What AAA Has to Say abou the Dominican Republic

So I have been doing a little research about the Dominican Republic. Ms. Edwards and her mother went to the AAA building in Portsmouth, NH and picked up a few books on England as well as a travel book for the Caribbean for me. Considering the fact that I have never traveled to a Spanish speaking country....I gotta lot to learn.

So I read through the AAA book on the Caribbean and this is what I discovered.

HISTORY

• "Old World charm lingers here in language, food, customs and thought. The emphasis placed on music, dance, history, and art as well as the usual inland activities of sunbathing and swimming make the Dominican Republic a popular Caribbean vacation destination."
• Columbus ran the Santa Maria aground on December 25, 1492 (Merry Christmas Chris)
• He used the lumber from the Santa Maria to build Fuerte de Navidad, (Fort Christmas)
• Hispaniola was the only colony ever governed by its discoverer. It was the base for many Spanish explorers (Francisco Pazarro, Hernando Cortes, Hernando de Soto, Vasco de Balboa, Juan Ponce de Leon)
• The oldest university in the Americas is located in the Dominican Republic - The University of Santo Domingo (1538)
• The French settled in western Hispaniola in 1697 and eventually took over the whole island. (100 year process)
• By 1809 the Spanish had gained back control of the eastern two-thirds
• 1821 - People of the Dominican Republic declared independence
• Haiti overran the Republic and controlled the area for 22 years.
• 1844 - Under the leadership of Juan Pablo Duarte the people of the DR gained independence.
• 1861 - Spain took control of the country until 1865.
• US Marines occupied the country from 1916-1924 and a constitutionally elected government was formed.
• 1930 - Dictator Rafael Trujillo came into power. He was assassinated in 1965.
• 1966 - Democracy was once again established

SHOPPING

• Haggling is expected in the crafts markets but not at all the commercial shops
• Free-port zones at Santo Domingo's Las Americas International Airport. Duty-free purchases can be made with US $$$.
• Good things to buy include: jewel-like amber, Larimar (blue stone), embroidery, woven baskets, dolls, leather goods, art objects and handicrafts of local cedar and mahogany.
  

FOOD AND DRINK

• Sancocho is the national dish. It is a stew of vegetables and meats.
• Local staple is the plantain
• A tip up o 10% is customary for good service in restaurants
• Rum is the most popular drink.
• Dominican beer rivals German brands for flavor.
• A fruit shake (batida) is a good refreshment
• Coffee is great there if you like it strong.
• TAP WATER - is not safe to drink. Bottled water is easily available.

FAST FACTS

• Time Zone - Atlantic Standard (1 hour ahead of us)
• Langauge - Spanish
• Currency - Domnican Republic Peso
  

• Electricity - 110 volts, 60 cycles AC
• Driving: drive on left
• Holidays:
  

Jan 1: Epiphany Day
Lady of Altagracie Day
Jan 21: Juan Pablo Duarte Day
Carnival
Feb 26: Independence
Feb 27: Good Friday
Labour Day
Corpus Christi Day
Restoration Day
Our Lady of Las Mercedes Day
Sept 24: Constitution Day
Dec 25: Christmas