Dominican Republic - A Paradise Of The Earth

Caribbean area does not involve rum, cigars or pretty women. Under such idea, you can imagine also many beautiful beaches, including possibility of coral diving and another water jollifications connected with holidays, where you could be really fully coddled. Nevertheless, it would not be our goal, if our article could callback to travel agency broadsheet, we wish to mention the other part of such matter. So, a „contrast“ would be most typical word for complete Caribbean area. Perfect comfort, accompanied with a bit of adventure, luxurious villas of millionaires from all over the world, modern hotels, offer of fresh fruits, including exotic gastronomical experience on one part, and, on the opposite part, evident poverty of local inhabitants, penurious lodgings, no knowledge of reading and writing, omnipresent chaos, missing traffic rules, shortage of electric stream, terribly bureaucracy and many other „contrivances“ of tropical „Gotham“. So, holiday type of character: airport-resort-airport is of no risk of possible meeting with local way of life more as necessary. Anyway, this rule could be valid for all holiday places all over the world, maybe, except Scandinavian countries…

Provided the lines described above, did not terrified you, so you could not be afraid of anything, pleasant information follows now. This article was not written by chance but in direct relation to main prize-reward of our photo-competition - i.e. trip to Dominican Republic. So, this attractive prize will merit some information about the country, we did not visited in our web-site up to now. So, shortly: Republica Dominicana is situated in the centre of Caribbean area. It is located in eastern part of Hispaniola Island, in the middle of Great Antilles group of islands. Haiti is the only neighbouring state. The countryside is mountaneous, and its highest peak is Pico Duarte (3087 metres). Anyway, this peak reminds under hot and, first of all, humid tropical pall all year round which is, however, interfered with one of many regular hurricanes.

The history of this island state started to be written just in a moment of its „official discovery“. And it was Christopher Columbus, when he sailed there in memorable year 1492, and marked this place with truthful words – „Paradise on the Earth“. So, the grounds of Santo Domingo, capital, started to be put shortly afterthat. This town is, even till now, metropolis centre of the whole island. In past, half of this island was appointed to France, whereas whereas the second half to Spain. Local inhabitants fought for their independence in 1844. Anyway, the Spaniards remained always good allies, especially as a protection against British, eager for conquest. The history od 20th century is connected, for this country, with different conflicts, where a certain role was played by American units, coup d´etats or deep financial crisis, which brought, except failures and disturbances, also a shadow of omnipresent poverty. Anyway, a change came at the beginning of 21st century, when rich tourist potential started to be used in complete Caribbean area, outlasting up to now.

As a main centre of tourists´ interest, it is, first of all, capital Santo Domingo, a target of one-day excursions, as well as the knowledge of monuments from colonial era and authentic atmosphere of Caribbean way of life or night bars, full of rum and tobacco smell. Punta Cana belongs, no doubt, to most popular holiday resorts. It is target point of winners of our photo-competition. It is shopwindow, tourist paradise with modern infrastructure, concentration of many services and entertainment of all kinds on spot. It is a sign of exclusive holiday, where hospitality of all-inclusive resorts is mixed with naturalness of exotic nature. You can play golf there, or enjoy your time on white beaches, swimming in transparent water. The access there is everywhere slow, with no risk of injury in the water. Bavaro belongs to most known beaches, getting its fame all over the world. The fact which makes Punta Cana as most pleasant, is a reality, that, despite its great fame, the beach is keeping enough of original sentimental harmony with nature, quiet and naturalness. This area does not change into megaloman resorts by insensible putting of objects into neighbouring countryside.

Boca Chica is another relax and entertainment locality, situated in the suburbs of capital. Here, this is a popular centre of night life, discos and vigorous evenings. Puerto Plata belongs to one of most important ports. This locality is placed along north coast. Picturesque small streets and fishermen way of life are guarded carefully with a copy of Jesus Christ Statue, known from Rio de Janeiro. Bayhahibe resort, placed at south-east part of the island, is visited, first of all, by lovers of original wild nature and romanticism, as it is situated at the border of Del Este National Park, popular with its rich nest of cave complexes, hiding wall pictures of original inhabitants.

Regarding practical advice, which would be interesting for every tourist, we stress those most important ones, by means of following system:brief question - brief answer.

When to go there? De facto, it is possible during all year round, as no seasons are existing there. The difference between temperatures are + - 4 °C degrees. Main season is covering with dry periodi.e. since November till the end of April.

Some threat of disease? The refreshments from local markets could bring a ceratin risk of salmonela or jaundice, from time to time. Nevertheless, standard vaccination is sufficent. Our standard medicines and repelents are also O.K. You are recommended to take Endiaron with! Caution: so called sexual tourist activity is not recommanded in any case (as it is valid, similarly, in all countries of the world). The reason: nearly 3% of persons are infected with AIDS! Nevertheless, it is a fact that in hotels, experienced doctors are available. In any case: do avoid boarding outside hotels - with local people. Medicine execuition costs approx. USD 50 for one visit.

It is worth to mention here: the women in Dominican Republic belong (within scope of world´s survey) to most attractive persons at all! But this fact would need more detailed analysis, you will be convinced yourselves!

How long takes the flight? approx. 10 hours in a plain, the transfers and changes are not calculated.

