SANTO DOMINGO, May 17 (Reuters) - Voters in the Dominican Republic's presidential election on Sunday will choose betweentwo candidates vying to be seen as agents of change, even though one represents the ruling party and the other is a formerpresident.
Making the choice even harder, both candidates represent center-left political parties in a race devoid of major ideological differences and lacking a conservative option.
Polls show Danilo Medina, 60, of the ruling Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), leading by a comfortable margin of 5 to 10 percentage points over Hipolito Mejia, 70, who is hoping to return to power for the opposition Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD) eight years after a failed re-election bid.
"There isn't a young, fresh, new voice," said Eric Farnsworth, a Latin America expert at the Council of the Americas in New York. "So what you have is both candidates trying to position themselves as the one who is most competent and trustworthy to run the government."
While the Dominican Republic is far wealthier than Haiti, its poor neighbor on the island of Hispaniola, many Dominicans still struggle to satisfy basic needs, prompting some to seek a better life by slipping in to nearby Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory.
The Dominican Republic is a popular resort spot, famous for its white sandy beaches and golf courses, but it also is the leading Caribbean transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the United States and Europe.
Click here for the rest of the article. This map above shows the route one of the caravans is on today.
Setting up the stages again. A huge rally is coming, I can feel it. Need to find out exactly when and get my contingency plan together. Viva la democracia. Setting up right beside my door.
President Leonel Fernández Reyna cutting ribbon Next Sunday, May 20, 2012, will begin voting for the presidential elections. This election season has had its share of controversy. And a couple of deaths have occurred from clashes between the two main political parties. Too much power and money are at stake.
Elections are a very big business in this country. The government allocates money to the different political parties. And many rallies and caravans are held all throughout the country to help spead some of the money around. Many of the poor are intensely courted for their votes. A precious few may even get some groceries, or a washing machine, or maybe even a stove. If you are really lucky you might even get a new apartment. But when the elections end, many of those communities are neglected again.
There are no debates. Just a bare-knuckled political brawl. Charges and counter-charges. You can always tell when election season is upon us. Many new public works projects are undertaken. Like the opening of a new highway overpass (being inaugurated above, photos below), or the second line of the Metro.
Maybe the next government will take on the challenges of education, healthcare, poverty, business climate, corruption, taxes, to name a few. One can at least hope.
I hope next Sunday's election are fair and free of violence. Good luck!
A couple of weeks ago I talked about one of my favorite blogs, "What About Your Saucepans?" This is a video interview with the writer of that blog, Lindsay de Feliz. If you're interested in moving to the Dominican Republic this interview is a must. Her story is amazing and I said it before, she is my hero.
7-Star Michelin Chef Opens Restaurants in Punta Cana
In 4:23 seconds, and without speaking a single syllable, Chef Martín Berasategui whipped up a plate of lobster, yucca, plantains and fresh fruit marinade that did more for the taste buds than it did for the English language. It needed no words, just some utensils and a clean palate perfect for tasting the seven Michelin star chef's impromptu creations.
That was how my entire conversation with Berasategui unfolded at Paradisus Palma Real on the afternoon of his newest restaurant opening, Passion -- mostly without speaking, and with a lot of excitement about the food. Berasategui speaks Spanish and French, and while I can get by with my "traveler's" Spanish, I can't have culinary conversations in a foreign language. With the help of a translator, and the universal language of food, I set up in the kitchen with the star chef, where I learned that food really is a universal language.
Paradisus Resorts in the Dominican Republic are responsible for bringing the seven-star chef to the Caribbean. Berasategui opened a restaurant in December at the Paridusus Resort in Playa del Carmen, and now the two Dominic Republic Properties -- Paradisus Palma Real and Paradisus Punta Cana -- are introducing Berasategui's cuisine to guests. Passion (at Paradisus Palma Real) and Fuego Gastro Bar (at Paradisus Punta Cana) debuted just last month, and the timing could not have been better.
"Chef Berasategui is acting as a consultant for Paradisus' overall food and beverage program, bringing his best practices to the brand," said Bernard Wyss, area vice president for Paradisus Resorts. "His presence has impacted the selection of products, training of staff and all of our restaurants' standard operating procedures."
The photographer, Kevin Slack, has some amazing photos from his travels to Cuba. There are many great photos, and he has several photos of twins. Like these beautiful brothers.
The Hotel Meliá Santo Domingo (on the Malecon) has opened a new club. It replaces the Coppa Bar & Lounge. It is open seven days-a-week until 6 am. No problem with the curfew. It is close the colonial zone. The dress code is clean and neat. No shorts and flip-flops.
Spirit Airlines' entire business model is based on taking advantage of the naive, the newbies and the confused.
Its latest move -- charging up to $100 each way for a carry-on bag starting in November -- shows contempt for inexperienced travelers. It especially shows contempt for the elderly, who are less likely to use the Internet and more likely to be unfamiliar with baggage rules.
The new rule means that anyone who shows up at the boarding gate without having pre-paid for the privilege of stowing their carry-on in an overhead bin will be charged $100.
