Discovery in the Dominican Republic
November 14, 2013
I landed in the Dominican Republic after receiving a surprise birthday gift from a special someone. My escape from the brisk winds of DC led me to the warm beach for a week of cultural and historical exploration.
Self Discovery and Mind Body Recovery in the D.R.
I’d always heard about the complex history of Hispaniola. A grand island that attracted Christopher Columbus and his fleet of greed leaving remnants of a racially mixed post-slave society.
The Dominican Republic is no monolith. Beautiful people of African, European and Taino descent make for a rich and duplicitous identity. Venturing out into the sugar cane plantations led me through small towns filled with cute little kids waving, “Hellooo”. Their days spent flying kites and chasing after tourists on ATVs.
Dominican kids resting near the Sugar Cane fields
The sugar cane plantations still serve as a source of income for the island. The painful memory of slaves toiling in the plantations forced me to question how the African presence in the Dominican Republic goes uncelebrated.
The sugar cane fields dig up painful memories of the Atlantic Slave Trade.
After exploring the plantations, I headed to the beaches where the salty air, cottonball skies and Brugal Rum bounced off the waves. The Dominican men were very friendly and always willing to serve as a personal tour guide.
Getting Cozy in the D.R.
I wanted to learn more about the historical identity and political climate of the island so I read “Island Beneath the Sea” by Isabel Allende and “Afro Latino American’s Today” by the Minority Rights Group.
Two great books on Africans in the Americas during colonial times.
While resting up on the beach, I treated myself to the official beer, El Presidente, some tostones and yucca. Dominican cuisine is flavorful and fresh with plenty of fruits and greens.
Comida Tipica- El Presidente, Yucca, and Tostones
After visiting the historical sites of the Columbus Forts and Old Santo Domingo, the most impressive monument was dedicated to the Mirabal Sisters. They were three women who died in the fight for racial equality.
This monument in honor of the Mirabal Sisters from the film, “In the time of Butterflies.”
I was pleasantly surprised by the individuality and self expression among young Afro Dominicans. I met this beautiful “morenita” who shared that she proudly wears her hair in an afro despite the social norms to keep her hair straight.
La Morenita loves her Afro!
Overall, the Dominican Republic is a beautiful island with a family-oriented culture that embraces their racial identity. The country is growing and expanding economically with opportunities in tourism, business and culture that will hopefully uplift everyone.
For more on Dominican Republic Travel
Style
http://www.lafashionistarealista.com/
Restaurants
https://www.facebook.com/pages/RESTAURANTE-EL-CONUCO/155011341792
http://www.viajar.com.do/adrian-tropical-food/
Beaches
Cabarete, Juan Dolio and La Samana
Music
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Where did you stay in the DR. Thinking about going there for my bday in February. Also, there any good yoga retreat/yoga spas you would recommend?
Hey Kenisha,
I stayed in Juan Dolio, at Costa Caribe (great Dominican local food). However, I would recommend Natura Cabana in Cabarete which is both a yoga studio and organic all inclusive. Save your pennies for my 2015 Soulful & Stress Free Yoga retreat.
http://www.naturacabana.com/
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