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The Dominican Republic captures many of the images that come to
mind when describing the Caribbean: palm-fringed beaches, soaring
mountains, misty jungles, cascading waterfalls and awe-inspiring
sunsets. In fact, the Dominican Republic is a geological
mini-version of the entire Caribbean. Across its beautiful and
diverse landscape is the region's highest point, Pico Durate at
10,417 feet, and the lowest spot, Lago Enriquillo at 135 feet.
About 10 percent of the country is protected by national parks and
the island features over 5,500 species of flowers and plants.
Having it all
As diverse as the Dominican Republic is geologically, so are its
vacation choices. To some the island is full of swank resorts and
night life pulsating to merengue and non-stop casino action. Then
there are those who come to enjoy a thousand miles of sugar-white
beaches, or challenge some of the most beautiful and difficult
golf courses in the world. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to
trekking and biking through the magnificent mountain ranges which
are scattered throughout the island, often dramatically rising
straight up from the sea. In Old Santo Domingo, history
aficionados can witness the buildings and streets that were once
inhabited by Columbus, Ponce de Leon, and Cortez.
Smiles abound with friendly
locals
Though some people will be taken aback by the poverty, ramshackle
roads, weaving high speed taxis, and seemingly endless chaos in
the hustle and bustle of Santo Domingo, almost all will agree that
the local people are among the warmest, friendliest, and most
interesting of the Caribbean.
Christopher Columbus arrived off the north shores of the
Dominican Republic in 1492. His own diary makes references to the
incredible beauty of the island and the extreme tenderness and
friendliness of the original inhabitants -- The Taino Indians.
Unfortunately their trust of Columbus was exploited, and the
Tainos soon disappeared into the history books as their population
was enslaved to work in Spanish mines. Those who resisted quickly
perished.
The oldest city in the "New
World"
In 1496 Christopher Columbus's brother, Bartolomeo, founded the
first permanent and now the oldest European settlement in the new
world, Santo Domingo. At the time, the entire island -- the
largest in the Caribbean after Cuba -- was known as Hispaniola,
and the colonial city of Santo Domingo served as the jumping-off
point for further Spanish colonization of the Caribbean and the
Americas.
For the next 300 years the island was the scene of constant
warfare between European powers. The French carved out the western
third of the island that eventually became known as Haiti. The
Dominican Republic struggled through several wars of independence,
in 1821 from Spain, and in 1844 from Haiti.
Caribbean island with a Latin
American beat
Through it all, the people have remained warm, open, and friendly.
They are passionate about music and dance. Merengue greets you at
the airport, travels with you in your taxi, and is probably
playing in the lobby as you arrive at your hotel! While you will
hear the latest hits from America or Europe, you will also be able
to experience a wide range of Dominican music (with influences
from Africa and Latin America), including Salsa, Caribbean Jazz,
Folkloric and the Tumba (horn) styles of neighboring islands. And
if you want to enjoy another great local passion, ask about
baseball. Outside of North America, the Dominican Republic has the
most active players on the rosters of US Major League Baseball.
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