Die Dominikanische Republik ist ein bezauberndes Urlaubsziel in der Karibik. Viele Urlaube beginnen in der Dominikanischen Hauptstadt Santo Domingo. Die berühmte koloniale Altstadt heißt mit einem historischen Flair ihre Besucher willkommen. Wie ist es, dort zu wohnen? Geht das überhaupt? Ja klar – In Santo Domingo zu leben ist wahrlich eine prägende Erfahrung. Und es gibt darüber hinaus auch 5 gute Gründe nach Santo Domingo auszuwandern.
Kann man als Ausländer in der Hauptstadt der Dominikanischen Republik gut leben?
Welche Gründe gibt es, in Santo Domingo zu wohnen?
Warum sollte man vielleicht doch eher andere Städte in Lateinamerika bevorzugen?
Wie ist das Leben in Santo Domingo, wenn man auswandert?
Lies in diesem Artikel, was das tägliche Leben in der ältesten Stadt auf dem amerikanischen Kontinent wirklich für einen Expat bedeutet. Und ob es für Dich ebenfalls in Frage kommen kann. Oder Du vielleicht eine andere Stadt bevorzugen solltest. Ich beantworte alle diese Fragen.
Ungefähre Lesezeit: 20 Minuten
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Ich glaube, dass es der richtige Moment ist, um Santo Domingo als würdigen Lebensmittelpunkt für Auswanderer und Interessenten zu prüfen. Falls Du nach Vorteilen über das Leben in Santo Domingo nachforschst, wirst Du in diesem Artikel die Antworten dazu finden.
Insgesamt wohnte ich knapp 2 Jahre in Santo Domingo. Und ich denke, dass ich ein paar wertvolle Eindrücke über das tägliche Leben in der Dominikanischen Hauptstadt aus der Perspektive eines Auswanderers gewinnen konnte. Und ich freue mich, wenn ich mit Dir diese Eindrücke teilen kann!
Das ist nun schon bereits das dritte Kapitel in dieser Kategorie. Ich habe bereits zuvor in Quito (Equador) und Lima (Peru) gelebt und ähnliche authentische Erfahrungsberichte über das Leben als Auswanderer in den lateinamerikanischen Hauptstädten verfasst. Falls Dich diese Quervergleiche auch interessieren, schau Dir meine Artikel (in englischer Sprache) an.
Das gleiche Konzept möchte ich nun über Santo Domingo realisieren und einen ähnlichen Ratgeber verfassen. Diesmal sogar noch ausführlicher.
Meine Informationen sind weder von anderen Seiten inspiriert, noch kopiert worden. Alle von mir genannten Argumente basieren – so sie denn nicht gesondert gekennzeichnet wurden – aus meiner eigenen Erfahrung und die Photos und Videos sind mein eigenes Copyright. Du wirst den Inhalt dieses Erfahrungsberichtes auf keiner anderen Seite finden können. Ich habe diesen Artikel aus meinen eigenen Beobachtungen und Erlebnissen niedergeschrieben.
Ich war sogar sehr überrascht, dass sich bisher kein anderer Blogger dieses Thema rund um den Ratgeber für Auswanderer in Santo Domingo gründlich behandelt hat. Santo Domingo ist eine große und internationale Stadt, in der sehr viele Auswanderer wohnen.
Plaza Maria de Toledo in der historischen Altstadt von Santo Domingo
Aber ich konnte keine vergleichbaren Artikel über diese Informationen finden aus der Sicht eines Auswanderers finden. Daher möchte ich gerne diese kleine Marktlücke mit einem qualitativ hochwertigen Beitrag schließen. Hoffentlich findest Du in diesem Artikel, was Du gesucht hast und kannst Dir Deine Meinung bilden, ob sich Santo Domingo in der Dominikanischen Republik als Ort zum Auswandern eignet oder nicht.
The Dominican Republic is a magnificent tourism destination in the Caribbean. Many holidays begin in the capital of Santo Domingo and its Colonial Zone to welcome the visitor with a historical flair. But what about life in Santo Domingo? What are good reasons to move and live there? How is life in Santo Domingo for an expat? I lived an expat life in the biggest city in the Caribbean for 1.5 years and would like to help you with 5 good reasons to live in Santo Domingo. I’m sure that you’ll find all the answers you’re looking for.
Approximate reading time: 20 minutes
Read in this article, what life in the oldest city on the American continent really means for a foreigner. And if you should consider to move to Santo Domingo or to rather look for a different city.
Would you like to read this article in another language?
I think, that it’s a good moment to analyze Santo Domingo as a valuable residence destination for expats and foreigners. Whether you are looking for good reasons to live in Santo Domingo, you will find them in this article. I could obtain some valuable insider knowledge from the perspective of an expat, because I lived there as well. And I am gladly sharing them with you!
Some years ago. I lived in Lima, Quito and Asunción. All these experiences in other Latin American capital cities helped me to analyze and assess Santo Domingo.
The 5 good reasons to live in Santo Domingo don’t come from researching other websites. I am creating the content of my own experiences and all photos I share are my own copyright. You won’t find this content elsewhere, if it was not linked or copied from. It’s nothing less than made by own observations and opinions about what’s good and bad about Santo Domingo.
I was quite surprised, that so far no other expat blogger treated this topic on whether living or not living in Santo Domingo in a thorough manner. It’s a quite big and international city and many expats lived here.
Plaza Maria de Toledo in the Colonial Zone
But I couldn’t find any comparable article by giving this information from the inside to interested readers who look for this kind of expat information. I hope, that I’ll fulfill your purpose and deliver some valuable insights from the life in the capital of the DR.
Alright then, hope you enjoy my article and will find what you were (re)searching for!
If you are familiar with tourism in the Dominican Republic and like to travel, you probably have heard already of Montaña Redonda. This is a famous tourism excursion on the top of a hilly area where you have a stunning 360 degrees with to the adjacent valleys. But have you ever heard about the little neighbor Laguna Redonda?
Where is Laguna Redonda?
Laguna Redonda can be found in the northeast of the Dominican Republic. It’s part of the district El Seibo and in a rather scarce populated area of the country.
As you can see on Google Maps, it is quite close to Montaña Redonda and shares even the same name. Both are ‘redonda’ which means ’round’ in Spanish. Okay, if I see it on Google Maps, it might not be perfectly round but I think that you get the idea what I mean.
Laguna Redonda filmed from the top of the hill.
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What is Laguna Redonda?
Laguna Redonda is one of the many aquatic and hidden places in the Dominican Republic. The country is rich of lagoons that create habitat for both flora and fauna. Laguna Redonda has an extension of 1.93 mi² (5 km2) and consists of salt water. It’s connected with the near sea through Caño Celedonio.
View from the shoreside
Laguna Redonda has been a livelihood for hundreds of poor families who fish with rustic instruments to survive in this place of just a few opportunities. Some species of fauna that can be observed in the lagoon are: crabs, tilapia, bass, shrimp and guabinas.
Fisher boats at Laguna Redonda
Nice scenery for taking pictures
These fisher boat give the landscape a beautiful touch
Lagoons in the Dominican Republic are a pure paradise for bird watchers. The birdlife around Laguna Redonda is also rich and is represented by Pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps), the common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), great egret(Ardea alba), black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja), northern pintail (Anas acuta).
This sign welcomes you with additional information about Laguna Redonda
Unfortunately I haven’t had sufficient time and boats to discover the whole lagoon. But what I saw from the shore was kind of beautiful already.
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How to reach Laguna Redonda?
Laguna Redonda is not touristically developed and accessed. Meaning, that you need to invest a high effort to reach it. But it’s worth it if you want to have an individual and exclusive feeling.
Usually, tourism destinations and excursions in the Dominican Republic are completely overrun. This one’s not. I had the luck to be there on my own. If we zoom a bit out at Google Maps, we can see, that there is only one single pathway to reach Laguna Redonda:
Only one pathway from the south leads to Laguna Redonda
The Atlantic is in the the north and there are no connections both from east and west towards the lagoon. This makes it a bit more difficult to reach.
Here is how you get there: On the highway 104 (RD-104 Carretera Bávaro) you see a quite an unremarkable green traffic sign with ‘Laguna Redonda’ on it. It’s probably around 1.5 miles (2,5 km) away from the entrance to Montaña Redonda. Just continue driving for about 10 – 12 minutes and you’ll reach Laguna Redonda.
That’s the official part you would guess by planning it from the outside. But I was beneath the surface and can tell you, that you should park the car approximately where you can see the little white square on the screenshot. Why?
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Is it easy to access Laguna Redonda?
It’s better to walk the rest of the route to the lagoon. Shouldn’t be more than 1/2 or a 3/4 mile from the marked checkpoint. You should see a gate:
Takes probably 5 -7 minutes walking time from here until you reach Laguna Redonda.
The road conditions are not stable enough and look the following:
Muddy conditions on the way to Laguna Redonda
You better not wear sandals, flip flops, etc. and rely on sturdy shoes. That’s what I can recommend, because I wore flip flops and looked more than dirty after reaching the lagoon 🙂
But on dry days without rain it won’t be easier either. Here is how the path looks like:
Beautiful landscape around Laguna Redonda
To be 100% sure to reach Laguna Redonda safe and to not get stuck in the muddy terrain, you should only access it with a jeep or a SUV. Everything that has a 4×4 engine is the only secure car to go there.
Of course you could as well motorbikes, quads, etc. These vehicles would be even more suitable to enter the difficult terrain. But once you reached Laguna Redonda, it’ll be more than worth it!
Laguna Redonda is a saltwater lagoon in the northeast of the Dominican Republic.
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Why is the water at Laguna Redonda green?
That’s a good question, isn’t it? If you took a closer look to the videos and photos above, you’ll see a green shimmer at the water surface.
Green water at Laguna Redonda in the Dominican Republic
The reason for the green water are the mangroves and the rotten leaves from the surrounding trees. In combination with the very salty water, this rare effect of green water is produced. It corrodes at the bottom of the water surface. There are no rocks or stones that could wash the water and make it a little more clear.
That’s why the water at Laguna Redonda shimmers in a light green hue.
I have seen a lot of green water places like stagnant ponds, natural pools or puddles. Mostly, because they are not moving waters. But this was the first time, that I saw a moving water with this green hue.
The water at Laguna Redonda is surprisingly green.
I decided to not swim there, rather enjoy a few silent minutes at the shore and observed the little fisher boat before I continued the trip to Montaña Redonda.
Laguna Redonda is one of these many hidden destinations in the Dominican Republic that are barely known and communicated. Few information are available of it and you have to search for places like that. But once you discovered one of these places, you can be sure to be the only person there.
Bist Du auf der Suche nach Inspiration für das nächste große Urlaubsabenteuer? Hältst Du Ausschau nach einem paradiesischen Urlaubsziel in den Tropen? Hast Du jemals vom schönsten und abwechslungsreichsten Zielort in der Karibik geträumt?
Wenn Du mindestens eine Frage mit “Ja” beantworten konntest, bist Du als Solo-Traveler in der Dominikanischen Republik mehr als geeignet. Wie Du Dir vorstellen kannst, würde ich diesen Artikel nicht schreiben, falls ich keine Beweise liefern könnte, dass das größte Land in der Karibik gleichzeitig eine Vielzahl an tollen Gelegenheiten und Geheimtipps für Individualreisende bietet.
Die Dominikanische Republik ist die meist besuchte Destination in der Karibik. Dennoch hat sie viel mehr zu bieten als…
Große Ferienresorts
All-Inklusiv-Urlaube in Punta Cana
Endlosen Strände mit Kokosnusspalmen
So stellen sich wahrscheinlich die allermeisten Menschen die größte Insel in der Karibik vor.
Die Dominikanische Republik ist ein Paradies für Individualtouristen
Was die Mehrheit jedoch nicht erwarten würde, ist die Vielseitigkeit der Dominikanischen Republik. Und dass sie den Ansprüchen aller ambitionierten Reisenden gerecht werden kann.
Nun gut, sagen wir fast jedem Reisetypen: Wintersport ist vielleicht das einzige Interessengebiet, das die Dominikanische Republik nicht bedienen kann. Aufgrund der warmen und sonnigen Wetterbedingungen sind Snowboard und Skilaufen schlicht unmöglich. Aber eben jenes milde und angenehme Klima wird auf der Insel auch gerne als ‚ewiger Sommer’ beschrieben.
Aber es ist womöglich gerade dieser endlose Sommer, den Du von der Dominikanischen Republik erwartet hättest. Wollen wir uns daher auf all jene spannenden und einzigartigen Charakteristika der Dominikanischen Republik konzentrieren, die Dich gleichzeitig inspirieren und bei der zukünftigen Urlaubsplanung helfen können.
Wusstest Du, dass die Dominikanische Republik…
während Kolombus erster Expedition in 1492 entdeckt wurde?
auch die älteste Stadt auf dem amerikanischen Kontinent beheimatet?
einen Berg hat, der mit 3.098 m höher als die Zugspitze (2.962 m) ist?
Das waren nur einige wenige interessante Fakten um Dein Interesse zu wecken. Und doch hat die Dominikanische Republik noch viel mehr zu bieten.
Lies in diesem Artikel über 10 Merkmale der Dominikanischen Republik, die Dich überraschen werden und Dein Reisefieber anregen werden.
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1 – Christopher Kolumbus landete in 1492 auf der Insel
Während einer ersten Erkundungsfahrt entdeckte Kolumbus Amerika, das gehört zum Grundwissen dazu und kennen wir alle bereits aus dem Geschichtsunterricht. Aber wusstest Du auch, dass seine allererste Entdeckung die Insel Hispaniola im Jahre 1492 war?
Im Jahre 1493 wurde an der nordöstlichen Küste der Insel während Kolumbus’ zweitem Aufenthalt die Kolonie ‚La Isabela’ gegründet. Auch wenn die Dominikanische Republik als souveräner Staat viel später erst gegründet wurde, landete Kolumbus auf heutigem dominikanischem Territorium.
Hier landete Christopher Kolumbus vor mehr als 500 Jahren
Obwohl diese Kolonie bereits im Jahre 1500 wegen eines Tornado und dem Goldfund im Binnenland wieder aufgegeben wurde, sind die Fußabdrücke und Hinterlassenschaften von Kolumbus noch immer präsent. Selbst 525 Jahre später können die Sehenswürdigkeiten und Relikte der ersten europäischen Kolonie besichtigt werden.
Auf dem ersten Blick mögen die Ruinen ein wenig unscheinbar und enttäuschend für den Besucher wirken. Vor 1986 hat sich niemand für diesen Ort ernsthaft interessiert. Leider wurden viele alte Gebäude im Jahre 1952 auf Befehl des damaligen Diktators Trujillo mit Bulldozern platt gemacht. Nur die Grundmauern und das rekonstruierte Haus von Christopher Kolumbus sind heutzutage noch in der Ausgrabungsstätte sichtbar.
Auf dem zweiten Blick kannst Du mit etwas mehr Geduld und einem informativen Reiseleiter viele interessante und geschichtsträchtige Informationen lernen. Die Ausgrabungen von La Isabela und die gefundenen Originalwerkzeuge von damals sind schlicht beeindruckend. Die erste europäische Kolonie war auch einem sehr weit entwickelten technischen Stand.
La Isabela eignet sich für einen perfekten Tagestrip für all jene, die Kolumbus’ Schritten folgen möchten, um die ältesten Gebäude der ersten europäischen Siedler auf dem amerikanischen Kontinent zu sehen.
Columbus’ house in La Isabela
Columus’ Landing in La Isabela
Monument and flag of the Dominican Republic in La Isabela
Cemetery in La Isabela (Dominican Republic)
⏳ Wieviel Zeit sollte ich hier verbringen? Nicht mehr als 2 – 3 Stunden
📅 Empfohlener Reisezeitraum: Kann das ganze Jahr besucht werden (Lieber in den Morgenstunden bevor es heiß wird – Es gibt kaum Schatten)
💰 Kosten: Erschwinglich (Eintritt pro Person 200 Pesos <-> 3 – 3,50 Euro. Spanisch sprechender Reiseleiter nicht mehr als 500 Pesos <-> 7 – 9 Euro)
✅ Empfohlen für: Geschichtsliebhaber, Archäologen
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2 – Santo Domingo ist die erste Stadt Amerikas
Die Kolonie von Santo Domingo wurde die erste kontinuierliche europäische Siedlung auf dem amerikanischen Kontinent. Aus diesem Grund ist Santo Domingo die ‚älteste Stadt der neuen Welt’. Und gleichzeitig die erste Hauptstadt auf dem amerikanischen Kontinent, der Ort der ältesten Kathedrale, des ersten Krankenhauses und der ersten Universität außerhalb Europas. Während eines Besuches in der dominikanischen Hauptstadt kannst Du wahrlich geschichtsträchtige Luft ein- und ausatmen.
Viele dieser Bauwerke können im pittoresken Kern der Altstadt von Santo Domingo besucht und besichtigt werden. Die Stadt zieht jährlich tausende Besucher aus dem Ausland durch ihre bunten Festivals und Veranstaltungen an. Check den Festivalkalender, bevor Du kommen möchtest – Vielleicht hast Du Glück und besuchst während der Karnevalszeit oder des Merengue-Festivals die Stadt.
Mach Dir wegen der Sicherheitslage nicht zu viele Gedanken. Diese Gegend gilt als eine der am besten bewachten Stadtteile in Santo Domingo. Ebenfalls ist dieser Teil der Stadt einer der saubersten – Auch, wenn das auf den ersten Blick als Besucher eines Landes aus der westlichen Kultur nicht so erscheinen mag. Jedoch ist die koloniale Altstadt vergleichen zu anderen Stadtteilen in einem guten und sauberen Zustand.
Um Deine Erlebnisse und Erfahrungen in der ältesten Stadt auf dem amerikanischen Kontinent abzurunden, möchte ich Dir zwei ganz besondere Orte empfehlen. Du kannst Sie unkompliziert und schnell erreichen, benötigst aber ein Fahrzeug. In ca. 20 – 25 Minuten kannst Du die folgenden beiden Orte besichtigen, die Du nicht verpassen solltest..
Leuchtturm von Kolumbus (‘Faro El Colon’) – Eine monumental gebaute Krypta, in der die sterblichen Überreste von Christoph Kolumbus liegen
Nationalpark ‘Die drei Augen’ (‘Parque Los Tres Ojos’) – Eine offene Kalksteinhöhle mit drei Lagunen. Lies Dir auch unbedingt diesen Artikel durch.
Die Krypta von Kolumbus
Lagune in einer Kalksteinhöhle
Santo Domingo eignet sich perfekt für den Beginn einer Urlaubsreise in die Dominikanische Republik, aber genauso für geschichtsinteressierte Besucher von urbanen Attraktionen.
⏳ Wie viel Zeit sollte ich hier verbringen? Nicht mehr als 2 Nächte
📅 Empfohlener Reisezeitraum: Kann das ganze Jahr besucht werden
💰 Kosten: Erschwinglich.
Die koloniale Altstadt zu erkunden ist natürlich kostenlos. Lässt sich natürlich besser mit einem informativen Reiseleiter erkunden. Sollte zwischen 25 – 30 Euro zu finden sein.
Der Eintritt für den Leuchtturm von Kolumbus kostet 200 Pesos <-> 3 – 3,50 EUR.
Der Zutritt in die Kalksteinhöhle kostet 250 Pesos <-> 4,50 – 5 EUR
Im Gegensatz zu sandigen und ebenen Stränden des Landes befindet sich in der Dominikanischen Republik auch die höchste Erhebung aller karibischen Inseln. Von exakt 3.097 Metern (Höher als die Zugspitze!) grüßt der ‘Pico Duarte’. Dieser erhielt seinen Namen in Anerkennung an Juan Pablo Duarte, einem der Gründungsväter der Dominikanischen Republik.
Die gebirgige Region bietet herausfordernde Aufstiege für Bergsteiger und Kletterer aller Art. Die Bergspitze des Pico Duarte begrüßt jährlich ca. 3.000 Kletterer, die eine nahezu unberührte und natürliche Umgebung genießen möchten. Das sind umgerechnet lediglich 10 Kletterer pro Tag und damit ist der Pico Duarte noch immer so etwas wie ein Geheimtipp. Und wer kann immerhin von sich behaupten, schon einmal den höchsten Berg eines gesamten geographischen Gebietes bestiegen zu haben?
