When Ruth and Esther Ramos embarked on their labor of love, creation of a wide- ranging resource of information about Dominican Republic they just knew that a feature focussing on Dominican Republic's captivating capital City, Santo Domingo, was more than a must! Santo Domingo is often referred to as 'the oldest city in New World' for it was here that Christopher Columbus, smitten by many charms of Hispaniola - Isle he thought most beautiful land in World – eventually made his base. Having abandoned La Isabella their ill-fated first settlement (whilst Columbus was addressing a request by Queen to return to Spain) - Columbus' brother Bartolome embarked upon foundations of what has become today's capital city, in area now known as 'Zona Colonial'. Indeed, Columbus palace still stands in midst of this, oldest part of Santo Domingo, city this famous family not only founded but also 'presided' over for several years. But Santo Domingo, like Dominican Republic itself, has had a chequered history. In many ways it might be considered a City of 'dubious firsts'! It was from Santo Domingo that 'conquistadores' first set out to dominate rest of what has since come to be called 'West Indies', or Caribbean, as well as most of Americas. From here these Europeans invaded 'New World' generally usurping local natives, slaughtering, pillaging and vastly enriching Spanish empire in process. Santo Domingo also has infamous claim to being original home of 'the slave trade' as it was here that Africans were first 'forcibly imported' and set to work as enslaved labourers on burgeoning sugar plantations which made Hispaniola such a valuable asset to Spain for so many years. Even today Capital of Dominican Republic may still be judged a mixture of good, bad and ugly! But let's start with something positive...and there are some truly excellent aspects to this vibrant, thronging city of life, color and sound - Santo Domingo. The old colonial district, for instance, is a wonderful place, there is no doubt. Its antiquity is almost 'crystallised' as there are still so many well preserved aspects of original City of Columbus' time that survive. Many of those travelers who have ventured into Santo Domingo on their first trip to Dominican Republic have become entranced by its atmosphere and ambience. Like an illicit substance, many have found themselves drawn back again and again by addictive spell city seems to cast upon their soul.

From idyllic wildlife park with domestic animals up to safari-tour through a lion preserve, and from contemplative visit in fairy tale country up to terrific ride with Mega Roller Coaster. They offer fun and maintenance for whole family.

Pay one entrance fee and enjoy whatever you like. Okay, you still have to pay for some events, but most attractions are free after you paid entrance fee, which varies from 10 to 30 EUR.

In this 3-part report I will let you know about our 7 biggest Theme Parks in Germany. In addition, I will reveal 5 easy steps on how to save approx. 50% of your valuable "amusement-park-time," so that you can visit a lot more attractions.

And before we get started, I recommend visiting www.smart-travel-germany.com/amusement-parks-and-theme-parks.html to gain further information, and web addresses of all parks mentioned here.

Okay, let's go!

Europa-Park

It's biggest one in Germany and located in Rust (between Freiburg and Offenburg), in South Germany. It has extravagantly arranged European ranges of topics. This facility in Black Forest has varied driving attractions, color-magnificent shows and "6 land worlds". It's a popular trip goal for visitors from whole world. The Amusement Park lies in 550 years old facility of Balthasar castle and is considered today as one of most beautiful Theme Parks world-wide. The park received also different honors.

Phantasialand