That hits novice travelers the hardest. All newbies tend to look at is ticket price. If they can save $10 on a ticket between Detroit and Ft. Lauderdale on Spirit, a "low cost" airline, they'll buy it.
They don't realize that like the hens meeting the grinning fox, they are about to get their heads bit off.
Last year, Spirit made a profit of $76.4 million, and one third of its operating revenue was from its fees for carry-on and checked bags, choosing seats in advance and extra legroom. Other airlines struggling with losses no doubt are looking on that with envy.
And that's my main worry. If airlines that are trying to operate ethically and with customer service in mind can't make money while the greedy and customer-despising Spirit rakes in the dough, it will be only a matter of time before other airlines start sinking to its level.
Video about a new documentary of a school in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic, called Escuela Caribe. An Evangelical reform-school used to punish kids, especially those that are gay, in Jesus' name. The upcoming documentary is called Kidnapped for Christ. One of the comments on YouTube said, "If Christ was alive today, he would be ashamed that his name is used to excuse this blind hatred." How true.
Johnny Rockets is now open in Santo Domingo. Pretty soon every fast food place from the States will be here. The food was typical fast food. I like it, and the Ghiradelli milkshake was the icing on the cake. I am waiting for an Olive Garden and Pizzeria Uno. Future website: http://www.johnnyrockets.com.do/
Avenida Abraham Lincoln corner of Avenida Simon Bolivar 809.475.7575/
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Today I woke up feeling good. The sun was out and the weather was nice, it just seemed like it was going to be a beautiful day. I check my phone, and see a message that says "call me, Alexi is dead." I am stunned. What happened? I call my friend to find out that Alexi was killed in a motorcycle accident on Friday.
I met Alexi when someone I knew was moving here to manage a call center. As part of his his compensation package a car and driver were at his disposal. That driver/security was Alexi. He was part of a paramilitary force here in the D.R. He didn't speak any English, but told me in Spanish that he wanted to learn English to betther his life, and he wanted a future for his children and yada, yada, yada. I didn't know him at the time and I honestly didn't care. Just thought he was talking a lot.
I saw him again maybe a month later, and this time he was speaking in a few halting English sentences. I was very impressed. I got to know him more and little by little I began to not only like him, but respect him. He was someone that I called for advice, if I needed security, carpenters, or just anything. I last spoke with Alexi nine days ago on Facebook. Completely in English. I was seeking his counsel for something I wanted to do and needed his help. As always, his reply was just tell me what you need and I will take care of it. He was someone who told you the truth, even if you didn't want to hear it.
I often talk about how some police here can be corrupt and not good representatives of the country. But not Alexi. He was one of the nicest, most caring and honest human beings I have ever met. He would do whatever he could to help you. He lived for, and loved his family very much and my heart goes out to them, especially his young daughters.
I just wanted to take the time to give thanks to someone who has enriched my life, and made living here that much easier. Rest in peace, Alexi.
In the last couple of years airline airfares have increased dramatically. There is a service that Travelocity has called FareWatcher. You sign up and put in the airline routes you want to keep an eye on. You can set it up where you can get an email when the fare drops below a certain price. Or you can set it to be emailed every time it goes up or down by $25. Great way to find out exactly when the fare is at the price where you are inclined to purchase. You can setup 10 travel routes to follow. Maybe you can get a ticket to the D.R. for less than $300. Well, you can setup the FareWatcher and see if it is possible.
This is what it has looked like for the last 4 - 5 days here in the colonial zone. And the 10-day weather forecast is not encouraging. Does this mean that it will be wet summer? Only God knows.
Just got this email from the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo.
This Security Message is to alert U.S. citizens to recent crimes on the road between Boca Chica and Juan Dolio. We advise you to take precautionary measures and avoid traveling this stretch of road, particularly during darkness hours.
In one incident, a minivan was taking airline employees to a hotel in Juan Dolio from the airport. A white Lexus SUV posing as a police vehicle with flashing blue lights attempted to stop the minivan by racing alongside it, yelling, and shining a spotlight on the minivan. The minivan sped up to avoid an encounter and eventually the SUV turned around and headed in the opposite direction. Police do not normally conduct stops from a vehicle as U.S. police would do. Instead, they will set up check points with several police officers, and will indicate for you to stop.
In a separate incident, a driver was changing a flat tire on his vehicle when an SUV pulled behind him and the occupants attempted to rob him. The victim attempted to draw a weapon to defend himself and was shot and killed at the scene. His weapon and cellular phone were the only things taken.
Vary your times and routes to and from work
Keep your doors locked and windows closed (residence and vehicle)
Check the interior and exterior of your vehicle prior to getting into your vehicle. Look for things that are irregular or abnormal.
Be unpredictable when possible in both your work and social schedules.
Always be aware of your surroundings.
In traffic, always attempt to leave space in which to maneuver. Always leave yourself an exit. Be prepared to take evasive action at any time.
Avoid choke points in travel. Be wary of diversions.
If you are being followed or harassed by another driver, try to find the nearest police station, hotel, or other public facility to call the Police. Never lead the person back to your home or stop and get out.