Es gibt viele verschiedene Routen mit unterschiedlichen Schwierigkeitsgraden, beginnend in Jarabacoa. Abhängig von Deinem körperlichen Zustand wirst Du wissen, welche der vielen Routen die für Dich geeignete sein wird. Nur erfahrene Bergsteiger sollten einen Aufstieg ohne lokalen Reiseleiter planen. Allen anderen Menschen empfehle ich den Aufstieg mit Lastentier und erfahrenem Reiseführer mit guten Ortskenntnissen.
Eine weitere Empfehlung für die beste und individuellste Erfahrung ist der richtige Zeitraum zum Aufstieg. Wie Du zuvor lesen konntest, versuchen sich jährlich um die 3.000 Bergsteiger am Pico Duarte. Aber ungefähr die Hälfte dieser Personen planen ihre Reise im Januar und in der Osterwoche. Versuche unbedingt, diese Stoßzeiten zu vermeiden und lieber in der Nebensaison den Berg hochzukraxeln.
Pico Duarte ist die geeignete Herausforderung für Bergsteiger, Abenteuer, Naturburschen und jene Reisende, die die persönliche Herausforderung suchen.
⏳ Wie viel Zeit sollte ich hier verbringen? Rechne mit 4 Tagen für die Standardroute in Jarabacoa.
📅 Empfohlener Reisezeitraum: NICHT während Januar und in der Osterwoche. Lieber in der Nebensaison.
💰Kosten: Moderat. Es gibt privat geführte Touren, deren Kosten stark von der Teilnehmeranzahl und Route abhängen.
Ganz im Gegenteil zum eben beschriebenen höchsten Berg der Karibik befindet sich ebenfalls das exakte geografische Gegenteil.
In der südwestlichen Region der Dominikanischen Republik kann der größte See des Landes und der gesamten Karibik erkundet werden. Der ‚Lago Enriquillo’ bedeckt circa 233 Quadratkilometer und der tiefste Punkt befindet sich auf ungefähr 43m unter dem Meeresspiegel.
Obschon der See aufgrund seiner saisonalen bedingten hypersalinen Eigenschaft recht unwirtliche Lebensbedingungen bietet, haben sich viele Tiere unterschiedlichster Art angepasst und ihr Habitat dort finden können. So finden sich im und am Lago Enriquillo die höchste Anzahl an amerikanischen Krokodilen (Crocodylus acutus) in der Karibik. Mach Dich also auf ein paar wilde Kreaturen gefasst!
Der ‘Lago Enriquillo’ im Südwesten der Dominikanischen Republik
Sehr ungewöhnlich ist ebenfalls, dass sich der Trend zur Ausbreitung des Sees durch Überflutung seit einigen Jahrzehnten konstant hält. Seit 2004 ist der See um beinahe 130% Fläche gewachsen. Dies ist einerseits durch gestiegenen Regenfall bedingt und andererseits dank reduzierten Verdunstungseffekten aufgrund von milderen Temperaturen. Zusätzlich hilft dies wiederum den vielen bedrohten Tierarten bei der Aufrechterhaltung der eigenen Art in ihrem Lebensraum.
Falls Du noch niemals pinke Flamingos in ihrem natuürlichen Lebensraum sehen konntest, hast Du nun die Gelegenheit dazu. Du bist ein Experte in puncto Vogelbeobachtung und suchst neue Herausforderungen? Dann darfst Du Dich schon mal auf Punkt Nummer 8 in dieser Aufzählung freuen!
Wenn Dich Vögel gar nicht interessieren, kannst Du auch endemische Leguanarten am See entdecken. Der Nashornleguan (Cyclura cornuta) hat dort sein Habitat und heißt Dich mit seiner anmutigen und majestätischen Erscheinung willkommen.
Absoluter Geheimtipp: Bring frische Früchte zur Fütterung mit. Die Viecher stehen absolut auf Kirschen.
Lake Enriquillo eignet sich besonders zur Beobachtung der Tierwelt und der natürlichen Ressourcen eines einzigartigen Sees.
⏳ Wie viel Zeit sollte ich hier verbringen? 1 Tag
📅 Empfohlener Reisezeitraum: Kann das ganze Jahr besucht werden
💰Kosten: Gering. Eine Bootstour wird ca. 35 – 40 Euro kosten.
Nun zu einer besonders magisch wirkenden Eigenschaft, die in den letzten Jahren den einen oder anderen viralen Trend ausgelöst hat. In der Nähe von Barahona im südwestlichen Teil der Dominikanischen Republik gibt es ein kleines Dorf namens Polo. Hier haben Sie eine der weltweit wenigen Gelegenheiten, der Schwerkraft auf natürliche Art und Weise am sogenannten magnetischen Pol (‚El Polo Magnético’) zu trotzen.
Wenn Sie ihr Auto im Leerlauf bergab der Straße abstellen, rollt ihr Wagen bergauf! Das glauben Sie nicht? Dann finden Sie es selbst auf dem Hügel der Schwerkraft heraus. Ihr Auto wird aufgrund einer optischen Illusion der Straßenverhältnisse und der umliegenden Landschaft den Berg ‚hinaufrollen’. Dennoch eine interessante und einzigartige Erfahrung in der Dominikanischen Republik und der Karibik.
Und das allerbeste an dieser Anekdote: Es gibt keinen Eintritt und Du kannst daher dieses Erlebnis kostenlos erleben! Ein paar Beweisvideos aufzuzeichnen kann sicherlich nicht schaden. Den magnetischen Punkt von Polo in Deine Rundreise durch die Dominikanische Republik einzuplanen ist sicherlich keine schlechte Idee.
Darüber hinaus gibt es nicht allzu viel zu sehen und erleben in Polo. Diesen Haltestopp auf der Rundreise durch den unbekannten Südwesten sollte nicht auf dem Reiseplan fehlen.
Der magnetische Pol in Polo ist ein außergewöhnliches Reiseziel für Reisen mit einem Mietwagen durch den Südwesten der Dominikanischen Republik.
⏳ Wie viel Zeit sollte ich hier verbringen? 30 Minuten
📅 Empfohlener Reisezeitraum: Kann das ganze Jahr besucht werden
💰Kosten: Gratis
✅Empfohlen für: Nerds, You-Tuber
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6 – In der Dominikanischen Republik sind 9 der 50 weltweit besten Golfplätze
Wussten Sie, dass selbst US-Amerikanische Präsidenten auf die Insel kommen, nur um Golf in der Dominikanischen Republik zu spielen? Mit mehr als 30 wunderschönen Golfplätzen – angelegt von weltbekannten Designern wie Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent, Bobby Jones, Nick Faldo und Peter Dye – zählt die Dominikanische Republik zu einer der besten Destinationen für Golfspieler in Lateinamerika und weltweit.
Der sogenannte ‚Teeth of the Dog’ ist der prestigeträchtigste Golfplatz der Dominikanischen Republik. Jeder ambitionierter Golfspieler wird für einen unvergesslichen Golfurlaub willkommen geheißen. Neun der dominikanischen Golfplätze sind 2010 in die Liste der „Top 50 Golfplätze weltweit“ des Sportmagazins Golfweek aufgenommen worden. Die früheren US-Präsidenten Bill Clinton und George H. W. Bush kamen wie auch viele andere weltweite Profis und Champions in die Dominikanische Republik, um auf den dutzenden Designer-Golfplätzen ihr Können zu beweisen.
Um den Status der Dominikanischen Republik in der Golfwelt noch einmal betonen und hervorheben zu können: Mitglieder der Global Golf Tourism Organization, IAGTO haben die Dominikanische Republik als “Golf Destination of the Year 2019 for Latin America and the Caribbean” gekürt.
Diese internationalen Preise und Auszeichnungen haben der Dominikanischen Republik geholfen, den Status als Golfparadies zu etablieren. Vielleicht planst Du Deinen nächsten Golfurlaub ja auch in der Karibik?
Der Hundezahn eignet sich für alle, die ihr 9er-Eisen selbst mitbringen möchten und einen luxuriösen Urlaub im naheliegenden ‘Casa de Campo’ verbringen möchten.
⏳ Wie viel Zeit sollte ich hier verbringen? Hängt von Deinem Budget ab
📅 Empfohlener Reisezeitraum: Kann das ganze Jahr besucht werden
💰Kosten: Hängen ebenfalls von Deinem Budget ab. Wird aber nicht ganz so günstig werden 🙂
✅Empfohlen für: Golfer
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7 – Merengue hat seinen Ursprung in der Dominikanischen Republik
Obwohl Zucker, Kaffee und Tabak zu den wichtigsten wirtschaftlichen Exportprodukten gehören, hat die landestypische Musik namens Merengue das Land durch dieses kulturelle Gut ein wenig bekannter gemacht.
Schnelle rhythmische Musik von handgefertigten Instrumenten in Kombination mit eng umschlungenen und anmutigen Tanzschritten – Nirgendwo sonst kann der dominikanische Lebensstil besser beobachtet werden als während Abenden mit dominikanischer Merengue-Musik. Das Tolle an Merengue ist, dass man diesen Tanz nahezu überall auf der ganzen Insel finden kann. Merengue ist mehr als laute Musik und schneller Tanz, es ist ein Ausdruck dominikanischer Lebensfreude!
Im Juli und August gibt es mehrere Merengue-Festivals in Santo Domingo zu besuchen und zu bestaunen. Üblicherweise finden diese am kilometerlangen Strandboulevard statt und Sie können bis spät in die Nacht den typischen dominikanischen Klängen zuhören.
Ein besonderer Geheimtipp ist der Besuch des Restaurants ‘El Conuco’. Eines der besseren Restaurants mit traditioneller Dekoration, Kellnern in folkloristischer Kleidung und mit landestypischer Küche. Ich selber habe zuvor noch niemanden so schnell aber kontrolliert tanzen sehen dürfen, wie die beiden Personen im obigen Video auf einer Flasche Rum. Richtig gelesen: AUF einer Flasche, nicht mit einer Flasche!
Erst vor Kurzem hat die UNESCO die traditionelle dominikanische Musik und Tanz rund um das Merengue als immaterielles Kulturerbe gewürdigt. Eine mehr als respektable Auszeichnung für die kulturelle Identität der Dominikaner.
Der Musikstil Merengue und das gleichnamige Festival ist ideal für alle kulturellen Entdecker, aktiven Tänzer und neugiere Besucher, die gerne mal das Tanzbein schwingen.
⏳ Wie viel Zeit sollte ich hier verbringen? 1 Tag
📅 Empfohlener Reisezeitraum: Das Festival findet normalerweise Ende Juli / Anfang August statt
8 – Die meisten Vogelarten der Karibik haben ihr Habitat in der Dominikanischen Republik
Du erinnerst Dich an den kurzen Hinweis aus Kapitel 4? Nun ist der Moment gekommen, auf den die Vogelbeobachter gewartet haben!
Vogelbeobachter und Ornithologen haben seit einiger Zeit das Interesse der Reiseziele auf sich gezogen. Aus dieser Perspektive ist die Dominikanische Republik ein reines Paradies für Vogelbeobachter und Ornithologen.
Insbesondere der Nationalpark ‚Los Haitises’, die Wüste ‘Bahoruco’ und der Gebirgszug ‚Septentrional’ bieten fantastische Gelegenheiten zur Beobachtung der geflügelten Fauna aus der Dominikanischen Republik. Zwischen tropischen Bäumen und vielen weiteren Tierarten können viele zum Teil auch vom Aussterben bedrohte Vogelarten beobachtet werden.
Vogelbeobachtung in der Dominikanischen Republik
Flamingos bei ‘Laguna Oviedo’ in Barahona
Die Diversität der Vogelarten aus der Dominikanischen Republik begründet sich teilweise auch wegen der komplexen geologischen Geschichte der Insel Hispaniola. Die Insel gehört auch geographisch zu den Vielseitigsten der ganzen Karibik dank unterschiedlicher mikroklimatischen Zonen. Insgesamt finden 320 verschiedene Vogelarten ihr Habitat in der Dominikanischen Republik. Davon sind 32 endemischer Art und diese Exklusivität zieht ein besonderes Interesse eines Vogelbeobachters nach sich.
Diese dominikanischen Reiseziele sind optimal für Vogelbeobachter und Ornithologen, die ihre Ferngläser selber mitbringen möchten und in der Dominikanischen Republik bis zu 320 Vogelarten beobachten möchten.
⏳ Wie viel Zeit sollte ich hier verbringen? Wer sich rein zur Vogelbeobachtung in die Karibik aufschwingt, sollte mindestens 14 Tage und viel Geduld einplanen.
📅 Empfohlener Reisezeitraum: Kann das ganze Jahr besucht werden
💰Kosten: Teuer
✅ Empfohlen für: Naturliebhaber, Vogelbeobachter
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9 – Den höchsten Wasserfall der Karibik kennen selbst 99% der Bevölkerung und Trip Advisor nicht
Wann immer es um wirklich geheime Geheimtipps für Reisende in die Dominikanische Republik geht, darf die folgende Anekdote nicht fehlen. Völlig unbeachtet von allen Reiseführern und Ausflugsplanern des Landes kann der höchste Wasserfall der Karibik gefunden werden. Aus insgesamt 118m fällt das Wasser hinab.
Es geht um den ‚Salto de La Jalda’. Gleichzeitig ist dieser Wasserfall ein Reiseziel, das selbst die meisten Einheimischen nicht kennen. Es ist (Stand Januar 2020) nicht einmal bei Trip Advisor gelistet worden. Eine Tour zu diesem Wasserfall wird 4,5 Stunden Fußmarsch oder 2,5 Stunden mit dem Pferd benötigen. Vergessen Sie nicht, ihre Schwimmbekleidung mitzunehmen bevor Sie losziehen, kühles Wasser wird Sie erfrischen, wenn Sie angekommen sind.
Da es sich um einen lupenreinen Geheimtipp handelt, solltest Du nicht zu lange mit einem Besuch zögern. Wenn Reiseveranstalter diesen geheimen Wasserfall ebenfalls für sich entdecken und für ihre Zwecke nutzen, bleibt es kein Geheimtipp mehr.
Übrigens: Der höchste Wasserfall der Karibik ist – mal abgesehen vom langen Wanderweg – lediglich 2 Stunden von Punta Cana und den All-Inklusiv-Resorts entfernt. Somit eignet er sich für eine abenteuerliche Tagestour.
Der streng geheime Wasserfall ‚Salto de La Jalda’ ist das perfekte Ausflugsziel für Entdecker, Naturliebhaber und abenteuerliche Pioniere, die die allerersten sein möchten.
⏳Wie viel Zeit sollte ich hier verbringen? 1 Tag
📅 Empfohlener Reisezeitraum: Kann das ganze Jahr besucht werden
💰 Kosten: Moderate
✅ Empfohlen für: Naturliebhaber, Wanderer
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10 – Buckelwale werden in der Dominikanischen Republik geboren
Insbesondere Naturliebhaber, die sich an den vielen Tieren der Dominikanischen Republik erfreuen möchten, werden auf ihre Kosten kommen. Jedes Jahr gegen Januar kommen ungefähr 2.000 – 3.000 der riesengroßen Buckelwale in der Bucht der Halbinsel Samaná an.
Sie ziehen jahreszeitbedingt aus dem kühlen nördlichen Atlantik in die milden dominikanischen Gewässer, um ihre Kälber zu gebären und großzuziehen. Die neugeborenen Buckelwale haben keine ausreichenden Fettreserven um die kalten Winter in den nördlichen Gewässern zu überleben. Aus diesem Grund kommen sie in die Gewässer der Dominikanischen Republik und bleiben bis Ende März um sich auf die Rückkehr in die grönländischen Gewässer und deren Nahrungsgründe und Fischgebiete vorzubereiten
Walbeobachtung in der Dominikanischen Republik
Im weitesten Sinne sind also die gigantischen Buckelwale gebürtige Dominikaner, die im Ausland leben, um zum jährlichen Sommerbesuch in ihre Heimatländer (oder besser: Heimatgewässer) zurückzukehren.
Die Halbinsel Samaná ist hervorragend für Walbeobachter und Tierliebhaber geeignet und all jene, die in ihrem Leben schon mal Wale in freier Wildbahn sehen wollten.
⏳ Wie viel Zeit sollte ich hier verbringen?1 full day
📅 Empfohlener Reisezeitraum: From January till mid of March
💰 Kosten: Gering. Ein Reiseführer (ca. 35 EUR) ist ein absolutes MUSS.
✅ Empfohlen für: Naturliebhaber. Wanderer.
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Haben Dir diese 10 spannenden und einzigartigen Fakten über die Dominikanische Republik gefallen? Fühlst Du Dich nun ausreichend inspiriert, um dort Ihren nächsten Traumurlaub zu verbringen?
Wie bereits zuvor beschrieben, kann die Dominikanische Republik viele interessante Facetten demonstrieren, die jeder Individualreisende zu schätzen weiß. Sofern Du weitere Ratschläge für Deinen persönlichen karibischen Traumurlaub in der Dominikanischen Republik benötigst, schau Dir auch die anderen Artikel auf meinem Blog an. Du wirst einige Reiseziele und Empfehlungen erhalten, die teilweise nirgendwo sonst im Internet zu finden sind.
Falls Dir der Artikel gefallen hat, hinterlasse ein Kommentar und folge mir auf den sozialen Medien. Verpass niemals einen neuen Artikel und trag Dich in den Newsletter ein!
Are you looking for some real inspiration for your next big travel adventure? A tropical paradise in a coconut shell? Never considered traveling to the most beautiful and diverse destination of the Caribbean? Maybe the Dominican Republic? I would love to inspire with 10 insider facts of the Dominican Republic for individual travelers.
If you answer at least one of these questions with a “Yes”, you are eligible to become an individual traveler in the Dominican Republic. As you can imagine, I wouldn’t write this article, if I couldn’t present some reasons to emphasize, that the biggest country in the Caribbean has at the same time plenty of opportunities and hidden gems to visit as an individual tourist.
During Canyoning – An offroad excursion at “Cola de Pato”
The Dominican Republic is the most visited destination in the Caribbean. Yet it has much more to offer than the usual and expectable things. Naming a few…
Big holiday resorts
All-Inclusive-vacations in Punta Cana
Palms along endless beaches
These are standardized imaginations. Probably these are the imaginations most people expect when it comes to this country.
The Dominican Republic is a paradise for individual tourism
What most people don’t know is the versatility of the Dominican Republic. And that it can satisfy the needs of every ambitious traveler type.
Well, let’s say almost every travel type. Winter sports might be a little difficult to realize because of warm and sunny conditions for all year round. For this reason, the climate of the Dominican Republic is also known as an “endless summer.”
But an endless summer in the Caribbean is probably what you already expected. Rather let us focus on some thrilling and unique features of the Dominican Republic which inspire you to travel instantly.
Did you know, that the Dominican Republic…
was discovered during Columbus first expedition?
is also home of the oldest (capital) city of the entire American continent?
has the highest mountain (10,164 feet – 3.098 m) of the Caribbean?
These are only a few of the triggering facts to create curiosity. Yet, the Dominican Republic has much more to offer.
Read in this article 10 characteristics about the Dominican Republic that might surprise you to create wanderlust and see it with your own eyes.
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1
Columbus landed here in 1492
Christopher Columbus landed during his first voyage first on the Bahamas and later on Hispaniola Island on December 5, 1492. In 1493, the colony of La Isabela was built on the northeast coast on Columbus’ second trip. Even though the Republic itself was founded as a sovereign state much later, Columbus landed on today’s Dominican territory.
Columbus’ Landing in the Dominican Republic
La Isabela was depopulated by 1500 due to a hurricane. Furthermore, the discovery of gold one year earlier in 1499 in the interior of the country made people flee to follow the gold rush. But the footsteps of Christopher Columbus are still present. And even 525 years later, the site of La Isabela can be visited. There are still some relics of the very first European settlement in the Americas.
On the first glance the ruins of Isabella might appear a little disappointing to the visitor. Before 1986, almost no one was taking care of that place. Unfortunately, a lot of construction material was cleared up by bulldozers in 1952 because of presidential order of the dictator Trujillo. Only the foundation grounds and the reconstructed House of Christopher Columbus are nowadays visible at the excavations of La Isabela.
