Dominican Republic cruising
Simanderal
Michael Hughes and Ger White
Mon 26 Jan 2009 23:14
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A while since our last blog--reflecting the
somewhat lazy time we've been having sailing-wise.
Having arrived in the DR on 3 Jan. we spent the
first fews days dealing with laundry, boat cleaning etc., then hired a car and
spent time in Santo Domingo and a couple of days on the Samana
peninsula.
Santo Domingo old town--the colonial
district-- is fascinating. It was the centre of early Spanish activity in the
New World--founded by Columbus himself and governed both by him and then his
brother. All of the armies of Spain which subsequently invaded central and south
America started off from Santo Domingo. Much is decrepit, but much is well
preserved and restored--palaces used by Columbus, the oldest church in the
Americas etc.
Eric then joined us, and the three of us flew to
Havana for a week in Cuba--4 days in Havana and 3 in Trinidad. Havana is well
worth visiting--before it gets covered by Americans! Lots of history, live music
in every bar for free--even went to a concert by the remodelled Buena Vista
Social Club--great place.
Then back to the boat in the DR--joined by Rachel,
Eric's girlfriend--and at last we have left the Marina Zarpar and are enjoying a
DR cruise--anchored off Islas Catalina a couple of nights ago and now off Islas
Saona--beautiful palm fringed beach, clear water--great! We'll spend another
couple of days here--then off to a marina near Romana to drop off Eric and
Rachel for their flight on 30th.
All for now.
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