FROM THE STREETS

ANOTHER "GREAT ONE" BITES THE DUST!

Wow! Say it ain't so my favorite spot in the DR has finally bit the dust and closed it's doors. No details, no follow up just up and closed. The Camillo House Apartments better known as Anthony's place closed it doors quietly and mysteriously earlier this summer!

Anthony Montgomery, a native New yorker transplanted Dominican is one of the long time highly successful ex pats. Moving to Santo Domingo and quickly establishing himself as a promoter, tourism professional and local host all helped him become very well respected in the travel and entertainment industries. Anthony was instrumental and the force behind many bed and breakfast upstarts. He was also the ever informative editor of the "MONAGA" blog.

His most notable was the Camillo Houses on Calle de Padre Belini. The apartments well well kept, clean and centrally located for a very reasonable dollar. It is not known just what and how circumstances played out in the closing but is we know Anthony we have not heard the last from our resilient and enduring entrepreneur friend.

I am personally saddened because Anthony always knew exactly how and what I expected on my visits which were numerous over the years. I will miss apartment 6 on the front, our brief talks and laughs.

LIFESTYLE AND CULTURE

"DRIFT THRILLS" NOW IN SANTO DOMINGO!
Domincan "Motor Sport" enthusiasts in Santo Domingo are getting an official "Drift Track". Located on Av. Luperon, former site of Herrera Airport, the track is sponsored by AmBev Dominicana manufacturers of the popular beer Brahma, in coordination with Carlos Then of Then Projects. "The Brahma Light Drift Track" opens on September 19th.
Calvin Wan and Casper Canul of the American Drift Association are expected to attend the opening events. Popular Puerto Rican hip-hop band Calle 13 will be performing. The event starts at 2pm and costs RD$500 (roughly $16 USD). Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance online at ticketexpress.com.do

"Drifting" is a driving technique; a motor sport where the driver intentionally oversteers, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels through turns while preserving vehicle control and a high exit speed. A car is said to be drifting when the rear slip angle is greater than the front slip angle prior to the corner apex, and the front wheels are pointing in the opposite direction to the turn (e.g. car is turning left, wheels are pointed right or vice versa), and the driver is controlling these factors. As a motor sport, professional drifting competitions are held across the world. Carlos Rodriguez, president of the Dominican Drift Society says they have been practicing the sport for the past 10 years.photos compliments of the brothers at autofiebre.com

FROM THE STREETS

Next week September 8th represents the start of another beginning of school, work and all the official business of Fall, but for now, the next four days its "LABOR DAY WEEKEND 2009" and I'm chill'in in the sunny, hot and extreme La Republica Dominicana!

The roving eyes caught a glimpse of the impressingly handsome Henry who kept bugging us if he looked "guud" for those of you who wonder why Henry just returned home from a vacation stint in prison after shooting someone in a domestic dispute. By the looks of things he still has a lil sump'n sump'n going on!

PASSPORT AND JETWAY

TROPICAL STORMS MONAGA AND LEE STUDIOS RAGED THIS WEEKEND IN SANTO DOMINGO, DR
Well the verdicts are in, the pictures are transferred and the pieces have been sent home but that hardly explains the great time that was had by all - locals, visitors and the undecided. By all accounts Friday night had the largest crowd and was the livelier party but nothing can be taken away from part two on Saturday night that easily held its own. Not only were the dancers HOT both nights but they knew how to work a room and a few other things! There was a shower tucked away in one of the corners and each of the dancers in turn made sure everyone knew they were on a hot tropical island shoot. On a personal note it was nice to go in EuKliPtus Bar & Lounge and not be hassled time you walk in the door to buy drinks for a change. Notable was the world-wide diversity of the crowd. Shout outs to all the brothers from Amsterdam, Atlanta, DC, NY and Paris. the festivities continued at Jay-Dee's Bar - Disco for the afterparty and was packed as well, Jerry the owner was busy manning and entertaining peeps at the back bar. The music was a nice mix and the party went on well into the morning heat!

