Memorial Day Weekend

Photo courtesy of Ernest Montgomery

This past weekend here was jam-packed full of Americans. It's funny, the Americans that live here were griping, "when do these people go home?" Well, you can't please everyone. It was too funny. Every American (that lives here) that I saw here had a story about being on the Conde, or somewhere and seeing tons of Americans. Being in the tourists bizness, I don't mind them (too much!). LOL!

I didn't get to take many pictures. I didn't have any excuses, seeing as I wrote that my camera was broken, and Mario Sessions, being the good samaritan that he is, brought me a camera. Just wasn't feeling it. It was good seeing some new faces. It seems like everyone had a good time, already, people are starting to plan for the July 4th weekend celebration.

There is a strong rumor going around that there is to be another club opening in the Colonial Zone. I have not been able to confirm it, but I am on it. As soon as I can confirm (or deny!) the rumor I will bring it to you, must loyal readers. I can't imagine that anyone would want to spend the exhorbitant amount of money to do this, but hey ... (Note: Had dinner tonight (5/29) at this restaurant, I walk in and who should be there, but someone who can answer the rumor about the new club. Supposedly, they will using a space that is occupied, just taking over the weekends. As usual, I will keep you posted.)

I often get emails about things happening here and there. My response was usually that if it wasn't Dominican-related, I would not write anything about it. I am now changing that unofficial rule. If I find something I like and want to share, I will write about it. To that end, here some information from some emails that I received.

There is a new film out called the Godfather of Disco. It is based on the book My Life and the Paradise Garage: Keep on Dancin', by Mel Cheren. The film is directed by Gene Graham. Gene Graham is a producer/director/editor and has worked on many projects including Ski Trip and Dirty Laundry. Mel Cheren was a music executive who went on (with Michael Brody) to open the famous and legendary Paradise Garage in NYC. For 10 years this club was a place that people went to for the love of dance and music. I went to a reading and book signing when the book came out at the Different Light bookstore on West 19th street. The Paradise Garage was instrumental in my coming-of-age as a young Gay man. I still have my last membership card. To be honest, even then, I did prefer Better Days, as it was little more seedier. Anyway, if the documentary comes to your neck of the woods, I would highly suggest you check it out.

Norm Kempkens -- who is a frequent traveller to the DR, and has a travel consultant business in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida -- is putting together a cruise that leaves from the port in Santo Domingo. The cruise leaves next March 2nd, 2008, and will make stops in St. Maarten, Dominica, Grenada, Margarita Island (Venezuela), Aruba, before making its way back to Santo Domingo. Imagine that you come down before the cruise and hang out, then cruise to exotic destinations, come back and hang out some more. Now, that is what I call a vacation.

James Saunders is having his annual White Pary Moonlight Cruise. Set for Friday, August 3, 2007. Click on the link for all the information.

That's all for now.

Until soon,
The Monaga Blogger