Tag Archives: republica domincana

Be Live Hamaca Boca Chica

Be Live Hamaca, Boca Chica, Dominican Republic (República Dominicana)

Hamaca has 3 different hotel – resort experiences. Hamaca Suites, Hamaca Garden Hotel and the Hamaca Beach Hotel. All are all-inclusive and located on the white sand Caribbean beach at Boca Chica, Dominican Republic. Click the links for great hotel-resort deals.

Be Live Hamaca, Boca Chica, Dominican Republic Pool
Be Live Hamaca, Boca Chica, Dominican Republic Pool


Be Live Experience Hamaca Suites

from: Be Live Hotels

The Be Live Experience Hamaca Suites luxury hotel in Boca Chica offers exclusive services to travelers wanting to stay in an unforgettable location, opposite a beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters and fine white sand. A wonderful climate, personal customer service, private beach area, fantastic apartments, all-inclusive accommodation.

Be Live Hamaca, Boca Chica, Dominican Republic Beach
Be Live Hamaca, Boca Chica, Dominican Republic Beach

Hamaca Suites Hotel features several Deluxe Pool View rooms that will take you to a unique setting, full of commodities, relax in good taste in Boca Chica: king size bed or two beds, a full bathroom with a Jacuzzi and a separate shower, a living room, TV, coffee maker and a terrace with great views to the swimming pool.

The Be Live Experience Hamaca Suites Hotel provides guests with the perfect setting in which to relax, unwind and enjoy that Caribbean feeling. The Be Live Experience Hamaca Suites Hotel: an all-inclusive, luxury hotel in Boca Chica.


Be Live Experience Hamaca Garden

from: Be Live Hotels

The Be Live Experience Hamaca Garden Hotel is an all-inclusive hotel complex in Boca Chica. It is located right at the bay and everything has been designed for you to spend an incredible holiday here with your family and friends, enjoying a true Caribbean lifestyle.

The all-inclusive experience includes meals (including a full buffet), drinks, evening entertainment programs, beach parties, casino, daily activities and a wide range of children’s activities for those traveling as a family.

More information and rooms at Be Live Experience Hamaca Beach – All Inclusive from Hotels.com

More information and rooms at Be Live Experience Hamaca Beach – All Inclusive from Travelocity

More information and rooms at Be Live Experience Hamaca Beach – All Inclusive from Trip Advisor

The full enchantment of the Republica Dominicana awaits you at the Be Live Experience Hamaca Garden Hotel, where you will find beaches, a spa and excellent all-inclusive service in Boca Chica.


Be Live Experience Hamaca Beach

from: Be Live Hotels

The Be Live Experience Hamaca Beach Hotel is an all-inclusive resort with spa at the Boca Chica beach. It is located by one of the most famous beaches in the Dominican Republic and this all-inclusive hotel is particularly suitable for groups and families who wish to spend a truly relaxing holiday in the Caribbean. You will not have to worry about anything, everything is included: from the local and international cuisine on offer to entertainment, parties at the beach and sports courts.

There is an entire beach only for you, with comfortable bamboo sun lounges, fine white sand and turquoise waters.

Discover the charms of the Dominican Republic at the Be Live Experience Hamaca Beach Hotel: beach, sun, sports, gastronomy and adventure. Everything included here at the hotel with spa in Boca Chica.

More information and rooms at Be Live Experience Hamaca Beach – All Inclusive from Hotels.com

More information and rooms at Be Live Experience Hamaca Beach – All Inclusive from Travelocity

More information and rooms at Be Live Experience Hamaca Beach – All Inclusive from Trip Advisor

Basic History Of Dominican Republic

General History Of Dominican Republic Condensed

The Dominican Republic is an island in the Caribbean that has a rich and unique history starting with the Indigenous Taino People, The Spanish Conquest, Haitian Rule to the present time.