PASSPORT AND JETWAY

Rain Rain GO Away!
During the early part of the week I was feeling down and sick of the constant rain and cold so I decided to sneak away for a long weekend. I found a great deal on AA for Santa Domingo my old stand by get-away. Arrived Thursday afternoon, the weather was nice and hot but overcast. “Just can’t getaway from the rain”
The city was empty no tourist and only locals that work and live in the area. I loved being able to get out and around without being hassled for change, food and the tourist predators. PACOS was uncharacteristically empty as well as “The Conde” in general. The Nepolitano Casino and Hotel has really scaled back. The Casino is a separate unit from the downsized hotel and restaurant now. The new marina area is now open and basically a big disappointment. I can’t believe it took three years and millions of dollars to create essentially a huge parking lot with a handful of little huts for vendors. The locals are not patronizing it as there are no shaded areas and extremely hot under the Dominican sun. Everyone is still opting for the palm lined Malecon.A pleasant surprise was the sight of the now very muscular Henry. He explained how an associate killed his brother and he shot the guy dead and was sent him to prison. He did a few years and is now trying to get his act together.
Louis and a few other s quit their jobs at “Eucalyptus” to work for JDs. The problem is that with the opening of the new club “GAZELA” and their happy hours, free nights, super shows and lower prices JDs has lost a significant share of the market.Honestly that’s being nice about it, the bottom line is JDs is finished and just refusing to close. Both of the new clubs “GAZALA and CHA” are larger with more appealing décor and better pricing that is translating into huge consistent crowds for them. I checked out all of them Saturday night and JDs had FOUR people including myself and not counting the staff. The VIP lounge is no more so it is now a smaller space with the same old décor from years ago, not to mention a hefty entrance fee with no specials or show.Notable was the closing of the chic “WHISKEY LOUNGE”.As usual I stayed in my favorite apartment six at Anthony’s Camilo House Apartments. I continue to be a huge fan and patron because they seem to always evolve in the most subtle of ways. Anthony is still managing, Marie is still keeping house, she has to be the best housekeeper in the DR, gone are the adult cable stations (due to the slowing economy I suspect) but a pleasant surprise was the relocation of the office- no longer in the entrance hall to give an added sense of privacy. I really love this subtle touch as a person who enjoys vacationing in non hotel atmospheres.
It actually rained every day but only for short periods. I was able to hang out in the caves something I do all the time when in the capital and some very choice pieces as usual. I wrapped it all up on Tuesday morning as Friday is the beginning of the Memorial Day Weekend and there will be too many tourist, hustlers and bad attitudes for the kid.

DE LA REPUBLICA DOMINICANA, CARIBBEAN

AFTER THE TOURIST SIGHTS, CLUBS & SEX!

A question that is asked constantly by seasoned travelers and newbie’s alike is “What else is there to do other than eat, party and sun bathe?” In response there are many adventures and activities to enjoy, hate and participate in. Honestly, activities are among the top reasons I choose a destination. An outdoorsman who enjoys everything outdoors. My top picks for outdoor and adventure travel are:

La Republica Dominicana,

the Dominican Republic to most of us is my all time favorite destination and default destination to go when I'm short on funds or just want to chill for a minute. My love affair with D.R. & Santo Domingo the capital city began 12 years ago as a suggestion of friends. Over the years I have grown, developed and matured with the city studying Spanish and Dominican Culture. Meeting people and taking chances has provided experiences the average American only views on television or in magazines. I have established and maintained meaningful relationships with locals and ex-pats that have formed the foundation of “my get away from it all spot.” When visiting Santo Domingo and looking for new and different experiences I suggest waking up early one morning and heading north easily reachable by a leisurely drive, Metro and Caribe Busses or for the truly adventuress the local network of Gua Guas.Cabarete and Jarabacoa are the main adventure hotspots. Cabarete situated on the north coast between the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains of the Cordillera is an excellent base for activities on land and in the water; already one of the best places in the world for windsurfing, Cabarete is also an excellent spot for surfing. Its close proximity to the mountains means that activities such as canyoning, cascading and horseback riding can be done in day trips from Cabarete. A local ex-pat and authority on D.R.’s gay community notes “Cabarete is quietly becoming a place where Gay tourists are starting to venture in increasing numbers.” The beaches are becoming outdoor clubs at night with all the bars and music creating festive atmospheres. The possibilities for other adventures are many as you are close to the resort town of Puerto Plata, Sosua, Rio San Juan and the popular seaside Samana regions.
Jarabacoa is the largest town in the Dominican Alps and an ideal starting point for numerous activities which take place in the central mountains, including: river rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking, paragliding, whale watching, hiking and diving. There are other towns well worth checking out. Sosua is a good place to go for scuba diving; Barahona, very rich in Haitian and Dominican culture is the largest town in the southwest of the country, a relatively unexplored region with hidden caves and fine coral reefs. It is also rumored to be the home of some of the largest and fattest -well you get the picture- in the country smile!Locally around Santo Domingo are the resorts and towns of Boca Chica, Juan Dolio, Haina and San Cristobal for swimming, beaches and resort style activities.

