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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HOI ' AN, VIETNAM

By Pat Patrick • August 25, 2026
Next stop on the VIETNAM FUN TOUR is HOI'AN - The City of Laterns! I had arranged a private car to take us between all the major locations and towns for the 5 days we were touring the interior. He delivered us to Hoi'An in just about an hour from Ba Na Hills . Here we stayed 2 nights and had lots of relaxing time built in. Again the heat was oppressive! The driver recommended below tailor to me as I mentioned I might want to have a dress custom made as that is another thing the town is known for with 24 hour turn around.

HOI'AN, VIETNAM - Day 2

By Pat Patrick • August 25, 2026
Coconut Boat Tour sounds perfect to keep the Fun rolling! The hotel offered a tour, with pick up and return, so easy peasy!

BA NA HILLS - Part 3

By Pat Patrick • August 24, 2026
I had dubbed this the Fun Tour of Vietnam! We could have gone to all the historic war memorials and museums, and I totally respect and am grateful to All those who gave so much. I just didn't want that, to be my only insight into Vietnam and it's lovely people. In the morning, we again explored more of the village and our room stay included a huge buffet breakfast. We checked out by 10:30 am and took the cable car back down by 11 am to meet our driver and head to our next stop.