Welcome to the Dominican Republic

Hello everyone! Welcome to this blog where we will take you on a virtual tour across this beautiful caribbean island, a paradise close in our hearts and at the same time far away (although not that much!) on the maps.

We will talk about tourism, of course; about the fascinating hotels next to wonderful beaches surrounded by palm trees, about visiting colonial cities full of history, about food and cuisine with a caribbean twist...

We will also talk about landscapes and corners of the country little known by mass tourism, but full of beauty and authenticity, and of course about the Dominican people, their sympathy and their envy to live life with true caribbean joy.



Finally, for those who are seriously thinking about relocating in the Dominican Republic, we will be posting useful information about housing and real estate.

Also: Maps, information about dominican cities and useful tips about subjects such as travel, visas, work permits, and of course education, health and medical assistance.

And many more things: be patient as we will be doing our best to make comments and ask questions, as we will answer as soon as we can.

Welcome to Quisqueya!

The City of Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is the oldest city founded by Europeans in the Americas: founded by Bartolomé Colón, Columbus' brother, in 1496 on the shore of the Ozama river. Its current situation is not the original one, as it was moved by Nicolás de Ovando in 1502. There we can see the New World first street, the first cathedral, first university, first hospital... The so-called Colonial Zone is like traveling in time back to the 16th century.

If you want to know more about those times, don't miss the city's museums:

Museo de las Casas Reales
Calle Las Damas, Santo Domingo
Teléfono: (809) 682-4202
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
The building ws the siege of the Supreme court in the 16th century. This museum illustrates the rich heritage of Santo Domingo with tapestries, maps and other objects dating back from 1492 to 1821.

Alcázar de Colón
Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
Teléfono: (809) 686-8657
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Daily
This palace was built in 1500 by Diego Colón, Columbus' son, and has object that belonged to the Dsicoverer. The square where it is located has plenty of shops, bars and restaurants. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the ambiance.

Other interesting museums are: the Museum of the Dominican Man (Plaza de la Cultura, Santo Domingo. Tel.: 809-686-2145, hosts an excellent collection of pre-Columbian art and also of African tradition with samples of voodoo elements and carnival costumes) and the National Museum of History and Geography (Plaza de la Cultura, Santo Domingo. Tel.: 809-686-2145, showing main features of the first inhabitants of the island, the American Occupation and relationship with Haiti).

But Santo Domingo is not just that: the modern part of the city, full of high-rise apartment towers and malls, is full of animation day and night.
The skyline of Santo Domingo, is dominated by the prominent silhouette of the 31-storey Malecón Center facing the seaside avenue of the same name; and in the outskirts of the city the Botanical Garden has an excellent collection of trees and plants, including some rare varieties that only grow in this island. Among the trees that can be seen there, the national tree: the flamboyán or framboyán.

Food in Dominican Republic

Present day's Dominican Cuisine mixes taino Indian, European and African influences in an explosion of flavors rich in flavors and spices.

Casabe, a kind of flat bread made of yucca by the taino indians, became the bread of Conquistadores tht fed the expeditions that departed from the island to conquer new territories in the continent.

Other staples in the taino culture were corn and potatoes, soon imported into Europe by the Spaniards. And we must not forget the fabulous variety of tropical fruits: pineapple, coconut, passion fruit, papaya, guava and many others.


Among most typical recipes of modern day dominicans the following must not be missed:

• Mangú, traditional Dominican breakfast, made with cooked, mased plantain and fried onions;

• Dominican Sancocho , similar to a stew where different meats and vegetables are cooked together forming a thick broth. Most usual ingredients include cow, chicken and pork meat, accompanied by yucca, potatoes, plantains, yautias, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and peppers, all seasoned with coriander and parsley. The actual list of ingredients will depend on the possibilities of each family and availability of the ingredients.
  

• The "Bandera" (flag): Chicken or pork meat, rice and beans this forms the basis of most Dominicans nutrition;

• many rice dishes, as rice is the most important food staple in Dominican Republic : for example: Asopao (a rice soup, with fish or shrimps) Moro de Guandules (rice, boiled with guandules or "pigeon peas", a legume that looks similar to a green pea) , or Locrio (similar to Spanish paella);

• mofongo, of possible african origin, made with fried plantain and fried pork skins;

• And Chivo Picante or Chivo Liniero: a spicy goat stew. Unlike other caribbean islands, Dominican Republic cuisine isn't particularly spicy. This dish is one of the few exceptions.
  

• A truly Dominican dessert, made especially during Easter: Habichuelas con Dulce ("sweet beans").
  

In future posts we will be discovering the recipes of these and more Dominican dishes.

Living in Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic is quickly becoming, for its privileged climate and the affordable price of real estate properties, in one of the preferred places to live for many European and American seniors, who can see how their purchase power goes beyond what it does back home.

