Santo Domingo: It's… a lot. Seriously.
okay, so i just got back from santo domingo. and honestly? it’s a whirlwind. i’m still trying to process it all. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. it’s hot. really hot. like, you’re sweating just thinking about it hot. the humidity is clinging to you like a second skin. i’m not even kidding.
first off, the history. this place is old. like, ridiculously old. they’re saying it’s the oldest continuously inhabited european settlement in the americas. 1496! can you even wrap your head around that? columbus and his crew basically just showed up and started building. it’s a bit overwhelming, to be honest. it’s like walking through a museum, but it’s also a living, breathing city. they moved the whole thing to the west bank in 1502, which is… a thing. someone told me that the governor, Ovando, was a bit of a drama queen.
and the colonial zone? wow. it’s seriously stunning. the alcázar de Colón, the cathedral, the fortress… it’s all just… there. like, perfectly preserved. it’s a bit touristy, sure, but it’s also genuinely impressive. i spent a ridiculous amount of time wandering around, just staring at the buildings.
but it’s not all just pretty buildings. it’s… gritty. like, really gritty. someone told me that the slums are massive, and it’s a real problem. the pollution is noticeable, too. it’s not a postcard-perfect paradise, you know? it’s… real.
and the people! they’re a mix of everything - african and european mostly, i think. it’s a really diverse place, which is cool. they seem friendly enough, though i mostly just nodded and smiled. i didn’t really try to have a deep conversation. i’m not good at that.
food? okay, the food is actually pretty amazing. i didn’t try anything too adventurous, but the merengue was incredible. apparently, they have this whole food culture going on, which is awesome. i didn’t really dig into it, but i heard good things.
and the nightlife! it’s… loud. and energetic. and a little overwhelming. i mostly just stuck to the Colonial Zone, which is walkable and relatively safe. if you get bored, [santiago and la romana] are just a short drive away.
seriously, it’s a lot. it’s chaotic. it’s beautiful. it’s frustrating. it’s… santo domingo.
seriously, go if you’re feeling adventurous. just… be prepared. and maybe bring a hat. and a lot of sunscreen. and a strong sense of humor. and a willingness to embrace the chaos. it’s a wild ride, but it’s worth it, i think. i’m still sorting through my photos and trying to make sense of it all. it’s a trip i won’t soon forget. the pressure is on to write this post, and i'm running on fumes.
ps. the temperature is 21.39 and the pressure is 1016. just letting you know.