Hostal La Colonia

Across the street from the Hodelpa Caribe Colonial is a new place to stay, called the Hostal La Colonia. Running it is a former Caribe Colonial employee, Felipe. Completely new and very nice it has rooms starting at $50 per night. All the comforts like air-conditioning, hot water, security, and yes, no problems with having visitors.

Check them out.

A while ago I was complaining about the weather. I'm sorry. After talking with folks in the States I can see it is not all that bad here. Actually, the last couple of days would classify as spectacular. Sunny, breezy, with NO humidity. Just lovely!

I have a British gentleman staying with me, and we have just been having some great fun. I have been to the beach this week (twice!) and to some great restaurants. Today I went and got the full tour of the Hilton Hotel. It is really quite nice. I had just been in the lobby previously, but this time I toured the facilities and was really quite impressed. The rooms are to die for, and it is really quiet. With its pool, 24-hour room service, 24-hour gym, oh, and the views from practically every room are breathtaking. And walking around the place I found out I know a couple of people working there. Small world.

If you are looking for a really great restaurant in the Colonial Zone, you must try the restaurant in the Sofitel Nicholas de Ovando, La Residence. It is by far the best restaurant that I have eaten at in the Dominican Republic. I have eaten there twice this week and both times the food and service were impeccable. If you are looking for fine French cuisine in a beautiful and elegant setting I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Oh yeah, it ain't a bad hotel either.

Starting January 23, 2007, all travellers returning from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, will need a valid passport to reenter the United States. No more birth certificate or drivers license.

Chachita Rubio's new club is tentatively scheduled to open on Februay 2, 2007. I will pass information on as it becomes available.

Well, that's all that I can think of right now. Checkout the pictures above from the day at the beach in Guayacanes, along with some other stuff.

As ever,
The Monaga Blogger

Hola

The weather has rainy and cool for the last 10 days or so. This is supposed to be the dry season. Peaks of sun every now and again. But, very blah, to be sure.

I was in Ocho Puertas (8 Doors) the other evening, and spoke with the owner, Dana. He informed me that he would be closing the doors for good on Monday, January 15, 2007. He said that with the curfew, along with the current business climate, it just isn't feasible to continue. It was very sad to hear. If you have been to the bar, then you know just how beautiful and great a space it is. Let's hope that someone opens up something else soon, or maybe someone else can takeover the Ocho Puertas space. Anyway, good luck to Dana.

Washington, D.C.'s, own Mario Sessions, will be throwing his annual birthday party in Santo Domingo, the weekend of March 9, 2007. For more information on the festivities to www.santodomingodirect.com.

There were some murmurs about a "gay wedding" that took place in Santo Domingo, during the Christmas holidays. Being an eternal skeptic, I didn't pay it much attention. Then I run into someone I know that works at the Hilton Hotel, and he asks me did I hear about the wedding. Still didn't think much about it. Then I get an email, and find out it is all true. It was a commitment ceremony, that by all accounts was done in a elegant, grand style. No expense was spared and it has gotten many of the locals who witnessed it talking. I have been talking with one of the participants to see if he will allow me to show some of the photos and share their story. Some of the local media have gotten wind of the affair, and want to do a story themselves. He knows that more than likely it will be held up to ridicule and that is the last thing he (or I) wants. I have told him that I will give him total control over what is written, and what pictures are shown. Also, no names have to be divulged. But, I would understand if he would prefer to not publicize it. We'll see ...

While sitting here writing this blog entry, I hear all this commotion outside in the street. When I open the door to see what is going on, I notice that everyone is staring at a woman on the corner is naked. The word spread like wildfire, and people are starting to come from everywhere. It is obvious (I think) that she is mentally unbalanced. But, then aren't we all, sometimes.

Don't forget, if you are in Santo Domingo, this week to stop by Jay-Dee's on Thursday, January 18, 2007. Eddie and Samuel will be celebrating their 6th anniversary together. Last year, I wrote about their 5th-year celebration at Bar Friends.

I mentioned in a couple of posts ago that I wanted to see Dreamgirls desperately. And thanks to Chris from D.C., I have! Let me just say the power of the internet is amazing. Then I find out that they are going to be showing it here in the next couple of weeks. Posters are starting to appear. Can't wait, because there is nothing like seeing a great musical on the big screen.

For those in NYC, or who will be visiting, checkout the musical In the Heights. Go to the website for more information.

I think that is it.

Until soon,
Monaga Blogger

Miss Me?

It's been a minute since I posted something. I was sick as hell the last couple of days. I guess it was the flu. All I know is that on Sunday I didn't have the strength to pick up the phone. Started feeling much better on Wednesday. I gotta get a flu shot!

Well, let's see, what's been going on?

Last Friday and Saturday nights went with David to hang out in Jay-Dee's to see what the strippers were like. Very nice crowds on both nights. Saturday night had a group (40+) from Chicago in the house and there were at least 6 strippers to whet their (along with everyone else) appetite. Nothing like beautiful young men to get everyone's juices flowing. (For those so inclined, photos are located below.)

The buzz now in the country is that we are going to be on a strike for the next 48 hours. A lot of DRama going on because the President announced that they were going to be reworking the tax laws again and everyone from business leaders, unions, civil servants and just plain folk are worried about how much more they are going to have to pay and for what? It is a mess. The country is building a subway that it can ill-afford, at the same time many parts of the country are experiencing crippling blackouts. Politicians! What can you do? Well, most Dominicans are saying let's shut the country down for 2 days to let the government know how seriously people are fed up with what is going on. Should be interesting.

Note: LP has informed me that they will not be doing Dominican Island Heat this year. With all the drama with the curfew and other projects he and Kenny are working on, they decided to pass this year.

Other News:

Canadian Tourist Killed in D.R.

Dominican Immigrant Killed in Philadelphia

American Airlines Will Start Baggage Restrictions

Thinking About Going to Punta Cana? Here's a Review

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award (Sonia Pierre)

Review of the first DR Global Film Festival

Dominican Bodegas in NYC

Videos de Republica Dominicana