However, it is important not to forget that relocating to Dominican Republic isn't the same as spending a week enjoying the "All Inclusive" hotels of Punta Cana or Puerto Plata. This is a far more serious decission, and we must not forget that the quality of utilities services that the country offers, is not the same as in a developed country.

But if this little caribbean paradise is the land of your dreams, then go ahead: Entry formalities aren't really complicated in this country.



First of all, entry visas are not necessary for nationals of developed countries, and one can legally apply for a job having entered as a tourist in Dominican Republic. However, unemployment is quite high so you shouldn't expect plenty of job offers. Salaries are low, as well.

What you eventually need is a resident card, whose application procedure takes a few months to process, therefore it is important to apply as soon as possible.

When you finally get yours, you will also be given another document, an ID card called "cedula" tha mus be renewed annually. The resident card you obtain the first time you apply for it is provisional, so after one year you must repaat the whole process to get the permanent resident card.

Punta Cana

Punta Cana is the main touristic hotspot in the Dominican Republic. Its miles and miles of beaches with the thinnest, whitest sand you can imagine, made it a first class tourist attractive, and all along the coastline dozens of resorts and hotels from the leading international hotel groups. Working usally with the "All Inclusive" formula, and ranging from luxury to more affordable ones, but always of great quality. In any travel agency, you are sure to find packages and flights to Punta Cana.


Celebrities such as Julio Iglesias and Dominican fashion designer Oscar de la Renta made heavy investments in this area and are partners, among other projects, in the spectacular International Airport of Punta Cana, built completely in wood and with roofs made with palm leaves.

The name of the region is due to the promontory of the same name, around which lie the beaches of Playa Bávaro and others like Cortecito, Ubero Alto and Macao. The tropical climate in Punta Cana ofrecoffers constant temperatures, averaging 26 ºC, in a range of 12º from the 20 ºC in winter to a maximum of 32 ºC in summer.


Being so far away from every main city (200 miles away from Santo Domingo, and 40 miles from Higuey, the little capital of the province of La Altagracia, where it administratively belongs), Punta Cana is indeed a place to relax, practice water sports and enjoy the beach or the hotel's amenities. The only place of a certain arhitectonic interest is the Basilique of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, in Higüey.

Non-alcoholic drinks

Not everything is rhum and chilled beer in Dominican Republic: tropical fruit juices are a delight; for example those made from guanábana (Soursop) juice, chinola (passionfruit), tamarind or delicious combinations such as Morir Soñando, with orange juice, ice cubes and condensed milk (or evaporated milk plus sugar).


Of course the ubiquitous soft drinks like Coca-Cola are present here, together with a local brand, Red Rock.

Dominican Republic is also renowned because of its coffee, from the arabica variety, soft and aromatic, with medium body and medium to high acidity. The coffee bush is cultivated in mid-mountain areas, and always under the shadow of bigger trees. Santo Domingo is one of the main Dominican coffee brands.

The North Coast: Puerto Plata, Sosúa and Cabarete

Puerto Plata is one of the oldest cities in Dominican Republic, founded in 1496 by Bartolomé Colón, son of Christoper Columbus. The city spreads at the feet of the impressive mountain called Loma Isabel de Torres (where you can ride to the top on a cable car), and its recently restored malecón is a very pleasant place for a stroll by the sea. When in Puerto Plata, it is worthwile visiting the Amber Museum and the 16th century San Felipe Fortress, or maybe you prefer a trip to the Brugal distillery, where you´ll be offered the chance to taste their world class rhums.


The city has indeed a certain British colonial influence, and still preserves many of its old Victorian-style wooden houses. But it is probably better known in the world because of the nearby Playa Dorada beach tourist resort, which includes shops, restaurants and hotels all around a golf course.

Just a few miles away are the International Airport and the city of Sosua, which is also a tourist hotspot with a very peculiar history: During World War II, there was a thriving Jewish colony formed by refugees fleeing Nazi Germany, who were brought there by Dominican dictator Trujillo. There is still a synagogue, a Jewish museum and a flourishing food industry whose origins can be traced down to those determined and hardworking immigrants.

Near Sosua there is one of world's best spots for windsurf and kite surf, the miles long beach of Cabarete. Every year, a world contest of kitesurf and another one of windsurf are held here, and there are several schools where you can learn these sports.

Following the main seaside road towards the East we will arrive to Río San Juan, little coastal village that boasts one of the biggest and most famous beaches in the country: Playa Grande, together with other equally superbe but smaller and less known beaches. There are big hotels and agolf course in the area.

Río San Juan has yet another two natural wonders: the Gri-Gri lagoon. Its name is due to the mangroves that grow on its shores; and the Cabo Francés National Park.