At second appearance, you can find with a little bit more patience and an informative tour guide a lot of interesting information about the place. Very impressive are the excavations of La Isabela and the items the people from back then were using. They can be seen in the museum. Even recollections from the old Taino people could be found during the excavations. This first European colony was on a very developed state-of-the-art back then, Spanish style.
La Isabela is perfect for a half day trip. And for everyone who would like to follow Columbus’ path seeing the oldest buildings of the first European settlers. Travelers who love to see historical facts with their own eyes will love the colony of La Isabela.
Columbus’ house in La Isabela
Columus’ Landing in La Isabela
Monument and flag of the Dominican Republic in La Isabela
Cemetery in La Isabela (Dominican Republic)
⏳ How much time should I spend here? Not more than 2 – 3 hours
📅 Recommended visit: All year season (Better in the morning hours before it starts to get hot – There is no shade)
💰 Costs: Affordable
Admission per person 200 Pesos <-> 3.50 – 4 USD.
Spanish speaking local tour guide not more than 500 Pesos <-> 8 – 9 USD)
✅ Suitable for: History lovers, archaeologists
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2
Santo Domingo is the first capital city on the American continent
The colony of Santo Domingo became the first permanent European settlement in the Americas. Consecutive upon that, Santo Domingo is the oldest city in the new world. Also at the same time, it is the first capital city, the first place of a Catholic cathedral out of Europe, and has the first university and hospital in Latin America. You can breathe in centuries-old history in the Dominican Republic.
Die koloniale Altstadt von Santo Domingo
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen
Santo Domingo is the oldest city on the American continent.
Some of the original buildings have been restored and can be visited in the charming Colonial City of Santo Domingo. For this reason, a visit to the Dominican Republic should always include a few days Santo Domingo and the Colonial Zone with its picturesque and dainty flair which is worth to discover. Additionally, it attracts yearly thousands of visitors for its festivals. Check out the festival schedule – Maybe you can join the local Carnival, Barbarella and Merengue festivals.
Don’t worry too much about not being safe in the Colonial Zone. This neighborhood is one of the most protected areas in Santo Domingo. Next to that, this part of the city is one of the cleanest – Although it might not seem as it is from the perspective of a visitor from a first world country. But compared to many other neighborhoods, the Colonial Zone is in a quite good and clean condition.
To round up your experience in the oldest city of the American continent, I would like to recommend you to visit two more places which are easy to reach from the Colonial Zone. You’ll need a vehicle though, but would be able to get to the destinations in less than 20 minutes driving time.
Columbus Lighthouse (‘Faro El Colon’) – A mausoleum monument, that contains the remains of Christoph Columbus.
The three Eyes (‘Parque Los Tres Ojos’) – An open-air limestone cave with three lagoons. Check also this dedicated article.
Columbus’ Lighthouse
Parque Los Tres Ojos
Santo Domingo is perfect to start your vacation as an individual traveler in the Dominican Republic. Urban lifestyle and city travelers will love the metropolitan part of the country.
⏳ How much time should I spend here? Not more than 2 nights
📅 Recommended visit: All year season
💰Costs: Affordable
Discovering the Colonial Zone is of course free. But with a local tour guide much more informative and worth it. Should be available between 25 – 35 USD.
Admission for Columbus’ Lighthouse is 200 Pesos <-> 3.50 – 4 USD
Entrance for “The three eyes” is 250 Pesos <-> 4.50 – 5 USD
✅ Suitable for: Urban travelers, history lovers
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3
The highest peak of the Caribbean
Contrary to sandy and pristine beaches, the Dominican Republic has the highest mountain of all Caribbean islands. ‘Pico Duarte’ is 10,164 feet (3.098 m) high and was named in appreciation of Juan Pablo Duarte, one of the Dominican Republics’ founding fathers.
The mountainous area offers challenging ascents for hikers. Its peak welcomes yearly approximately 3,000 climbers who like to experience its incredible beauty. That’s less than 10 people every day! As a result of this a real insider tip for everyone who likes to discover nature and be all alone on top of a mountain. And who can claim to have made it to the highest point of a geographic area? If you consider visiting the Dominican Republic, you hopefully have now an additional motivation to hike to Pico Duarte and be on top of the Caribbean!
There are several routes with varying difficulty levels from Jarabacoa that lead to Pico Duarte. Depending on your physical condition, you know which routes and which difficult level are best for you. Only experienced ascensionists should consider to do it alone without a tour guide. It’s recommended to climb up the mountain accompanied by pack animals and tour guides with a good knowledge of the area.
Another little recommendation to maximize your individual experience would be to visit it off the high season. You know now, that approximately 3,000 travelers approach Pico Duarte yearly. But almost the half does it only in January and during the Easter holidays! Try to avoid these peak times and reach the peak of the mountain for the rest of the year.
Pico Duarte is the ideal assignment for mountaineers, adventurers and everyone who seeks for an individual challenge.
⏳ How much time should I spend here? You should expect 4 days for the standard route. Starting ideally from Jarabacoa in the mountains.
📅 Recommended visit: NOT during January and Easter. Evade the peak times and go in low season
Conversely to everything that was written before about the highest peak of the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic possesses the exact geographic opposite.
Located in the southwestern region of the country, Lake Enriquillo is the largest lake and the lowest elevation in the whole Caribbean. It covers an area of 145 square miles and the lake level is approximately 140 feet below sea level. Although it can appear seasonable as hypersaline, Enriquillo Lake offers habitat conditions to the largest population of American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) in the Caribbean.
Lago Enriquillo in the southwestern part of the Dominican Republic
Very unusual as well as the flooding trend: Since 2004 the lake has grown by almost 130% due to increased rainfall and reduced evaporation caused by milder temperatures. This, on the other hand, helps some endangered species who are living in the lake to keep their habitat protected.
Have you ever seen wild flamingos in their natural habitat? At Lake Enriquillo, you’ll have the chance to! You’re a bird watching expert and need some elaborated challenges? As a hint, you should remain patient and wait for the reason number 8 for individual tourism in the Dominican Republic.
If you’re not interested in birds at all, you can also find an endemic iguana species at Lago Enriquillo. The Rhinoceros Iguana (Cyclura cornuta) has its habitat there and welcomes you with its majestic appearance. Insiders’ tip: Bring some fresh fruits and feed them, they love cherries!
Lake Enriquillo is a very suitable destination for wildlife watching and nature exploration. And everyone who wants to see pink flamingos needs to see Lago Enriquillo.
Now to a very magic characteristic of the Dominican Republic that became over the last years more and more a viral trend. Close to Barahona in the southwestern part of the country, a tiny town called Polo can be found. Here you have one of the few opportunities in the world to trick scientific laws and challenge gravity at the Magnetic Pole (El Polo Magnético).
If you are going to stop your car in neutral gear in the downhill section, your car will roll up! You don’t believe it? Please drive to Polo and check out the gravity hill. Your car rolling up is caused by an optical illusion due to the condition of the road and the landscape itself. Still, a nice and unique experience. Don’t forget to take enough convincing photos or even illusory videos as a memory. Most importantly: No entrance fees are charged and you can discover it for free! For this purpose, it might be a good idea to include the magnetic pole into your road trip.
Apart from that, there is not much to see and do in Polo. But you can use this stop in your road trip as a nice stopover to continue to the unknown southwest of the country.
The Polo Magnético is ideal for everyone who wants a self-drive tour across the Dominican Republic. And for those who want to trick laws of nature.
⏳ How much time should I spend here? 30 minutes
📅 Recommended time: All year season
💰Costs: Free of charge
✅ Suitable for: Nerds, You-Tubers
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6
You will be able to play presidential Golf at ‘Teeth of a dog’
Did you know, that even former US-presidents are coming to the island to play golf? Furthermore, the Dominican Republic ranks with more than 30 beautiful golf courses among the best golf destinations in Latin America. Swing and no miss in the Dominican Republic! Most were designed by famous designers like Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent, Bobby Jones, Nick Faldo and Peter Dye.
The ‘Teeth of the Dog’ course is the most prestigious Golf course in the Dominican Republic. Feel welcome to spend unforgettable golf holidays in the Caribbean. Nine of the Dominican golf courses are mentioned amongst the “Top 50” in the listing of the magazine Golfweek. Many sports champions, enthusiasts and celebrities from around the world came to the Dominican Republic to play Golf. To emphasize some of them: Former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush came to play at the Dominican designer golf courses.
Teeth of the Dog golf course is for everyone who would like to bring his or her own pair of clubs. And for those who prefer having a luxury holiday in a Caribbean destination.
⏳ How much time should I spend here? Depends on your budget
📅 Recommended visit: All year season
💰Costs: Expensive
✅ Suitable for: Golfers
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7
Merengue has its cultural origin in the Dominican Republic
Sugar, coffee, and tobacco are the most important economic export products of the Dominican Republic. But it’s the typical Merengue music and dances who made the country internationally popular and famous in cultural aspects.
Fast-paced rhythmic music from hand-made instruments in combination with close and graceful dancing moves – nowhere else can the Dominican lifestyle be better observed as during the evenings when the Merengue music is played. The good thing is, that you will find it everywhere in the whole country. Merengue is not only the music and not only the dance, it is a cultural Dominican expression!
In July and August there are several Merengue festivals in Santo Domingo that wait to be discovered from you. They take place around the Malecón and the music beats keep pumping all night. A very special insiders’ tip is the visit of the restaurant ‘El Conuco’. It is one of the most typical Dominican restaurants of the city with traditional decoration, staff in folkloric clothing and typical Dominican dishes. I haven’t seen before anyone dancing as wild but controlled as these two people ON a bottle of rum. Yes, ON a bottle, not with a bottle!
‘Festival de Merengue’ is for cultural explorers, active dancers and such who want to move their hips to Caribbean music.
⏳ How much time should I spend here? One day
📅 Recommended visit: Takes place usually late July – early August
💰Costs: Free of charge
✅ Suitable for: Cultural interested people, dancers
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8
Most bird species of the Caribbean have their habitat in the Dominican Republic
You remember the little hint I gave the bird watching experts in chapter 4? Now your time has come to discover why!
Bird watchers have been considered lately with a decent interest from travel destinations. Hence, the Dominican Republic is a pure paradise for bird watchers. Especially Los Haitises National Park, Sierra de Bahoruco and Cordillera Septentrional offer stunning opportunities to observe the winging Dominican wildlife. Amongst tropical trees and many other animals, some threatened, endangered and even endemic species can be seen. Under those circumstances, the Dominican Republic is a pure paradise for ornithologists.
Bird watching in the Dominican Republic
Flamingos at Laguna Oviedo
The diversity of bird species in the Dominican Republic is a consequence of Hispaniola’s complex geologic history with various microclimatic zones. In the Caribbean, the island is geographically the most diverse and enables the habitat conditions. As a result, it offers a habitat for 320 birds whereof 32 are endemic bird species.
And the Dominican birds are worth to glass. You should observe them with your own eyes – or your own field glasses. The unknown southwest offers many opportunities for bird watchers and such who want to become it.
📅 Recommended visit: All year season
💰Costs: Expensive
✅ Suitable for: Nature lovers, bird watchers
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9
Neither 99% of the local population nor Trip Advisor know the highest waterfall of the Caribbean
Whenever it comes to really secret insider tips, the following Dominican destination shouldn’t be missed in any anecdotes. Totally disregarded by all guide books and excursions in the country, there is one of these secret insider tips. A waterfall with a single-drop of 390 feet (119 m) can be found in the middle of a green area.
We’re talking about the waterfall ‘Salto de La Jalda’. Truly a travel destination, which is unknown to most of the locals and not even listed on Trip Advisor. A trip to this secret waterfall will take you about 4.5 hours by foot or 2.5 hours on horseback. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit before you go. Chilled water will refresh your mind once you arrive there.
As it can be still considered as an absolute hidden gem, you shouldn’t hesitate too long to go there. See it with your own eyes, before standardized package tour operators will bring thousands of tourists here. Furthermore, this stunning beauty is beside its long hike easy to reach. In detail, it’s just 1.5 hours distance away from Punta Cana and 2 hours from Santo Domingo. For this reason, it would be the ideal destination for an adventurous day trip.
The top-secret waterfall Salto de La Jalda is perfect for explorers, nature lovers and adventurous travel pioneers.
⏳ How much time should I spend here? 1 full day
📅 Recommended visit: All year season
💰 Costs: Moderate
✅ Suitable for: Nature lovers, hikers
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10
Giant humpback whales are born in the Dominican Republic
Especially nature lovers who want to enjoy the diversity of animals will get one’s money’s worth in the Dominican Republic. Each year, approximately 2,000 – 3,000 giant humpback whales arrive in the bay of the peninsula Samaná.
They are migrating seasonally from the Northern Atlantic to the milder Dominican waters for calving and breeding. Their newborns don’t have enough fat reserves to be able to survive the cold winter waters in the northern waters, that’s why they come here to the Dominican Republic. In late March, they are returning to North America, Greenland, and Iceland to their feeding sites to prepare for the next season.
Whale watching in the Dominican Republic
In a wider sense, giant humpback whales are native Dominicans who live abroad for the summer and come back home for winter. Of course, they visit their homeland (or better: “homewater”) every year. How cool is that?
The Samaná Peninsula is ideal for whale watchers, animal lovers and everyone who wants to see whales with their own eyes.
⏳ How much time should I spend here? 1 full day
📅 Recommended visit: From January till mid of March
💰 Costs: Moderate
✅ Suitable for: Nature lovers, hikers
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Did you like these 10 thrilling and unique features about the Dominican Republic? Do you feel inspired to plan your next dream holidays there?
As described before, the Dominican Republic has many interesting characteristics that every individual traveler would cherish. If you need more recommendations for your Caribbean dream holiday and some more insiders’ tips, be forearmed for other articles on this blog. You’ll read about some destinations that are hard to find and possibly not even communicated elsewhere in the internet.
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I can’t say, that I’m a lucky guy, but this day I was very lucky to have had the opportunity to see something very special at ‘El Conuco’ in Santo Domingo. It was November 26, 2019 and I had dinner in a restaurant in the Dominican capital city. Luckily, it was one of the most typical Dominican restaurants of the city with traditional decoration, staff in folkloric clothing and typical Dominican dishes. But the best thing about all this was this specific day itself. Later I found out, that the November 26 is the ‘National Merengue Day’ and that it’s even an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity‘.
To honor this specific day with its traditional music and dances, the employees of the restaurant wore traditional Dominican clothes and showed some Merengue dances. Not the normal dances you’d expect, but on a bottle. Yes, ON a bottle, not with a bottle!
I remember, that I danced myself already very often WITH a bottle, but never ON a bottle. Most of the times, these bottles I danced with contained alcoholic beverages, that let me dance more than usual. But that specific dance the couple demonstrated was something I didn’t expect to see that evening. Almost as good as dancing on a bottle was the finisher of another dance with several pirouettes for the poor lady:
Dominicans call this dance ‘Perico Ripiao’. I haven’t seen before anyone dancing as wild but controlled as these two people. Thank you, dear coincidence, that I was at the time on the right place and could see it with my own eyes!
La cultura dominicana no esta a flor de piel y para muchos extranjeros no es tan fácil experimentarla. Si hablamos en comparación con otros países latinoamericanos, República Dominicana tiene menos de las que esperarías. Aunque la mayoría se perciben como personas estrictamente católicas, esto cambia a la hora de celebrar festividades como el Carnaval. La celebración de la independencia que es el 27 de febrero apenas se reconoce con una festividad. Sera que los Dominicanos prefieren estar en la playa en vez de celebrarlas a lo grande como en otros países?
Tuve la alegría de ver una excepción a esta regla en San Cristóbal. Anualmente el último domingo de noviembre se celebra la ‘Fiesta de Palos’ cerca de la ciudad capital de la República Dominicana. ¡Afortunadamente, pude unirme a esta mezcla de sonidos y me sorprendió como los dominicanos celebraron su cultura un domingo por la tarde en San Cristóbal!
A unas 20 millas de Santo Domingo, se puede encontrar en la mapa a un pueblo llamado “San Cristóbal”. Ni mi novia dominicana ni sus padres con los que viajaba sabían que nos esperaba esta tarde.
Estábamos visitando a algunos familiares de ese pueblo que organizaban en su calle una vez al año la “Fiesta de Palos”. Aunque viven bastante cerca de la capital de la República Dominicana en San Cristóbal, este tipo de festividades no se celebran en los distritos urbanos de Santo Domingo. Lo que significa que ellos también aprendieron algo nuevo sobre su propio país, la cultura Dominicana y sus co-ciudadanos.
Para mí, como Super-Gringo, todo era absolutamente nuevo y sorprendente. Sin tener una buena conexión con la familia de mi novia, nunca hubiera tenido acceso a una comunidad como esa. Por lo tanto, estoy muy agradecido de haber obtenido esta oportunidad para ver de la cultura dominicana, que generalmente está oculta para los extranjeros. Comparablemente con mi experiencia de sentirse como Eminem en Guallupe, Ecuador en diciembre de 2017, nuevamente fui el único extraño blanco y extranjero en una comunidad. Y nuevamente, me recibieron con los brazos muy abiertos y con un espíritu sincero que me complació mucho.
Tomé mi GoPro y hice muchos videos, pero desafortunadamente no muchas fotos. Para explicar un poco mejor estas festividades, podría ser útil leer las siguientes preguntas:
¿Qué es la “Fiesta de Palos”?
La “Fiesta de Palos” es una festividad cultural en la República Dominicana para honrar a los santos católicos o aniversarios de los fallecidos. Suele tener lugar en zonas rurales.
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¿Dónde tiene su origen la “Fiesta de Palos”?
La “Fiesta de Palos” tiene sus raíces en el Congo, África Central. Junto con sus instrumentos africanos folklóricos, se caracteriza por sus ritmos rápidos, cantos fuertes y bailes juguetones.
¿Cuáles instrumentos se tocan en “Fiesta de Palos”?
Por lo general, se utilizan tres tambores largos diferentes con una altura de hasta 3 a 4 pies. Los dominicanos llaman a estos tres tambores El Mayor, El Menor y El Alcahuete. Y no, esa palabra no es una traducción incorrecta ni una broma. Realmente llaman a este tambor ‘pimp’.
Junto a la batería larga, los idiófonos acompañan el sonido para completar los ruidos fuertes.
¿Dónde se celebra la “Fiesta de Palos”?
Posiblemente en todas partes en la República Dominicana, pero más en el campo y en barrios con muchos habitantes de ascendencia afroamericana. Fiesta the Palos no es una fiesta urbana y no se puede encontrar en las zonas turísticas de Punta Cana. Necesitas profundizar un poco más antes de encontrar las verdaderas raíces dominicanas con su cultura y música.
¿Con qué frecuencia se celebra la “Fiesta de Palos”?
De manera muy irregular. La “Fiesta de Palos” está asociada con las celebraciones de vírgenes y santos. Cada vez que hay un fuerte vínculo entre una aldea y una figura católica sagrada, se trata de que los aldeanos los honren anualmente con esta festividad. Dependiendo de qué virgen o santo sea apreciado o adorado, las fechas de la fiesta también varían. No existe ninguna regla consistente o periódica para toda la República Dominicana. Todo depende de los favores de los aldeanos a los santos, o viceversa, como quieras.
Este tipo de actividades culturales de pequeño tamaño no se comunican ni publican transregionalmente y siguen siendo conocimiento interno. Es muy difícil encontrarlos, aún más difícil para los extranjeros.
¿Qué es especial de la Fiesta de Palos?
Una de las cosas más sorprendentes fue para mí, que los músicos no recibieron ningún aplauso. Si observas cuidadosamente los videos hasta el final de sus canciones, notará que nadie de la audiencia aplaude a la banda. Fue la primera vez en mi vida que observé a una audiencia que no valora la presentación con aplausos, aunque la apoya con fuerza y bailes. Las pregunté a algunas personas por qué no aplauden la música. Ellos respondieron: “No es parte de esta cultura y nunca hacemos eso cuando alguien toca canciones como esa”.
