Ciudad Colonial, Santo Domingo

On May 15, 16, and 17, we visited the Ciudad Coloniál or Zona Coloniál (Colonial City or Colonial Zone), which is the original walled city of Santo Domingo and is the oldest permanent European settlement of the New World.  The city contains many other New World "firsts" such as the first cathedral, hospital, customs house and university.  It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site - http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/526 .  The zone has its run-down areas, but the government is financing refurbishing projects and local entrepreneurs are also creating small shops, businesses and restaurants, so it is a dynamic and energetic place.  I took many, many photos so will simply provide captions.   I think the last photo aptly sums up the feeling of the Zone.



Let's explore the old city!

But first, let's eat!  Yummy grilled chicken, rice, beans and salad.

 


















Locals enjoying the afternoon



Residence of the Diego Colon family, governor of the city and son of Christopher Columbus.  It is now a museum.



Calle las Damas (Ladies' Street) built by Diego Colon so that the women in his family
could go for afternoon strolls without mussing their dresses.  First paved street in the New World.
 

Dulces!!



Entrance to Museo de las Casas Reales (Museum of the Royal Houses)
It served as the Palace of the Governor and Royal Court.  It was interesting to read about the justice and legislative system.

Sundial seen from Casas de las Reales

"Clock of the Sun" built in 1753



Looking out at the sundial



Interior room

Royal peacock.  The peahen is hiding behind the palm while Papa struts his stuff.
 

The first cathedral of the New World.  Statue of Columbus in foreground.

We were interviewed by these perky college students who were practicing their English.  They asked us what we liked about the colonial zone and what we thought needed improvement.  We said we liked the people and the music and that we didn't like the garbage and suggested there needed to be an education campaign to promote a clean city.  They agreed with that.

Playing speed chess...only 5 minutes per game. 

Street art

La Cafetera Coloniál hasn't changed in decades, they say.  Great fresh guava juice!

Maybe we need one of these in the US...



Honoring a teacher...

and promoter of education for girls.

Social commentary...not sure exactly what it means.  Something about assasins and bullshit.  Any translations?

Hopefully this video of street music in the Parque Colon will play for you.  I've been humming this tune to myself the past day or two.  Music is everywhere in the DR.  I particularly enjoy Latin music while I'm shopping for groceries. 


And last but not least...



I love the Zone