Caribbean Air Show 2011 Preview

The Air show is Saturday and Sunday and the planes are practicing.Today on my apartment the planes were flying overhead and they were so loud that I couldn't even hear the tv. The car alarms in the street were going off as the planes roared overhead. I tried taking a picture but by the time I heard a plane and got the camera out the window it was out of sight.

I'm not sure if Ill go and see the show. In my old age..jeje ..I'm not into big crowds.Maybe Ill just sit on the 5 story roof top of my building and watch a bit as they fly over. Or I might just get the urge to go and see the show close up. One never knows what my mood will be.

I'll try and take at least a video to post.

More info about the Air Show at the Colonial Zone News Blog. Thats my new blog with news and information about Colonial Zone and the area.

Carnival Dominicano 2011

The grand finale Carnival was Sunday March 6th in Santo Domingo on the Malecon. I didn't go to the main part of carnival. I just wasn't up for all the crowds, noise and people all mashing up against each other and also the need to watch all around you for those nasty thieves. So I just hung out with my neighbors in the park near to my home. Maybe I'm just getting to old...but I sure hope not. I didn't take many pictures but I did take 2 good videos. Enjoy!
If you want to read about the Carnival Tradition check out the link

Bringing in the New Year 2011

Another New Years Eve has come and gone. I was to go to a friend’s home in Sosua for the event but I got a cold (or the gripe as they say here in DR) so I decided to just stay home and suffer alone.

There were a lot of events happening in the Colonial Zone area. I decided to go to the little get together that the neighbors were having in the little parking lot near my office. This way I didn't have to stay out late.

I went home to rest up for a while. I had to force myself to go out. Once I’m home all comfy and cozy I hate to leave. But about 11PM made myself go to the party.

As I was walking out the door of the building where I live this giant rat ran out from the gutter. He (or maybe it was a she, I didn’t bother to check the gender) was a monster, at least 20 pounds with giant snarling teeth and a tail that was a 1/2 mile long. Really, he was a normal sized rat as rats go but when you see one it always looks bigger than it really is. I did a little jump and an ooohhh! when he startled me. He jumped too. He ran into the wall and then turned around and ran right over my foot. I was jumping, not high mind you as my body won’t do that these days but I was jumping quite exuberantly for this ole gal. Doing the old eewwhhh hand gestures as I was walking up the street and giggling to myself. To myself as no one saw it and there was no one to share the yuck with. What a yucky feeling it was too. Then I started to wonder if there was a tradition somewhere that a rat running across the feet on New Years Eve was good luck. I searched the Internet and couldn’t find anything about this so I decided to pretend that it was a good sign even thought I was pretty disgusted with the rat on my foot thought.

So, I got to the Colmado near the parking lot. Everyone was there starting out the night. I had a beer and sat with the neighbors. Midnight came and everyone hugged and kissed and turned our heads up to watch the fireworks. Then we moved on to the parking lot where they set up a stereo and had good music going.

We were all talking and dancing and having a good time. But my cold got the best of me. At about 1:30AM I had to go home and get into my own beddie-bye. I had a good time. I didn’t run into many crowds and got to hang out with my friends. I’m getting too old to go where there are tons of people partying and getting rowdy, at least in my mind I’m too old for that stuff. I got home before everyone got crazy and too drunk, which is just what I like.

Police Watching Out for the President

Yesterday when I left the office I walked to the little Colmado near to Parque Duarte in Colonial Zone for my Presidente beer. As I made the turn from Calle el Conde onto Duarte there was 4 of those scary looking police all in black with their bulletproof vests, skull caps and big guns standing near their motorcycles. I smiled and said hi as I was looking around making sure I wasn’t walking into some big drug bust or some serious problem. There was nothing I could see so I proceeded on to have my bien fria.

When I got near to the park there was 2 large police buses and police everywhere. There were guys in really nice suits with walki talkies (they are the official president protectors). There were more of those scary looking dressed in black police. Lots of National Police (Policia Nacional), Tourist Police, and others I don’t know who they were. I smiled and said hi to the group in front of the Colmado, went inside, got my beer and went back outside to see what was happening like any normal Dominican would do.

