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Before I go on let me just update you on the curfew here. Still going on and you know what, people are adjusting. I went to Rouge on Saturday night, and the place was packed and they had some great go-go dancers (didn´t have camera) and a nice show. I have been bitching and complaining about this whole alcohol curfew thing, AND I still don´t think it will do much, but everyone has seem to have adjusted and moved on.

I was speaking with a Dominican friend the other day and going on and on and on and on about this alcohol curfew thing. He said to me, "look, that is the way it is. We Dominicans learn to accept the governments bullshit and move on. Until it is changed you need to accept it and move on."

Now, I can already here people saying that is what is wrong with this country. The populace needs to get together, yada, yada, yada. It is not that you would be incorrect for thinking that, but as I have talked to all the other Americans living here it seems that everyone is adapting and hoping/waiting for things to change.

For those who are planning a trip here you should understand what is going on and plan accordingly. Keep abreast of the latest happening and search the internet for more information. To that end, many posters on DR1 are saying that next week they are supposed to change the times that places close. It hasn´t been verified but there is talk that places will stay open until 2am during the week and 3am on weekends. Click here for the story.

I spoke with the manager of the Hotel Discovery and he says the hotel will be open on the 1st of September. He told me that they have 3 types of rooms: Economy ($35), Standard ($60) and Suites ($85). I was not able to ask about the guest policy and other issues. He said that he will call me before it opens so that I can take some pictures from the inside. At that time I will find out what their policies are. There is also a pool on the roof (if I understood him correctly). I just hope that the homo ghetto hillbillies don´t come down and ruin the place for everyone. We´ll see ...

Last night, David Lee and I went to dinner at my friend Mark´s apartment. Mark is very private so I never published any photos, though David did get a few shots. His apartment (which I helped with) is just beautiful. The dinner, as it always is at Mark´s, was great. Mark is a great cook and host and no detail is left to chance. David hasn´t updated his blog yet, but look for the review. If only Mark would open a restaurant here. Okay, I know, restaurants are closing everyday. It was just a thought. Thanks again Mark for the great food and conversation.

For those in town for Labor Day weekend, David and Jerry are going to be hosting a "Sports Bar Family Reunion." It will take place in the VIP area next door to Jay Dee´s. Checkout David´s blog for more information. Also, with the new alcohol curfew, Jerry is now open from Wednesday to Saturday from 8pm. On Wednesday nights he has 2 for 1 specials.

Finally made it to the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch and I loved it. It was very nice and the food was very good (for that type of fare). I know several people who have gone and they all agreed and have gone back several times. Sorry for the diehard folk who don´t go for the McDonaldization of the world, but I think the place is a hit. At night on the weekends there have been 2 hour waits for tables. Also, Blondie, yep with Ms. Debbie Harry, played there the other night @ RD$2500 pesos and the place was overflowing. Okay, they did have a fashion show one night and it was horrible. Oh, well.

Now here is a question. If the Dominican Republic and the United States allowed same-sex marriage, do you think many tourists would be taking their "boyfriends" back home?

Lastly, I keep getting asked about whether Fantasy Stars is still open. I have not heard of anyone going there, but I am not sure what their status is. Anyone know?

On the street where the beloved Sports Bar was located they closed the street for live music. Unfortunately, they set the stage up directly in front of Ernest´s apartment. It was reggaeton versus bachata. He got a few photos (below). He would´ve gotten more but we had to hit it, the floors were vibrating and you couldn´t hear yourself think.

Here is an interesting article in Science Magazine