OK, so I’ve already told you about how my Caribbean cruise last week included snorkelling in Grand Turk – but another highlight was a day trip to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic: I didn’t know what to expect, and to be honest, it was an absolute revelation.
Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic, and it really is the most extraordinary place, all faded, crumbling beauty, but perfectly preserved (and there’s a lot of restoration work going on). Founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus (younger brother of Christopher), it has cobbled streets and atmospheric squares…
…the people are so friendly – it was a special day for schoolchildren when we there, including this lot (bless them): there’s a huge effort to improve literacy in the Dominican Republic at the moment and increase the numbers of kids going to school…
…and I loved these wonderful dancers who were only too happy to have their photo taken…
…we visited the Alcázar de Colón…
…(I really loved this candlestick)…
…and the Catedral Santa María La Menor…
…the spectacular Pantéon Nacional, where this soldier was on guard (he must have been so hot but didn’t move a muscle)…
and the Parque Colón, which has this intriguing statue (I’m not sure who the naked lady is.)
It was only a day trip, sadly, but it definitely made me want to return to the Dominican Republic and discover more.