I asked the group of men what was happening. Some of them had very nice suits on, others had the normal uniform, some had their florescent vests on and others were in normal street clothes. They said President Leonel Fernández was in the church attending a wedding.

What amazed me is how many police and undercover people were there to watch over the President. There had to be at least 60 different people there. They were everywhere. The suit guy was trying to fix me up with all the police standing around talking. He was telling me to pick the one I wanted. I just laughed at him. We were all talking and all of a sudden they said they had to go. They all went to the area of the church.

I didn’t see the president leave but within minutes people were getting on their motorcycles and boarding the police buses. The suit guys got in black SUV’s, which they call Jepetas here in Dominican Republic. Within minutes they were all gone, leaving behind the normal police watch. I was just amazed at how many police were there to guard the President.

Political Rally Traffic Jam in ColonialZone

The weekend before elections here there are so many people in the streets campaigning. It can get a bit crazy and sometimes a little dangerous. but, all and all it is another interesting time to be here in Dominican Republic. The people in the streets waving banners. The trucks loaded to capacity with large speakers playing music and announcing their candidates at full blast (when they pass bu my apartment I couldn't even hear the TV).

I went to my neighborhood park to hang out during one of the rallys. The street in Colonial Zone was so congested. There was a hugh traffic jam or in Dominican Spanish, tapon. The cars were decorated with banners and flags. Trucks filled with people and gifts in payment for a vote. People everywhere engaging in all sort of activities including holding mops (swapes indicating cleaning up the government). Vendors everywhere selling their food and wares to the crowds.

I took this video while sitting outside with my neighbors watching the activities. I also added some annotations to enhance the comic value. Enjoy!

View From My Baclony - Another Wreck

Do you ever wonder why there are such things as STOP signs?
Here in Dominican Republic they are called PARE.
You can see them on most streets.
Yet it seems that no one pays much attention to these important life saving pieces of metal.
Friday night, coming home from listening to some Palos music.
Getting ready for a nice nights, or should I say early mornings, sleep.
I heard lots of talking outside on the street.
So I went to take a look.
There was a tow truck, flat bed.
There was a SUV, or as they call them here, Jepeta, upside down.
There was a car where I could only see the back end from above on my balcony.
There were police and people looking on.
Again, as has happened many times before, people did not STOP.
Again, there was a wreck where someone ran into the side of the building where I live.
Again, the ambulance came and took bloodied people to the hospital.
The first time I saw a vehicle hit with such an impact that it turned on its top on the little narrow streets of Colonial Zone.
Check the pictures and remember the moral of the story is:
"Please, please stop at stop signs and take precautions even when there are no signs. Life is too good to not pay attention."

New Years Eve 2010 Party

My friends at Hostal Nomadas in Colonial Zone had a little party for some friends and guests.It was nice and calm, just the way this old gal likes it. We danced, drank, ate some great snacks and barbecue and had some jello shots. At midnight the fireworks (fuegos artificiales) started and we had a great view on the third floor patio overlooking Zona Colonial.

This is a video of the fireworks with the Juan Luis Guerra song "Ojala Que Llueva Cafe En El Campo" playing in the background.

Feliz Año Nuevo to all!!!

Palos Music at La Espiral 1

I love palos music (what is palos check it out on my web site)! I liked this type of music before I even knew what it was. It is sort of primitive but gets into the soul. At least it gets into my soul. I used my digital camera to take this video and it was dark so its not that great but you can get the idea. I also took a video of a lady dancing with the singer. They were both so good but, oh well, it was too dark and all that was to be seen was a black scene with a few little glimpses of light. I´ll try again another time. Usually on Friday nights La Espiral in Colonial Zone has a palos group so there may be more music to come.
Enjoy the video!

Inaguration Party at Hostal Nomadas

Went to a grand opening party last night for Hostal Nomadas. This is a new hotel in Colonial Zone. the owners Freddy and Marion are great people and wonderful hosts. The party was very nice atop their terrace. They had Lenny Abreu, Carlos Luis and Jose Antonio Rodrigez playing and singing music. There was also a woman that sang (I can't remember her name) with a wonderful strong voice and even Freddy sang a few songs. All the music was perfect. I met many new people and saw some old friends as well.