If, instead of going East, we turn towards the West of Puerto Plata, following the coast line, we will se how the landscape changes, gradually becoming more arid and dry. The so called Línea Noroeste (northwest line), the area closest to the border with Haiti, is one of the hottest, driest regions of the country. Its capital, Montecristi is a tranquil provincian city, famous for its typical dish, the spicy goat stew called chivo liniero.

The South of the Dominican Republic

Southern Dominican Republic is the poorest and least known area of the country, but it boasts a wide range of natural riches that make the region have a lot of potential for ecologically friendly tourism.


One of the region's hidden gems is Bahía de las Águilas (Eagles Bay), a place of unique beauty. There are other gorgeous beaches, such as Barahona, center of a burgeoning touristic development, and an exotic lake situated under the sea level, Lake Enriquillo, where iguanas, pink flamingos and an endemic species of crocodile have their home.

Healthcare in Dominican Republic

Dominican public health system is precarious and underfunded, so it is strongly advised to get a private health insurance policy if you decide to stay in the country. Privately held hospitals are quite good, and a medical insurance policy wih one of the insurance companies calle ARS (Aseguradoras de Riesgos de Salud - Health Risk Insurances), which have made agreements with the best hospitals in the country, is the best way to get access to them at a very reasonable price.

A quite important remark: the term Hospital, is usually employed here for public hospitals which, as we said above, lack the most basic resources. The word Clínica, is the most used to talk about privately owned health centers.



Among them, the best are in Santo Domingo and Santiago: In the country's capital there are Hospiten (which also has a facility in Punta Cana), AAA Health Centers, or Clínica Abreu.

In Santiago, Clínica Corominas, Clínica Unión Medica, and Instituto Materno Infantil are among the most reputed. Bournigal in Puerto Plata also has a good reputation.

Dominican Republic Climate and Geography

Geographi of the Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic is situated in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, geographically between 68° 19´ and 73° 31´ West and between 17° 36´ and 19° 59´ North. It shares with Haiti the island of Hispaniola or La Española, one of the Major Antilles, of which it takes approximately two thirds of the surface. Total country's extension is 48,670.82km², including small adjacent islands.

The country has a shore line of 1,576 Km. and 488 Km. of border with Haiti.

The country is mountainous in a 72%, as there are several ridges that cross the country from Northeast to Southwest: Central Ridge or Cordillera Central, the most important in the country and the Antilles, and which comprises the Pico Duarte, 3,175 m above sea level. The Northern Ridge or Cordillera Septentrional in the north, separates the atlantic coastal plains from the Cibao Valley. Its highest elevation is Pico Diego de Ocampo. In the south, the ridges of Neiba and Bahoruco. Finally, the Eastern Ridge or Cordillera Oriental, separates the Cibao Valley from the Caribbean coastal plains.




Main rivers are all born in the central Ridge: Yaque del Norte, Yuna, Artibonito and Yaque del Sur.

Between the ridges of Neiba and Bahoruco there is Lake Enriquillo, the biggest of the Antilles. 42 meters below sea level and with salty waters, it constitutes one of the strangest ecosysteme of the island. Iguanas, flamingos and caymans live in its shores.

Other important lakes are Laguna de Rincón, Laguna de Oviedo, Laguna Redonda and Laguna Limón.

Climate of the Dominican Republic

In spite of being a tropical country, climate is as varied as the island geography, varying from semiarid in the West and South of the country and extremely wet in the North and center: average rainfall goes from 350mm. and 2.743,mm. per year, depending on the area.
There are two rainy seasons: For the north coast the rainiest period comprises November to January. For the rest of the country, it is May to November, with an average rainfall of 2000 mm. March is the driest month in most of the country, with less than 500 mm. There are, however, plenty of regional microclimates.



Coasts have a tropical climate with average temperaturas betwen 18º C and 25º C, being January the coldest month and August the hottest.
Central mountains, where the weather is much cooler, can even see temeratures falling below freezing point in winter.
The hurricane season in the Caribbean begins on June 1st and lasts until November 30th.

