Christopher Columbus discovered Hispanola when he bumped into it in his explorations. On his initial visit he discovered the side of the island that is now Haiti. He found that the Haiti side of the island was not quite hospitable and moved to the southwest side of the island, establishing Santo Domingo. Santo Domingo went from a small colony to the city it is in modern day. The country of the Dominican Republic is the first colony to be established in the New World Caribbean.

The history of the Dominican Republic is rich with tales of Pirate Lore and hidden treasure. The first Catholic Church was built in Santo Domingo and still stands today, as do many other buildings rich in local history. If you decide to take a trip to the Dominican Republic you simply must read up on pirates and treasure hunting. Try watching all the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies, the read up on the real history of pirates.

In recent time many ex-patriots of various countries have moved here and opened businesses in many of the old buildings. The effect is quite rustic and gives you an old world feeling. There is also a fair share of haunted buildings so those of you that are into ghost hunting will enjoy listening to local ghost stories.

The Dominican Republic is a mix of Spanish, French, European, and African peoples. The language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish, while the language of Haiti is French. You will definitely find a blend of cultures in this country. While it is important to not be deluded about the poverty in the area, as a tourist you contribute to the economy and are most welcome.

The Peso is the national currency and the Dominicans actually prefer U.S. dollars. You end up paying a bit more for services at the airport and in the resorts at times, but you still get a good exchange for your dollar. If you are from another country other than the states, you generally get a better deal in exchange at the local banks. Remember to keep a good amount of small bills as it prevents from being overcharged and makes it easier to tip.

If you are packing your suitcase don't forget to pack a hat, sunglasses, and most importantly, sunscreen. The average temperature is 80? and in most cases it is a perfect climate for beach goers and sports enthusiasts. You may want to include small mag-lites and maps of the area you are visiting. You might even want to include bug repellent and perhaps a small first aid kit.

One last thing I would recommend is taking a journal of some sort. It is always good to have your written impressions of a new country and you can even add photos later when you get home to make a traveling journal. Moleskin makes great journals that fit really well in backpacks and they are very durable.

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Many of the resorts have activity centers and there are many activities that are included in your vacation package. There are many avid fishermen and women that come looking to make that big catch. If your resort doesn't have it's own fishing tours there are bound to be reasonable priced fishing tours offered locally.

If you do decide to go with a fishing tour service outside of your resort or one that is privately owned then you should make sure that the operator of the boat is licensed and that they have all the proper safety equipment. If you are new to fishing like myself, you can learn to fish from the shore and work up to the deep sea fishing later on.

Windsurfing is very popular with the Dominicans and it is done everywhere in the country but Planet Windsurf claims that Cabarette is one of the best places to windsurf in the world. There is also parasailing and this is the closest to flying you will ever get, although, you better not be afraid of heights.

If you are an inexperienced diver you can snorkel and there are many places all over the Dominican Republic to learn to. This is a great way for you to also try underwater photography. Underwater cameras used to be quite expensive but now you can find many that are reasonably priced and there are also underwater disposable cameras now. A favorite spot to snorkel is Sousa Beach located in a peaceful cove. Another fun spot of snorkeling is Isla Catalina and who knows, maybe you will find treasure in these waters.

For those that are a bit more experienced in water sports, there is also deep sea diving. There are also lessons for this as well, but you really must have a few lessons if you have never been. Once you have a little bit of skill behind your belt your can get out there and make like Flipper in no time. There are several Deep Sea areas where you can find sunken ships. Talk about fun! Of course there are many other water sports available as well, but these are just a few of the favorites.

If you are an avid golfer you will love the Punta Cana Golf Club (809) 959-4653. This is a premiere course, and was designed by the son (P.B. Dye) of famed golfer Pete Dye. Presidents and dignitaries have golfed on this course and then there is you, dear golf enthusiast, if you dare. There is a resort attached to the course and you get a price break on green fees if you are staying at the resort.

Near the Punta Cana Golf Club is the Punta Cana Ranch. If you get tired golfing you can try your hand at horseback riding at the ranch. There is also Rancho al Norte located in the mountains near Sosua. Other horse ranches are Rancho Lorilar and Southfork Ranch – Rancho Pat. All stables have a range of horses for the different abilities of riders, from beginning to advanced riders.

You don't have to get fancy though; you can just walk along the beach or swim in the resort/hotel pools or splash in the ocean. Also, the Dominican Republic has baseball and their baseball season runs from January to April. If you can make it to a game, but whatever you choose to do, get out and have some fun.

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On the walking tour you must visit the Catedral Basilica Menor de Santa Maria, Primada de America. Being the first church to be built in the Caribbean this structure is steeped in history. Columbus is rumored to have had his remains interred here but there has been a great deal of conjecture as to where he is actually buried. You can catch a great sunset from the bell tower of the Cathedral and the climb to the top is a great workout.

