Medical Service…
The Dominican Republic has long been one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean for North Americans to get away and soak up sun on sandy beaches. Now, this country on the island that shares it s border with Haiti is also gaining a reputation for it s cosmetic surgery.
The Dominican Republic’s medical community has taken advantage of their existing infrastructure for international vacationers to develop attractive packages for medical tourists. Over the past 10 years, the Dominican Republic has become known not just for its cultural heritage and natural beauty, but also for it s medical facilities that offer substantial savings for procedures. It has become a viable destination for those seeking elective or cosmetic surgery
The population of Dominican Republic in 2007 was estimated by the United Nations at 9,760,000, which placed it as number 82 in population among the 193 nations of the world. It lies between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and in the same waters as Cuba and Puerto Rico, taking up the eastern two-thirds of the island it shares with Haiti.
Offering a lush interior with a mix of caves, Victorian gingerbread houses and the lore of pirates, plus 900 miles of coastline along its brim, island highlights include riding a cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres and basking on stunning Saona Island.
The Dominican Republic was discovered on December 5, 1492, by Christopher Columbus during his first voyage to the New World. At that time the island of Hispaniola (as Columbus named it) was called "Quisqueya" by the Taino Indians who occupied the land. With a population estimated around 600,000, the Tainos (meaning "the good") were peaceful and hospitable to Columbus and his crew of Spaniards. Columbus himself grew a particular fondness for Hispaniola, describing it in his journal as "a beautiful island paradise with high forested mountains and large river valleys."
With a glance at the Dominican calendar, one sees month after month awash with holidays patriotic in nature. While some believe this stems from the Dominican people's love of a good fiesta, it's actually the country's long and storied history that is responsible. Holidays such as Juan Pablo Duarte's birthday and Restoration Day all point to the turbulent past of this now tranquil tropical getaway.
Dominican Republic climate is typical of the Caribbean. It is a tropical, maritime nation. It s wet season is from May to November, and periodic hurricanes occur between June and November. Most rain falls in the northern and eastern regions.
Currency
Name: Dominican Peso (Peso)
Exchange rate: Go to www.gocurrency.com
Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo de Guzmán, or just Santo Domingo, is the capital of the Dominican Republic; it is also its largest city with a population of approximately 1 million. The city is located on the Caribbean Sea, at the mouth of the Ozama River.
Founded in 1496, it is arguably the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Western Hemisphere. It was the first seat of Spanish colonial rule in the New World.
The city's cathedral, begun in 1514, is the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. A tomb in the cathedral was reputed to be the final resting place of Christopher Columbus, but the remains (the authenticity of which is disputed, with Spain also claiming to have a set of Columbus's bones) were moved to the Columbus Memorial Lighthouse in 1990.
The old section of the city is known as Zona Colonial ("Colonial Zone") or Ciudad Colonial ("Colonial City"). The Colonial Zone is bordered by the Ozama River. There are a number of attractions in the city, some of the more notable are; the Cathedral of Saint Mary, the first cathedral in America; Alcázar de Colón ("Diego Columbus' Palace") where Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Colombus, lived when he was governor of the Spanish colony; andFortaleza Ozama ("Ozama Fortress"), the oldest fort in America.
Santo Domingo is a city for shoppers, with several large shopping centers offering a wide selection of almost everything. The Mercado Modelo at Avenida Mella, a farmer's market turned into giant gift shop, offers the largest selection of handicrafts. Several gift shops are located on Arzobispo Merino and Isabel la Catolica in the Colonial City. Shopping venues are located in the 27 de Febrero to Gustavo Mejia Ricart environs, including Plaza Central, Plaza Lama, Plaza Naco, Americana Departamentos, Hache, Acropolis, Plaza Bolera, Cuesta, Bella Vista, Diamond large stores. There is a sprinkling of small shops located all along Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln avenues. Or visit the Conde Street pedestrian mall and the lively Duarte Avenue, or the Luperon Avenue shopping district, among others.
The city is served by the Las Americas International Airport which is located to the east of Santo Domingo, about 30 minutes away from the heart of the city.
More information when visiting Santo Domingo…
Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic. English is a secondary language in Santo Domingo.
The average temperature varies little in the city, because the tropical tradewinds help mitigate the heat and humidity throughout the year with average temperatures ranging from 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. December and January are the coolest months and July and August are the warmest. Santo Domingo and the rest of the country are in the Caribbean and have a tropical climate, which makes them very vulnerable to hurricanes.
Passport is required for entrance from the U.S.