What about money and payment? The payment, effected with USD or EUR or payment made by credit card is possible without any problem: Local currency - Pesetas - could be used as gifts (donations), or more, as bribes presented to „local people“, but they would prefer just USD currency. A tip makes approx. 10% from expenses or for another services (luggage transfer or a tip for driver - it is USD 1-3). If you will be satisfied with guide´s service, you can recompensate him with amount of  USD 5. And these people are very obliged to you. Rate of exchange is, as follows: 1 Peso = 0,65 CZK.

The information unit price of drinks in restaurants: soft drinks approx. USD 2, glass of beer USD 3 alcoholic drinks USD 5. The unit price for light dinner costs approx. USD 15.

What about electric current nest? It is mostly of 110 V. Nevertheless, new hotels have introduced  220V standard. Anyway, would you take with the respective change adaptation device, or try to get some detailed information, before you leave.

What to visit in Dominican Republic? It is, first of all, Punta Cana (Bavaro Beach), Juan Dolio (Boca Chica, including night life), romantic locality of Bayahibe (La Romana town), the resorts along northern coast. These localities are cheaper but local weather is frequently unsettled. (Puerto Plata, Sosua, Cabarete).

What about diving? Dominican Republic belongs to diving great powers, but even  snorkle activities are in shallow places, thanks to corals´existence,  wonderful submarine entertainment.

What about gastronomy? In summer resorts, the boarding is represented from 90% woth European or Euro-American kitchen, added partially with local delicaties, such as: grilled small pieces of poultry. „Pica Pollo“ or all imaginable banana mash. But, you are recommended to specialize for an unrepeatable taste of fresh fruits and sea-foods. The rice and sweet potatoes are served often as side-dish.

What to drink? You can drink everything, except water. This is main source of infection (such truth is known from all around the world). Would you avoid consumption (drinking) of tapped water, even in hotels. This water is O.K. for teeth hygiene. In general, would you drink bottled water only. This is always offered in restaurants  as well as in hotels, and its quality is irreproachable. But, on the other hand, would you try something from wide offer of reed rum!

What about shoppings and souvenirs? It is necessary to bargain and negotiate always and everywhere, similarly, as it must be done in Arabian countries. In fact, the offered price is 60-70% higher as standard price level. On the other hand, in hotel shops and summer resorts, the prices are fixed. This way of entertainment is live in city centres, or at monuments with merchants of all kinds. Standard shops are marked as Colmando, in bigger localities, there are classical supermarkets, as well.

Regarding popular souvenirs, these are rum and cigars. Attention: the purchase of such items would not overtop your personal use. You probably are aware of a fact that 50 cigar boxes could be difficult to bring into custom´s space. Dominican Republic surpassed even Cubanian export, as far as cigar production is concerned. Moreover, numerous excursions have their target, visiting cigar plantations.

What about bathing and sharks? We are in Caribic, and this is a paradise for many sea-fish, including anxiety against sharks. To tell the truth, these animals are not to be found along local beaches. If you would like to see them, would you visit sea-aquarium in Santo Domingo. On the other jand, you can enjoy adrenalin excursions, including hunting and diving in shark area! In winter, one whale show is the attraction Number 1. Gigantic whales copulate there since middle January to middle March. So, it is possible to follow many of such giants from a distance of couple of metres only!

Which are possibilities for car rent, or lease of scooter or ship? You can rent a car or motorcycles for a fee of USD 30 per one day. Provided you are missing some part of necessary courage or able (competent) navigator, excellent perception and some rests of self -preservation, would you omit some type of action. Except leasing, you have to pay advanced money or bond, better to say, and guarantee, for a case, if the vehicle would be damaged or some loss would be caused to another body. As a „white man“ you can meet very severe police, and you would hardly prove that you did not caused  the offence!

To tell the truth, it is not necessary, as the corruption, as well as numerous hush-money have really long tradition in this country. Moreover, would you forget any road infrastructure in inland, such as: petrol stations, car service, or telephone connection. When travelling with a yacht, this could be a bit better but the unit price is rather expensive (USD 200 and more!). Apart of this, you are obliged to have a crew available. So, it is better to use the service of excursion ship, and the same is valid for trips in dry land. Regarding islands, you are recommended to visit Saona or Catalina islands.

What about phone-service to Czech Republic? Mobil (cellular) nest is effected by local operators, under control of international companies, such as Orange, etc. In order to use mobil call, you need so called tribald mobil. This system is able to applicate American GSM platform. So, phone-calls to the Czech Republic are to be done by means of International Call Centre- i.e. phone and internet centres  which are cheaper as hotel phone calls. The unit price for one minute costs approx. USD 2. Apart of this, you can buy phone-cards for Pesos 100 (CZK 200). Phoning via Comunicard could be done, as for instance: dial 311, wait untill the operator finishes his speech, place phone card number 011 +420 xxx xxx xxx (your concrete phone number).

The survey of questions and  answers could be found for more pages but we do not have a time nor space here. So, what to say at the end: we wish to spend your nice holidays, plenty of calm and patience, regarding communication with local people. They are well aware of a fact  that the contact with you, travellers, could be one from exits from long crisis, and so, you can expect their way of behaviour to you. It is kindness, interest and even small service for you, which is merited to be rewarded with some other dollar more.

Text: Jan Chaloupka

Translation: ing. Jan Jonáš

Photo: M. Tesařík, Wikipedia Commons: Fogster ,  Michał Sulczyński ,  EdwinCasadoBaez , Dr. Eugen Lehle , Siso84