I forgot to take my camera. Dumb stupid dumb me. but some of the people there said they would send me some pictures and maybe even a video. As soon as I get them I'll post.

This is a picture of Maribel and I at the party.

Concert for Los Haitises

The Concert for Los Haitises held at Plaza de Espana on July 19 was amazing. The bands were great. The turn out was unbelievable. There were so many people there, more than I have ever seen for any concert or gathering in the Plaza since I've been living here. There is said to have been over 5000 people, mostly young, attending this event.

The main goal of this concert was to make people aware of the bad effects to the environment the cement plant will do to this unique park. There is a plan to build the factory on the park lands and the youth of Dominican Republic have been showing their disapproval and trying to make people aware. Los Haitises is a beautiful and unique natural park on the southern coast of the Bay of Samaná. There are mangrove swamps where manatee swim. caves and a humid tropical forest. The park is full of strange and interesting rock formations that emerge from the sea called mogotes.

To see what you can still do to help by donating, buying -shirts and more go to their blog. There are also some great pictures of the event.

Here are some pictures I took with my new camera (thank you both for the camera - you know who you are) before it got dark as I'm so paranoid taking my camera (#5) out when there are alot of people around, especially when its dark out side.

Duarte Day 2009

Today, January 26, is Duarte Day in Dominican Republic.

Celebrating the birth of The Father of the Country or in Spanish Padre de la patria. The day is celebrated with a parade of different military groups and some school children. They all meet at Duarte Park and honor Juan Pablo Duarte with some speeches, music and by placing wreaths around the statue.

These are some pictures I took today.


In front of the monument


Military band playing the Himno a Juan Pablo Duarte/ The Hymn to Juan Pablo Duarte






I love this picture with the dog sitting and joining in the ceremony

More information on who Duarte is and what he did for Dominican Republic at www.colonialzone-dr.com/people_history-Duarte.html

Halloween 2008 in the Park

Xiomara decided to have an American style Halloween Party for all the neighbors in the park. Well, it didn't work out as planned

She made all these balloon decorations and put them in the park and Colmado Arca.

People said they would get dressed up, but, oh well, only a few did. Cesar dressed as a fat woman and he was the star of the party. Others just wore a hat of some glasses and that was their costume.

I went as a Cedula (Dominican Republic identification card). Not many people got the joke that my blood was acid and I was from Mars (which I really am from Mars, PA.). But we had a good time anyhow. I couldn't stay out late as I had to get home and sleep because my trip to USA was the next day and I still had to pack my stuff.

Las Mercedes Day Procession Sept. 24, 2008

The patron saint of Dominican Republic is Las Mercedes (their name for virgin Mary). this day most of the businesses are closed and most people make their way to the church. I am not Catholic so I do not know much of the customs of the Catholic religion but it is very interesting.

The day is celebrated by a pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint Cerro atop a hill that is close to the city of La Vega. But those who cannot venture to La Vega go to their own church to notice this important religious day.

Here in Colonial Zone all head to the Iglesia y Convento de las Mercedes / The Church and Convent of Our Lady of Mercy (more information about the church here.


















I was waiting for the procession to start in front of the church. The people waiting to enter outside the church were all sort of solemn while just a few steps away it was almost a carnival type atmosphere with vendors selling ice cream and popcorn.


I got tired of waiting so I went home. Then about an hour later I heard the band in the street and got to view the procession from my own balcony.

This is the video I took. I tried to do some zooming in on the statue of Las Mercedes but just couldn't get close enough. Sorry for the camera movement. My video taking skills are not the best.

Crazy Guy-Police Not Interested

Here in colonial Zone and throughout Dominican Republic it seems there are many crazy humans. I never lived in a large city before so maybe this is the normal thing but for me it's all new.

