 | Santo Domingo Local Customs | Tips 11 - 20 of 27 |  |
Popular Local Customs | Miscellaneous Local Customs Tips | All Tips (27) Anyone who has travelled through Spain and/or Latin American countries knows that grills, gates, grates and entranceways always feature prominently in Spanish and hispanic architecture, and that and open view from the street into the courtyard is a cornerstone of Hispanic society. Santo Domingo is no exception to this tradition, and as you wander through the Zona Colonial don't be surprised (especially at night) if you can look right into the family room of a house, full with family members of all generations. During the day, the exceptional artisanry of the ironworkers makes great material for photography - but at this time of day, of course, you're more likely to see dogs than people! Leave a Comment
|
I'm not going to give an overview of Dominican art since, for something more complete and meaningful, you can always look up the section on art in a Rough Guides or Lonely Plant book. Nevertheless, the works of art in the Dominican Republic are quite impressive, and, unlike many other countries, painting and artistic expression are huge parts of daily life and the tourist industry, from the Museums of various types of art to those who sell works along El Conde to the contemporary artists workshops along Isabel la Católica. The earlier (19th century and earlier) painting exhibits clear Spanish and European influences, as many of the artists, especially the earlier ones, were born in Europe. Modern art has been influenced by a wide variety of movements, and it one of the things that mirrors the bright and vibrant colours of life in the Dominican Republic. Unlike in Cuba, where socialist realism has dampened, in some respects, the modes of expression, Dominican artists are fond of cubism and abstract art. Many amateur painters and artists mimic their style, and their output provides unique forms souvenirs to help you remember your trip to the DR. Leave a Comment
|
 | |  |
If you carry dollars with you and someone has helped or done something nice its always nice to give them a little something, a dollar or two is fine.
|
Like many Caribbean nations, the Dominican Republic has period foreign exchange problems. Part of the problem is government debt, and part is the partial fix on the exchange rate maintained by the government. When you come to the DR you should always arrive with USD (even if you're from the Eurozone). USD are easily exchangeable int Dominican Pesos (DOP), plus you can pay with US cash at many, many stores. Once you get to Santo Domingo, exchange some of your USD for DOP at a private exchange office (NOT a bank or government office - the private ones, I think, are only quasi legal). You'll get a better exchange rate and will pay no commission. There was one booth in a dry cleaner's on Avenida Independencia just west of Parque de la Independencia. DOP will help you bargain for the best possible prices in the city, although some hotels will ask for payment in USD only. When leaving the country, try to get rid of your DOP BEFORE getting to the airport. At the airport, prices are usually in USD, and employees will be more than happy to charge you an exhorbitant exchange rate for your DOP. It happened to my sister, who ended up paying $5 more for a box of cigarrillos than she should have because she paid in DOP instead of USD. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
Merengue, the national music, can be heard and danced everywhere ! This was a live concert in Santo Domingo. Que chulo ! Leave a Comment
|
 | |  |  | Try speaking a little spainish | |  |  | |  |
On arriving at the dominican republic,,at the hotel desk at check in,,,I tried my crude spainish,,and with a great surprise,,they were amused at my effort,,,and started speaking english to assist me on my check in,,it was that way everywhere,,,they are great people to be around.
|
More Sponsored Links for Santo Domingo |
 |
 |
Search Hotels
Find the best room rates |
|
 |
|
on September 11, 2007
on August 24, 2002
on November 19, 2007
on December 4, 2005
on January 6, 2003
on October 20, 2006
on May 27, 2003
