Morning came early... A scheduled 6:20 am pickup in the main lobby had us up and about with everyone ready for a road trip! Bus arrived about 10 minutes late but we got choice seats right up front. Then the obligatory pick up of passengers as we made our way west. Met a nice couple from Bedford from our resort, both teachers, that we talked shop with throughout the day. They were savvy travellers and dropped lots of solid info on their time and experiences in Latin America.

Our guide, Fausto (Fausto #2), was no nonsense and seemed fluent in at least four languages; French, Spanish, English and even German. He was very clear in his knowledge of the Dominican and any particular tour instructions required during the day. Santo Domingo is a little over 2 hours driving time from Bavaro, but the travel was broken up nicely with information he provided about the local province, Hispaniola Island, and the region's history and economy. Of note, the highway is an excellent 4 lanes almost all the way, a very recent improvement. Some locals see it as heavy expenditure, while others see it as improving infrastructure.

Our first stop was near La Romana, for banos and shopping. Lots of knick knacks and cigar/rum buying opportunity! Then off to Mirador del Este park, for a visit to the Los Tres Ojos, three underwater Lagos found in a system of caves just outside of Santo Domingo. Neat spot- as we navigated the long concrete staircase down into the caves with our site guide Gregory. The entire area was comprised of coral, and was obviously once part of the ocean floor. Lots of trinket sellers here folks... A bit close, as they seem to swarm when the tour bus comes to rest, but not too aggressive. Cool stop.

Then into Santo Domingo, for a quick look outside the Columbus Lighthouse. It's a massive structure just on the outskirts of the core of the city. The concrete monument / building, erected in time for the 500th Anniversary of Columbus' discovery of America, is cross-shaped with museums and artefacts inside and beams of light that shoot into the evening sky. Fausto noted that Dominicans were not very happy with the cost left behind to create the edifice, being into the tens of millions US for a country that is struggling to fund education and health care. Columbus' remains and a museum are to be found there, but our day trip choices were limited to other locales. From our vantage point outside there wasn't a crowd beating down the doors to get in.

Next stop was Cuidad Colonial, the Spanish name for the old city portion of Santo Domingo which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Huge stone buildings, monuments, plazas/parks, cobble streets, all representative of the profound influence Spanish culture and politics had in this region. Lots of American firsts here, including the streets we walked and the first European cathedral. We began with a guided tour of Alcázar de Colón (the Diego Columbus House), in essence much like a Spanish castle that looks out over the river mouth and the Caribbean Sea. Our guide took us from room to room with a brief explanation of period restorations and unique features of the room (in English). The son of Columbus lived a life of comfort in the new world.

Then after a short walk on Calle Las Damas, the New World's oldest paved street, we arrived at the Panteón Nacional. The structure stands as a national symbol of the Dominican Republic and serves as the final resting place of the Republic's most honored citizens. There we saw an armed guard on a long red red carpet, an eternal flame, tombs, all in what once served as a Jesuit church. This part of the day ended with us taking the "Chuchu Colonial" around the rest of the city. It was basically a kitschy trolley tour which gave us the city highlights, with service in English. The vehicle snaked through the traffic and construction to give us at least a glimpse of some of the architecture and monuments that mark the city. Took about 30 minutes, stopping at a lunch buffet just around 1:00 PM. We were ready for food by this point... And we had a great mug up that was self serve. A quick and efficient stop, designed to serve the crowds of tourista.

We had one fixed visit immediately post lunch, the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor (also a UNESCO World Heritage site). It is the oldest cathedral in the Americas, begun in 1512 and completed in 1540, in the first Catholic diocese established in the New World. First duty of our visit was a stop to make sure ladies shoulders and knees were covered. Second item of note was we were struck by the air conditioned coolness of the inside space. Made the tour much more enjoyable. Here we once again popped on the English headsets and were provided information for specific sites within the church. Janie got a funny shot of the tour guide leaning on a statue beside Columbus' former resting place. Sort of makes an interesting parallel between history and the present, as the "Kramer" like guide toured us about the church.

We were afforded an hour and fifteen minute hunk of un-scheduled time on the main pedestrian route in the city, Calle El Conde. It's lined with small commercial outlets, from souvenir shops to eateries. To add to the growing list of Hard Rock Cafes we've visited, we snuck into the shade for a mixture of ice cream and milk shakes at the Santo Domingo franchise. Great stop. The ice cream definitely hit the spot. Then we walked the length of the busy, very warm street taking in the sites, sounds and smells. It all felt pretty safe, especially with the presence of security / police at most corners. Darn warm though... I'm guessing 32-34 degrees when we moved through.

Then it was back to the bus for one last stop in front of the President's House. Modelled after the White House, this beautiful spread takes up some prime real estate in the city. Lots of security here too! Janie got her picture taken with an armed guard just outside the iron fence that surrounds the premises.

The return trip started with a quiet bus, as people were lulled from the heat and exercise. Fausto put on a low, Latin music in the on board stereo. Most, I think, may have napped. We grubbed up after arriving home and called it an early night once again!