Last week I was out in the street in front of the office taking a break from working on the web site. Trying to rest the eyes a bit. A friend of mine, Chino, was waving his arms yelling at someone. The man had on what looked like one of those gas station, one piece uniforms. It was white and looked to be paper thin. He was taking off the top part, the sleeves and was dropping the top down around his waist when I lost sight of him behind a Jepeta (a Jepeta here is a SUV in USA). This is when I saw Chino getting upset. He came from behind the Jepeta and waved down 2 police on a motorcycle passing by. I don't know what type of police they were but they stopped and Chino was talking very forceful to them. I heard the police say to Chino "He's a crazy guy, we arn't interested in him." Then the police rode off and Chino walked away frustrated.

The crazy guy came across the street and this is when I got the full view of what was happening. I mean the FULL view! His one piece jumpsuit was dropped down below his waist and he had nothing on underneath! His..ahhh...private part...was hanging out in full view! (by the way, this view was not pretty..jejej)

He was standing in front of me saying "Did you see that? Chino called the police on me and I don't understand why." (of course it was in Spanish). I stood there for a second trying to figure out just what to do. I was at a loss for words and almost struck blind! I just turned and, very fast I might add, and ran for the comfort of the office. Not looking back as I was afraid my eyes could not take anymore of this sight. I went outside to rest the ole eyes, not to go blind with the sight of a semi-naked man.

I stayed in the office and peaked out a few times to see if he was gone. Finally, the people out front working in the gift shop, came back to the office and told me the guy was gone. We stood around laughing about this a while and I went back to work as usual.

Another interesting happening in the streets of the Zone.

Gatorade 10K in the Zone

Sunday, April 20 in Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo.

The starting point of this 10K race is the Plaza de la Puerta de La Atarazana at Avenida del Puerto in Colonial Zone. The route crosses the floating bridge over the Ozama River going around the Columbus Lighthouse, returning on the same route to Fort San Gil and then returning to the starting point. They are expecting over 3,000 people to participate.

There will also be bands playing free of charge. Panky y Los Manolos, Pavel Nuñez, Diego Mena, Frank Ceara and Dj Miguel Rivas.


10K Gatorade advertising campaign slogan is: “La Meta esta en ti” / "The Target Is In You"

100% of the funds raised will be donated to the Asociación Dominicana de Rehabilitación / Dominican Rehabilitation Association, an institution that provides functional rehabilitation for people with physical and intellectual disabilities.

More information in Spanish
http://www.diariodigital.com.do/articulo,26482,html

The Tree Cutters

This story is about a tree trimming crew I saw in front of my apartment in Zona Colonial but first I must share some of my tree trimming history and knowledge.

I was born...LOL! But really my first time that I remember tree trimming affected me badly was on my first birthday. My dad (my dad was known as a tree surgeon and my mother was a nurse..yes..I come from a family of doctors..LOL!) was born “in the trees.” When he says “Bye, see ya later” it comes out as “In the trees.” He was a tree man since I can remember. On my first birthday he got the first knuckle of his ring finger cut off because of some chipper that went crazy. So my birthday party was delayed because of tree trimming. To this day when he pretends he is bending his finger over, when it really is long gone-by-chipper, we are reminded of that finger loss day when I turned 1.

When I was old enough to drag a branch my dad took me with him on his weekend make-extra-money tree trimming jobs. I was on the ground crew of 1. I had tree climbing envy because he would just shimmy up that tree using a harness and some really spiky shoes. He would be toting a big chain saw or some curved hand saw with really large teeth. I didn’t want to be on the ground picking up the droppings. I wanted to do the chopping. But I did my duty and drug all the branches to the brush pile as directed by boss man daddy in the tree.

We were always trimming trees. I don’t know how the trees grew so fast in our yard but it seemed that at least once a week we had to so something with picking up some tree parts. Branches, leaves or logs for chopping into firewood. Always something to do with a tree.
There were always chain saws around. At least 2 to 3 different sizes for different jobs. There was the big industrial size saw. That baby could bring down a big tree in no time. Just cut that wedge out of the side and the tree soon came crashing sown. After it was down then the chain saw changed. The medium sized one cut the tree into workable pieces. Bigger branches cut off and the tree cut into splitable lengths. Then the baby chain saw to cut the smaller branches and twigs for putting on the burn pile or sending to the chipper for mulch.

