Thursday, January 05, 2006

What's Next?

It's been a minute since I last blogged, but things have been really, really busy. I hope everyone had a safe and happy New Year and I pray everyone gets what they desire in the coming year.

I haven't blogged in a while because I'm about to embark on some major changes. I have decided to sell my interest in the Monaga Apartments. Jose, who has been with me since the beginning of Monaga, will be taking over (with a silent investor) as administrator and partner in the new enterprise. The building will now be called Camilo Apartments. The new owner has the resources to take the building to the next level and deal with all the drama. All existing reservations will be honored by Camilo Apartments.

I am now free to pursue several opportunities that have been presented to me, but I was not able to fully pursue because I was chained to this building. I will be concentrating on acquiring and renovating property in the Colonial Zone, along with other things that I will talk about once plans are finalized. I will continue to live in Santo Domingo and now I will have more time to devote to the book that everyone wants me to write. JUST KIDDING!

Okay, there you have it!

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

It sounds like a new and exciting
change for both you and Jose.
When I was there last, I noticed a number buildings in the colonial zone with 'for sale' signs on them.
Other abandoned buildings also looked interesting (the one across the street from Paco's at the beginning of El Conde.)
Anyway see you in February.

John K said...

Happy New Year, and wow! Anthony, it's sort of stunning to hear that you won't be running the Monaga Apartments, but I am sure you'll be doing very exciting things in the Colonial Zone, which as you've pointed out to us many times, is changing every time we visit. Best wishes with the new ventures, and keep us posted. And if you do get the time, consider a book or screenplay! :)

T-D Moderator said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
T-D Moderator said...

Anthony, this is indeed a shocker!! As others have said, you ARE Monaga. I assume that you are only out of the apartment venture and not out of Monaga in general.

I would only hope that everyone realizes that seasons change and that we recognize when it's time for the next one.

Of course, when the weather is fairly constant year-round it may be harder to accept that reality. Best wishes and see you soon.

Anonymous said...

Although this is sad news for us US tourists, I am glad you are moving on into new terriority and exciting adventures. I hope you will continue "to keep an eye on us sisters" when we are out and about and "inform" us of any dangerous waters we may be unknowingly treading while in Santo Domingo. The good news is that you will still be around for us to go to dinner and join us for drinks when we visit! See you soon.

Jimmy & Paulo

Santo Domingo Colonial Zone Apts said...

Monaga ain't going nowhere. I will still be living here doing my thing. Once I get everything finalized I will be posting about it, don't worry. I intend to improve the site with more options and other things.

Anthony

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year, Anthony! Well, I want to wish you the best in your endeavors and I am confident that whatever 2006 has in store for you, it will come with great accomplishments and an even larger fan base, WINK! Definately keep us posted on your next adventures with the projects that you take on with the property on the Conde'. I tell my friends that you have always had a good eye for great opportunities and a great person like yourself will be very successful in whatever you do. Can't wait to see you in the coming months!

Anonymous said...

Anthony, I agree with Mr. Sessions on this one! Did you have the most elegant/comfortable accomodations on Canela St.? No. Yet, many of us stayed there because of you. I do hope that the apartments continue to do well, but without your name on the premises it will be an uphill struggle for the new owners. Many of us just might go back to staying where we did before we met you!
Still in Santo Domingo,
Rafael

Anonymous said...

Rafael:

Why go somewhere else? Anthony will still be there, and why not give Jose, a good Dominican partner of Anthony, a chance at making a local success of it?

Anthony is doing the right thing....developing a business and then passing it on to his local partners. Would that more expats did that!

Good Luck Jose! And Congratulations and Good Luck Anthony....I know we'll see bigger and better things from you!

Anonymous said...

I agree with the last comment. Why not give Jose and the new owner a chance. It's difficult in running a business in SDQ and if Jose continues to provide the service he did when he was with Anthony, then there the avenue for success...Good Luck !!!!

Anonymous said...

After two weeks in Santo Domingo at the Monaga Apartments, José drove me to the airport this afternoon to take my flight back to P.R. He asked my opinions on how services at the guesthouse could be improved and I told him about certain aspects which I believe could make the guesthouse both more comfortable and secure for guests. Most of these recommendations, I had already expressed to Anthony, so let's see if they are implemented now with the new administration. I will give "Camilo Apartments" a try on my next trip to Santo Domingo, and
let's all hope for a change for the better.
Back in Puerto Rico,
Rafael

P.S. My regards to David Lee at the Sports Bar. It's a jumping place and he makes ever customer feel specially welcome there!

Anonymous said...

I have known Jose for a few years now through Anthony at the old Monaga Guesthouse which will noe be the New Yorker. Although I also chose staying with Anthony at the Monaaga Apartments for my upcoming trip rather than the Caribe Colonial, where I have stayed 3 times, I am more than willing to give Jose and the new owner of Camilo Apartments a chance. I am sure Anthony will be around and out and about with us US tourists so that is a good thing (as Martha Stewart would say)! I am sure that Jose willo do all he can to make our stays at the Camilo Apartments comfortable and problem free. Give Anthony a few years rehabbing the buildings in the Conde and soon we will feel that we are in South Beach admiring the beautiful art deco decor!