Whenever possible, do not have a set day for shopping, errands and personal needs. Be unpredictable.
Public transportation vehicles such as the route taxis (“carros publicos”) and urban buses (“guaguas”) are unsafe and should not be used.
U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad should enroll in the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following website:https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at their destination. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.
Updated information on travel and security may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Worldwide Caution and other consular information, including Country Specific Information, for specific countries. These products and the latest international travel information for U.S. citizens are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov.
For any emergencies involving American citizens in the Dominican Republic, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy. The Consular Section Embassy is located at the corner of Cesar Nicolas Penson Street and Máximo Gómez Avenue, Santo Domingo, D.R.; telephone 809-221-2171; e-mail
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. For more information, visit our web page http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov.
I usually get an email when someone leaves a comment. For the last couple of days I had not received any comment emails. But then someone just emailed me to ask why I wasn't approving their comments. I checked the system and it was flush with comments. All have been approved. Sorry for the delay.
Flight attendant Chuck Harris made a few calls home to New York so plumbers could fix a broken pipe while he was vacationing in the Dominican Republic. To his surprise, he got a bill for $400—not from the plumbers, from the phone company.
John Ellis, an adjunct professor of anesthesiology and critical care at the University of Pennsylvania, returned home from a trip to China to a $2,367 phone bill for downloaded data, even though he carefully tracked his usage. And one Texas A&M University employee got an even bigger welcome home gift after a trip abroad: a $10,000 cellular data bill.
When in roam, be careful with your phone. Smartphones and tablet computers set to automatically update data can trigger hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in expensive roaming charges.
Data plans have become a more expensive travel gotcha than expensive voice-call rates overseas—as high as $5 or more per minute. Even if your phone checks the local temperature, that'll cost you. AT&T and Verizon charge up to $20 per megabyte, so uploading a few photos, downloading a few attachments or watching three minutes of YouTube video can easily cost $100; watching a full-length feature movie through an Internet-based service can be an $18,000 show ticket.
"Most people don't realize how quickly it adds up," said Walt Magnussen, director of telecommunications at Texas A&M in College Station. Like many companies, the university tries to get international travelers to notify the telecommunications department of overseas trips. Mr. Magnussen's department then sets up cheaper voice and data plans.
In the case of the $10,000 bill, Mr. Magnussen said the university employee only did occasional email, but his computer may have been set to update software automatically, triggering huge data charges. The university couldn't negotiate a break on the bill either, he said.
One of my absolute favorite blogs about the Dominican Republic is called, What about your Saucepans? It is written by a 50-something British ex-pat that has lived here for over 10 years. She covers the everyday situation of her life living in the D.R. in such simplicity and educates her readers on things like why Dominicans love to eat plantains. And her living here hasn't always been great. In 2006, she was shot in the throat when she walked into her home and surprised two thieves. I first read about her ordeal on DR1. She lives a more "authentic" Dominican experience than I do. She lives in the barrio in a more rural setting. But her observations and explanations about Dominican life are just spot-on. She is a survivor and an inspiration. And she is still living here and in love with the place. I look forward to her blog and her take on things that make foreigners living here go crazy. If you want to see how someone really has integrated themselves into the community, check out her blog. There is also an interview where she talks about her expriences here.
There will be a surfing festival on the Malecon starting tomorrow. I thought that sewage is still flowing into the ocean from the Ozama River. Maybe its been fixed.
It is with great sadness that I report the death of Lawrence Goldsby. The British ex-pat who opened the first gay bar that catered primarily to gay tourists, over 20 years ago. I first met Lawrence one night in Santo Domingo many years ago. He was sitting at the end of the bar he owned, Bar Phoenix. He had the most amazing life being an ex-pat and living (and owning businesses) most of his life in different parts of the world. He was the best raconteur and would have you spell-bound with his tales. He was a source of information and friendship for anyone who asked. He was also extremely nice and encouraging to me. At 80 years-old, he lived a full life. I did an interview with him in 2005, click here to read. R.I.P., Lawrence.
Here are photos of the Malecon being turned into a beach. The entire street is covered in sand with swimming pools and lounge chairs being provided. It rained yesterday, and today is overcast. (Photo credits)
Former New Yorker (Harlem!) living in Santo Domingo since January 2004. The person I was when I arrived is a totally different person today. I still love living in the D.R. Even with all its obvious contradictions. This blog is where I write about things I find interesting with the gay community, news, gossip, culture, and of course, men. Strictly from my point-of-view.
It is with great sadness that I report the death of Lawrence Goldsby. The British ex-pat who opened the first gay bar that catered primarily to gay tourists, over 20 years ago. I first met Lawrence one night in Santo Domingo many years ago. He was sitting at the end of the bar he owned, Bar Phoenix. He had the most amazing life being an ex-pat and living (and owning businesses) most of his life in different parts of the world. He was the best raconteur and would have you spell-bound with his tales. He was a source of information and friendship for anyone who asked. He was also extremely nice and encouraging to me. At 80 years-old, he lived a full life. I did an interview with him in 2005, click 