The city also boasts of the first military fortresses in the Caribbean and you must see this as well. Climb to the top of the fortress and you will be rewarded with another beautiful sunset. The Ozama Fortress is where Diego Columbus (Columbus' son) lived with his wife when he first arrived in the Dominican Republic.

You will also find the "Calle de las Damas" (walk of the ladies) which runs along the front of the fortresses and there is much to see here. This street got its name from Maria de Toledo, the wife of Diego Columbus. She would walk to Mass with other ladies of nobility. I can just imagine all that lace and brocade rustling down the street.

Once you have acclimated yourself to the capital it is a good time to visit and tour other areas. If you love to fish then look no further. The local marinas have been recently renovated and offer great tours. The clear waters in this area make fishing a real joy. If you have never been deep sea fishing now is the time to learn.

Check around for pricing on tour boats to charter for fishing. It is important to make sure you have an experienced crew and in order to insure that you may have to pay as much as $500US. My suggestion is that if you are already at a resort with an all-inclusive package, check with them to see what kind of fishing is offered. Then if you want a different tour you can research what is available in the area that you are staying.

If you are not interested in fishing but want to have a boat tour there are many that you can book. In the Samana Bay, Humpback whales migrate from January to April and they are wonderful to watch. "Whale Samana" and "Iguana Mama" are popular choices for booking whale watching boat tours.

If you have a taste for adventure you can book a Monster Truck Safari. This tour lasts all day and takes you into the countryside, which gives you a good view of how Dominicans live. The kids, especially the boys, will love this tour. The seating is high up in the Monster Trucks so you get a good view of everything.

Once again, check with your resort or hotel that you are staying at in order to find all the tours available. There are also tours that show you the flora and fauna of the Dominican Republic. While many people vacation here for the beach there are many wonders to visit in the interior of the country

A quick note here, if you remember to bring a few little toys and candies to give out the children in the villages you visit will love it. It is a small kindness but it makes the children happy.

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Of course you can use the usual sites on the Internet (Travelocity, Orbitz, Expedia), and you can probably get great deals but you can also deal with the hotel as well. I would encourage you to call or email the resort you are planning to visit and see what kind of deal they can offer.

There are many resorts in the Dominican Republic for you to choose from and most of these are all inclusive. You will want for nothing and have a truly fun and relaxing time. An example of a good deal is from Beach Destinations. This sample package has a 4-day, 5-night vacation package.

This package includes a round trip plane ticket from NY (economy) with everything included, hotel, food, drinks, and entertainment. This package costs $699.00. This vacation package is for the Puerto Plata Iberostar Costa Dorada Hotel resort. Located 30 minutes from the airport you are conveniently located. This price is for anytime in January 2008 and after.

A really great deal for families is one the Lifestyle Tropical Beach resort. The beachfront hotel here is the Cofresi Beach. The rooms are comfortable and have balconies or patios. There is a bar that you can swim up to and a special swimming area for the kids. The hotel is a few minutes stroll to the marina and the Ocean World Adventure Park. The hotel offers trade vouchers for other local businesses so you can try out other establishments to serve you.

Ocean World has a Sea Lion show two times a day, a reef for snorkeling, bird aviary, and a Rainforest show. Needless to say the kids will have a good time. However for adult fun there is a Casino in the Marina. A sample 4 – night package for this resort is $732 per person. Personally, I would bring your mother-in-law along to watch the kids. Think second honeymoon.

If you are looking for an alternative to the resort and hotel experience there is always the alternative of vacation rentals. There are sites you can go to make these sorts of arrangements. With these you can get a from a very reasonable apartment rental to the rental of a villa. I found one "Castle Villa in Sousa/Cabareta". This is a villa with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths with a private pool. It is really beautiful.

The other alternative is Bed and Breakfasts although this information isn't as readily available. You almost have to be in the country to check these out, as they are accommodations in private residences. These can, however, be wonderful arrangements as you are able to experience a more personal vacation where you can actually experience the inhabitants of this lovely country. Whatever package you choose, you are sure to enjoy your time in the Dominican Republic.

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In the beginning it was difficult to police the waters in and about Hispaniola but ultimately the English and the Spanish were responsible for getting rid of piracy in Caribbean waters. Up until that time Santo Domingo was a haven for pirates, cut throats, and scallywags. It was a notorious and raucous place and gave us some of the best pirate stories that literature has to offer.

After Columbus established his colony in Santo Domingo the Spanish controlled all of the Gold and other riches that came from this area. Much of the gold that Cortez took from the Aztecs was transported by ship back to Spain from Hispaniola. Other European nations fought what they believed was an unfair monopoly by seizing Spanish ships, gold, the occupants, and anything else of value. Later during times of peace, when there was no employment, sailors turned to piracy to make a living.

