December 10, 2024

Dominican Republic - Santo Domingo 

Our Port greeting into Santo Domingo on Sunday was one of our fanciest to date - dancers, musicians & artists performed, and they even had a free shuttle bus, for us to the walled colonial zone of town. 

Santo Domingo is the Capital of the Dominican Republic and is one of oldest Caribbean's oldest cities. Its walled, cobblestoned historic core, The Zona Colonial has buildings that date back to 1500s, including the Cathedral where I went to noon Mass. The Cathedral Nuestra Senora de la Encarnacion was the first built in the New World. The inside of the Cathedral was stunning, but photos were not allowed, so my interiors photos below are from the internet. I also had to put a provided shawl on my bare shoulders before entering for Mass. The 50+ person choir was spectacular. I walked around the colonial streets before Mass. Everyone was so friendly.   

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ECO COVE RESORT - DIVE HIGHLIGHTS

By Pat Patrick • April 14, 2026
The Reefs of Raja Ampat are stunning and teaming with wildlife. The guides are super knowledgable of the 35 different dive / snorkel sites that surround the Resort. The guides get such joy in sharing it all with us and point out some of the most unique and tiniest of it's creatures.

ECO COVE RESORT - FOOD !!

By Pat Patrick • April 13, 2026
Have I mentioned how good the food at Eco Cove Resort is? Everyday you are given a choice of 2 entrees for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus they put out a snack every day at 4pm and you get tea/coffee and cake or savory pastry, every morning outing between the first and second dives or snorkels. Here a sampling and some of my favorites!

LOST IN TRANSLATION - COCONUT MYSTERY

By PAT PATRICK • April 13, 2026
When Camie and Timothe got engaged I spoke to the Resort and arranged a special dinner on the dock for them and they also decorated their suite. It was lovely and Bosco and I also paid for their drinks that evening. The next day, the Manager of the Resort sought them out, after breakfast and said he also had a special treat for them. I was sitting with them and he has a thick Indonesian accent and what we heard was he was going to meet them at 8 pm and take them into jungle, behind our huts and take them to get coconuts, that come in many colors? We also heard him say they make a special treat, very sweet and we thought he said crepes? We were intrigued, but also curious why at 8pm in the dark and he also mentioned cholesterol?? The rest of the day, we joked about the great coconut adventure they were about to get! Special newly engaged package!