DO YOU KNOW—DR FACT SHEET
Submitted by Frank Virgintino on October 16, 2009 – 8:15 pm4 Comments
- Dominicans have a literacy rate approaching 90%
- Dominicans have a very high life expectancy rate at birth; over 70 years.
- The Dominican Republic has THE highest mountain range in the Caribbean, over 10,000 feet and the mountains have a distinct impact on the weather and in particular at night when heavy mountain air “falls” towards the sea.
- The DR has more hotel rooms than all the other Caribbean countries combined.
- Unlike many Caribbean islands, the DR has a plentiful water supply and a robust agricultural industry.
- The DR has 6 international airports
- The DR is a stable Democracy and has been so for near 50 years.
- That the DR has one of the highest percentages of ballplayers in the United States major leagues.
- That the DR coastline is more than 1250 km and a land area of more than 48,000 sq. km
- That the TAINO (Native American) name for the island is QUISQUEYA (quis-kay-ya)
- That Lake Enriquillo (SW part of DR) is the Caribbean’s largest lake.
- 1/3 of the population of the country is under 16 years old
- Dominicans are very sociable and like to say Good morning (Buenos Dia), Good Afternoon (Buenas Tarde) and Good evening (Buenas Noches) as well as,
- How are you (Como tu estas? Often verbalized as Como TU TA)
- It is considered bad form in the DR to not say hello to people and ask how they are doing. However, it is not bad form to drive fast and no one much minds getting cut off………you will not see “road rage”. It is also perfectly all right to speed through anchorages in your power boat and weave in and out between anchored boats. Do not start screaming and yelling as they will not understand what you are upset about and may think you need medical attention. And it is also perfectly fine to listen to VERY LOUD MUSIC. It blares from everywhere and seems to bother no one….Do not walk into a restaurant or bar and ask them to lower the music…….they will not understand what is bothering you, other than the fact that you are a “party pooper”.
- Dominicans pride themselves on cleanliness and a good appearance. Do not go into town dressed like a slob unless you want to be treated like one. And do not go in into town in bathing trunks or without a T shirt on.
- Politeness is also a highly valued Dominican trait. Do not lose your patience, go with the flow and go slow.
- Least expensive alcoholic drinks in the DR are local BEER and local RUM. ENJOY!
- Fresh produce in the DR is abundant and inexpensive.
- For meats, stick with Chicken and Pork. Beef is tough unless you stew it. Be careful with Fish. Buy only in seaport towns and only if you are sure it is fresh. Be careful of snapper…..some of it has Ciguatera poisoning. And be careful of Lettuce unless you are sure that it has been washed in water very carefully—parasites. Don’t miss the RICE AND BEANS.
- Drink only purified water (Agua purificada).
Bienvenido a LA REPUBLICA DOMINICANA. Welcome to the Dominican Republic.
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A slight correction on the Spanish
Buenos días Good morning
Buenas tardes Good afternoon
Buenas noches Good evening
You would make a great editor! thank you. Frank
If you have a slow connection the download will time out. You need to find a better internet connection to be able to download the guide.
The download is working fine.
Hi,
I’ve tried downloading the English version of the DR cruising guide 3 times, unsuccessfully. Have any others had this problem? We’re cruising there after Jamaica in about a month’s time and I’d really appreciate a copy!
Kind regards,
Fiona