Otra cosa interesante es que cada uno de estos tambores largos es tan único como su creador. Todos se producen a mano y nunca en fabricación por lotes. Por lo general, estos tambores están hechos de árboles ahuecados y cubiertos con pieles de cabra o vaca para la cabeza. Cada tambor hace un sonido diferente.
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Fiesta de Palos es una gran reunión con gente bebiendo, bailando, charlando todo el día. No muy diferente a un Colmado dominicano habitual en la noche. Pero con el deseo de mantener la cultura afroamericana en la República Dominicana. Como puedes imaginar, estas tradiciones rurales con su música y bailes se extinguen, debido a la falta de comunicación y grabaciones digitales. Espero poder contribuir al menos un poco para conservar una pequeña parte de la tradición dominicana con la publicación de este artículo.
Ni siquiera podía decir qué santo católico específico fue honrado ese día. La mesita con las velas en los videos mostraba los devocionales. Pero durante todo el tiempo que estuve allí, no se comunicó a quién honrar ese día. Tampoco entendí realmente de qué estaban cantando, sus palabras eran muy fuertes, rápidas y argot. Pero fue un día muy especial para mí ver la Fiesta de Palos en la República Dominicana y entendí un poquito mas de la cultura Dominicana.
The Dominican culture is hard to find and for foreigners sometimes even harder to detect. In comparison to many other Latin American countries, they spare out some festivities you would expect from a country like the Dominican Republic. Although they perceive themselves as strictly catholic people, they don’t express it with religious festivities during Carnival and with Easter progressions in a collective and colorful way. The national holiday on February 27 is as well barely recognized with organized and widespread festivities or ceremonies. I had the joy to saw a great exception of that rule in San Cristobal. They celebrate annually on the last Sunday in November a ceremony called ‘Fiesta de Palos’ (Translated: Stick party) close to the capital city of the Dominican Republic. Luckily, I could join this racket and was surprised how Dominicans celebrate their culture on a Sunday afternoon in San Cristobal!
Some 20 miles away from Santo Domingo, a village called ‘San Cristobal’ can be found on the map. Neither my Dominican girlfriend nor her parents I was traveling with knew what to expect from this afternoon.
We were visiting some relatives of that village who organize on their street once in a year the ‘Fiesta de Palos’. Although they are living quite close to the capital of the Dominican Republic in San Cristobal, these types of festivities aren’t celebrated in the urban districts of Santo Domingo. Which means, that also they learned and something new about their own country and fellow citizens.
For me as a Super-Gringo, everything was absolutely new and astonishing. Without having a good connection to the family of my girlfriend, I would never have access to a community like them. Thus, I am quite thankful to have obtained this insight to the Dominican culture, which usually is hidden to foreigners. Comparably to my Eminem-experience in Guallupe in Ecuador in December 2017, I was again the only white and foreign stranger in a black community. And again, they welcomed me with very open arms and with a candid spirit that pleased me very much.
I took my GoPro and took a lot of videos, but unfortunately not many photos. To explain these festivities a little bit better, it could help to read the following questions:
What is ‘Fiesta de Palos’?
‘Fiesta de Palos’ is a cultural festivity in the Dominican Republic to honor Catholic saints or anniversaries of the deceased. It usually takes places in rural areas.
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Where does ‘Fiesta de Palos’ has its origin?
‘Fiesta de Palos’ has its roots in Congo, Central Africa. Along with its folkloric African instruments, it’s characterized by its up-tempo rhythms, loud chants, and playful dances.
What instruments are played at ‘Fiesta de Palos’?
Usually, three different long drums are used with a height of up to 3 – 4 feet. The Dominicans call these three drums El Mayor, El Menor and El Alcahuete à The oldest, the youngest and the pimp. And no, that translation is neither wrong translated, nor a joke. They really call this drum a pimp.
Next to the long drums, idiophones accompany the sound to complete the loud noises.
Where is ‘Fiesta de Palos’ celebrated?
Possibly everywhere in the Dominican Republic, but more likely on the countryside and in villages with many inhabitants of Afro-American descent. Fiesta the Palos is not an urban festivity and can’t be found in the touristy areas around Punta Cana. You need to dig a little deeper before finding the true Dominican roots with its culture and music.
How often is ‘Fiesta de Palos’ celebrated?
On a very irregularly basis. ‘Fiesta de Palos’ is associated with the celebrations of virgins and saints. Whenever there is a strong bond between a village and a holy catholic figure, it’s about the villagers to honor them on a yearly basis with this festivity. Depending on which virgin or saint is cherished or adored, the festivity dates also varies. There isn’t any consistent or periodical rule for the entire Dominican Republic. All depends on the favors of the villagers to the saints – Or vice versa as you like.
These types of micro-sized cultural activities aren’t communicated or published transregionally and remain cultural insider knowledge. It’s very hard to find them, even more difficult for foreigners.
What is special about Fiesta de Palos?
One of the most surprising things was for me, that the musicians did not receive any applause. If you carefully watch the videos until the end of their songs, you will notice, that no one of the audience gives applause for the band. It was the first time in my life, that I observed an audience that doesn’t value the performance with clapping their hands although supporting it strongly. I asked a few people, why they don’t applaud to the music. They answered: “It’s not part of this culture and we never do that when someone plays songs like that.”
Another interesting thing is, that each of these long drums is as unique as its creator making it. They are all produced hand-made and never in batch fabrication. Usually, these drums are made from trees hollowed out and covered with goat or cow skins for the head. Each drum makes a different sound.
Fiesta de Palos is a big get together with people drinking, dancing, chattering all day. Not very different to a usual Dominican Colmado at night. But with the desire to maintain the Afro-American culture in the Dominican Republic. As you can imagine, these rural traditions with its music and dances die out, because of the lack of communication and recordings. I hope, that I could contribute at least a little bit to conservate a little piece of the Dominican tradition and publication of this article.
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I couldn’t even tell, which specific Catholic saint was honored that day. The little table with the candles in the videos showed the devotionals. But the whole time I was there, it was not communicated, whom to honor that day. Neither did I really understand what they were singing about, their words were very loud and fast and slang. But it was a very special day for me to see Fiesta de Palos in the Dominican Republic.
Eso es el segundo artículo que dedico a este festival. Estaba escribiendo más temprano de este año un artículo sobre el Zoneo Fest 2019. Un festival en Santo Domingo sobre … con … dónde puedes hacer …
Bueno, para ser honesto, hay mucho que hacer para muchos públicos diferentes. Ya sea que irse con familiares y niños, descubrir especialidades gastronómicas, tomar un café helado, caminar por el mercado callejero y buscar productos artesanales o simplemente escuchar música en vivo? Si, se puede hacerlo. Y puedes traer también a tu perro. Por lo tanto, hay mucho que hacer y todos están bienvenidos los dos días en Fortaleza Ozama, justo en la Zona Colonial de Santo Domingo.
Si estás interesado en el primer artículo, debe hacer clic aquí.
Peru Street Food
Al contrario de mi primera visita al fin de Junio en 2019, esta vez no me concentré en todas las variaciones de alimentos ofrecidas por los food trucks. La razón de eso fue la falta de tiempo. En este fin de semana, solo tuve tiempo durante unas horas en uno de los dos días del festival. Y el domingo por la tarde bajo el ardiente sol del Caribe, no tenía tantas ganas de probar toda la comida que estaba ofreciendo.
Sin embargo, como siempre donde uno esperaría sabrosa comida preparada fresca, fue Luis de Peru Street Food quien sirvió sus especialidades en la cocina andina.
Si está interesado en la cocina peruana y por qué es la mejor cocina del mundo, debe leer el siguiente artículo sobre mis 10 platos peruanos favoritos que probé durante mi estadía en Perú. Si prefieres ver un curso intensivo sobre cómo preparar el plato más famoso e internacionalmente conocido llamado Ceviche, mira el siguiente video:
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Vendedores artesianos
Varios vendedores ofrecieron mucho trabajo artesiano. Aquí puede encontrar alternativas valiosas para toda la industria Made-in-China en los supermercados. La mayoría de ellos ofrecían productos y material de fuentes sostenibles y la mayoría de las cosas tenían como tema la próxima Navidad.
Lamentablemente, no pude pasar más tiempo allí. ¡Espero con ansias el próximo festival de Zoneo en 2020!
This is the second article I am dedicating to this festival. I was writing earlier this year an article about the Zoneo Fest 2019. A festival in Santo Domingo about the…with…where you can do…
Well, to be honest, there is a lot to do for many different audiences. Whether you come with family and kids, discover gastronomic specialties, have an ice-cold coffee, want to walk over the street market and look for handcrafted goods or just listening to live music you can do that. And you can bring your dog. Thus, there is a lot to do and everybody is welcome to spend two days at Fortaleza Ozama, right in the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo.
If you’re interested in the first article, you should click here.
Peru Street Food
Contrary to my first visit at the end of June 2019, I didn’t focus this time on all the offered food variations from the trucks. The reason for that was the lack of time. At the respective weekend, I had only time for a few hours on one of the two days. And on Sunday afternoon under the burning Caribbean sun, I wasn’t that hungry to try them all.
Nevertheless as always where you would expect tasty food freshly prepared, it was Daniel from Peru Street Food who served his specialties from the Andean kitchen.
If you are interested in the Peruvian kitchen and why it is the best kitchen in the world, you should read the following article about my 10 favorite Peruvian dishes I tried during my time in Peru. If you rather want to see a crash course on how to prepare the most famous and internationally known dish called Ceviche, take a look at the following video:
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Street vendors
A lot of artesian work was offered by many vendors. Here you could find valuable alternatives to the whole Made-in-China industry from the supermarkets. Most of them offered products and packaging material from sustainable sources and most of the things were themed to the upcoming Christmas time.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t spend this time more hours there. I am looking forward to the next Zoneo fest in 2020!
Después de la misteriosa muerte de varios ciudadanos estadounidenses en un corto período de tiempo, muchos vacacionistas dudan de que la República Dominicana sea un país seguro para ir de vacaciones . ¿Es correcta su percepción o quizás es solo la histeria colectiva creada por la poderosa manipulación de los medios de comunicación de los Estados Unidos? ¿Cuáles son las causas ? y más interesante: ¿Cuáles son los efectos de todos los incidentes? Le animo a leer este artículo, si tiene curiosidad acerca de la opinión de un chico normal como yo y cómo puedo contribuir a este tema con un poco de investigación y sin ser parte de los medios de comunicación.
Lo primero es lo primero, permítame presentarme y explicar por qué. Quiero escribir este artículo. Mi nombre es Phil y he vivido durante 6 meses en Santo Domingo, la capital más antigua del continente americano y al mismo tiempo la ciudad más poblada del Caribe y la República Dominicana. Aunque vivo en el mismo país donde ocurrieron todos estos incidentes, no puedo afirmar que tengo información privilegiada. Lo único que puedo hacer es analizar la información dada y compararla con las estadísticas regulares de turismo. No puedo hacer magia ni desentrañar la muerte de los ciudadanos estadounidenses. Ese no es mi objetivo , ni mi tarea de jugar a Sherlock Philmes aquí . Debería ser realmente el trabajo de cada periodista revelar toda la información para crear un artículo objetivo con alta calidad. Pero los medios de comunicación hoy en día …
Olvidémonos de esto. Podría ser lo suficientemente neutral como para escribir sobre eso. Yo tampoco Dominicana, ni un estadounidense-estadounidense. T sombrero me da un poco de distancia desde el tema de moda.Pero tampoco estoy despreocupado. Yo trabajo para una DMC Dominicana (agencia de turismo) y la empresa también sufre de varias cancelaciones US-americanos. Los principales temores son: “Ya no me siento seguro” y “¿Y si eso también pudiera pasarme a mí?”.
Este es un riesgo general que nadie puede quitarle a otra persona. Casi todos los días pueden ocurrirle trágicos accidentes. La mayoría de los accidentes ocurren en el hogar, algunos en el camino al trabajo, varios cuando hace ejercicio y va al gimnasio e incluso durante su tiempo de trabajo no se libra de ellos. Pero si visita un condado que no conocía antes, seguramente todos tienen sus preocupaciones. Lo mismo que yo: y vine a la República Dominicana para quedarme más tiempo, no solo para unas vacaciones de diez días con todo incluido en un resort herméticamente cerrado . Necesito vivir en este país y con todas las circunstancias de Santo Domingo (por ejemplo, limpieza, orden, atención médica, etc.) es incluso peor que en el paradisíaco Punta Cana, donde los visitantes internacionales se encuentran con un área muy moderna y limpia.
Los estadounidenses de origen estadounidense son mucho más propensos a morir en los Estados Unidos que en la República Dominicana.
Para contrarrestar directamente contra la propaganda negativa de noticias , valdría la pena ver un video poderoso con contenido interesante:
Las probabilidades de que un visitante estadounidense fallezca de forma poco natural en la República Dominicana en 2017 fueron de aproximadamente 0,82 por cada 100.000.Esas probabilidades se redujeron aún más el año pasado para0.58 muertes no naturales por cada 100,000 visitantes estadounidenses
Fuente: CNN
Si echas un vistazo más de cerca a las estadísticas de muertes …
En este video, escucharás al ministro de salud dominicano hablar sobre las muertes. La embajada de los Estados Unidos en Santo Domingo dice que no tienen pruebas de que estas muertes estén relacionadas.
Claro … Eso es lo que un ministro de salud tiene que decir para defender a su país en esta situación, ¿ verdad ? Pero, ¿y si él y la embajada de los Estados Unidos en Santo Domingo tuvieran razón? ¿Qué pasa si la muerte de Estados Unidos con los turistas no está relacionada?
Encontré un artículo muy interesante sobre el Consejo Americano de Ciencia y Salud . Básicamente, intentaron responder las dos preguntas que formulé antes: ” ¿Es seguro ir a República Dominicana ?” Todos los datos sobre ciudadanos estadounidenses que fallecieron fuera de los Estados Unidos se pueden encontrar públicamente aquí :
N-naturales en US- muertes estadounidenses en República Dominicana:
Muertes estadounidenses no naturales en la RD desde 2018 hasta 2018
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¿Qué son las muertes no naturales? De acuerdo con su definición , en n-naturales causas de muerte son los accidentes de vehículos de motor, caídas, suicidios, homicidios, ahogamiento, envenenamiento, las complicaciones de los tratamientos médicos o quirúrgicos, y exposu re al humo y fuego. T muertes stos son en total responsable de menos del 10% de la mortalidad total por todas las causas.
Fuente: American Council of Science and Health
A partir de estas cifras de 2017, puede hacer una comparación entre los 5 principales destinos turísticos para los ciudadanos estadounidenses.
Tomando en cuenta las salvedades de que (1) los datos de la muerte no natural incluye no sólo los turistas, pero los viajeros de negocios y expatriados;(2) los datos de muerte no natural incluyen accidentes y suicidios;y (3) la “tasa” de mortalidad calculada es solo una estimación aproximada, ya que los estadounidenses generalmente no pasan un año entero en un país extranjero.Los números son bastante claros.Entre los cinco destinos turísticos más populares para los estadounidenses, México es, con mucho, el más peligroso (de todos modos, en 2017).
Fuente: American Council of Science and Health
Bueno… 6,12 muertes por 1 millón de visitantes a los Estados Unidos. ¿Es ese un resultado estadístico bueno o malo?
La coherencia de las abejas asesinas africanas, losataques de tiburones y la República Dominicana.
Para mí, esta información es muy interesante de ver y muestra, por supuesto, el fracaso general de los medios de comunicación estadounidenses. Cuando algo produce interés para poder crear una histeria suprema para la población estadounidense , los efectos de este tema relacionado son drásticos . Ya sea hablando de las abejas asesinas africanas de los años 90 o, como se menciona en el video, El verano de los tiburones de principios del ’00, los medios de comunicación de Estados Unidos que t-estadounidenses crearon una clase e nemy, un gran susto y ansiedad porque eran aburrido hasta la muerte durante su temporada tonta en el verano. Nada de lo que informar? ¡Vamos a crear algo!
Desafortunadamente, este frenesí mediático continuó durante mucho tiempo y se consolidó en la percepción de la civilización estadounidense-estadounidense. Pasaron varios años, hasta que los periodistas estadounidenses perdieron su interés y se preocuparon por aterrorizar a la población con otros temas. En lugar de informar de manera crítica y dedicada sobre estos incidentes, los periodistas especulan y tratan de forzar una opinión.Todavía hoy en día, los tiburones son vistos como una amenaza importante. Aunque conocemos la leyenda urbana, los cocos son más peligrosos que los tiburones .
Espero que los medios estadounidenses no intenten lo mismo con la República Dominicana, lo que antes tuvieron éxito con las abejas, los tiburones y otros temas . Las abejas y los tiburones no pueden hacer nada más que seguir viviendo sus vidas salvajes. Los dominicanos no pueden . Dependen del turismo como una de sus principales fuentes de PIB.
Grandes pérdidas para la economía dominicana por las cancelaciones de Estados Unidos.
El seguimiento Las estadísticas realizadas por CREES son de 2015, no pude encontrar una comparación más reciente. Aunque estas estadísticas no están actualizadas, muestran datos significativos sobre la dependencia del turismo en la República Dominicana. Por supuesto, podemos estar seguros de que estas cifras aumentaron hasta 2018.
Esta estadística muestra el ingreso total del turismo en América Latina.Esta estadística muestra el ingreso turístico per cápita en América Latina.
El ingreso per cápita más allá del horizonte B y la cantidad total muestra la dependencia del turismo para la economía de la República Dominicana. El turismo en sí supera el 20% del PIB del país . Aproximadamente el 12% del total del PIB dominicano. Viene del turista norteamericano .
Eso significa ( en 2017 ) US $ 7,177.5 millones !!
Los Estados Unidos son los maestros del marketing, los medios de comunicación y la manipulación masiva. Estos tres ‘Magic M’s’ son responsables de un ataque a la economía dominicana. Tengo curiosidad por las estadísticas finales para 2019 y el impacto que todo esto tuvo en la economía.
República Dominicana anuncióun aumento del 6.2 por cientoen 2018 para el turismo general al país, dando la bienvenida a un total de6,5 millones de turistas.Este crecimiento supera el crecimiento promedio mundial del 6 por ciento y consolida a República Dominicana como el principal destino en el Caribe, representando el 20 por ciento de todos los viajes al área en 2018.
Fuente: Global News Wire
Siguiendo estas buenas estadísticas de 2018 , los primeros dos meses de 2019 también parecían atractivos:
En los dos primeros meses de 2019, República Dominicana dio la bienvenida.604,977 turistas,un incremento de8Porcentaje respecto a esta época del año pasado.En ese plazo, el 65 por ciento de las llegadas de turistas provinieron de América del Norte, específicamente de los Estados Unidos, que sigue siendo un mercado clave para la República Dominicana.
Fuente: Global News Wire
Pero entonces, el desplome comenzó a afectar las estadísticas debido a las bajas estadounidenses . Con solo tener datos de los primeros seis meses del año, es muy temprano para inferir si 2019 va a ser un año malo en general para la República Dominicana. Accrording t oForwardKeys , una buena fuente confiable de referencias a las tendencias del turismo, las cancelaciones de los ciudadanos estadounidenses. Superó el 70% en junio en comparación con los mismos meses de 2018:
Fuente: ForwardKeys
Aún más distintas y obvias son las estadísticas de la cancelación sin compararlas con el año anterior. Echando un vistazo a las cancelaciones desde abril de 2019, se muestra el impacto real y el poder de la histeria de los medios estadounidenses :
Fuente: ForwardKeys
No solo los medios de comunicación tienen Empeoró la situación con las cancelaciones a la República Dominicana . Ahora , las compañías aéreas como Delta Airlines agravan esta situación y la histeria e inspiran a los ciudadanos estadounidenses a cancelar sus viajes a la República Dominicana de forma gratuita .
¿Pueden otros países del Caribe producir la misma calidad turística que la República Dominicana?
