The city of Santo Domingo seems like an earlier, smaller version of Los Angeles, with only slightly less traffic. Friday happened to be the day of the Presidential Election, a National Holiday, so traffic was lighter than usual and many businesses were closed. Restaurants were open, but were not allowed to sell alcohol on Election Day (except for those located in hotels and resorts).
We checked in to the Intercontinental Hotel, a modern facility located on Avenida George Washington, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. We selected it because of its close proximity to the historic old Colonial District, with buildings dating as far back as 1503. After freshening up at the hotel, we headed out for some lunch and sightseeing in the old city. The pictures here are not in any particular order, but I will try to caption them as best I can....
North side of the old cathedral
Monastery entrance
"The Lighthouse" - Since 1993, this has been the final resting place of the remains of Christopher Columbus. We learned that Columbus' body had been buried in a number of places after his death, including Spain, Italy, and Santo Domingo's origininal Cathedral.
This is the Presidential Palace - The DR's version of the White House in the US. Note that there is only a single guard on duty at the gate, though there are probably others in the small security building inside the gate.
Our guide (Valentine) is explaining the workings of the sundial, which is part of the column behind Susan in this picture. We checked it out, and it was in pricise agreement with our digital watches. I wonder how they adjust it for Daylight Savings Time...
This a view of the old Governor's mansion, once inhabited by Christopher during his tenure as Governor of the Island of Hispaniola. Apparently, he was not well regarded by those he governed. They complained to the King of Spain that he was barbaric in his treatment of those who disobeyed his orders. He was eventually dismissed by the King, disgraced, and taken back to Spain in irons, along with his brother. His lands and wealth were confiscated, and he spent hard time in the dungeon. He was finally liberated after submitting an appeal to the King, wherein he pointed out all he had done for the Crown over his years of service.
Gayle, Valentine, and Susan
Midafternoon, we stopped in at this lovely old hotel for refreshment. It is in the heart of the Colonial district, and was originally the private home of a wealthy merchant. Built around a central courtyard, it now offers 19 rooms furnished in period style.
This a view of the original Cathedral of Santo Domingo.
Our guide was able to get us inside this very old church building which was closed to the general public, and guarded by a small contingent of army troops. It is called "The Mausoleum", and contains the remains of illustrious citizens of Hispaniola. It is a great honor to be interred here, and the plaques read like a "who's who" in the DR for the past 500 years.
The frescoes in the nave were quite striking.
Legend has it that this old anchor came from one of Columbus' sailing ships.
We will try to bring you all "up to date" in our next blog entry, before we loose internet connections again. We plan to leave Puerto Rico on Monday, and have much to share on the fun we have had while here in Buqueron for the past week.
Love,
Walt and Susan
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