Down in the DR

Well, I made it down to the Dominican Republic last week, where I was greeted by Olga—tropical storm Olga, that is. She dumped her unseasonable moisture all over Santiago, where I was scheduled to give a presentation (for Cengage). With over 150 invitees, we were lucky to get the 20 people we did.



The weather did bring on a craving for comfort food, which was plentiful. My gracious hosts Johann and Manuel took me to a highway-side cafe for some yummy DR breakfast treats: mangú (smashed plantains topped with vinegar-simmered onions) and fried cheese—all washed down with the best organic coffee.



After the presentation and the long drive back to Santo Domingo, we stopped at "La Cool Vita," a drive-thru bar, where they pass you bottles of El Presidente wrapped in little brown paper bags out a window.



The next day I gave a presentation to about 120 teachers at the Instituto Cultural Dominico-Americano (ICDA). Before that, however, Johann made sure I got a little local culture in with a visit to the Zona Colonial and all the "New World of Christopher Columbus" sites. Very impressive.



I resisted buying a hat, but next time I might change my mind.