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Monday was a holiday, Our Lady of Mercedes. It was so quiet is was eerie. There was a parade, but I swear it looked like the same people marching that were there last year, and the year before. So I didn't take any photos.

So much has gone on since I last blogged. There is now some official movement towards relaxing the curfew. One of the newspapers (en Espanol) had a story about how some establishments are going to be allowed to open until 1am during the week, and 3 am on the weekends. Dominican Today also has a story about this. Is the end near for the curfew? Let's wait and see.

A Texas woman living in retirement in Las Galeras (Samana region), with her husband, was kidnapped and kept in a cave for 3 days. The FBI, and the Dominican Army came to her rescue. Thank God all turned out well.

Dominican President, Dr. Leonel Fernandez, has been on a whirlwind tour of the States. Many world leaders are traveling to the U.S. because of the U.N. General Assembly. He has thrown the first pitch out at Yankee Stadium, spoken at Harvard and visited with Dominican leaders in NYC.

Last week, I got a call from J.H., in Florida. He was telling me that Bar Friends was raided, a couple of employees arrested and the place closed. It was true. They had been closed because they were allegedly stealing electricity. Anyway, they opened later on that night with candles. I'm told it was a bit hot, but the show must go on. Right?

Parque Duarte is getting gayer and gayer by the moment. The park, located at Calle Padre Billini and Calle Duarte (Colonial Zone), is now the hangout spot. It attracts a very bohemian crowd, and there used to be a small gay contingent. Well, not anymore. Gays are now making up a large percentage of the attendees. Bored after the bars/clubs close? Then you should head over to Parque Duarte.

The most interesting outdoor photo gallery can be found at the Parque Independencia. Parque de Independencia is where the "fathers" of the country are buried. Outside on the gates there are some great photo exhibitions. Right now the photos are dedicated to the art hanging inside the Louvre Museum in Paris. Every couple of weeks the photos are changed to a new theme. Nothing like a little culture to brighten up your day.

I can tell when there are some airline sales going on. Many people are already planning for their Thanksgiving and Carnival trips. Thanksgiving is the "unofficial" start to the winter season to the Caribbean. American Airlines is having a sale that ends today.

Last week, I went to two great parties. One, George T. through a 50th birthday party for Raul S., from San Francisco. It was on a roof deck and had a professional chef and bartender. Happy B-day again, Raul. The other was given by Ernest M. and Jose B. They opened their beautiful triplex up for friends and visitors alike. Where there is a curfew, there is a private party. I thought you knew ...

The photo of Felix Sanchez is just there because, well, I like it. He really should where a jockstrap.

Til next time,
The Monaga Blogger