Embassies in the Dominican Republic

List of main Consulates and Embassies in Dominican Republic

Germany

Gustavo Mejía Ricart No. 196 (esq. Av. Abraham Lincoln), Torre Piantini (Piso 16/17), Ensanche Piantini, Santo Domingo

Tel.: 809-542-8949 o 809-542-8950 Fax: 809-542-8955
Fax: 809-542-8961 (Sección Consular)
e-mail: info@santo-domingo.diplo.de
http://www.santodomingo.diplo.de/Vertretung/santodomingo/es/Startseite.html

Australia

The Trinidad and Tobago embassy representes Australian interests in Dominican Republic:
18 Herbert Street, St Clair. Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
PO Box 4640, St James. Port of Spain

Tel.: +1 (868) 628 0695 Fax +1 (868) 622 0659
http://www.trinidadandtobago.embassy.gov.au/

Belgium

Consular section (Depends on the embassy in Caracas, Venezuela):
207 Padre Billini
Ciudad Colonial, D.N.Santo Domingo, Republica Dominicana

+ (001) (809) 687.22.44+ (001) (809) 221-7369
consubel@ilanguage.com secr.consubel@dom-rep.com
www.diplomatie.be

Colombia

Calle Fernando Escobar, No. 8A, Ensanche Serralles, Santo Domingo D.N.
Tel. 1 809 5625282 - 5621670 Fax. 1 809 5623253
email: erdomini@minrelext.gov.co

Cuba

Hatuey 808, Esquina Privada El Millón
Santo Domingo - Republica Dominicana
Tel. 537 2113 / 537 0139 / 537 9795 Fax. 537 9820

Canada

Capitan Eugenio de Marchena No. 39,
La Esperilla, Santo Domingo
Código Postal: 2054
Teléfono: + 1-200-0012 / 809-685-1136
Fax: + 1 809 682-2691
E-Mail: sdmgo@international.gc.ca
Web: http://geo.international.gc.ca/latin-america/dominicanrepublic.htm

Denmark

Honorary consul: Avenida Abraham Lincoln #504
Santo Domingo, D.N
Teléfono: (809) 549-5100
Fax: (809 567-7992
http://www.ambassade-info.dk/dkdominicansancg.htm
Depends on the embassy in México: mexamb@um.dk http://www.danmex.org

Spain

Av. Independencia, 1205. Santo Domingo
Apartado de Correos, 1468
Tel. 535-6500 Fax. 535-1595

General Consulate
Av. Independencia, 1205. Santo Domingo
Tel. 535-1615 (Ext. 241) Fax. 535-1550
Email:embespdo@mail.mae.es

Work, Social Scurity and Social Affairs section:
Dirección:Av. Independencia, 1205.-Santo Domingo.
Teléfono:(809) 533-5257.Fax:(809) 533-5152.

Commercial Affairs:
Dirección:Av. Winston Churchill esq. Luis F. Thomen, Torre BHD, 4.º Piso.-Santo Domingo. P.O.Box 21421, Santo Domingo.
Teléfo no: 567-5682.Fax:(809) 542-6026.

Cooperation office AECI:
Dirección:Hostos, 207.-Santo Domingo.
Teléfono:(809) 689-5090.Fax:(809) 689-5877.
Email:aeci.rd.@codetel.net.do

Centro Cultural de España (Spain's Culture Center)
Antiguo Colegio Gorjón: Dirección:Arz. Meriño, esquina Arz. Portes.
Santo Domingo.
Teléfono:(809) 686-8212. Fax:(809) 682-8351.
Email:aeci-cch.ici@codetel.net.do

U.S.A.

César Nicolás Penson esquina Máximo Gómez
Teléfono: (809) 221-2171 | Fax: (809) 685-6959
http://www.usemb.gov.do

France

Calle Las Damas #42
Zona Colonial
Santo Domingo, D.N
Teléfono: (809) 687.5626 (Chancellery)
(809) 687.5244 (Consular Section)
Fax: (809) 687.5273 (Chancellery)
(809) 687.5272 (Consular Section)

ambafrance@ambafrance-do.org
http://www.ambafrance-do.org

Netherlands (Holland)

C/ Máximo Henríquez Ureña # 50
Teléfono : (809) 262-0320
Fax: (809) 565-4685
Tel. consular section: (809) 262-0300
std@minbuza.nl
http://www.holanda.org.do

Italy

Calle Rodríguez Objío # 4
Gazcue
Teléfonos: (809) 682-0830 /689-3684/686-6781
Fax: (809) 682-8296
ambital@codetel.net.do
www.ambasantodomingo.esteri.it


Israel

Av. Pedro Henrique Ureña No.80. Santo Domingo
Apartado Postal 1404, Santo Domingo
Tel. : 542-1635/542-1548/541-8974 Fax : 562-3555
embasisrael@codetel.net.do


United Kingdom

Av. 27 de Febrero
Edif. Corominas Pepin – 7mo piso
Santo Domingo, D.N
Teléfono : (809) 472-7111
brit.emb.sadom@codetel.net.do

Other places of interest:


Secretary of State for Foreign Relations (Secretaría de Estado para la Relaciones Exteriores)
http://serex.gov.do/

European Commission Delegation (Delegación de la comisión Europea)
http://www.deldom.ec.europa.eu/es/contacts/contactrd.htm

Other useful websites

http://www.netdux.com/yaaconsulados.htm