PANAMA, Central AmericaOne of my favorite rugged adventure spots is Panama in the southern end of Central America. Panama is an interesting mix of traditional & modern. The national language is Spanish and several native Indigenous Indian languages. English is widely spoken in Panama City the capital and Colon City, situated around the Panama Canal which is responsible for the heavy American influence in the modern areas. Many of the American servicemen who were stationed at the canal became ex-pats and started families and businesses. Interestingly Panama uses the $USD as the main form of currency, but costs are 30% less than in the states. A national Panamanian currency “The Balboa” exists but is never used. Among the many adventures to be had in Panama some of the most popular are deep sea fishing, river & creek swimming and hiking in the notorious Darien Gap that borders Columbia.Some of my personal favorites are Iguana Hunting in the deep rich and lush rain forests of Porto Lindo in the Colon region of Panama. Hunting is done mostly in the early morning hours by adolescent boys. They climb the trees bare footed shaking and chasing the Iguanas to the ground below where a group of us club them on the heads rendering them unconscious while we tie and bag them. We then return to town where they are skinned, cleaned and cooked for dinner.Another favorite is Island Hopping. At dusk we purchase a few cases of beer and hop in the dingy and travel from island to island picking up hunks and players until we make our way to a secluded spot where we exchange tales, stories and body fluids until the wee hours of the morning. Island hopping is not for the faint of heart as you are travelling in a very basic wooden boat on the ocean at night in the dark with people drinking. Not too much of a problem for me because I am always the designated captain because I don’t drink. A must see is the infamous Black Christ Festival “El Christo Negro” church & statue in Portobelo. The actual festival when hundreds of pilgrims draped in deep purple robes crawl for miles to the shrine begging forgiveness occurs October 21st of each year. Portobelo is also a scuba diving hotspot. If you have time it is fascinating to check out the Indigenous Indian Reservations in the Darien Province and islands of Comarca de San Bias and Bocas del Toro where you can view and participate in traditional cloth weaving & dying and indigenous cuisine and drinks. You will be required to purchase visas and visitors cards because the reservations are considered separate states, albeit it adds up to about $20.00. They are treated better than American Indians. They dress in traditional garbs and only come to the main land to sell their crafts and purchase supplies and equipment. They are a completely autonomous people and state with their own government and way of life as it has been for thousands of years.

De La REPUBLIQUE D'HAITI

Near and dear to my heart and the place I go for the extreme adventures is De La Republique D’Haiti simply known to most as Haiti. I decided to go to Haiti after seeing all the turmoil and drama around the country on the news. Haiti challenged every aspect of my instincts and skills. I traveled to a place I had never been, didn’t know anyone or anyone who had been to Haiti. Worse of all I didn’t understand the language or currency. Being the quick study I am it turned out to be something I learned long, hard and step by step. Haiti is definitely not for the bourgeois, weak, faint of hurt or those without an extremely strong sense of survival. A number of older travelers I have met have told me stories about how grand Haiti was back in the day under the regiemes of "Baby Doc and his Father".I fell in love with Haiti and joined the Peace Corps teaching school and directing an orphanage in the rural mountainous area of Jacmel. When not teaching English or elementary school I enjoyed swimming in the ocean every day (found out it gave me a skin rash that I had to treat long distance via D.R.) I have never walked so much and so far in my life, at least 10 miles per day to and from the town. When I returned to Brooklyn at the end of my tour I had lost 42 pounds (that alone made it all worth it) and was as dark as coal. I really enjoyed deep sea fishing with long poles and rusty hooks in riggedy old boats. I was living in Haiti during the 2004 revolution when the U.S. snuck Aristede out of the country in the middle of the night. For weeks I saw the UN Peace keepers fighting a losing battle on the streets.

Cruising is alive and well in major cities like Port au Prince and Bellville but very dangerous. I quickly learned Haitians are second only to Africans when it comes to mastering the DL! I refused to get involved in any way with Voodou , yeah just plain fear. I'm not afraid far away from it, but it scared the hell out me right next door. Travel to Haiti should only be attempted with someone familiar with the country and the language. These days I never fly directly into Haiti. I fly into Santo Domingoa nd catch the Caribe bus into Petionville. I feel it adds a n extra measure of security if I need to exit the country on the fly! The currency can be difficult to master at first because it is two tiered. In everyday life Haitians use the “Haitian Gourdes” but if you go into an International or upscale neighborhood you need to be able to convert everything into Haitian Dollars which can be very confusing. Basically with a few twists and turns you multiply or divide by 5. The public transport system would be outlawed in any other part of the world. Pick up trucks with 3 times too many people hanging on for dear life as you whip around very narrow curves and hills. Anyone not born in Haiti is advised to never drink or bath in the water if it is not filtered. This includes the ice, coffee and tea.

On the southern end of the island is the capital and seat of government "Port au Prince" and for that reason it is extremely dangerous as rioting, looting and gunfire are very common and impromtu daily. In the north is the beautiful city of Cap Hatien a very wealthy and prosperous section of the country but it is cut off by the unstable and most violent area of Haiti "Gonaives." Gonaives was the scene of the worse rioting and violence primarily motivated by opposition to Aristide, and on February 5, 2004, a group calling itself the Revolutionary Artibonite Resistance Front seized control of the city, starting the 2004 Haiti rebellion. When the rebellion first started I decided to stay the course because my color would deflect some of the anger and conflict directed towards foreigners. The days after they hustled Aristide out of the country in the middle of the night I stayed close to the orphanage and did not engage new persons. As the violence reached its peak and the country was virtually locked down I decided to return to the states. I learned and witnessed first hand how the promise of money can turn blood relatives against each other all in an attempt to survive another day.
Basically adventures can be had near, far and wide in any destination you choose. It is your choice to get out and see, live and experience all there is to learn. Researching the internet, the social web sites and fellow travelers months before your trip can enhance your success on any and all trips. There is always some one who made the trek before you!