1.Before Written History | 2.Arrival of the Foreigners | 3.More Recent History | 4.And Now Ciudad Colonial… | 5.”List of the Firsts” | 6.Cultural Treasures

Before Written History

Taino cave drawings
Taino cave drawings

Before the Europeans arrived on the island of Hispaniola and claimed they were the so-called “discoverers” of the entire island, it was occupied by the Taino Indians.

The Tainos lived on the island they lovingly called Quisqueya. In the Taino language this means “Land for which there is none better”.

The peaceful Tainos (they did war with neighboring tribes such as the bloodthirsty Caribs) almost entire demise coincided with the arrival of the Spaniards and their abuse of these original inhabitants of this small island. These “savages”, as the Europeans thought of them, who had ruled the island, now lost their way of life and eventually most lost their lives because of this invasion of the Whites. The Taino nation was doomed the moment Christopher Columbus invaded their beloved island.

The Arrival of the Foreigners

Replica of one of the ships Columbus arrived in.
Replica of one of the ships Columbus arrived in.

Christopher Columbus, in Spanish Cristóbal Colón, came to the island on the ship La Santa María. There were two other ships that accompanied him, La Pinta and La Niña. He found the island for the first time on October 12, 1492.

Columbus first landed on one of the islands in the Bahamas. Later that year also found Cuba and an island he called La Isla Espanola (he was on the western side of the island).

When Columbus returned to Spain after visiting Hispanola he left some of his men behind. They were instructed to search for the gold he thought was on the island.

When Columbus made his second voyage, he returned to the island only to find the people he left on Hispaniola had vanished. All were assumed to have died.

The fleet of 17 ships continued traveling along the coast toward the east. Finally, stopping to create a fortified post, Christopher left his brother and some men on the island. They were instructed to search the interior of the island for that coveted and promised gold. Columbus left and continued his quest, searching elsewhere for the gold he promised the Queen.

By the spring of 1494, the island of Hispaniola was colonized. The island Columbus declared to be “The most beautiful island the human eyes have ever seen” is where he wanted his remains entered to rest forever.

The first Europeans settled Hispaniola in 1496.

The brother of Christopher, Bartholomew Columbus founded Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, officially on August 5, 1498. The city, originally named La Isabela, is the oldest European city founded by Europeans in the “New World”. It is the oldest colonial city in all of the Americas.

Santo Domingo was the place of origin for much of the exploration and conquest of the New World throughout its first century of existence. The “discovery” of Puerto Rico led by Ponce de Leon, the conquest of Mexico led by Cortez, and the first sighting of the Pacific Ocean led by Balboa, all started here in Santo Domingo.

The famous pirate Francis Drake invaded the settlement in 1568 and weakened the Spanish domain over Hispaniola. The Spaniards abandoned the city and left it to Drake and the pirates for more than 50 years. It remained this way until the French invaded the west side of the island in 1655. After many treaties and forced annexations the part of the island originally called by Santo Domingo was less than half it’s original size.

Commanded by Toussaint Louverture, the Haitians took over the island in 1822. They ruled the island for 22 years, fighting for their lost independence.

The Spaniards again became independent of Haitian rule on February 27, 1844. Thanks to their leaders Juan Pablo Duarte, Francisco del Rosario Sánchez and Ramón Matías Mella. This was when the Spanish part of the island became known as the Republica Dominicana (Dominican Republic). The Haitian’s were totally defeated in 1861 and sent to their own side of the island. The struggle to keep control of the country was ongoing, even after Spanish independence was gained.

More Recent History

Revolution 1965 Calle Isabel la Católica and Luperon, Ciudad Colonial
Revolution 1965 Calle Isabel la Católica and Luperon, Ciudad Colonial

In 1916 The United States of America, wanting to have more power and influence in the Dominican Republic, used World War 1 as an excuse to bring in the Marines. They came to “protect” the country against the “bad” European powers.

The USA changed the infrastructure of the country to best benefit them. The Dominican Republic had its first, somewhat, free elections in 1924 which put Rafael Leonidas Trujillo in power.