Lo que aprendimos anteriormente de la CNN fue que los estadounidenses tienen muchas más probabilidades de ser asesinados en los Estados Unidos que en la República Dominicana . En consecuencia, los ciudadanos estadounidenses siguen queriendo pasar sus vacaciones en un país con sol, palmeras, música rítmica y cócteles afrutados. Por lo tanto, las personas se trasladan a otros destinos del Caribe que podrían ofrecer vacacionescomparables :
Fuente: ForwardKeys
Una de las preguntas restantes es si estos destinos pueden cumplir con las expectativas de los clientes con respecto a las experiencias de calidad y excelencia. Debido a las estadísticas, la República Dominicana ofrece la más alta calidad para los viajeros en el Caribe. Como resultado de ocho subalternaciones (cultura, entretenimiento, turismo, deportes y aventura, gastronomía, alojamiento, seguridad y conectividad), la República Dominicana ocupa el primer lugar aquí. 21 de 25 de los hoteles de mayor audiencia de la región se encuentran en la República Dominicana.
Este mapa de calor muestra el índice de criminalidad del Caribe en 2017. Fuente: numbeo.comLa República Dominicana tiene el índice de criminalidad más bajo y el índice de seguridad más alto del Caribe. Fuente: numbeo.com
Pero … ¿Qué pasa si me matan en la República Dominicana?
Otra estadística muestra los 25 principales países por los estadounidenses asesinados per cápita. Estas estadísticas excluyen a cualquier país que haya recibido menos de 100,000 visitantes estadounidenses entre 2009 y 2016.
Fuente: data.world
La posibilidad de morir por un estadounidense es mayor en Pakistán.
Otros países latinoamericanos (por ejemplo, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Colombia, México, etc.) y los del Caribe (por ejemplo, Jamaica, Haití, Granada, Barbados) podrían considerarse competidores directos para un destino turístico. Incluso es probable que representen un peligro mayor para los ciudadanos estadounidenses. La República Dominicana no sale mal en este ranking, especialmente si se considera la masa de personas que viajan a ese país.
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¿Es la República Dominicana todavía segura para visitar?
Entonces , ¿qué aprendiste de este artículo? Aprendiste sobre la coherencia entre las abejas asesinas, los tiburones asesinos y los dominicanos asesinos gracias a la histeria de los medios estadounidenses. Aprendiste sobre la importancia del turismo para la isla caribeña. Y aprendiste, que la República Dominicana produce la más alta calidad turística en la región geográfica.
¿Es la República Dominicana todavía segura para visitar? La mejor respuesta debe ser: Eso depende de su propia perspectiva y de lo que haga durante sus vacaciones . Es más seguro para los turistas estadounidenses visitar México que la República Dominicana, pero más inseguro que visitar Francia. ¿Esto ayuda? Por supuesto no. Pero reemplaza el ‘pensamiento de pánico’ por el ‘pensamiento racional’ si considera con sobriedad las estadísticas y mantiene las emociones lejos de la toma de decisiones.
Una playa es una playa. No importa si está en la República Dominicana, México, Brasil, Dubai, Tailandia o Australia. Y las personas mueren en todas partes del mundo durante sus vacaciones, independientemente de su nacionalidad. No solo los estadounidenses.
Todavía puedes visitar la República Dominicana y pasar un buen rato, divertirte y lo que es más importante: una sensación de seguridad . Incluso si eres un estadounidense. Pero, por favor, no beba en exceso en un resort Todo Incluido. todo el día bajo el sol a 100 ° F si sufre de una insuficiencia cardíaca y actualmente está tomando medicamentos. Yo no quiero ver incluido usted, ya sea en estas estadísticas, o en las estadísticas de Barbados Jamaica, cubano o. ¡Ten una vida larga, exitosa y saludable!
After the mysterious deaths of several US-American citizens within a short period of time in 2019, many vacationers highly doubt that the Dominican Republic is still a safe country to go on holiday. Is their perception correct or is it maybe only collective hysteria created by the powerful US-American media manipulation? What are the causes? Even more interesting: What are the effects of all the incidents? I encourage you to read this article if you are curious about the opinion of a regular guy like me and how I can contribute to this topic with a little research and without being part of the mass media.
First things first, let me please introduce myself, and explain why I want to write this article. My name is Phil and I have lived for 6 months in Santo Domingo, the oldest capital on the American continent and at the same time the most heavily populated city in the Caribbean and the Dominican Republic. Although I live in the same country where all these incidents happened, I can’t claim that I have insider information. The only thing I can do is analyze the given information and compare them with the regular tourism statistics. I can’t do magic or unravel the deaths of the US-American citizens. That’s not my goal, neither my task to play Sherlock Philmes here. It should be actually the job of every journalist to reveal all the information to create an objective article with high quality. But the media nowadays…
Let’s forget about this. I might be neutral enough to write about it. Neither am I Dominican, nor a US-American. That gives me a little distance from the hot topic. But I am not unconcerned either. I work for a Dominican DMC (destination management company) and the company suffers as well from several cancellations from US-Americans. Major fears are: “I don’t feel safe anymore” and “What if that also could happen to me?”.
This is a general risk which no one can take away from another person. Nearly every day, tragic accidents can happen to you. Most accidents happen at home, some on the way to work, several when you exercise and go to the gym and even during your working time you’re not spared from them. But if you visit a county that you didn’t know before, surely everyone has his/her concerns. Same with me – And I came to the Dominican Republic to stay for longer, not only for a ten-day all-inclusive vacation in a hermetically sealed resort. I need to live in this country and with all the circumstances of Santo Domingo (e.g. cleanliness, order, medical care, etc.) are even worse than in paradisiac appearing Punta Cana where international visitors encounter a highly modern and neat looking area.
US-Americans are far more likely to be killed in the US than in the Dominican Republic
To directly counteract against the negative news propaganda, it would be worth it to watch a powerful video with interesting content:
The odds of a US visitor dying unnaturally in the Dominican Republic in 2017 was about 0.82 per 100,000. Those odds dropped even further last year to 0.58 unnatural deaths per 100,000 American visitors.
Source: CNN
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If you take a closer look at the death statistics…
In this video, you will hear the Dominican minister of health speaking about the deaths. The US embassy in Santo Domingo says, that they have no proof that these deaths are related.
Sure…That’s what a minister of health has to say to defend his country in this situation, aight? But what, if he and the US-embassy in Santo Domingo would be right? What, if the death US-tourists are not related?
I found a very interesting article on the American Council on Science and health. They basically tried to answer the two questions I asked before: “Is It Safe to Go To The Dominican Republic?“ All data about US citizens who died out of the United States can be found publicly here:
Non-natural US-American deaths in the Dominican Republic: from 2018 – 2018
What are non-natural deaths? According to its definition, non-natural causes of death include motor vehicle accidents, falls, suicides, homicides, drowning, poisoning, complications from medical or surgical treatments, and exposure to smoke and fire. These deaths are in total responsible for less than 10% of total all-cause mortality.
Source: American Council on Science and health
From these numbers of 2017, you can make a comparison between the Top-5 tourism destinations for US-American citizens.
Keeping in mind the caveats that (1) the non-natural death data includes not only tourists but business travelers and expatriates; (2) the non-natural death data includes accidents and suicides; and (3) the calculated mortality “rate” is just a rough estimate since Americans don’t generally spend an entire year in a foreign country. The numbers are pretty clear. Among the top five most popular tourist destinations for Americans, Mexico is by far the most dangerous (in 2017, anyway).
Source: American Council on Science and health
Well, 6.12 deaths per 1 million US-visitors – Is that now a good or a bad statistical result?
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The coherence of African killer bees, shark attacks and the Dominican Republic
For me, this information is very interesting to see and shows – of course – the general failure of the US-American media. Whenever something produces interest to be able to create supreme hysteria to the US-American population, the effects on that related topic is drastic. Whether speaking about the African killer bees from the ’90s or – as mentioned in the video – Summer of the sharks from the early ’00, the US-American media created a class enemy, a major scare and anxiety because they were bored to death during their silly season in the summer. Nothing to report about? Let’s create something!
Unfortunately, this media frenzy continued for a long time and solidified in the perception of the US-American civilization. It took several years before US-journalists lost their interest and looked out to terrify the population with other topics. Instead of reporting in a dedicated and critical manner about these incidents, journalists speculate and try to force an opinion. Still, nowadays, sharks are seen as a major threat. Although we know the urban legend, that coconuts are more dangerous than sharks.
I hope, that the US-media doesn’t try the same with the Dominican Republic, what they before succeeded with bees, sharks and other topics. Bees and sharks can nothing do than continuing living their feral lives. Dominicans can’t. They are dependent on tourism as one of their major GDP sources.
Heavy losses for the Dominican economy due to US-cancellations
The following statistics made by CREES are from 2015, I couldn’t find a more recent comparison. Although these statistics aren’t up to date, they show significant data about the dependency of tourism for the Dominican Republic. We can be of course sure, that these figures raised until 2018.
This statistic shows the total Income of tourism in Latin AmericaThis statistic shows the tourism income per capita in Latin America.
Both income per capita and the total amount shows the dependence of tourism for the economy of the Dominican Republic. Tourism itself exceeds 20% of the country’s GDP. Approximately 12% of the whole Dominican GDP is coming from US-American tourists.
The United States are the masters of marketing, the media circus, and mass manipulation. These three ‘Magic M’s’ are responsible for a jab into the Dominican economy. I’m curious about the final statistics for 2019 and which impact it all had on the economy.
The Dominican Republic announced a 6.2 percent increase in 2018 for overall tourism to the country, welcoming a total of 6.5 million tourists. This growth exceeds the world average growth of 6 percent and solidifies the Dominican Republic as the top destination in the Caribbean, representing 20 percent of all travel to the area in 2018.
Source: Global News Wire
Followed by these good statistics from 2018, the first two months in 2019 looked appealing as well:
In the first two months of 2019, Dominican Republic welcomed 604,977 tourists, an increase of 8 percent compared to this time last year. In that timeframe, 65 percent of those tourist arrivals came from North America, specifically the United States which continues to be a key market for the Dominican Republic.
Source: Global News Wire
But then, the slump started to affect the statistics due to the US-American casualties. With only having data from the first six months of the year, it is too early to inference whether or not 2019 is going to be an overall bad year for the Dominican Republic. According to ForwardKeys, a good reliable source for references to tourism trends, the cancellations from US-citizens exceeded 70% in June compared to the same months in 2018:
Source: ForwardKeys
Even more distinct and obvious are the statistics of the cancellation without comparing them to the prior year. Taking a look at the cancellations since April 2019 shows the real impact and power of the US-American media hysteria:
Source: ForwardKeys
Not only mass media has worsened the situation with the cancellations to the Dominican Republic. Now, air carriers like Delta Airlines aggravate this situation and hysteria and inspire US-citizens to cancel their trips to the Dominican Republic for free.
Can other Caribbean countries produce the same tourism quality like the Dominican Republic?
What we learned earlier from CNN was that Americans are far more likely to be killed in the US than in the Dominican Republic. Consequently, US-American citizens still want to spend their vacations in a country with sunshine, palms, rhythmic music, and fruity cocktails. Hence the people shift to other Caribbean destinations which might provide comparable holidays:
Source: ForwardKeys
One remaining question is if these destinations can fulfill the customers’ expectations regarding quality and excellence experiences. Due to statistics, the Dominican Republic offers the highest quality for travelers in the Caribbean. As a result of eight sub-rankings (culture, entertainment, sightseeing, sports and adventure, culinary, lodging, safety and connectivity), the Dominican Republic ranks number one here. 21 out of 25 of the region’s highest-rated hotels are in the Dominican Republic.
This heat map shows the crime index of the Caribbean in 2017. Source: numbeo.comThe Dominican Republic has the lowest crime index and the highest safety index of the Caribbean
But…What if I get killed in the Dominican Republic?!
Another statistic shows the Top 25 countries by Americans killed per capita. These statistics exclude any country that received fewer than 100,000 American visitors between 2009 and 2016.
Source: data.world
The chance to get killed for a US-American is highest in Pakistan. But where is the Dominican Republic?
Other Latin American countries (e.g. Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Colombia, Mexico, etc.) and such from the Caribbean (e.g. Jamaica, Haiti, Grenada, Barbados) could be seen here as direct competitors for a tourism destination. Even they are likely to represent a higher danger for US-American citizens. The Dominican Republic doesn’t come off badly in this ranking, particularly if you consider the mass of people who are traveling to that country.
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Is the Dominican Republic still safe to visit?
Soooo, what did you learn from this article? You learned about the coherence amongst killer bees, killer sharks and killer Dominicans thanks to the US-American media hysteria. You learned about the importance of tourism for the Caribbean island. And you learned that the Dominican Republic produces the highest tourism quality in the geographic region.
Is the Dominican Republic still safe to visit? The best answer should be: That depends on your own perspective and what you do during your vacations. It’s safer for US-American tourists to visit Mexico than the Dominican Republic, but more unsafe than visiting France. Does this help? Of course not. But it replaces ‘panic thinking’ with ‘rational thinking if you consider soberly the statistics and keep emotions far away from decision making.
A beach is a beach. No matter if it’s in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Brazil, Dubai, Thailand or Australia. And people die everywhere in the world during their vacations, regardless of their nationality. Not only US-Americans.
You can still visit the Dominican Republic and have a good time, fun and what is most important: a safe feeling. Even if you are a US-American. But please don’t binge-drink at an All-Inclusive resort all day in the sun at 100°F if you suffer from heart failure and are currently on meds. I don’t want to see yourself included either into these or in Jamaican, Cuban or Barbados statistics. Have a long, successful and healthy life!
Following the worldwide trend of mobile gastronomic supply in the form of food trucks, there was a whole festival organized in Santo Domingo. I’m not sure, how many editions it had before. But I saw a few days before its promotion on Instagram from the Dominican magazine ‘Zoneo’, which was at the same time the organizer of the ‘Zoneo festival’. As a food lover, food blogger and food eater, it was a must for me to attend and check everything out. It all took place in the Colonial Zone, to be more exact in Fort Ozama. And I was surprised about this street food festival and the good food I had there. Please lean back and enjoy this article about Zoneo Fest 2019 and it’s tasty street food as I did during my consumption.
What is the Zoneo Fest?
Sometimes, humans are contradictory and inconsistent in their aspirations. On the one hand, they want to have everything cheap and always available. On the other hand, they are striving for exclusive moments and personalized experiences. The same holds true with food. One can always choose between the cheap solution and readymade fast food or high-priced food and tasty experiences in restaurants. I always like to pay a little more for good food, but can’t do that all the time.
Hence, I look for these good and tasty moments and special occasions, such as the Zoneo festival. This food truck and street food festival took place for two days on June 29 and June 30. Thanks to the geographic area at the Fort Ozama, there was enough space for a lot of activities for children, little artesian markets, a music stage and – of course – the food trucks. Especially children had a good time with all the games and activities.
Many activities for children during the Zoneo festival
An entrance ticket cost 200 DOP and was valid for the whole day. You had the chance to leave the festival area and come back ‘for free’. Which was okay, because spending all day under the sun wasn’t a pleasure. I didn’t envy the food truck operators, who prepared all day the food while it was up to 95°F (35°C) hot. Not even considering their ovens, fireplaces and gas cookers they were using and made them suffer more…
Of course, I haven’t had the opportunity to try every food at the festival. It wasn’t a question of hunger, because I can eat like an elephant if I want. It’s more a question of the budget because good and qualitative food has its price. Thus, I had to select wisely what I should try. With some food trucks, it was an easy decision. Here you can find my tastings and why there were good or bad:
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High tech doughnuts
One of the arguments for food trucks is to be able to observe its preparation. A little stand offered high tech donuts with a form of preparation I haven’t seen before:
Really amusing to see the whole linear process of preparing the doughnuts live and in color!
Not only the raw preparation of the doughnuts but also the gastronomic refinement was worth to see:
The Venezuelan kitchen is not unknown to me, but I had until now only a very few opportunities to try its food. I don’t know a lot of Venezuelan food – But would be very happy if someone introduces and invites me one day to have a deep conversation about their food. Even better than talking about their food would be to cook and try it together!
The only thing I tried before this festival was Arepas. I am not 100% sure if it is an original Colombian or Venezuelan dish, but I associate it with Venezuela. All Colombians should be indulgent with me if I don’t concede Arepas to be Colombian food. If you would like to convince me of your national heritage, please prepare a Colombian version of Arepas for me.
I visited the food stand ‘Casita Venezolana’ and ordered – of course – Arepa with beef.
‘Casita Venezolana’ offered food from Venezuela
A salute to all Venezuelans in the world!
Greets to all the nice people I know from Venezuela!
Arepas consist of ground maize dough and my version was filled with ground beef and cheese. I forget to ask, which type of cheese it was. But it wasn’t molten and still had a solid consistency.
This picture was captioned a few moments before biting in the Arepa
Still good, still tasty. If you tend to be hungry and looking for a real stomach filler. I would be happy to learn more about the Venezuelan kitchen. So far, I only know their fast/finger food but would love to try more!
Peruvian food: Peru Street Food
For me personally THE highlight of the festival from my perspective. Kids might prefer the bouncer castle, drinkers the rum bars. But as a foodie, you must love Peruvian food. I spend almost one and a half years of my life and had the joy to get to know the best kitchen in the world. You can find the previous articles in my database, but I would like to recommend one article in particular to all readers to read later. You might get an idea, why Peruvian food is the best food in the world.
I wrote several articles about Peruvian food, maybe my perception is a little biased and other food trucks didn’t have the same fair opportunities to convince my hungry stomach. However, Luis Pacheco runs this little food truck and can be found at the Malecon. He prepared ORIGINAL PERUVIAN Ceviche what I was missing since the last time I tried it in the street markets in Lima.
Luis invested not only a high dedication and effort to prepare good food, but he also uses original Peruvian ingredients. Well, except for the fish and lemon. But all the spices and sauces are 100% Peruvian quality. Check out how the make of Peruvian Ceviche.
A picture with the Peruvian Chef Luis Pacheco from ‘Peru Street Food’ during the Zoneo Fest 2019. Dishes, ingredients, and decoration were 100% Peruvian!
He announced to have on Sunday as well Anticucho to offer. That was predominantly my main reason to come back to the festival. Where else do I have the chance in this Caribbean country to taste a cow’s heart? It might sound disturbing to a lot of people to eat a cow’s heart – But you don’t know what you miss if you reject this wonderful food.
🐮 💗
For me, number one of all!
🐮 💔
The original Peruvian specialty ‘Anticucho’ (The heart of a cow – no joke)
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Chinese/US (?) food – Omnifoodie
A picture of the food stand from ‘Omnifoodie’
I am not quite sure, what type of food that was. In comparison to the ones before, their nationality wasn’t clear. I affiliate the dumplings (which I ordered) with the Asian kitchen, but all the other ingredients tend to be Chinese or US-American. I suspect them to be a Chinese/American food stand, although there people weren’t looking Chinese at all and it wasn’t 100% defined.
Anyway, I tried their dumblings:
I ordered their ‘potstickers’ – Without reading ‘dumplings’, I wouldn’t have known what to expect from that dish.
Dumplings with a homemade sauce
In fact, I paid 250 DOP (which is $5.00) for four little dumplings. That’s the saddest food tourism trap I stepped into since I am here in the Dominican Republic. The taste was good and the sauce handmade but are 4 dumplings this really worth $5? That’s $1.25 each dumpling. Next time Dumb Phil should ask, how many dumpling units are included in that menu!
To finish the evening with a tasty drop, I ordered Oettinger Black Beer:
Original German Black Beer
All in all, it was a cool festival and quite good organized. I wish, to have had even more variety of food trucks, but it was okay. The only minor things I would have to criticize would be the following:
The official begin of the festival was at 12AM – But even at 3PM, some stands were still building up and thus, food wasn’t ready to have lunch there.
I didn’t see a possibility to pay entrance tickets for both days
More Dominican food and drinks, please! I saw many thrilling and fancy international varieties, but very little local specialties 🙂
Siguiendo la tendencia mundial de la oferta gastronómica móvil en forma de camiones de comida, hubo todo un festival organizado en Santo Domingo.No estoy seguro cuántas veces se había realizado anterior a esta. Unos días antes de su promoción en Instagram de la revista dominicana ‘Zoneo‘, que al mismo tiempo era el organizador del ‘Zoneo Fest 2019‘. Como amante, blogger y comedor de comida, era una necesidad para mi asistir y inspeccionar todo.El festival se llevó a cabo en la Zona Colonial, para ser más exactos en La FortalezaOzama.Me sorprendió este festival de comida callejera, en especial la buena comida que tenían allí.Por favor, recuéstesey disfrute de este artículo sobreZoneoFest 2019 ysusabrosa comida de la calle.
