The Dominican Republic incorporates the western half of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, while Haiti occupies the eastern and smaller portion of the island. The Dominican Republic is about 18,000 square kilometers, and according to the 2009 census, home to about 10 million people. Like most Caribbean countries, there is a strong Spanish flavor to the culture of the country.
Should you decide to visit the Dominican, the first thing that must be done is learn at least a little bit of Spanish. The Dominican Republic is a Spanish speaking country with little English spoken or understood, except in areas popular with tourists. However do not think you can simply stay in those areas and get away with having no Spanish, which will only ensure you don't have much idea of what is going on around you. Knowing at least a little Spanish will mean you can engage in more activities, know what you are eating and where you are going. However, most importantly you will earn the respect of the locals, who will then treat you with much more courtesy and respect.
Learn to like goat. Goat meat is a regular part of Dominican cuisine, as is sugar cane, plantains, black beans and rice. The food is good, a lot like Spanish but with Taino (indigenous peoples) and African twists. There is a clear focus on starches and meats, rather than fruits and vegetables. Do not expect fine French cuisine, even though the French did occupy the island a few times.
The Dominican Republic is a Catholic country, so when you are planning your travel dates try to keep traditional Christian holidays in mind. For example, Holy Week usually falls somewhere between the end of March and the end of April (the dates are different every year), so activities and services may be quite limited during those holidays.
Tip your housekeepers, bellboys, servers, and bartenders. You don't have to give them huge amounts of money, just a little something to show your appreciation for their efforts. The gesture will make a big difference in your service. Even gifts from your home country are appreciated. Treat the hotel or resort staff with respect, not like servants, and they will reciprocate the behavior.
Keep the romantic gestures to a minimum. The Dominican people are friendly, even playful in their behavior. However they are also (for the most part) deeply religious and view intimate act such as kissing or cuddling in public as inappropriate, even distasteful. It may be your honeymoon or romantic getaway, but it is their country and their customs. We would demand the same respect for our own customs in our own country.
Should you decide to visit the Dominican, the first thing that must be done is learn at least a little bit of Spanish. The Dominican Republic is a Spanish speaking country with little English spoken or understood, except in areas popular with tourists. However do not think you can simply stay in those areas and get away with having no Spanish, which will only ensure you don't have much idea of what is going on around you. Knowing at least a little Spanish will mean you can engage in more activities, know what you are eating and where you are going. However, most importantly you will earn the respect of the locals, who will then treat you with much more courtesy and respect.
Learn to like goat. Goat meat is a regular part of Dominican cuisine, as is sugar cane, plantains, black beans and rice. The food is good, a lot like Spanish but with Taino (indigenous peoples) and African twists. There is a clear focus on starches and meats, rather than fruits and vegetables. Do not expect fine French cuisine, even though the French did occupy the island a few times.
The Dominican Republic is a Catholic country, so when you are planning your travel dates try to keep traditional Christian holidays in mind. For example, Holy Week usually falls somewhere between the end of March and the end of April (the dates are different every year), so activities and services may be quite limited during those holidays.
Tip your housekeepers, bellboys, servers, and bartenders. You don't have to give them huge amounts of money, just a little something to show your appreciation for their efforts. The gesture will make a big difference in your service. Even gifts from your home country are appreciated. Treat the hotel or resort staff with respect, not like servants, and they will reciprocate the behavior.
Keep the romantic gestures to a minimum. The Dominican people are friendly, even playful in their behavior. However they are also (for the most part) deeply religious and view intimate act such as kissing or cuddling in public as inappropriate, even distasteful. It may be your honeymoon or romantic getaway, but it is their country and their customs. We would demand the same respect for our own customs in our own country.
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