[ad_1]
In Victor Block
People often visit the Caribbean island of the Dominican Republic for its golden sandy beaches and all-inclusive resorts. While there are many such settings, I thought of other things during my visit. I was impressed by the long selection of activities that offered opportunities to explore the unspoiled countryside, meet the locals, visit villages untouched by tourism and enjoy being with Mother Nature.
I was following the voyage of Christopher Columbus, who in 1492 saw the island that the Dominican Republic shares with Haiti today. 10 years later a colony was established there.
Among the reminders of Spain’s colonial era is the Fuerte de San Felipe (Saint Philip’s Fort), a stone fort that still stares out over the northern coast. The Dominican Republic’s struggle for independence was finally discovered in 1821 by its massive castle, which houses a small historical museum.
Today, many visitors head to Puerto Plata for vacations, which are great for excursions to the nearby towns and beaches. Playa Cabaret (Cabaret Beach) is popular with locals and tourists alike. A semi-circular stretch of golden sand is laid out against the backdrop of restaurants and bars.
Another beach that is popular with Dominicans is Sosua. It used to be a peaceful fishing village. In recent years it has grown into a bustling small business community. Small shops and restaurants line the beach, and vendors stroll along the sand. Looking for a change from looking at beaches and tourist attractions, the challenge became choosing which one to invite.
I decided to focus on new experiences and found the right solution. After inquiring, I was directed to Iguana Tower, an outdoor tour operator that offers activities such as jumping down rushing waterfalls, zip lining, canyoning, river-tubing and riding on all-terrain vehicles. I’ve chosen a couple of options that seem to present a challenge but not much. One was a bike ride on dirt roads through modest housing estates. I lent my hand to children playing on the road while riding to keep the bikes from scratching potholes and chickens in the dust.
Then, after loading the rented bike onto a motor boat out back, I enjoyed watching the cows graze in the fields and the fishermen cast their nets on the Yasika River. I returned to the ground, drank cold coconut water from the shell, then returned to my starting point.
Another day, another outing. This time, there was a walk in El Choco National Park, for the color of chocolate (chocolate) earth. It involves exploring more than 100 limestone caves, many of which are connected by underground rivers, adding a new dimension to a typical walk in the jungle.
A pleasant bonus was my encounter in the forest with an old man who invited me into his small hut made of palm trees and fruit and gave me a warm yucca snack. That spirit of hospitality showed in every experience I had with the Dominicans. They were always friendly and polite.
The people I meet when I travel have a lot to do with how much I enjoy a destination. Add beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes and tiny towns, as well as plenty of familiar and lesser-known activities, and the Dominican Republic has plenty to offer for those looking for active days, hours on the sand, or intimate encounters of the best kind.
when you go
For information on visiting the Dominican Republic: www.godominicanrepublic.com
A visitor to Fuerte de San Felipe in the Dominican Republic explores the landscape. Photo courtesy of Victor Block.
(Description Paragraph 2) Villagers in the Dominican Republic welcome visitors like these girls. Photo courtesy of Victor Block. end statement 2)
Fishermen on the Yasica River in the Dominican Republic cast their nets. Photo courtesy of Victor Block.
Victor Block is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
[ad_2]
Source link