¿Qué es elZoneoFest?
A veces, los humanos son contradictorios e inconsistentes en sus aspiraciones.Por un lado, quieren tener todo lo barato y siempre disponible.Por otro lado, se esfuerzan por momentos exclusivos y experiencias personalizadas.Lo mismo ocurre con la comida.Siempre se puede elegir entre la solución barata y la comida rápida preparada o la comida costosa y las experiencias sabrosas en los restaurantes.Siempre me gusta pagar un poco más por la buena comida, pero no puedo hacer eso todo el tiempo.Por lo tanto, busco estos buenos y sabrosos momentos y ocasiones especiales, como elZoneo Fest.Este festival de camiones de comida y comida callejera se llevó a cabo durante dos días, el 29 y el 30 de junio. Gracias al área geográfica en el FuerteOzama, hubo suficiente espacio para muchas actividades de niños, pequeños mercados artesanales, un escenario musical y – por supuesto – los camiones de comida.
Many activities for children during the Zoneo festival
Un boleto de entrada cuesta 200 DOP y es válido para todo el día.Tuve la oportunidad de dejar el área del festival y volver ‘gratis’.Lo que estaba bien, porque pasar todo el día bajo el sol no fue placentero.No envidiaba a los operadores de camiones de comida, que prepararon la comida durante todo el día cuando estaba a 95 ° F (35 ° C) de calor. Y también estan sufriendo del calor de sus hornos, chimeneas y cocinas a gas que estaban usando…
Por supuesto, no he tuve la oportunidad de probar todas las comidas en el festival.No era una cuestión de hambre, porque puedo comer como un elefante si quiero.Es más una cuestión de presupuesto porque la comida buena y de calidad tiene su precio.Por lo tanto, tuve que seleccionar sabiamente lo que debería intentar.Con algunos camiones de comida, fue una decisión fácil.Aquí puedes encontrar mis degustaciones y por qué hubo buenas o malas:
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Doughnuts de alta tecnología
Uno de los argumentos para los camiones de comida es poder observar su preparación.Un pequeño puesto ofrecía donas de alta tecnología con una forma de preparación que no había visto antes:
¡Realmente divertido ver todo el proceso lineal de preparación de donas en vivo y encolor!
No solo la preparación cruda de los donuts, sino también el refinamiento gastronómico, fue digno de ver:
¡Nunca vi una preparación más dedicada y encantadora de Donuts!
Comida venezolana: CasitaVenezolana
La cocina venezolana no me es desconocida, pero hasta ahora solo había tenido muy pocas oportunidades para probar su comida.No sé mucho de la comida venezolana, pero me alegraría mucho que alguien me presente y me invite un día a tener una conversación profunda sobre su comida.¡Incluso mejor que hablar de su comida sería cocinar e intentarlo juntos!
Lo único que probé antes de este festival fueArepas.No estoy 100% seguro de que sea un plato original colombiano o venezolano, pero lo asocio con Venezuela.Todos los colombianos deberían ser indulgentes conmigo si no les concedo que lasArepas sean comida colombiana.Si desea convencerme de su patrimonio nacional, prepareme una versión colombiana deArepas.
Visité el puesto de comida ‘CasitaVenezolana‘ y pedí, por supuesto,Arepacon carne.
‘Casita Venezolana’ offered food from Venezuela
Un saludo a todos los venezolanos del mundo!
Greets to all the nice people I know from Venezuela!
Las arepasconsisten en masa de maíz molida y mi versión estaba llena de carne molida y queso.Me olvido de preguntar qué tipo de queso era.Pero no estaba fundido y todavía tenía una consistencia sólida.
This picture was captioned a few moments before biting in the Arepa
Todavía bueno, todavía sabroso.Si tiendes a tener hambre y buscas un verdadero relleno de estómago.Me encantaría aprender más sobre la cocina venezolana.Hasta el momento, solo conozco su comida rápida o para comer con los dedos, ¡pero me encantaría probar más!
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Comida peruana: comida callejera peruana
Para mí, personalmente, lo que más destacado del festival desde mi perspectiva fue la comida peruana.Los niños pueden preferir el castillo de gorila, y los bebedores las barras de ron.Pero como amante de la comida, debes amar la comida peruana. Pasé casi un año y medio de mi vida y tuve la alegría de conocer la mejor cocina del mundo.Pueden encontrar los artículos anteriores en mi base de datos, pero me gustaría recomendar un artículo en particular a todos los lectores para que lo lean más adelante. Podría tener una idea, por qué la comida peruana es la mejor comida del mundo.
Escribí varios artículos sobre comida peruana, tal vez mi percepción es un poco parcial y otros camiones de comida no tuvieron las mismas oportunidades justas para convencer a mi estómago hambriento.Sin embargo, Luis Pacheco maneja este pequeño camión de comida y se puede encontrar en elMalecón.Preparó el ceviche ORIGINAL PERUANO de lo que me estaba perdiendo desde la última vez que lo probé en los mercados callejeros de Lima.
Luis invirtió no solo una gran dedicación y esfuerzo para preparar una buena comida, sino que también utiliza ingredientes peruanos originales.Bueno, salvo el pescado y el limón.Pero todas las especias y salsas son 100% de calidad peruana.Echa un vistazo a cómo hacer el ceviche peruano.
A picture with the Peruvian Chef Luis Pacheco from ‘Peru Street Food’ during the Zoneo Fest 2019. Dishes, ingredients, and decoration were 100% Peruvian!
Anunció que también tendrá el domingo elAnticucho.Esa fue mi principal razón para regresar al festival.¿Dónde más tengo la oportunidad en este país caribeño de probar el corazón de una vaca?A muchas personas les puede parecer inquietante comer el corazón de una vaca, pero no sabes lo que extrañas si rechazas esta maravillosa comida.
🐮💗
Para mí, el número uno de todos!
🐮💔
The original Peruvian speciality ‘Anticucho’ (The heart of a cow – no joke)
Comida china / estadounidense (?) –Omnifoodie
A picture of the food stand from ‘Omnifoodie’
No estoy muy seguro de qué tipo de comida era.En comparación con los anteriores, su nacionalidad no estaba clara.Afilié las bolas de masa hervida (que ordené) con la cocina asiática, pero todos los demás ingredientes tienden a ser chinos o estadounidenses.Sospecho que se trata de un puesto de comida chino / estadounidense, aunqueno habíagente que pareciera china y no estaba definida al 100%.
De todos modos, probé susdumblings:
I ordered their ‘potstickers’ – Without reading ‘dumplings’, I wouldn’t have known what to expect from that dish.
Dumplings with a homemade sauce
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De hecho, pagué 250 DOP (que es $ 5.00) por cuatro pequeñas bolas de masa.Esa es la trampa de turismo de alimentos más triste que pisé desde que estoy aquí en la República Dominicana.El sabor era bueno y la salsa hecha a mano, pero ¿son 4 albóndigas que realmente valen $ 5?Eso es $ 1.25 cada bola de masa.La próxima vez Dumb Phil preguntara, ¡cuántas unidades de bola de masa están incluidas en ese menú!
Para terminar la noche con una sabrosa gota, pedí la cerveza negra Oettinger:
Original German Black Beer
En general, fue un festival genial y bastante bien organizado.Ojalá hubiera tenido aún más variedad de camiones de comida, pero estaba bien.Las únicas cosas menores que tendría que criticar serían las siguientes:
•El inicio oficial del festival fue a las 12 am. Pero incluso a las 3 pm, algunos puestos aún no estaban habilitados y, por lo tanto, la comida no estaba lista.
• No vi la posibilidad de pagar las entradas para los dos días.
•¡Más comida y bebida dominicana, por favor!Vi muchas variedades internacionales emocionantes y elegantes, pero muy pocas especialidades locales 🙂
OOPS! One of these typos again. I wrote “How Du you Du?” – But actually, wanted to ask my audience “How do you do?” What an unforgivable mistake and what a weird headline! Dancing with dogs at Laguna Dudu? Who for Heaven’s sake had the idea to name a lagoon Dudu? And is it really possible to dance with dogs? You don’t believe my words? Read this article and Du not hesitate to comment and like this article!
Where is Dudú?
During the last site inspection, I was duing (okay, enough of that platitude for now) for my job I stopped 25 km to the northeast of Nagua to see a tourism destination.
For me and my job, it’s very important to obtain practical knowledge about the national tourism resources of the Dominican Republic. This beautiful place called ‘Laguna Dudú’ is one of the famous spots where adventurous tourists go.
Why Dudú?
That’s of course the most important question. Why do tourists like to go to Laguna Dudú? There are many other lagoons, lakes, ponds and fluvial tourism destinations, where tourists can go and spend some nice time. What makes Laguna Dudú special?
Costs $1 – Makes fun!
The only thing I heard before visiting the place, was the possibility of doing zip-lining over the lagoon. Contrary to the usual zip-lining activities where you go from platform to platform, you can splash here into the water. Which was definitely one of the main reasons for me to try it out.
A security guard told me, that it is 13 meter (42.5ft.) high, which is doubtful. A few months before I was doing the ‘Magic Mushroom experience’ where I jumped down from 15 meter (50ft.). This one here seemed to be less high. Especially, if an obese participant pulls down the zip-line. Hence, the distance to the water surface decreases progressively during the ride because of the participants’ overweight by the factor of two. If you were not good at Physics and Geometry in school, watch the following two videos of my second attempt:
It’s never ever 13 meters (42.5ft.) high. Maybe, if you span it straight and taut. But as soon as I was pulling the line down with my weight, it was max. 10 meters (32.8ft.) high.
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What else can you do at Dudú?
Laguna Dudú is only a part of a national park. Hence, you pay for more and can go and see more than just the lagoon itself. It has for example as well a beautiful garden area, which would invite you to do a pick-nick…
…or exploring another cave…
…or even dancing with a dog!
Doggo seemed to live in the national park. He didn’t wear a dog collar, but wanted to play and dance all the time with me. Poor thing didn’t seem to receive enough attention. Thus, he was very happy, that someone helped him to spend a good and interesting day at Laguna Dudú. He was also very interested to observe the fishes in the water.
A dog observes the Dudú lagoon
How much costs Dudú?
Don’t take my words for granted. Price consistency and informational reliability are alien concepts in the Dominican Republic and are actually non-existent. I paid 200 DOP (=Dominican Pesos) for the entrance to the national park. That’s about $4 and I think, that it is quite much. But prices for these type of attractions and entrances usually fluctuates significantly in the country. It could be, that a new tourism minister, director or responsible person decides to raise the prices for a bit before it will decrease again. Price policy in the Dominican Republic is like a roller coaster without a seat belt. And I am not talking about the thrilling attraction itself, but the metaphor to showcase the inconsistency.
A very good spot to take a picture
All in all, I would say that it’s quite pricy and a lot for a national park of this limited area. Of course, it depends on what you want to do and how much time you are willing to spend there. If you really want to swim at both lagoons, make a pick-nick on the grass and enjoy the area for a walk to discover every corner you get your money’s worth. Unfortunately, we didn’t have sufficient time to do that and spend maybe 60-80 minutes there.
Oh, before I forget: Using the zip-line costs extra 🙁
You need to pay 50 DOP (about 1$) per ride to be allowed to splash into the water. Very exploitative, these Dominicans!
What makes Dudú unique?
Another interesting fact is that…
Laguna Dudú is the only place in the world where it is possible for speleologists to dive from one natural lake to another one.
I have no idea, what a speleologist does for a living. But it always seems very attractive, if you can sell and advertise something with a pure USP and if you are ‘the only X in the world’. And speleologists appreciate it very much! Except them, no one else seems to be elected to dive from one natural lake to another one. Quite elitist people, these speleologists! Too bad, that I found out about this additional activity too late. I would have loved to become a speleologist before I visited Dudu Lagoon and go diving in these caves. According to the further description, it seems to be tremendous:
This place has two lagoons connected to each other and to the sea (the connection with the sea is more indirect). Dudú Lagoon is 32 meters deep, and it is surrounded by a thick forest that occupies the surrounding cliffs.
In the surroundings of Dudú Lagoon, it is possible to find some caves, there are some stalactites and stalagmites that were formed little by little. But the best place to admire pre-Columbian art is the Taíno cave: its 30 metre-high walls are decorated by this kind of art.
Apart from speleology, the refreshing baths, the funny experience of jumping over the rocks or the interesting cave exploring, this place has charming restaurants and hotels.
A not complete snapshot from the bird perspective of Laguna Dudú
Goddamn! In my next life, I definitely want to become a speleologist. If I will have the chance to come back here again, I will bring my diving goggles and discover the subterranean area of the lagoon. Promised!
Would I recommend Dudú?
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I definitely would recommend to visit Dudú lagoon. Even if you are not a speleologist (which is a by the way the scientific name for potholer/cave explorer), if you don’t like to dance Merengue with dogs and if you are afraid of heights and would never ever do the water zip-lining, you would have a good time at Laguna Dudú. But make sure, that you’d bring enough of it with. If you come at the right day and the right time, you can spend some quiet hours here.
Dudú you like my article about the lagoon?
If you do (!) like my article, I would be very happy about your appreciation. Please help with a like, a share or a comment. I would be very happy like the dancing dog!
This fluvial tourism excursion was part of the canyoning experience I had during the Easter weekend 2019 at Tubagua Eco Lodge. I already wrote an article before about the time I spent there. It was the perfect half-day excursion and a great combination of hiking, climbing and jumping inside of natural sweet water pools. Comparable to the adventure I had in Cabarete, but this time with better photos and videos. Nothing too crazy, moderate difficulty level, high fun attitude. Stay tuned and read further, if you are looking for a fun outdoor activity off the beaten track in the proximity of Puerto Plata. A canyoning trip to Charcos de los Militares and god’s swimming pool in Tubagua.
The ‘Charcos de los Militares’ in Tubagua might be a great alternative for nature and action lovers.
Approximate reading time: 6 minutes
(Last update: April 11, 2021)
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Why does this place have two different names?
‘Charco de los Militares’ comes undeniably from the soldiery vocabulary. But why do the Dominicans call this place ‘military puddle’ (Charco de los Militares)?
According to the community, the name of puddles is because at the time of the dictatorship of Rafael Leónidas Trujillo, a group of soldiers took the difficult and sensitive decision of dropping out, leaving their uniforms pulled into the crystalline waters of these pools, and from this event were baptized with the name of : The puddles of the military.
Some sources name this trail also God’s swimming pool. Well, although I did this trip during the Easter holidays – what would be a good catholic explanation – I didn’t feel either resurrected, nor reborn or baptized. But very refreshed. In any event: A divine swimming pool sounds a bit more peaceful than the military connotation about the military puddle.
Anyway: This excursion is supposed to be held exclusively through the Tubagua Eco Lodge with a guide who accompanies you during the whole trip. Don’t even think about trying to hike there on your own, you will never make it without local help.
I would have never found the way to the water, neither the way back to the lodge. That’s why I was thankful for the good guidance. Although this guy walked as fast as 100m runner, we never lost track during the way. And I was always the last of the group because I took photos and videos on the way what the other members of the group didn’t do.
Where is Charcos de los Militarios in the Dominican Republic?
You can find it on the map:
The GPS coordinates from Charco de Los Militares:
Latitude: 19.6743856
Longitude: -70.5978251
But again: Without an experienced tour guide who has local knowledge, you’ll never find it on your own. That’s why you need the Tubagua Eco Lodge and their guides to access Charco de los Militares.
The hiking trail to Charcos de los Militares is a green paradise
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Every nature lover would be happy to do this excursion and walk to the ‘Charcos de los Militares’. What nature offers you is a stunning view and green paradise:
Our guide must’ve felt that our group was in a rush and we hiked, unfortunately, with a high velocity. Consequently, there wasn’t enough time to enjoy the green landscape. Only a few little videos and photos were possible. It would have been for me also okay to spend some more minutes to breathe in the pure air and enjoy the view.
But after approximately one hour of crossing abundant vegetation through ups and downhill areas, the group arrived at the military puddle or God’s swimming pool. The landscape changed now to a rugged and mountainous zone, but still with the same vegetation.
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What you can see behind this chubby guy who blocks the view, is one of the three pools you can jump into and take a swim. Clear and cold water coming from the mountains and then accumulating to three different little or big ponds. The quantity of the pools of course depends according to rainfall and drought periods. Our guide told us, that there was at the time we arrived at a low water level.
Jumping into Gods swimming pool in Tubagua
You can climb up the rocks and jump into two of the three pools – If you dare to:
The water is crystal clear and refreshing and looks as following:
Individual tourism is quite rare in comparison to mass tourism in the Dominican Republic. The majority of tourism concentrates on Punta Cana. Hence you have in the country many opportunities to do an excursion that fly under the touristic radar. These excursions are hard to find for foreigners, but promise some unique moments you’d never experience in All-Inclusive trips.
I was warned before, that during the Easter holidays a 1/3 of the Dominican population would travel through the country as well. It was supposed to become difficult collecting unique experiences. But at Tubagua, it was surprisingly quiet on the highway, in the accommodation and during the whole excursion. No one was actually ‘in the way’ during the walk to the military puddle. We spend at least 1.5 good hours there. Until the moment, when we were about to leave at maybe 12:30am and a horde of Dominicans entered the area with music and fire for BBQ.
That was the perfect moment to leave the scenery and hike back one hour to the eco lodge. This time uphill – Very exhausting!
What you should definitely bring to Charcos de los Militares:
Comfortable tramping boots to hike to the pools. A pair you might want to jump into the water with.
Sun blocker (water resistant)
Head covering
Sunglasses to look cool on photos
Swimsuit
Towel
Water – Although there is enough water to see, you should bring bottled water to drink
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An insect repellent was recommended to bring with as well. I didn’t apply it to my skin and was lucky to not have been bitten by insects there. Better bring insect repellent just in case.
Another top secret recommendation from me is to bring and wear water shoes or old well-worn but comfortable tennis shoes which can get wet. Putting of your tramping boots, go for a quick swim, putting them on again, walk to the next pond and repeat it several times is annoying. But walking the surface without any shoes make you look like a fool.
Better would be during the walks of the ‘Charco de los Militaros’ to put on water shoes which have a flexible sole and can become wet without any problems. Everything else might hurt your feet.
I hope, that you liked this blog article about God’s swimming pool in Tubagua – Next time I will try to remember, that it would be better to record videos in widescreen. Shame on me!
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I waited for my first own road trip in the Dominican Republic. More than three months. Needed first to get used to my surrounding in Santo Domingo like a cat. But after enough habituation it was time to discover and expand the own territory and look for a place far away from cities, exhausting traffic scenarios and boisterous Dominicans. Something off the usual to relax and get another impression of this beautiful island.
Tubagua Eco Lodge was the destination. Located in the north amongst Puerto Plata, Santiago and Sosua. Mountainous, green, quiet. The way to Tubagua was a pleasure: Less traffic, great natural scenery, but unfortunately on the other hand for 10 – 15 km very dusty and unpaved road conditions. I drove ‘very early’ on Thursday morning at 8am starting from Santo Domingo.
Good and typical Dominican food
I got deflected – Back to the eco lodge itself. You will arrive there and feel instantly a calm and comforting vibe from the staff and the whole amenities. Luckily I arrived at lunch time and got served a typical Dominican lunch.
Rice and beans – Essential component of every Dominican full meal 🥘
But the rest of the food was as well worth to show it:
Especially the dinner had to offer quite some juicy meat:
For the price (and the lack of near alternatives in the form of other restaurants) definitely worth it. Or would you prefer to cook when every other guest of the lodge is crunching their haunches for dinner? Good luck then, I definitely don’t!
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Rooms offer a 180° wide-angle view over the whole terrain
Typical eco lodges are designed of natural materials like wood, bamboo, etc. and have therefore a distinct rustic charm and unique character. Here are a few impressions to understand better how Tubagua Eco Lodge was created:
What makes the construction of this lodge special is the wide-angle view it offers to its guests. You will have a stunning view over the whole terrain from the room I had. The only thing that will disturb your relaxation are sunshine and birdsongs.