The firewood splitting was a real chore. I have a picture of me in the wood pile in my yellow bikini. Hair in pig tails holding a maul type ax (it is more wedge shaped for easier log splitting). I looked like a mix between Bonnie (of Bonnie and Clyde fame) and some Hillbilly gal. I got to make spending money splitting the wood. I got $5USD for splitting a face cord (our face cord was about 4 feet high by 8 feet long with the length of the piece being about 14 inches long). It took forever to do this splitting. My hands were callused. My arms killed me. I got splinters all the time. But for what I thought was a lot of money at the time, I did the work. Then one day I was using the sledge hammer on a chisel chopping some really large log into pieces. I didn’t realize that I need to grind the edges of the chisel, I guess I was really wanting to chop that wood instead of taking time out to get the chisel ground down. Well, a piece of the metal from the ragged edge broke off and landed inside my leg next to my knee cap. It really didn’t bleed but there was a white ball in inside flesh sticking out if the small hole. I pretended that it didn’t hurt but I ended up having to go to hospital and get the metal removed. So I still have my wood splitting scar on my knee.

I even climbed trees all the time. Be it to get an apple of just to go up there and sit. I even had dreams that Donny Osmond would stop and see me sitting in the tree and climb up and join me. I had all the good climbing trees names along with the spots that were best for sitting. My favorite was the queen tree. This is where Donny and I would sit in my daydreams hiding from the world in my green world.

My first time I was permitted to use the chain saw I felt like I had really grown up. I had made it in the world. Then my son and I started going camping all the time and my dad gave me my own chain saw to cut the wood I got from the firewood man or from the saw mill. It was one of his, a small one, just perfect. Then even better, I got my very own chain saw for Christmas from my dad. I was so happy. I loved getting tools and this was my treasure. I finally had MY own chain saw. This way I could saw my wood into chopable pieces and then ax and hatchet that stuff up into the perfect firewood size. I was finally content. I needed no more in life..jejeje

So now that you know the history and you will understand why this tree chopping story was so amazing to me....
I got up early before the sun hit my balcony full force to make some jewelry. I had to grind down some coconut shells into pendant size pieces and use the dremel to rout out different Taino type designs on the shell. Then polish the shell and drill some holes to make little necklaces. I was out on the balcony with my goggles on grinding away when this truck load of men pulled up to the park. There were 5 men in the back and 2 suit type men in the front. All got out and was looking up into the tree. I tried to look like I wasn’t looking and kept working. Soon the machetes came out and some very old rustic wobble ladders were leaned on the side of the tree. these machete holding men went up the ladder and crawled out to the edge of different branches. All this while holding onto their machetes. Then they started hacking away at the branches. They were trimming the tree!

This tree is huge, as you can see in the picture. If you know the park at Fort San Jose near the Malecon in Colonial Zone you will know the trees. This particular tree was huge. It looked like it was hit by some large storm and had a part that was cut away years past but it all grew up again. This tree was so nice. I wish I knew what type it was but the leaves made a nice brushing sound when the breeze hit them. The trunk was for sure to large to be huggable. This is one fine tree. If you get a chance just go and visit this tree. I'm sure it will know you were there just to see it.

I just could not fathom that there were no safety measures. Holding machetes and climbing a tree. Two of the men had hard hats and the others did not. Heres me grinding coconut shells using safety glasses and they're chopping trees and using nothing. They all did have work gloves on. I guess they wanted to keep their hands soft..jejej. I had to take a picture of these men but I didn’t want to let them see me do that so the pictures didn’t turn out. The matte of the tree was too dense. Since I couldn’t get a good photo I had to share this with someone that would appreciate what I was seeing so I called back to Pennsylvania to tell my dad what I was seeing first hand. This was too good not to share with my daddy the tree surgeon.

Finally the men finished hacking at that tree. They left the cuts all ragged and frayed. We never did that. All had to be clean and the larger cuts had to be tarred. These men did nothing. Just hacked away at its poor tree and left it looking mangled. Then they picked up most of the fallen branches and moved on to the next tree to hack that one. Leaving me to get back and focus on my coconut grinding once again.