DAY 23---SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

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BACKGROUND INFO:

        Santo Domingo is one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean and the capital of the Dominican Republic, as well as, the largest city on the island.  The city and metro area has a population of over 3 million.  It was founded by the Spanish in 1496.  It is the cultural, financial, political, commercial, and industrial center of the D.R. and also the chief seaport.

        Back in the late 1980's and early 1990's I flew Boeing 727's into the airport here from American Airlines Miami base.  There are two main resort areas east of the city on the southern coast:  La Romana and Punta Cana.

        The island of Puerto Rico is just approximately 50 miles due east of the Dominican Republic.  The God forsaken country of Haiti is on the west border of the D.R..

LAST NIGHT:

        There was a "Pin Party" at 6pm in the theater for all the world cruisers to receive this pin to wear.  Cocktails and canapes were also served.

Enjoyed a nice dinner in Sette Mari.  Marcia and I had the osso bucco (above).  It was served on risotto and was delicious.  Rebecca had a pasta dish that the chef made special for her.

We had seen this show last segment but was front center again for it again.  Again the production cast is so very talented.  Loved the show!!!

TODAY:

        It appears we are in San Juan but Puerto Rico is on the right.  We are in Santo Domingo today where it is sunny and 87degrees.  You guessed it, we are again not going ashore today.  We had the gym to ourselves this morning.  Here are some photos taken from deck 12.

                                                     The city is walled along the harbor.

Might have walked into the old city on my own but it is a LONG walk to get across the busy highway.

                                                                   Old fortification

                                                        A Costa ship (Italian cruise line)

                                                          Old fortification with cannons.

Right below our balcony.  Not sure what kind of waste is being pumped off the ship.  At noon the Staff Captain said it was fuel sludge.

                                             This guy is getting samples in plastic bottles.

        

        Plan for this evening is to have cocktails in the Horizon Lounge with our friends Susanne Peters, Carla Sue & Brad Broecker, and another couple we have not met yet.  Dinner will be in Compass Rose after that.  Also planning on seeing Terry Bishop's show at 9:30.  We are sailing at 6pm.  Tomorrow is a sea day.