The shared bathroom area had a quite cool feature:
The sink was made out of old buckets to meet the recycle approach – Good idea! But an even better idea was the toilet:
The frame with its semi-flexible picture is a really quaint idea for everyone who needs to pee.
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Amenities of Tubagua Eco Lodge
Be prepared, that you won’t have a TV in your room. Contrary to what hotel rooms are offering, you will not find many interesting things to do in your own room. It’s conceived to find rest in your own room and do all other activities like gaming and other interactions in the social area. This area looks like the following:
But apart from that house, there were as well several other nice and comfortable areas:
Environment around the eco lodge
What you could already see in the photos gave you a little impression about the lush and green nature. Luckily, the lodge is located in an area where you can walk some trails quite safely without a tour guide. Don’t forget to bring your tramping boots, or you need to revert after the half way, because you wear flip-flops and it becomes difficult to walk the unpaved roads.
Some neighbors have their own domestic animals:
All in all it helped me to charge my batteries and to spend a few days remote from Santo Domingo. Happy Easter!
To push myself to the limit and to try out something new I am always looking for a crazy and adventurous moment. At the peak of my time during this trip, I reached a dangerous level of fear. I was never that high before I came down to earth so brutally fast. Read this article and consume yourself a fine piece of adrenaline.
If you know me better or for longer, you also know how much I like to provoke others with misleading words or texts. But this intro was until now the best of its kind and worth gold. I can’t deny to say, that I am curious how many people thought if I am crazy or a drug addict. “What the hell is this guy writing?” If already the title includes a drug like a magic mushroom, this author must’ve written it under the influence of psychedelic drugs as well.
No, I am not a drug addict. And yes, I have still followed a trip to the Magic Mushroom. But sometimes, things are not as clear as the water I dived into. If you are ever traveling to Cabarete in the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, don’t limit your time there to the beautiful beaches and water sport activities. Approximately 45 minutes away from Cabarete, you will have the opportunity to go on a real off-track and fun adventure. Hence, you can perceive it as a trendy and growing excursion, which still flies under the radar of the ‘mainstream Cabarete tourism’.
So, I left the office at 4pm and travelled from Santo Domingo to Cabarete on a Friday after work. Worst idea you can have, DOMINICAN TRAFFIC IS HORRIBLE. Took a bus to Sosua and from there a taxi to my hotel in Cabarete. At 11:30pm (!) I finally arrived. If you ever plan to use a national bus to travel through the Dominican Republic, please do it at noon to avoid bad vibes and lost lifetime. Arriving at this time after that time, I really wasn’t in the mood anymore to go out for a bite or a drink. My time was very limited in Cabarete, I only planned to stay for the weekend and already ‘lost’ an evening and night there. Great. Hopefully, I won’t get disappointed and the rest of my time will be better.
And yes, it was much better. On Saturday, I had the opportunity to meet Helmut Ludwig in Cabarete, an Austrian expatriate and who lives since more than 20 years in Cabarete. This man has a really good and warm soul, pulsates of energy and always smiles at you when he is talking to you. Thus, you feel all time in good companionship when he is around.
A very good thing about him is, that he might be the best contact with regards to adventurous tourism activities in this area. With decades of experience, the right contacts and professional equipment, he can help you to spend an extraordinary and thrilling time in the neighbouring villages of Cabarete. Helmut founded ‘Kajak River Adventures’ and took me to the ‘Magic Mushroom excursion’. And that was much better than remaining solely at the beach all day.
Rappelling
I didn’t research a lot about this excursion or the destination before. Only viewed a few photos of the ‘Magic Mushroom’ to not get spoiled and still be surprised. And yes, I didn’t expect such an overdose of adrenaline and a rush of blood to the head during this trip. If I would have researched and prepared myself better before, I wouldn’t have drunken a double espresso in the morning when having breakfast. Not needed, I obtained from all I’ve done during the excursion the same level of energy.
Nature boy
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If you ever want to plan this trip, I encourage you to do so and can help you with the planning. But one important information up front: Bring your Go-Pro or another waterproof camera with. You can’t take your mobile phone with you during that excursion: Too risky with all the swims in the water and the danger of smashing it on a rock or losing it.
Luckily, Helmut had a waterproof Nikon camera and took some wonderful pictures of our small group. Maybe not the best photos quality wise, but hey: Without these photos, I would have nothing to show and not write this article. If I ever do that tour again, I will definitely buy a good and advanced camera to make some stunning photos and videos in HD.
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However, the trip itself is a mix of hiking, rappelling, swimming, cliff diving, climbing and an overdose of adrenalized fun. There are two different tours which take 3 hours and 5 hours. I did a shorter tour and have now a good argument to come back one day to Kajak River Adventures and ask for the ‘Big Bastard Tour’ that takes 5 hours. Separates the men from the boys.
The only things you need to bring with are your bath suit, good and stable sport shoes for the hike and my recommended waterproof camera. I would not recommend this tour for people who are not in a good physical condition, who are scared of heights and/or don’t enjoy to get wet and dirty. Pregnant women rule out themselves anyhow to make that trip. Everyone else is welcome to do that trip and I am pretty sure, that you would like it as much as I did. Maybe you even smile:
Water can be so much fun!
And if you are a fearless bastard as I am, you can also try to jump from a 95ft. (15m) cliff. Do you dare to? I did! And it was for me not only the biggest height I jumped from, it was double as high than my previous high score of 48 ft. (7.5m).
I can’t tell what exactly happened to my subconscious in that moment, but I tried not to think and switched my – already in regular times malfunctioned – brain off before I jumped. It won’t work otherwise: If you think too much you will freeze and it paralyzes your legs.
The professional NFL Player, Chris Conley
One of the group members was Chris Conley, Wide Receiver of the Kansas City Chiefs, a professional NFL player. He was a very pleasant and friendly guy. Whenever I did my frontflip to enter the water surface, he was the one diving headfirst.
Telling me, that it was easier to do so than the frontflip. Well, I think it is the opposite 🙂
So why Magic Mushroom? Look at this photo:
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Magic Mushroom, Cabarete
Yes, it really looks like this and the rest of the nature is as beautiful as you can imagine and see on Helmut’s photos. Clear blue and azure water, green plants and many rocks and cliffs to jump from. In total, I jumped from 7 (or 8?) cliffs and every single time was a pure joy. Except the 95ft. suicidal one, that was a real dare for myself.
Do you want to get adrenalized by this Magic Mushroom, too? Contact me for more information and I help to plan your own mind-blowing adventure trip!
Today I’m very proud and have the honor to dedicate this blog entry to an extraordinary character and personality. This article was actually first published in December 2017 on my old blog, but I decided now to rewrite the content and reprise the attention to the mentioned character.
Close to the Brazilian border in the nowhere of Paraguay lives a tour guide who doesn’t only have a vast knowledge about the Alto Paraná district and all the things he should know concerning his job. He is as well a caring and warm-hearted person with a high dedication to his visitors and one of the main reasons why I scored the highest grade of the whole course in the Master’s Thesis.
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. Please let me introduce Mr. Jakob Savoldelli or Mister Paraguay. Some people in the small district of Minga Guazú might also know him just as Profe, because he taught the community English for several years.
¡Al servicio del turismo y de la patria!
I saw Jakob only for four days in August 2017 and although our age is separated by decades, although we are different generations, although we have two complete different life stories to tell and although we grew up in different societies and surroundings, I need to admit, that he still means a lot to me. It seems like, that we understand each other and trust each other. I am inspired from his attitude and think, that his WhatsApp status tells much about his appreciation for tourism in Paraguay:
For me personally, Jakob is one of the real heroes I met through my time in Paraguay. One of the few who thinks in solutions, not administrating problems. Who shows the right dignity and professionalism to his job. Who is ahead of his time and the one-eyed king in the country of the blind. In Paraguay, it would be Jakob with his sharp eyes.
Some of you people know, that I was working for my graduation assignment for the Paraguayan National Secretary of Tourism (SENATUR). Woah, sounds fancy, doesn’t it? Reality showed itself unfortunately a little bit different, I had maybe the worst supervisors and managers in my entire life that one can imagine. Both are directors of their departments (Statistics and Strategic Tourism Planning), but unfortunately equipped with zero expert knowledge, dedication to their own job and beyond that completely incompetent. Their omission would be worth an own punitive blog entry, but this one here shouldn’t be dedicated to the wrong people. It’s for the good people like Jakob.
Anyway, I was busy with my Master Thesis and liked what I had to do as a topic, although it was a real challenge. I wrote my thesis about…
“Restructuring the strategic tourism planning from a centralistic macro-based method to an individualized micro-based approach”
The challenge wasn’t the topic itself. Although the title doesn’t tell anyone a thing what was really the content, I can tell, that it was about the strategic change of tourism planning in Paraguay. I would need more time and beer to explain you the details, but for me it was quite interesting to observe and describe how a country tried to change their strategic tourism planning. I liked to write about it, but came very soon to a dead end because of missing information. Yes, Paraguay is a real desert regarding liberal and digital information. Unfortunately there weren’t many articles and information about (tourism) in Minga Guazú available and the one who were responsible of the project (Naiman Miserlian, Director of Strategic Tourism Planning of SENATUR) was so goddamn unprofessional and be out of place that I didn’t receive any valuable help from her side.
Although it was her own project and quite pioneering for Paraguay’s future tourism activities, she didn’t show any dedication or deeper interest to really get things going in this country. For me as an outside observer it was a shame and pity at the same time. With more professional, passioned and responsible people for the project with the right background knowledge, it would have been great to see things growing. But with the leadership of some managers of SENATUR, a project can be messed up, before the outcome even will be launched.
So I came to this dead end without anything I could write about. Luckily another diligent and helpful colleague of SENATUR, Señora Asuncion Azcona, told me about “an old tour guide who is an English and German native speaker in Minga Guazú”. When I heard that for the first time, I could hardly believe what she said. Everyone who ever visited Paraguay knows about the – let’s call it basic – level of English of the population. But how can someone of a 79.783 community be an English AND German native speaker AND a tour guide of the area I was in need of? Dawn of hope was shining in my eyes whilst I imagined that he could be the key to my missing information and the missing puzzle piece.
I took a high encouragement from these information and the first phone call with Jakob Davies Savoldelli. Although we are age-related decades apart from each other, I felt during our first conversation a good vibe and respectful interest for each other. He was directly willing to help me out and told me, that I he would guide me through Minga Guazú if I would visit. Wow, what a nice and attentive person. Jakob is of half English and of half German origin, but embodies everything you would expect from a hospitable and welcoming Paraguayan.
‘Nuff said, I booked a bus ticket early September and three weeks before my deadline to Minga Guazú. Jakob told me on the phone that I should tell the bus driver to get off on KM18 on highway 7 “where always Mister Profe steps out of this bus”. A little confused about his instruction I shared the bus driver these information. Lo and behold: The big bus company of the capital of Asuncion knew where the tour guide of Minga Guazú always steps out of the bus to take a shortcut home. Either the world is a small place OR Jakob has made a lot of good and valuable contacts in the past.
I took the bus at 11pm and drove over night for six hours to my weird destination in the middle of the highway. Quite overfatigued I stepped out on KM18 on highway 7 in the middle of the night and nowhere. It was around 4am and Jakob told me that I should just call and wake him up. So after maybe 30 – 45 minutes of walking in the dark I found his place and although we both were very tired in the early morning, he welcomed me at his place and offered me a Tereré, the typical Paraguayan drink. The first good impression and connection I made with him on the phone was directly confirmed by the first personal conversation we had. We talked for more than two hours in the sunrise of his garden and disturbed as well his honey bees – One of Jakob’s hobbies is beekeeping.
In the middle of the night I arrived in Minga Guazú without having anything else than his phone number. I didn’t even reserve an accommodation for the four nights I spent in Minga Guazú and laid all the faith and hope I had in the hands of a stranger – Up until then I didn’t even had personal contact to him. How often did you get disappointed of other people, friends and acquaintances who are even closer to you when you trust and rely on them?! I wasn’t disappointed from Jakob and my sense and intuition for the right people was working frictionless. Jakob was so kind and organized not only for me an accommodation. He also took me to several places, events and introduced me to the skeptical population of Minga Guazú. Without his help it would not have been possible to receive all the missing information and interviews with the local person in power for my Master Thesis. He was due to his experience and recognition a real door opener and the missing puzzle piece to my deeply needed information. I soaked up everything like a sponge he showed me, explained me and mentioned during these four days. I took several photos and shared my collected information as well at Google Maps. Paraguay as an isolated island within the continent is in general not really modern and digitalized with information and Minga Guazú is even worse. But I was quite successful with sharing a part of my information and reached within less than three months a high audience:
Jakob fed me with enough educational nutrition during my time in Minga Guazú, that I could easily continue writing and vanquish the writer’s block. At the end I wrote in total 212 pages and scored a 9.5 out of 10 for my thesis. I know, that Jakob wasn’t responsible for scoring that mark. But he is responsible as the key to my success and assisted me as the fuel serves the car to get to a goal.
I regret, that I could only spent four days together with him and I am pretty sure, that I could have learned more when I would have more days in Minga Guazú. Neither wasn’t I during these student days solvent enough to reimburse him properly for all his services. But Jakob is a proud and diligent man and would have probably denied a considerable sum. Jakob, if you read that, I would like to thank you again for all the help you offered me. Without your self-sacrificing manner and devotion for your job I would have been lost in the labyrinth of ignorance of SENATUR and could not have finished my Master thesis as good as I did. You understood in contrast to many other people in Paraguay what tourism is and really means. As a customer I am more than happy and satisfied with what you showed me and how you showed it to me. And more than that: I’m pretty sure, that I found in you a friend whom I can trust. Whenever I will have the chance to see Paraguay for a couple of days again I would be happy to visit you and your bees again.
Whenever you are in need of a tour guide in the Alto Paraná region or you want to find out personally more about Ciudad del Este or Minga Guazú, please contact me and I would be glad to connect you with the walking library and excellent tour guide Jakob Davies Salvodelli. I’m pretty sure, that you won’t be disappointed and will have a highly dedicated and motivated tour guide!
Four eyes see more than two. You should use your own pair of eyes and see yourself what kind of natural treasure in a calm surrounding Santo Domingo has to offer amongst the generic Dominican traffic chaos, loud Merengue music and people chattering all day. You will hardly believe your eyes, which beauty is hidden in the east of Santo Domingo. So be all eyes and keep your eyes peeled for the following article!
‘Nuff of these stupid wordplays, let’s be serious again and talk business: I visited last weekend something, that is really rare in Santo Domingo: A natural resource. Whilst the majority of Santo Domingo is just a usual Latin American capital with urban architecture made of colonial buildings, shopping malls, many residential areas, streets, etc. there are only a few recreational areas in the city. One of them is ‘Parque Nacional Los Tres Ojos’, a 50-yard open-air limestone cave. $4 of entry more than worth it!
Due to tectonic fractures centuries ago, this cave was created and filled with water. A looooong time has passed and the water slowly vanished and vaporized.
Three sweet water lakes remained inside of the cave and gave a habitat to fish, bats and turtles. And these three sweet water lakes give the national park now its name. Every eye (ojos) represents an own lake and has an own name.
Lago de Azufre
La Nevera
El Lago de las Damas
Lago de las Damas! I was lucky to have visited this place as well with a dame. That helped me very much on the one hand not to harass complete strangers all the time to take pictures of me. One the other hand, why experiencing something beautiful like this alone? It’s always good to have a companion to share memories like this.
There is even a fourth lake, called ‘Los Zaramagullones’, which I achieved to pronounce correctly after approximately 20 times. This lake is treated unfortunately like an orphan and isn’t part of the exclusive ‘Los tres ojos V.I.P. club’. Reason for that is, since it has an opening to the outside and appears more to be a lagoon than a subterraneous lake. It can be only accessed by a small ferry raft pulled via rope across Lake La Nevera.
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Getting there is free, but you will have to pay a small fee (about $0.50 US) to get out. Smart and devious Dominicans! They let you in for free, but you have to pay for the exit. A perfect business model.
Los Zaramagullones is the most tranquil and beautiful of the four subterranen watering holes. Firstly, because it is remotely from the others and is therefore somehow special. This story, that you need a higher effort to enter with the ferry raft helps to let it shine more special in comparison with the three ojos. But it has as well a lush vegetation and many fish to offer. This beautiful piece of land was a scenery for many production companies who have filmed footage here for movies like Tarzan and Jurassic Park III.
But the other lakes are beautiful and tranquil as well. Especially astonishing was the color of the water. The azure hue is coming from the high amount of calcium. Few rays of light and sunshine are entering the cave, no algas or seaweed is provoked. You can see many movements of different animals through the crystal clear water and observe them.
Risking my life (or at least my dry clothes) again, I was climbing to a ledge to have a better overview of the lake and of course for better photos:
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Beauty knows no pain. But sitting and laying on the spiky stones for the perfect photo knows a lot of pain. Was it really worth it?
Talking about photos, I must say, that it is quite difficult for a phone camera to react to all the different light conditions. Both extremes, too illuminated and too dark crash always at the same time when being in a cave and trying to take photographies. And photos with a flashlight are never an option, because they bias every perspective you have. Only Snapchat filters with bunny ears are worse than photos with flashlight.
Me whitey was always too illuminated in the dark backgrounds of the cave. I would recommend everyone who wants to visit this site to bring his/her professional photo equipment with to not look snow white like me on the pictures. So, be witness of my whiteness and see the following pictures, that let me look like having a halo and gloriole:
All the rest of the park is organized quite good as well. Enough sanitary facilities, kiosks and (like always) too many souvenir shops. One of the kiosks had paintings on the walls, beautiful and colorful paintings:
The temperature of the lagoons vary between 20 °C to 29 °C, but it all the time very humid down there and you start sweating easily. Upstairs, the sun lashes merciless down the sky and make you sweat again. After climbing all 692 steps (!) of the cave, you can continue a 15 – 20 minute walk to see more of the national park. And see the ‘Los Zaramagullones Lagoon from above.
But the earlier pictures from the perspective below are better. Anyway, the vegetation is greener than green and makes you forget all the grey beton and loud noises of the town.
Funny: The default title of the first blog post when starting WordPress is The Journey Begins. I really like it and want to keep it as it is. So I decided to add ‘again’, because a new journey is about to start: I recently moved to the Dominican Republic where I will live and work. A few weeks earlier, my subscription with wix.com expired and it was about time to find a new and better provider, because wix.com is a terrible solution for bloggers to create their own content. Stay tuned because soon I might write a hate post about wix.com and the gallons of tears I shed using this redundant provider.
Anyway, I would like to welcome all new readers to the complete new designed homepage of mine and I am happy and proud to welcome you to become a regular reader and subscribe to my newsletter. Thanks so far to everyone of you!
To receive some sympathy bonus points and show the needed self-deprecation, I want to entertain you with the following magnificent picture of a stinky, lazy animal and a sloth:
La comida peruana es mundialmente famosa y especial. Elogié en un artículo antes el gusto de la cocina peruana. Escribí un articulo en Inglés sobre mis 10 platos favoritos del país andino. Definitivamente vale la pena leerlo cuando tendrías más tiempo. Mejor vamos a continuar con este artículo sobre el famoso jugo especial de Peru.
The Peruvian kitchen is world famous and a culinary delight for even the most critical gourmets. During my time in Peru I had the joy to discover a lot of brilliant flavors, aromatic spices and tasty sauces in a variety of excellent dishes. Therefore, it’s not an accident, that the Peruvian kitchen is seen as the…
Pero ¿qué pasa con las bebidas peruanas, también pueden ser especiales? ¿Y es una buena idea llamar a un batido un ‘Jugo Especial’? Y aún más importante: ¿Que hace realmente especial al “Jugo Especial” peruano? Durante uno de mis últimos días en Perú, estaba visitando uno de los muchos mercados en Lima. Lo que realmente me gusta de este tipo de mercados no son solo los precios bajos que paga por todo tipo de alimentos básicos. No, es aún mejor, que muchos pequeños empresarios manejan sus negocios de forma independiente y venden lo que las personas necesitan. En comparación con las grandes cadenas de supermercados nacionales como Plaza Vea, Tottus y Wong, uno tiene este enfoque de cliente individual y también apoya la comida local.
