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Come in ... The Water is Fine

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Angelita Trujillo, the youngest daughter of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo (former Dominican dictator), has written a book. From the excerpts of the book, her life was extremely charmed. She talks of Queen Elizabeth's coronation, parties with Barbara Hutton, and other Dominican elites. But the overall tone is how great her father was. It is already generating tremendous interest. I hope this is going to be translated, as I would love to read this book. I wonder if she will return to the D.R. to do interviews?

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The Pennsylvania State Police have put out a warning about citizens receiving phone calls stating that a loved one is in jail in the Dominican Republic. The caller then urges that money sent by Western Union to the Dominican Republic will get your loved one out of jail very quickly. But you have to act quickly.
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The body of a stowaway fell out of plane as it was taking off from Santo Domingo.
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One of Italy's most-wanted criminals was arrested while sunbathing on the beach near Santo Domingo. He was there with his wife and kids.
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Here's a list of Caribbean Islands to Avoid
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Len Ziebarth, an American ex-pat who lived here in Santo Domingo passed away in the hospital last night. He was suffering from liver cancer. I didn't know Len very well. After Scotch left the former Casa New Yorker he ran it for a time. That is where I met him. He was officiating a commitment ceremony. This is what I wrote about that night on December 27, 2007: The highlight of the ceremony was the minister, Len. Len's sermon was riveting and poignant. He talked about how he had been a minister for 35 years, and once he came out as gay, he had to leave the church. He then read the passage from the 23rd Psalm, and another about Ruth. Again, beautiful and poignant.

Rest in peace, Len.

Orlando

Orlando, the former owner of Parios Bar, is now a taxi driver. He speaks English, is honest and a all-around nice guy. If you need a taxi in Santo Domingo call Orlando, 809.434.2629 (parios77@hotmail.com). Make sure to tell him you saw him on the blog.

Beautiful Saturday

I met him. Came to Santo Domingo and hung out with me today. Amazing guy and the photos just really don't do him justice. Now if he will only come back when Ernest is here so he can take some beautiful pictures. Nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Moreno (part 2)

He lives in Santiago, works six days a week, and sometimes strips on the weekends. I have been in contact and hope to meet him tomorrow. We'll see ...

French Vogue Cover

The Dominican models have really been taking the international modeling scene by storm. Especially Black Dominican models. Now another has achieved a great milestone. The cover of French Vogue. The model is Rose Cordero.

Video

Dominicans living in the Netherlands.

Ikea is Open!

Ikea opened yesterday. And from what I can see it was a great success. My doubts about pricing have been quelled. I still think there are things ridiculously priced. But after seeing the thousands of square feet of space. Along with finding some great things at prices I have never seen in the D.R. I think they will do fine. I went earlier in the day about 11am. Was told it would not open until after 1pm, once the president was there to cut the ribbon. Finally opened and it was a line to get in. Even when I left @ 9pm. And the Swedish meatballs are just like I remember them. Welcome Ikea!

Flowers

When driving around the country it is possible to find the most beautiful flowers. For cheap. We loaded up on these flowers because they were only $0.55 - $0.60 cents for each stem. I don't know what they are called but they are beautiful. I'm off now to check on Ikea. Today is their grand-opening.

Stripper

I have a friend who lives here who hasn't been to my new favorite place (the waterfall). I don't mind going again because he is a really great cook and promises to put a great lunch together. Hope to take some great photos. In the meantime, I found this great stripper on ItsNotAboutYou. Not a great dancer, but a great body.

Latest News

Did the police set off some mace in Parque Duarte? Or, some other agent to get the people to disperse? This is what is being alleged by many who were there. With the gay nightlife in a sort of funk, Parque Duarte has been extremely crowded with sometimes hundreds of gays on the weekends. I am told by many that the current head of tourist police covering the colonial zone is not a friend of the gays. At all. At least that is what is alleged. I do know that many are not happy with all the gays in the park.

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Starting today (February 15, 2010) there is a new are code for the Dominican Republic. 849. There are now three area codes for the island, 809, 829, and now 849.

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Interview with Arlenis Sosa in Latina Magazine.
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Last Thursday was the funeral for Luis Hess. Who is he, you ask? I had not heard of him either, until I read on this news website that keeps me up-to-date with all the goings on up north. Mr. Hess has lived in Sosua for more than 70 years. First arriving in 1940. You can read more about his amazing life and contributions to Sosua here.
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The college of Dominican engineers, architects and surveyors (CODIA) has come out with a report stating that 70% of the buildings in the Dominican Republic could withstand a substantial earthquake. Those number extremely generous.
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Adventura brought their world tour to the D.R. on Saturday.

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Last Friday there was a horrific accident on Las Americas highway -- which is the main highway to and from the airport -- where a van carrying almost 27 people crashed into the Caribbean Sea. Published reports say the driver was going at an excessive speed, while darting in and out of traffic. Other reports stated he had a heart attack. While still other reports state that one of the tires exploded while he was driving at excessive speed. One thing is for certain, he and eleven other people are confirmed dead, including a pregnant woman and a two-month old baby. While driving to the airport on Sunday there were hundreds of people out to see the search for other bodies. In the last five years more than 7,000 people have died in traffic accidents.

Beautiful

My Day @ El Rio

Yesterday was a beautiful, hot sunny day. The last time Ernest was here we went to Chaco Prieto to take some pictures. I always wanted to go back. You drive to this secluded location. Then you have to hike back into the forest for about a half-hour. And then you see it. Beautiful, crystal clear and ice cold. The town is very rural and poor, but the people take great pride in this area. I have been to many places like this in the Dominican Republic, and often you see a lot of garbage. Not here. Pristine. There are garbage cans along the trail. There were even police patrolling and reminding everyone to take their basura. I'm told there is another more magnificent waterfall about 3 KM further. I will be back to explore, and will bring my camera along.