During these times valuable object, like gold, silver, and gems, ended up at the bottom of the ocean or buried and forgotten, hence the beginning of stories of hidden treasures and forgotten riches. In truth, there was no formal way of keeping your assets safe. This was the New World, a frontier of sorts, and there were no banks to entrust your money and valuables to. From noble born to common man, people took to burying their valuables.

So some of the tales of buried treasure were actually true. The waters from north Florida to the southern tip of the Caribbean was considered the Spanish Main. These waters had many ships go down and their riches along with them and this has given birth to modern day treasure hunters. Metal detectors have become very popular and they are used on land and sea to find treasure.

Many families became rich over night from their search for rumored family treasures that were hidden. They would save their money and then rent metal detectors and afterwards they would be mysteriously well off. All of a sudden they were able to finance small businesses like markets, restaurants, and Laundromats.

Treasure hunting has given rise to the business thereof and many vacationers come to the Dominican Republic with this in mind. The rental of metal detectors is available to anyone who has a desire to hunt for treasure. There are many other vices that go well with treasure hunting, such as rum and cigars. Dominican Rum and cigars are great exports to the country.

There are 3 rum producers and you can visit them for samples and tours of the facilities. The Dominican cigars are hand rolled and enjoyed by cigar enthusiast. You must buy few of these to take home with you to remind you of your good times in the Dominican Republic.

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You are able to get airfare, lodging, food, and beverages. It is standard for each of these resorts to have an activities department with a variety of activities for the kids to experience. It is always helpful to have feedback from other families that have made the same trip so get online and go to the various travel chat rooms and see what they have to say about where the kids had the most fun. Travel Advisor is a good site and they have good information for travelers.

La Ramana, in Casa De Campo is a great resort for the family. This resort boasts of having a huge facility with 16 pools and a private beach. There are regular rooms available, but there are also 3 and 4 room villas that you can rent as well as 4-passenger touring carts for your family to get around the resort grounds. If you have a larger party a second cart is made available.

There are various programs for the different age groups. Toddlers'n Casa program is for the youngest children 1 to 3 years of age. The Kidz'n Casa entertains children ages 4-7. Then there is the Casa 'Tweens for kids 8 – 12, and finally there is the Bonche Club which entertains teens 12 – 18 year olds only during the weeknights. The kids have their own pool table, foosball, music and movies. You are assured your children will be well taken care of because there will be at least two staff assisting them at all times that speak English.

There are similar programs in other resorts and most boast of lessons in billiards, horseback riding, snorkeling, kayaking, and there are even meringue lessons for the kids. There is also an educational offering of Spanish language schools that includes 20 hours a week studying Spanish and a stay with a local family. The classes have 6-8 students attending so you are insured that your child gets all the attention they need. These types of immersion programs are very good at teaching your children to speak Spanish.

If your children love pirates and pirate lore it would be great for them to study the history of the real pirates and perhaps, even to read "Treasure Island". You can read these books with your kids and discuss how they relate to the common pirate "yarns". "Pirates of the Caribbean" was filmed in and around Hispaniola and you can always get started for your trip by watching all three movies. Sounds like fun to me.

Ocean World in Puerto Plata is a wonderful experience. There are a great variety of animals to learn about here but the most impressive experience that the park offers is being able to swim with the dolphins. Haven't you ever wanted to swim with Flipper?

I have always wanted to do this. The park also offers a rainforest that has waterfalls, lagoons, and waterfalls. This would be a great time to let the kids use the camera.

Other family things to do would be hiking, swimming, volleyball and dancing. If your children have not learned to swim yet, this would be the time to teach them. Dominican beaches are also great for shell hunting and if you are an adult you can rent metal detectors and go treasure hunting with your kids. Who knows, you just might find some treasure!

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One morning I went to their house and they were at breakfast and they were eating what looked like a fried banana to me. I was shocked when they put ketchup on their fried bananas, but was told that these bananas were not sweet and they were eating them like we would eat potatoes with our eggs. I found that very interesting. I tasted it and while it didn't taste like potatoes, it didn't taste like the banana that I was used to.

The banana that most Americans are used to is called the sweet or dessert banana. Those that are native to the islands will be referred to it by its Spanish name pl?tano. There is a smaller variety that you may have seen in the stores called bocadillo pl?tano and these are used much the same as the larger variety.

A popular breakfast favorite is a dish called mangu. This is a mixture of plantains, bacon, and cheese. This mixture has been named, by visitors to the Dominican Republic, as "mashed potatoes". You must try this when you go out for breakfast on your vacation.