Multicentro La Capullana en Surco
Sin embargo, el ‘Multicentro La Capullana’ se encuentra en la Avenida Ramón Castilla en Santiago de Surco. Muy cerca de mi antiguo alojamiento y a menos de 10 minutos a pie. Me gustaba caminar por las mañanas o a media mañana y comprar algunas cosas que necesitaba. Desde el exterior, no lo reconoces ó parece realmente como un mercado, o (como dicen) un “multicentro”:
Pero desde el interior te quedarás definitivamente encantado con todos los fruteros, verduleros, carniceros, comerciantes en general, etc. y sus verduras, frutas y otros productos frescos que venden. Lo que realmente me gustó fue su esfuerzo por diseñar sus productos de una manera presentable:
Realmente no sé cuánto tiempo pasó con equilibrar y ordenar todas las fresas, pero realmente respeto el esfuerzo para que acomodarlos bien. Si recuerdo de todos los paquetes de plástico que usamos en Europa para tener la cantidad correcta y mantenerlos duraderos, siempre preferiré esta versión fresca e individual.
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¿Jugo especial? ¿Por qué especial?
No obstante, todas mis visitas a este mercado procedieron cronológicamente de la misma manera. Entré en el mercado y antes de comenzar a comprar todo tipo de cosas bonitas, me paraba en la pequeña tienda junto a la entrada para obtener un jugo recién exprimido. Aquí puede tener las mezclas más sanas de todo tipo de frutas exóticas y genéricas. Usualmente prefería los de durazno y mandarinas / naranjas. La mayoría de los prejuicios y preocupaciones de este tipo de mercados en los países de América del Sur son que el nivel de higiene es más bajo que los estándares en los países europeos y occidentales y que es más fácil recibir algunas bacterias debido a condiciones de suciedad. Debo decir que este prejuicio no está justificado, porque nunca vi un nivel de higiene estándar más alto por parte de todos los demás que antes me estaban sirviendo un jugo:
Pero un jugo en su menú fue simplemente llamado “Jugo especial” sin ninguna explicación adicional. Esto ya me dio curiosidad, porque quieres saber por supuesto qué tiene de especial este zumo, respectivamente, cuales ingredientes hacen que este zumo sea especial. Era más caro que todos los otros jugos y eso me llamó la atención también. Es por eso que pedí un “Jugo Especial”.
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Lo que realmente hace que este jugo sea un jugo especial
No fueron las frutas como la papaya, la fresa y el plátano. Mi curiosidad fue saciada cuando observé a la dama preparando mi jugo especial. Ella puso muchas cosas inusuales en la licuadora, que la mayoría de la gente preferiría usar para preparar pasteles. Junto a un torrente de leche de vaca y un huevo (!), Llenó un almíbar de algarrobo negro, miel de abeja natural y esencia de vainilla. Se agregó un chorro de cerveza negra (!!) para redondear todo y agregar aún más calorías. Solo para estar seguro, que no me moriré de hambre después de tomarlo.
De la antigua expectativa de un jugo puro, me presentaron ahora un híbrido de batido de leche / bomba de calorías. No solo la existencia pura me dejó sin palabras, sino que también fue la mera cantidad. Pagué por un “Jugo Especial” y casi obtuve un litro de bebida exagerada. Por supuesto, era demasiado para un vaso, por eso la señora lo puso en dos vasos grandes. Muy generosos estos peruanos!
Si quieres escuchar mi opinión gourmet, escucha el siguiente video:
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Una extraña explosión de sabores entró en mis sentidos, afrutada, dulce, cremosa y sabrosa al mismo tiempo. Para no insultar al barman, me vi obligado a terminar los dos vasos. No quería ser grosero al salir de la tienda después de tomarlo. Pero después de tomar ambos vasos, ya tenía suficientes calorías para dos comidas y me tambaleé a casa con una sensación de saciedad.
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Peruvian food is world famous and special. I lauded in an article before the HQ-tastiness of the Peruvian kitchen. If you have some additional time, you should definitely read the following article about my top 10 Peruvian dishes:
The Peruvian kitchen is world famous and a culinary delight for even the most critical gourmets. During my time in Peru I had the joy to discover a lot of brilliant flavors, aromatic spices and tasty sauces in a variety of excellent dishes. Therefore, it’s not an accident, that the Peruvian kitchen is seen as the…
But what about Peruvian beverages, can they also be special? And is it a good idea to call a shake a ‘Special Juice’?
During one of my last days in Peru, I was visiting one of many street markets in Lima. What I really like from these types of markets are not only the minor prices you pay for all sorts of staple food. No, it’s even better, that many small entrepreneurs run their independently business and sell whatever people need. In comparison to the big national supermarket chains Plaza Vea, Tottus and Wong, you have this individual customer approach and support local food as well.
Multicentro La Capullana
However, the ‘Multicentro La Capullana’ is located on Avenida Ramón Castilla in Santiago de Surco. Very close to my former accommodation and less than 10 minutes walking distance away. I liked to walk there in the mornings or mid-mornings and buy a few things I need. From the outside, you don’t really recognize it as a market, or (as they say) a ‘multicentro’:
But from the inside you will be definitely delighted about all the fruiterers, green-grocers, butchers, general dealers, etc. and their fresh and promising vegetables, fruits and other goods they sell. What I really like was their effort to design their commodities in a presentable way:
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I don’t really know, how much time she spent with balancing and ordering all the strawberries, but I really respect her efforts to let it look good. If I remember all the plastic packages we use in Europe to have the right quantity and keep them durable, I will always prefer this version.
¿Jugo especial? Why special?
Nonetheless, every of my visits at this market proceeded chronologically the same. I entered the market and before I started to buy randomly all sorts of nice things, I stopped at the little store next to the entry to obtain a freshly pressed juice. Here you could have the healthiest mixes of all sorts of exotic and generic fruits. I usually preferred the ones with peach and mandarins/oranges.
Most of the prejudices and concerns of these types of markets in South American countries are, that the level of hygiene is lower than the standards in European and Western countries and that it is easier to pick up some bacteria due to dirty conditions. I must say, that this prejudice is unjustified, because I never saw a higher standard level of hygiene from everyone else who was serving me a juice before:
But one mixed juice on their menu was simply called “Jugo especial” (special juice) without any further explication. Already this made me curious, because you want to find out, what is so special about this juice, respectively which ingredients make this juice special. It was more expensive than all other juices and that raised as well my attention. That’s why I ordered one “Jugo Especial”.
What really makes this juice a special juice
It was not the fruits like papaya, strawberry and banana. My curiosity got satisfied when I observed the lady preparing my special juice. She put a lot of unusual things into the blender, that most people would rather use to prepare pastries. Next to a torrent of cow milk and an egg (!), she filled in syrup of black carob tree, natural bee honey and vanilla extract. A shot of black beer (!!) was added to round it all up and admix even more calories. Just to be sure, that I won’t starve after drinking.
From the former expectation of a pure juice, I was presented now a milkshake/calorie bomb hybrid. Not only the pure existence made me speechless, it was also the sheer quantity. I paid for one “Jugo Especial” and almost got one litre of an overblown drink. It was of course too much for one glass, that’s why the lady put it into two big glasses. Very generous these Peruvians!
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If you want to hear my gourmet judgement, please listen to the following video:
A weird explosion of tastes entered my senses, fruity and sweet and creamy and savoury at the same time. To not insult the barkeeper, I was kind of obliged to finish both glasses. Didn’t want to be rude to leave the store after one drink. But after incorporating both glasses, I had already enough calories for two meals and lurched home with a surfeited feeling in my paunch.
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¿Con qué frecuencia usé esta pequeña rima simple para “impresionarla”? No lo recuerdo, pero se desarrolló como una palabra alada. Incluso después de la 4,328 vez, ella todavía reprimió su molestia y se mantuvo amistosa con una sonrisa más amplia y blanca que jamás ví en mi vida.
Entonces, ¿quién es Su? ¿Quién es esta mujer con el nombre más corto del mundo? Tuve la oportunidad de conocerla en 2014 en Lima, fue en realidad la primera muestra peruana que vi en mi vida. Y cuando la vi por primera vez en el largo vestido de cóctel bailando en el césped del jardín del apartamento en el que me acababa de mudar, nunca hubiera esperado que la mantuviera como una buena y cercana amiga mía.
Fue difícil mantenerse en contacto en 2014, porque mi semestre en el extranjero en Lima fue una experiencia desenfrenada para mí, con muchos encuentros de corta duración. Por lo tanto, uno nunca sabe durante el primer semestre en el extranjero y la primera vez en otro continente, quiénes son las personas con las que puede contar y con las que vale la pena mantenerse en contacto.
Y Su definitivamente valió la pena y también fue la razón por la que visité las clases de Muay Thai. Practiqué algunas lecciones con ella los lunes por la mañana a las 7 am (!!),porque esta clase era la única coincidencia para encontrarnos. Como estudiante en el extranjero, debes comprender cuánta dedicación significa sacrificar un lunes por la mañana para que una chica te dé una paliza en una clase de Muay Thai.
Eres bienvenida Su, incluso años después. No hay necesidad de agradecerme por eso 😉
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A lo largo de los años nos mantuvimos en contacto y cuando regresaba a Lima después de cuatro años, el destino nos unió, a ella y a mí nuevamente. Me ofreció quedarme un par de días en su apartamento, mientras buscaba un lugar propio para quedarme en Lima. Casualmente, uno de sus compañeras de piso dijo un día después de mi llegada en enero de 2018, que se quería mudar del apartamento y coincidencias de la vida, ¡de repente había espacio disponible para mí!
Durante todos los años en el extranjero, viví con muchas personas juntas y cada una tiene sus propios hábitos. Algunos son más sociales, mientras que otros solo piensan en sí mismos. Susan era y es una persona…) muy social y me ayudó varias veces a salir de las miserias y problemas peruanos. Ella me integró bien en sus círculos de amigos y conocidos e incluso me presentó a los miembros de su familia. En comparación con la cultura familiar relajada de Europa Central, significa mucho, si eres bienvenido de una familia de amigos.
‘El camino de Susan’
¿Una fiesta, party, celebración y evento en Barranco sin Susan? ¡No imaginable! Durante mis siete meses en Lima, salimos juntos varias veces y nos divertimos mucho con la extraña y alegre población de Barranco. Mientras escribo el texto me estoy riendo de nuevo sobre todas las personas y abogados divertidos que conocimos durante las noches 😉
“El camino de Susan” se estableció por primera vez gracias a ella y luego se convirtió en un famoso tour nocturno Limeño. Si alguna vez alguien tiene la oportunidad de pasar algunos días en Lima, debe intentar de planificar un fin de semana allí. A Susan le gustaría guiarlos todos los viernes a partir de las 11 pm en “La noche de Barranco”. Debido a los mejores contactos con la vida nocturna, ella podrá conseguir unas mesas en cualquier momento, sin importar que lleno esté el salon. Para ella, es el bar el lugar perfecto para liberarse de la semana laboral de estrés e incluso celebró su cumpleaños allí.
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Alrededor de las 3 am del día siguiente, el tour continuará a un lugar super secreto llamado “El Bar de Nico”, al que solo se puede acceder para una cantidad limitada y selecta. Pero no se preocupen: Allí también tiene algunos buenos contactos disponibles para abrir las puertas secretas de uno de los mejores lugares del distrito.
Bailando con una sonrisa
Cuando otras personas toman sus bebidas o hablan entre ellas, ella es la única persona en la pista de baile que siempre está en movimiento. Susan baila. Susan sonríe. Susan baila y sonríe al mismo tiempo. Ella es feliz y otras personas también se alegran al observarla.
Normalmente hay una canción que te hace bailar. Susan y yo también tenemos una canción favorita. Es ‘El Baile y el Salon’ de Cafe Tacuba. Sentí como una ignición, cada vez que escuchábamos esa canción. Ella definitivamente quería bailar, cuando los tocadiscos tragamonedas tocaba esta canción.
Por supuesto, no hay una sola canción, que la hace querer moverse. Ni siquiera se necesita estar fuera de casa. Susan es una persona que puede bailar en casi todas partes, la única premisa es la música alta:
How often did I use this simple and amateurish little rhyme to ‘impress’ her? I can’t remember, but it developed as a winged word and even after the 4,328 time she still suppressed her annoyance and remained friendly with a smile showing the widest and whitest smile I have ever seen in my life.
Soooo, who is Su? Who is this woman with the shortest name of the world? I had the opportunity to meet her in 2014 in Lima, she was actually the first Peruvian specimen I saw in my life. And when I first saw her in the long cocktail dress dancing on the grass in the garden of the apartment I just moved in, I could’ve never expected to keep her as a good and close friend of mine.
It was difficult to remain in contact in 2014, because my semester abroad in Lima was a wild and rampant experience for me with a lot of short-time encounters. Hence you never know during your first semester abroad and at the first time in another continent, who are the people you can count on and worth to keep in touch with.
And Su was definitely worth it and was as well the reason why I visited Muay Thai classes. I practiced a few lessons with her on Monday mornings at 7am (!!), because that was the only timely overlap we could visit this class. As a student abroad, you should comprehend, how much dedication it means to sacrifice a Monday morning to get your ass kicked in a Muay Thai class by a girl.
You’re welcome Su, even years later. No need to thank me for that 😉
Over the years we kept in contact and when I was going back to Lima after four years, destiny put her and me together again. She offered me to stay for a couple of days in her apartment, whilst I was looking for an own place to stay in Lima. Coincidentally, one of her roommates said one day after my arrival in January 2018, that she wanted to move out the apartment and as coincidence commanded, there was suddenly room for me available!
During all the years abroad I lived with a lot of people together and every single one has his or her distinct habits. Some are more social, whereas others only think for themselves. Susan was (and is) a very social personality and helped me several times out of Peruvian miseries and troubles. She integrated me well in her circles of friends and acquaintances and even introduced me to her family members. Compared to the lax Central European family culture, it means quite a lot, if you are welcomed from a friends’ family.
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‘El camino de Susan’
A fiesta, party, celebration, happening and event in Barranco without Susan? Unimaginable! During my seven months in Lima, we went out together several times and had a lot of fun with the weird and tipsy population of Barranco. Meanwhile I am writing the text, I am laughing loud again about all the funny people and lawyers we met during the nights 😉
‘El camino de Susan’ was first established by her and got lather then promoted to a famous Limeñan nightlife tour. If you ever have the chance to spend some days in Lima, please try to plan a weekend there. Susan would be very happy to guide you every Friday from 11pm at ‘La noche de Barranco’. Due to best contacts with the nightlife, she will be able to get a table for you anytime, no matter how full the scenery will be. For her, it is the perfect bar to let loose from the stress work week and she even celebrated her birthday there.
Around 3am of the consequent day, the tour will be continued to a top-secret location called ‘El Bar de Nico’, that only can be reached from a limited and selected amount of people. But no worries: There she has certain good contacts available as well to open up the secret doors of one of the top spots of the district.
Dancing with a smile
When other people are sipping from their drinks or talking with each other, she is the one person on the dance floor, who is always in motion. Susan dances. Susan smiles. Susan dances and smiles at the same time. She is happy and other people get happy as well observing her.
There is usually that one song, that makes you wanna dance. Susan and me have a favorite song together as well. It is ‘El Baile y el Salon’ from Cafe Tacuba. Felt like an ignition, every time we listened to that song. She definitely wanted to dance, when the jukebox played this song.
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Of course, there is not this single song, that makes her wanna move. It’s not even needed to be out of home. Susan is a person, who can dance almost everywhere, the only premiss is loud music:
El Ojo Bermúdez
Unfortunately, the Peruvian national soccer team was only allowed to play three matches in Russia during the World Cup 2018. That’s why the most of my international readers probably won’t understand the following joke fully. But there is a funny little striker in the team called Edinson Flores. He was called several times during their matches from the TV-commentator ‘El Oreja Flores’, because of the following reason:
Although it might not seem nice, to reduce this player to his outstanding and obvious hearing organ, it became during the matches something like a running gag and welcome addition to entertain the audience. When Susan and me were going out at night, something very unusual happened to her sensory organs as well, but not to the ears. It was more her eyes, who didn’t really want to behave as she wanted to behave. Especially her right one:
Susan doesn’t like violence. But once, she looked like she was beaten and had something like an infection on her eyelid. That exacerbated her generic ‘problem’ with her eye and made it even more distinct:
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The crazy cat lady
Although Susan told me, that she doesn’t want to have kids, she is already a mother. Her brood are two impertinent and gorgeous cats, whereof one is a very hoggish specimen. I once wrote an article about the cat and also produced a video. You should definitely check it out – Then you know her cats and that the cats love her and seek always her presence. Especially a warm body to sleep.
Do you know this character from the Simpsons who is throwing with cats at strangers? The crazy cat lady? Definitely I can see parallels and am concerned, that flying cats will be used in Lima as weapon. Especially her obese tomcat Lugh can become a weapon and tear down an opponent with his weight. If you are walking at Avenida Paseo La Castellana in Surco, you should wear a helmet.
Susan is a snow first-timer
Did you ever see snow falling yourself? Smelled it? Felt its cool temperature, that numbs your fingers? I am always surprised, if my friends and acquaintances from South America have the desire and longing to know how it feels to touch snow?
If you grew up in Central Europe, you get annoyed by snow sooner or later in life. As a child, you may love snow for all its appealing additional bonuses like snowball fights, building snowmen and outages of classes. If you are older, you hate to freeze and the terrible traffic jams caused by snow.
I am very glad to be the one who shared Susan’s first experience with snow. Somehow there is not a difference between a little girl and a grown-up lady. If they see both snow for the first time, they don’t really know what to do. Later they dare to dare and touch it and get used to the unique texture of the frozen water. Finally, they have fun and can’t stop touching it.
A lot of good Sundays
If we didn’t finish devastated at 6am (or later!) at the bars of Barranco, we usually spent a lot of great Sundays together. Mostly eating good food in Cevicherias, watching preparation matches of the Peruvian squad for the World Cup or visit some far neighborhoods in and around Lima to pass a great day before preparing for the next working week.
A few very nice Sundays I put together in the slideshow below:
So much fun is such less time
I have actually so much more funny stuff and stories to tell about her, that I sometimes forget how confident they are exactly. Maybe it’s better sometimes to keep quiet and enjoy thinking about these funny moments. But there are a lot of other good moments that I captured with my phone to tell a story:
My plan was to go to a Sushi restaurant, order the ‘All you can eat’-menu and eat at least 100 Makis. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it due to different reasons and only highscored 91. But Susan came with me and helped me emotionally with that big challenge. I’m proud to have finally found someone, who supports my gluttony!
But it’s not always about quantity and ‘All you can eat’. Especially in Peru – a country that celebrates eating – you can find a lot of high quality food. These dishes are actually so heavily tasty, that you don’t want to leave a single piece or drop on your plate, before the waiter comes to clean up the table. Su would like to show you in the following video, that table manners are in Peru defined as followed:
Believe it or not, but that’s pretty normal in Peru. And maybe also in a lot of other countries of the world. But the difference is probably to usually not do that in public 😉
If someone nourishes herself with good food, she should be also in a healthy state:
Next to cats, she has also a heart for plastic giraffes and the brightest smile I have ever seen:
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What a powerful lady!
The more I think about Susan, the more respect I have for her and the way she is able to manage her life. It’s not easy to live as a woman alone and independently in this world. But trying the same in South America and in a macho dominated culture how she has to face it every day in Peru lets me compel respect from her. Especially if Lugh eats up the half of her monthly budget.
It is a sad thing in life, if you don’t know for sure, when or if you are able to see each other again, isn’t it? I think, that it is.
Sometimes, the ways of two different people cross each other surprisingly again. Same happened after all with our first reencounter in January 2018. But when will be the second reencounter? And where? And why? It definitely won’t be for wedding or birth-related happenings, that’s for sure. Neither she nor I have any intention to follow the mainstream rules and rather want to live an individual life.
But one thing I know for sure. No matter when we are meeting each other again or how long it may take to see each other again. I am pretty sure, that we will still have the same trust and faith in each other, still laugh about the same childish jokes and still the same deep and profound conversations about life and all its challenges. I miss talking to her. She was like a big sister to me, who I never had.