The US finally decided to leave the Dominican Republic to take care of itself. Soon after Trujillo was able to gain power. In 1930 he took over completely. The Trujillo dictatorship ended on May 30, 1961 with his execution by ambush. He died one of the richest men in the world.

After this there were many political and economic problems and the country was in turmoil. The US Marines returned in 1965 to occupy the country again. This time because they said the uprising was the fault of the Communists. USA left when Dr. Joaquín Balaguer was elected president for a second time (many say the election was fixed). Through all these political struggles and civil wars the country became independent.

1992 marked the 500th anniversary, El Quinto Centenario, of Christopher Columbus’ opening of Las Americas to the colonization of the Europeans.

The Columbus Lighthouse, Faro a Colón, with an approximate cost of 400 million Dominican pesos, was erected in honor of this occasion. This massive structure is in the shape of a cross. It is claimed that the building houses the remains of Cristobal Colón. The museum also is home to many exhibits and historical items.

Faro a Colón is amazing to see by day as well as the night when it is completely lit up. The spectacular lights on the top of the building form a cross in the heavens at night (the lights are only shown on special occasions because of the electricity problems) that can be seen for long distances.

See many old pictures of Santo Domingo and Dominican Republic.

And Now Ciudad Colonial…

A panoramic view of modern day Ciudad Colonial, Santo Domingo 2013
A panoramic view of modern day Ciudad Colonial, Santo Domingo 2013

Colonial Zone, Zona Colonial or Ciudad Colonial is the oldest city in Las Americas on the island of Hispaniola in the country of Dominican Republic. It is a small town located in the capital city Santo Domingo de Guazmán. It is bordered by Río Ozama and the Caribbean Sea. There are many historical sites that were built during the time of exploration, exploitation, and colonization of the “New World.”

Much of the original city can still be seen today. The cathedral, monastery, university and hospital are among many of the “firsts” that happened here. The 16th-century buildings, homes and churches where one can see the old world Spanish architectural styles of the period. Many of these buildings are in excellent condition and are a wonder to behold.

Colonial Zone (and the surrounding sectors including San Miguel, San Lázaro, Santa Barbara, San Anton, San Carlos, Atarazana, and Cuidad Nueva) is a wonderful mix of the past and present. The old and new intertwine to make a unique visitors experience.

Live the history. Walk our streets. Visit our Museums and Historical sights. Dine in our restaurants. Meet our people. Dance to out music. You will make lasting memories. Something you may remember for a lifetime. Here in the land of firsts in “The Americas”

The “Firsts”

The city of Santo Domingo was the seat of many historic events and many of the monuments that are here are from the first 50 years of the European Conquest of America. This is why we have the title
“The Cradle of America”.

1. First Map: drawing of the northeast coast by Christopher Columbus (1493) (old maps)
2. First European Villa in the Americas: La Isabela (1494)
3. First Religious Order: Friar of San Francisco (1494)
4. First Mass officiated in the Americas: January 6, 1494.
5. First Capital of the Americas: Santo Domingo (1496-98)
6. First Monastery: San Francisco (1502)
7. First Hospital: San Nicolás de Bari (1503)
8. First House of Contracts (1503)
9. First University: Universidad de Santo Domingo (1538)
10. First Cathedral: Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación (1541)

Cultural Treasures

Painting of all the Colonial Zone monuments
Painting of all the Colonial Zone monuments

There are many cultural treasures located throughout Dominican Republic. In 2010 there was a vote by the held by the International Bureau of Capitals of Culture. The bureau helps people to notice important cultural locations throughout the world. This year they focused on the Dominican Republic. There were 27 candidates for the treasure, and most were in the Colonial Zone. They received 18,420 votes.

This is a list of the places voted for and the number of votes received. You can find information about these locations in the Colonial Zone Sights section.

