Sunday, December 25, 2005

Merry Christmas/Happy Holiday's

I pray that everyone reading this message has a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Kwanzaa, or whatever you and yours celebrates.

Okay, here I am on Christmas eve and I FINALLY have DSL again, though I don't know for how long. So I decided to blog something while I can.

I just had Christmas dinner at David Lee's house. He invited several Americans living and visiting here, and the food and conversation were great. I had a wonderful conversation with Billy, who is putting together a party for La Casa Rosada AIDS Orphanage here in Santo Domingo. Billy has gone all out to make sure that Christmas day will be a wonderful those kids. I had seen Billy many times, but we had never been formally introduced. We had been corresponding about La Casa Rosada and what he wanted to do. He had originally asked that we kept things quiet, but Kenny and I finally convinced him that we wanted to publicize it, not so that we can say what a great thing Billy is doing (though it is GREAT!), but so other people can see what can be done and it doesn't always mean you have to donate cash, your time is just as welcome. Well done, Billy!

Scotch and Byron are the new arrivals to the American expatriate community here and they were telling us about getting their new guesthouse (Casa New Yorker) together at the dinner. Of course, we had a few horror stories for them. They will be fine and have worked their way into the community very nicely.

Curtis and John, two of my favorite people on the planet were here. John is a professor at Northwestern, and a prolific writer. When I read his blog I'm just amazed at how great great writing is. He is always so encouraging and just so damn nice. On his blog he called me a raconteur. I have always loved that word and if I can't be anything else in life I now know what my calling is, I'm a raconteur (one who tells stories and anecdotes with skill and wit), dammit! Thanks again guys for the cheesecakes and the great dinner. Can't wait for you to come back!

Ulrick Gaillard, the CEO of the Batey Relief Alliance, came by the building to see me. This guy is young and dynamic and DETERMINED. His energy and committment is amazing. After speaking with him I just wanted to go with him and see what he was talking about. I'm going to make a personal visit to one of the Batey's and find out more information, and of course I will post it here.

Wednesday night, Jay-Dee's had a wet-n-wild strip show. Well, as Jerry didn't want them spraying water all over everywhere we just had to accept the wild, and wild it was. Rigoberto and Jonathan came out naked covered in soap and gave the most sensual, sexual strip show I have seen in a long time. Someone had my camera so I didn't get a shot of that episode (damn!), but I caught one of the other lovely dancers. Kudos Jerry. MORE PLEASE!

I have a lot of people coming down next week and the beginning of January. The New Year is looking very bright, and hopefully some great things will be happening very soon.

I pray everyone has a safe holiday!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

At last another Monaga blog! I had real withdrawal symptoms, and this one came just in time. Thanks for keeping everyone so well-informed. While I can't be an expatriate, I can be one vicariously. I arrive in Sto. Do. tomorrow, after an absence of a year, and I can't wait. I have never been to the SportsBar and am looking forward to playing in it!
Merry Christmas to all of you down there and I will be with you for Feliz Anos Neuvo.

Anonymous said...

Sorry i was not able to say goodbye Monty but try to suffer through another Christmas in the land of milk and honey since i am not working I will be back shortly. Have a happy start to your New Year talk to you soon Raleigh

Anonymous said...

Hey Anthony, Glad to hear all is well. I would like to wish you and all the friend's and people that I have meet in the DR a very Merry Christmas and the best for the New Year.
Keep blogging and keeping us informed on the happening's on the Island. I have been home less than a week and I can't wait to get back. See you in February!
Again Happy Holiday's to all.
Much Love to ya Anthony.
Peace, Scott~
PS-Its damn cold here in Boston.

Anonymous said...

I am on my way tomorrow...........I can't wait to start spending my time in the Sports Bar....what a great place you have.

We sing we dance we steal things said...

Have a wonderful holiday!!!

Anonymous said...

Hello Anthony!
I hope that you are having a great holiday season. I just saw the website for Casa New Yorker and the fancy names that they have for the rooms. I was really impressed with their descriptions, especially with the rooms that overlook 'the courtyard'!! Yeah, right... Anyway, I hope that they do well. Remember, that I will be arriving on Wednesday 28th. See you then!
From Puerto Rico,
Rafael