Many dishes prepared in the Dominican Republic have tropical fruits and vegetables in them. You will find an abundance of coconuts, mangoes, pineapples, papayas and other favorites. You won't get tropical fruit this fresh at home so try it for breakfast while on vacation.

The Dominicans make a form of paella (originally from the Spanish) that uses locrio, which is Dominican rice. The Spanish version uses saffron, but here the seeds of the achiote plant are used instead. This paella is usually made with fresh shrimp, lobster, and crab. You will find it on most menus in this country.

Sancocho is a stew that is made of chicken or beef and has native roots and herbs in it as well as green plantains and avocados. Served with rice this is a distinctive and tasty dish. Quipes is a beef dish that is wrapped in bulgur whole wheat. Another dish served is tipili which is a salad made of bulgur.

Dominican desserts are dominated with tropical flavors. Flan is of course a favorite. Its Carmel flavored goodness is popular in most Latin American countries. There is also mango cake, arroz con leche (rice pudding), and Frio frios that is the Dominican version of our Sno cone. Rum cakes are a special treat as well. Rum is used to flavor many desserts, which brings us to Dominican Rum.

Many of the drinks served in this country have either light or dark rum and possibly both. The favorite drink of most is the Coco-Loco and it will have you banging your head on the bar. Most likely just one of these will do ya. The Dominicans are producers of their own rums and a visit to their distilleries would be a fun tour for the adults to take.

Bermudez is a distillery that was founded in 1852. Bitter Panacea is the first formula used and to this day is produced and remains popular.

Brugal, established in 1888 is a big producer and is the well known internationally. The distillery is located near Puerto Plata and they offer their product at very reasonable prices and have daily tours.

Barcelo is distilled in Santo Domingo and is the favorite of the locals.

If beer is your beverage then the local beer is what you should ask for. Presidente is the local beer. This is a light Pilsner and instead of the usual 5% alcohol that is standard in the states, this beer is 6%. You will not find this beer in many places here in the States so bring some home if you find you like it.

Coffee is also produced in abundance in the Dominican Republic. Tours at some of these facilities are available so inquire at you location to see if there are any in your area.

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The Dominican prices are quite reasonable and will easily fit into your budget. You can find from casual to formal dining here. Everywhere you go you can smell the aroma if planchas, which are their outdoor grills. Dining al la Carribean style is eating under a thatched covering or umbrella in the open air. This gives the true feeling of vacationing in the tropics.

Asador De Antonio is a fine dining establishment located in the Dominican capital, Santo Domingo. The proprietor, Antonio, was born in Buenos Aries, Argentina, and he has made his home and business in the Dominican Republic. His specialty is fine wines and steaks, which is also the specialty of the Argentineans. If you are dying to put on your dress up duds and have a nice night on the town, this is the place.

Location: Cesar Nicol?s Penson 157 A

Telephone: 809 688-6669

My next offering is El Museo De Jam?n and your eyes do not deceive you, translated this reads "The Museum of Ham". Serrano smoked hams hang from the ceiling in this traditional Spanish restaurant and the food is muy delicioso.

Location: Alc?zar De Col?n

Telephone: 809 688-9644

El Conuco in Santo Domingo is a very festive option and a favorite of the touristas. The food is reasonably priced and very good. The servers dress in costumes and there is live performances of music and merengue. The specialty of the house is sancocho.

Cafe Cito located in Puerto Plato is a real treasure for those that are looking for an authentic experience. The Cafe is located in a downtown historical building. The owner is a Canadian ex-patriot named Tim Hall and he makes many of the dishes himself. He will be delighted to sit and chat with you if business is slow. I would pick his brain about what to do and where to do it in the DR. If you are a cigar aficionado then this is the place for you, see if Tim will smoke a cigar with you.

If you are looking for a break from the usual tourista entertainment then you will love the Jazz/Blues/Rock musical venue at the Cafe Cito. There is a Juke Box and live music as well. Just depends on when you arrive. The building, newly renovated, has been described as "unpretentious". If you have a need for Glass and Chrome with precision timing in your service then this is not the place for you. This is a relaxed and casual environment. Call and speak to Tim to order in advance if you need to. Check out the menu on the web.

809 586-7923

Chris & Mady's on the Beach is another restaurant that is a real favorite. Chris is also a Canadian turned ex-pate and Mady, his wife, is Dominican. Their restaurant is al fresco dining which is the true Caribbean dining experience. The food is great and a lobster dinner is about 8$. The location is across from the beach in Puerto Plata.

These are just some of the restaurants available to visitors. Many tourists choose a package from a resort that has lodging, food, drinks and activities all in included. Even if you have this type of a vacation with your meals included you should consider getting out to one of the fine dining establishments in the surrounding locale.

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