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.