Santo Domingo, DR

Our apologies for the late update, but we have been very busy here in Santo Domingo, as there is a lot to see and do here in the capital. Upon our arrival we knew we were in for a treat, as the German Navy training vessel Gorch Fock was docked right next to us. After we were tied up to the quay and settled in, we headed over for a quick tour of the 266 foot barque. For perspective, the very top of our main topmast would just reach their lowest yardarm, and I could tell you a good many of us were hoping to get aloft in her. The officer of the day showed us around, from the helm, which can require up to 6 helmsmen and has a footbreak, to the galley and chartroom. Impressive doesn't quite cover it.



Then we were in to experience the capital. We walked the shops of El Conde, visited the Columbus Lighthouse, the National Aquarium, and the caves at the national park known as Los Tres Ojos. We strolled the Malecon along the seashore on a Sunday afternoon, when the entire city comes to stroll and be seen, especially this week when the DR Air Force was celebrating its 100th anniversary with an airshow. And we visited the plethora of historic sights the city has to offer: the oldest European cathedral, fortification, and hospital in the hemisphere (and the oldest paved road!), the city gates where the DR lost and then won its independence, and its many museums. We had a nice crew dinner out tonight, feasting on local cuisine before our long passage back to the USA!

We've all had a fantastic time taking in the Caribbean, but are so excited to sail north closer to home. All aboard are well!

JP