Puerto Plata, Part I

R and I just returned from a five day TDY to Puerto Plata on the Dominican Republic's north coast. I had the opportunity to work in the consular agency there - mostly doing the same type of work that I do at the embassy in Santo Domingo. We were lucky, though, because the trip encompassed a weekend and Monday was a Dominican holiday. We took full advantage of the downtime and went out and explored the city.

In contrast to the white sandy beaches of the arguably more popular Punta Cana, the north coast is rugged and more dramatic. There are beaches for lounging, of course, but there are other attractions, as well.

The dramatic coastline. This photo was taken from the Malecón, the broad seawall along the waterfront. 

R, with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop.

With the San Felipe Fortress on the left, this is the inlet that serves as the port.

Similar to the fortress in San Juan, Puerto Rico, this is the San Felipe Fortaleza.
The fortress dates from 1577, and was constructed to protect the city from pirates.

Me at the fortress.

Part of the fortress, overlooking the port.

I'm a sucker for a picture within a window. :)

This little guy was hanging around the fort. I'm not sure why.

The San Felipe Fortress is small, but very interesting. The government is working on creating a more comprehensive visitor experience in this area, including a wide, pedestrian-friendly walking area with benches and an amphitheater. Within the fortress itself there are two small rooms with information about the history of the Dominican Republic. I learned, for instance, that the D.R. is the location for many "firsts" in the Americas (North and South America and the Caribbean):

• The first peace treaty in the Americas - between Spain and a local chief in 1533
• The first Cathedral in the Americas
• The first university in the Americas (1538)
• The first official Catholic Mass in the Americas (1494)
• The first European village in the Americas (1494)
• The first indigenous person to be baptized in the Americas (1496)
• The first hospital in the Americas (1503)
• The first monastery in the Americas (1502)

...and many more.

Motorcycles are everywhere in the DR. And it's amazing how many people can fit on one at the same time. These folks were very kind to let me photograph them. (See that little girl sandwiched between them? Adorable.)
R told me, though, that three on a bike is nothing - while he was waiting for me to come out of the grocery store one day, a motorcycle pulled up and seven (!) people dismounted - a man, two women and four children.

We took a little time to explore the city streets. This was taken on Sunday when most people were home with family.

I'm also a sucker for run-down buildings.

More detail on this building.
The graffiti inside (through the window) says, "Dios bendiga este hogar," or "God bless this home."

Many, many windows in the DR have metal grates around them. I love how fancy they can be, in lieu of metal bars.

It's common for businesses to advertise on wall space this way.

The lobby courtyard of the resort where we stayed.

More to come - including a breathtaking gondola ride from sea level to 2600 feet!