Of course an island nation that straddles the Caribbean and the Atlantic is going to be known for its beaches. And as a Florida native with Caribbean blood, I have seen a fair share of amazing sandy stretches by the sea. But on my first full day in this southwest section of the island I found myself quickly upping the standards for my own definition of a ‘beautiful beach.’ Continue reading “Southwestern Beaches: Bahia de la Aguilas y Los Patos”
Author: Mariana
I like to keep moving.
Dominican Republic Travel: The Southwest
We had rented a van for our travels to and from Santo Domingo, and for some reason it turned out to be cheaper to rent the van for an entire week rather than the few days we initially wanted it for. So we decided to extend our trip an additional three days and add a cross-country drive to the Dominican southwest. Continue reading “Dominican Republic Travel: The Southwest”
Santo Domingo Hotel Review: Renaissance Jaragua Hotel
During our stay in Santo Domingo we chose the Renaissance Jaragua Hotel as our home-away-from-home for two primary reasons. First: it’s located on the Malecon, which meant being close to the ocean and a reasonable distance from most of the sights in the city. Second: my grandmother has a timeshare with Marriott so we could use her points here. Continue reading “Santo Domingo Hotel Review: Renaissance Jaragua Hotel”
Santo Domingo: El Mercado
On our second day in Santo Domingo we set out into the wilds of the city to brave el mercado, the city’s largest market. Vendors met our van on the street and helped us out the door while shouting hellos and pushing their wares. The Politur, the Dominican Police especially assigned to protect tourists, immediately stepped forward to clear our path into the old open-air building. I wasn’t sure if I should feel like a celebrity or a criminal, but it did get my heart beating a little faster. Continue reading “Santo Domingo: El Mercado”
Santo Domingo Food: The Best Dinner of My Life
Like many urban centers, Santo Domingo is a mecca for international cuisine. Dominicans know and love their food. Since I’ve been staying with family, I’ve had the good fortune of experiencing countless homemade Dominican specialties. So when we arrived in the capitol, it was time to branch out. Continue reading “Santo Domingo Food: The Best Dinner of My Life”
Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial
Founded in 1496 by Christopher Columbus’s brother Bartholomew, Santo Domingo is considered today to be the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas. It was the first seat of the Spanish colonial rule during their settlement of the new world and served as the launching point for a number of famous expeditions including those of Ponce De Leon, Diego Velazquez de Cuellar, Hernando Cortes, and Vasco Nunez de Balboa. It’s also a survivor, enduring hurricanes, pirates (Francis Drake captured the city in 1586 and held it for ransom), battles, invasions, occupations by France and Haiti, trades, dictators, and oppressive poverty. Continue reading “Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial”
Dominican Service
During my time in the Dominican Republic I have come to learn that Dominicans are a beautiful, happy, incredibly friendly people. Everyone waves, everyone says hello, and everyone smiles. This makes me feel cheerful and at home and, although my surroundings and the people themselves do look remarkably different, not so far away from my beautiful American southwest. Continue reading “Dominican Service”
DR Lesson #1: Rum Cures All Things
My first week in the Dominican Republic wrapped up just days ago and already it seems like only a blur of vivid colors and sensations in my head. Together with my mom, my grandmother, Austin, and his parents we spent 3 days in the capitol city of Santo Domingo before heading to the remote southwest region of the country to explore. The seven day ordeal was steeped in food, history, culture, and beauty both natural and not-so-much, but hanging over me the entire time was the nastiest, most miserable cold. Continue reading “DR Lesson #1: Rum Cures All Things”
12 Days
Today is day 12 for me in the Dominican Republic, and in my head I’ve written at least that many blog posts. But between gloriously packed days and very limited internet access I’ve yet to actually put my thoughts to paper. I promise you single reader, they’re coming! In the meantime, enjoy these glimpses into my island paradise: Continue reading “12 Days”
Why I Haven’t Applied to Grad School… Yet
Well, my time here in Florida is coming to an end, and as excited as I am to head out on my first of many wintertime adventures, I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by my long list of to-dos that never quite got done. At the top of that list: my grad school applications. Continue reading “Why I Haven’t Applied to Grad School… Yet”
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