nationals, the week after. If you like Tennis, go down and check it out. Or sign up your child for some fun competition.

If you enjoy running, the Parque del Este is a great place to go run. Its about 2.4 miles all around. Bring your own water because you find any facilities. My other favorite is the Mirador Sur. But it's a good 20 minute drive from the Zona so it isn't very convenient.

Weather:

October evenings have been cooling off. Rain occasionally visits in the late afternoon. But it never lasts. Only a few minutes. Sometimes a downpour. It rained last Sunday. Otherwise, it is hot and humid at times. If you aren't used to the weather, use a hat.

Diversion:

The Acropolis Mall on Fridays and Saturdays between 7 pm to 11 pm is jam packed with adolescents from 9 to 20 years. Kids seem to like to just hang out at these places. I am told that the Bella Vista Mall is similarly packed. To see and be seen. Its fun for them and I suppose its fun for the parents too. Although, it does amaze me at how few of these kids are really chaperoned.

Things to See:

October 11, 2006

Another hot day in the city. Nights are really cooling off and are quite pleasant.

The Hotel was full of friends today. There is a 4 day Archeology Seminar at the UASD and Museo del Hombre. All the experts in the field of Pre Columbian archeology are in town. Interesting symposiums on the culture of the Tainos are going on all week.

Foodie:

If you like sushi, you can get pretty good sushi at Sake. They will even deliver to the Hotel or to the Zona for orders larger than $1,000 pesos – that's about $30. A really large combination platter with a California roll, Spicy Tuna roll and a something else will run $400 pesos Rd. My other favorite is the dumplings al vapor.

Sake is right behind Hache parallel to 27 de febrero in Naco. The owners created a food mall over there so you can have sushi, salads, Mexican or Italian in one venue. It opens at 7 pm so don't order before then.

Shopping:

I came across a gem of a place for kitchen appliances, accessories and this place is truly heavenly. Kitchen Center is the place to go to if you are looking for the latest in Viking Appliances, SMEG, etc. They even have gorgeous lighting products. They are located at the Catalunya Mall, off Churchill on Gustave Mejia Ricart.

Musical Events/Jazz:

If you were invited to the Consulate General of Switzerland's event last Monday for Boogie Woogie and did not attend, you missed an enjoyable evening of rock and roll, boogie and uplifting Elvis melodies. Swiss musicians Nicko (piano) and Charlie (drums) blew everyone away with their aplomb and fun-tastic performances. Awesome night. As soon as I find the url for these guys, look them up and they really are great.

I did hear from sources that Bryan Adams will be at La Romana Altos de Chavon on November 2 – that's a thursday. It is indeed on his concert calendar.

Good news: The Bar in the Teatro Nacional (Maximo Gomez and Cesar Pinzon) is open again in the evenings. There are jazz musicians on Monday nights. I don't know what else happens during the other evenings but there are other musical genres performing.

I popped in to listen to the jazz performance last Monday night, and they were quite good.

Sites to see:

I went to the Botanical Garden this past weekend. It's a rather lovely place. The Japanese Garden is beautiful. You need about 4 hours in this place, its so huge. Locals come to picnic and it is a tranquil paradise to chill out from the heat and the grime.

Bring food for the turtles, they literally strain their necks out waiting for goodies.

Cueva De Maravilla:

This is a must go and see. Its after San Pedro de Macoris, and 20 kms before La Romana. It's a good 50 mile drive form Santo Domingo but well worth the visit. The caves are about 25 meters below the surface and is a huge labyrinth of cathedral like caves. The ceilings are filled with splendid stalagtites, the floors with stalagmites. And there are wonderful petroglyphs from the Tainos who used the cave as a ceremonial site, burial grounds and shelter from storms. You won't see anything like this anywhere. The government has outfitted it with ample lighting and easy access so anyone can visit. There is even an elevator donated by the Japanese government.

Goal:

My children went to the Zoo and really enjoyed it. It is a rather well maintained place as zoos go with one exception. The jaguar's holding pen is too small. Can we do something about this? I don't know but I am going to try. I am raising awareness so if you want to help, please let me know and we can figure out something. My email is elbautil@yahoo.com .