This atmospheric enclave is alive with sounds for which Dominican Republic is justly renowned: mesmerising rhythms of marvellous 'merengue' merge with those of brash and bawdy 'bachata' and strains of scintillating Cuban 'son'. This mellifluous melee of spirit-quickening, soul-enhancing, sun-filled music almost seems to illuminate humid Dominican nights as it pumps insistently until early hours, from hive of hot and 'steamy' clubs that insinuate themselves into City's myriad of alleyways.

By cold light of day, however, transient visitor to Dominican capital will soon become aware of an alternative reality as they absorb 'bigger picture' of Santo Domingo.

It is a sad fact that 80 percent of Dominicans live below poverty level. Inevitably, attracted by merest possibility of scraping a meagre living from some form of activity in thronging capital, destitute families live in desperate hovels cobbled from bric-a-brac and other junk. Such shantytowns form basis of City's suburbs as you travel further from Sea.

Long before itinerant tourist may even become aware of these unfortunate favelas, though, their lungs and eyes will already be testifying to insidious incidence of airborne pollution that furiously fogs Santo Domingo air. Petro-chemical emissions endlessly emanate from slothful streams of teeming traffic that tediously transit Cities streets in a constant state of imminent grid-lock. Standing out amongst tumult of traffic manifold three spoke logos of innumerable Mercedes (Santo Domingo has highest proportion per capita ownership of marque in world!) may jar their senses as dramatic contrast between city's Dominican denizens dawns upon them.

The Dominican Republic, country often referred to as Santo Domingo by Dominican themselves, hosts a truly amazing capital city. So, for anyone visiting DR for first time (which is no small place by comparison to most other Caribbean venues) if proximity allows, a visit to Santo Domingo, City, is undoubtedly mandatory! Ruth and Esther Ramos provide some useful insights to numerous culturally and historically significant sights, and sites, that may be found around city via their increasingly useful Dominican Republic travel information resource at www.visiting-the-dominican-republic.com. You will soon realize that it is little wonder that some visitors to Dominican Republic never find time to stray beyond bounds of this enthralling City during their whole stay!

All in all, as a total experience, it is guaranteed that for anyone with a 'true' travelers spirit Dominican capital, Santo Domingo, will make its indelible mark upon their heart. Like so many before them, they will discover that it is unlikely that one visit will ever be enough!

Ruth and Esther Ramos, www.visiting-the-dominican-republic.com © Copyright 2005, All rights reserved.

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Heide Park

This one is just amazing! It's located in Soltau in "Lueneburger Heide", between Hamburg and Hannover, in North Germany. It is largest Amusement Park of North Germany (850,000 square meters!). It has more than 50 attractions. The park is scenically, and its maintained facilities are brilliant. In a wildlife park you can observe in a nature-left and kind-fair environment over 200 native animals. These animals are described as "real stars of show". By way, Heide Park has biggest wood roller coaster of world!

So, that's it for now! Look forward to second part of my 3-part report. In it I will let you know about 4 remaining Theme Parks, and about how you can save approx. 50% of your valuable time in such parks.

Well, I wish you a lot of fun!

Marcus Hochstadt

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