1) Alcázar de Colón – 4344 votes
2) Cathedral Santa María de la Encarnación – 2560
3) Fortaleza Ozama – 2369
4) Museo de las Casas Reales – 1275
5) Jardín Botánico – 1117
6) Malecón – 1092
7) Palacio de Bellas Artes – 1024
8) Barrio Chino – 972
9) Calle Las Damas – 485
10) Palacio Nacional – 443
11) Hospital San Nicolás de Bari (ruinas) – 308
12) Panteón Nacional – 284
13) Parque de los Tres Ojos de Auga – 246
14) Altar de la Patria – 238
15) Hostal Nicolás de Ovando – 223
16) Monasterio de San Francisco (ruinas) – 208
17) Faro a Colón – 196
18) Alcantarilla Colonial – 193
19) Iglesia del Convento Dominico – 184
20) Calle El Conde – 181
21) Casa de Juan Pablo Duarte – 125
22) Reales Atarazanas – 116
23) Casa de Tostado – 66
24) Parque de la Independencia – 49
25) Ceiba de Colón – 46
26) Urna original de los restos del almirante Don Cristóbal Colón – 39
27) Palacio Consistorial – 37

Casa de Bastidas

Casa de Bastidas & The Trampolín Children’s Museum

This beautiful colonial house, constructed in 1505, was originally the residence of Captain Rodrigo de Bastidas. Captain Rodrigo was the Almojarife Mayor, Principal Royal Tax Collector, and governor of Santo Domingo. It is now home to the Children’s Museum Trampolín.

1.Casa de Bastidas/ House of Bastidas | 2.Trampolín Children’s Museum | 3.Location

Casa de Bastidas/ House of Bastidas

Casa de Bastidas seen from Calle las Damas
Casa de Bastidas seen from Calle las Damas

Rodrigo de Bastidas, the owner of the home was Honorary Mayor in 1512. This home was constructed specifically for him. After his death in 1527 his family and their descendants continued to occupy the home. The home is not constructed in the normal style of the time. It more resembled a warehouse, not an estate where people were to live. It was built this way to perform two functions. First to be used as a residence. Second, it was used as a storehouse and safe to keep the Crown revenues and treasures until they could be sent to Spain.

Casa de Bastidas as seen from inside the Fortaleza Ozama.
Casa de Bastidas as seen from inside the Fortaleza Ozama.

There is a plaque on the wall and a stone statue of Santa Bárbara above the door dating from the 18th century.

Casa de Bastidas with Santa Barbara above the door
Casa de Bastidas with Santa Barbara above the door

Entering the arched front doors is a vestibule that opens to a spectacular interior patio. The tree-lined patio is adorned with Roman arches and it an oasis. Many concerts and celebrations are held in this huge patio.

Trampolín, Museo Infantil / Trampoline, Children’s Museum

– Descubrir es Divertido / Discovery is Fun.

Trampoline is a children’s museum that is located inside the Casa de Bastidas. They hold many events in the interior patio.

Entrance to the Trampolín Children's Museum
Entrance to the Trampolín Children’s Museum

The museums desire in to spark the children’s interest in history and knowledge while making learning fun and interesting. It is an interactive place for children to learn about their Universe, Planet Earth, Energy, People and Society, Ecology and Ecosystems and their surroundings.

There are rooms for children’s workshops, a cinema theater, an outdoor theater, a cafeteria and library services. http://www.trampolin.org.do

Hours:

Tuesday to Friday 9AM to 5PM, Saturday and Sunday 10AM to 6PM. Entrance: RD$50 Children / RD$100 Adults (6/2015)

Phone:809-685-5551

More information about the Casa de Bastidas and the Children¿s Museum.

Location

Walk east down Calle el Conde where it ends at Calle las Damas. Turn right. Casa de Bastidas is on the left about 2 buildings down. Calle Las Damas, Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo

Casa de Bastidas, Calle las Damas, next to Fortaleza Ozama.
Casa de Bastidas, Calle las Damas, next to Fortaleza Ozama.