Going back to the Dominican Republic is one of my favorite things simply because the country is full of life and color. Not to mention that it is my place of birth. So when my day-to-day routine makes life bland, a trip back home can quickly spice things up.
The first need most visitors have when planning a trip to DR is the need to relax. Despite the internal conflicts that can cause a country to be in a heartache, taking it easy has become a way of life. The need for relaxation is quickly met because the people are so laid-back. If you take the chance to leave your hotel and drive around the neighborhoods, you will find, without failure, people sitting outside enjoying a nice talk, men playing dominos at a corner store, a colmado, and children playing instead of watching TV. Music is heard everywhere. The charismatic people are warm and inviting, and that can be relaxing enough. It is not necessary to mention that the heat will probably make you slow down anyways.
A second need people have is the need for good food. Luckily, the food is not only good, but it is also cheap. As you notice from my other reviews in this journal, I am a huge fan of two things that characterize the Dominican Republic for me. The first is a nice and sloppy chimichurri, and the second is a tasty ice cream from Helados Bon. Chimichurries is the Dominican interpretation of the American hamburger. Usually, the only thing that accompanies it is a cold Cola or a refresco rojo, which is synonymous with Dominican beverage. Refresco Rojo is a raspberry-flavored cola drink favored by everyone.
Helados Bon is where you go on a hot day (every day) on your way to work, as you shop, and when you are out with the kids or spouse, and in general, eating the ice cream is cheap and delicious, so you do it all the time. For those who would not like to be adventurous with their food, they can enjoy American food at McDonalds, Domino’s, and KFC. Beware, though, that the taste is different. You can even get a beer with your value meal.
The third need is the need for sun. The beaches are incredible. My favorite ones are in La Romana, because the waters are so clear, the sand so white, and the people so bronze. It is paradise. The waves are awesome. I’m not a surfer, but if I was, I would go there all the time. You can rent a canoe or get involved in other water activities if you are staying in a resort. The beaches are different throughout the coasts, but nonetheless, they are beautiful. As a warning, the beaches tend to be rocky in Juan Dolio so be careful with children. The best beach to go to if you have small children is Boca Chica, which is near Santo Domingo. It is perfect because you can go far into the beach and the water won't come to your neck. If you are not staying at a resort, my advice to you when going to the beach is to negotiate the parking fee with whoever is overseeing the parking lots. This way they won’t over charge you for parking. Also, don’t bother packing food, and instead, buy the food at the beach. Typically, they will have fried fish and a fried side dish, such as fries or sweet potatoes. Be sure to have the yanicakes. They are part of a trip to the beach in DR.
After you are relaxed, fed, and sunburned, you need to see the sites. A stroll down the Colonial City will teach you about the first colonized city of the New World. There you will see the First Church of the New World and Diego Colon’s house. Either by day or by night, the old architecture is beautiful to look at.
Shopping is good, too. There are different shopping venues depending on your budget. There are malls, department stores, stores that are equivalent to Wal-Mart or K-Mart, and the famous El Conde. There you can go shopping for traditional Dominican things, and it’s great for gifts to bring back home.
I love to go back and hear the music, see the people, taste the food, and feel like I have never left the island at all.
Read Less