Saturday, November 7, 2009

Santiago, Dominican Republic

By Okiro Han

Santiago de los Trenta Caballeros is the second largest city in the Dominican Republic. The gold rush prompted the growth of this city during the time of Columbus. And still, even until now, there is a gold rush to be enjoyed - golden memories, golden dreams and a holiday that simply sparkles and shines.

What are the attractions, you may ask? Well, this dynamic and vibrant city is lined with sites and monuments that are testimonials of the city's past and its forward-looking present. Your first stop should be a trip to the rum and tobacco factories. There is the E Leon Jimenez Tobacco Company and the Tobacco Museum, as well as the Bermudez Rum Factory.

As for art and culture, the city's modern district, Centro Leon, is where you should head to. Centro Leon has activities every week to entice the art lovers and culture vultures. There is also the Cinemacafe, where you can go people watch even as you soak in the film and art scene.

As for the usual tourist stops, be sure to visit Monument a los Heroes de la Restauracion, Parque Duarte and the Cathedral of Santiago. A great way to spend the lazy afternoons would be to drive along the countryside and drink in the relaxed atmosphere as well as the sight of green - tobacco and coffee plantations and fruit farms. There is also the Tomas Morel Museum of Folkloric Art, which has a great collection of carnival masks.

If you are hankering for some time in the water, this island boasts of great beaches, with powdery sand and clear waters. You can simply revel in the feel of the sand under your feet or you can get into active mode and indulge in some fishing, snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving.

This tropical island also boasts of world class shops, hotels, parts, as well as shopping centers. Bars, discos and nightclubs are quite easy to find and offer a welcome diversion at night. Do the meringue, the salsa, reggae, the papi chulo, papi papi and the bachata at some of the clubs.

About the Author:

0 comments:

Post a Comment