Keeping the Dominican Republic Clean - One Visit at a Time

 

   

For my last post, I wanted to bring everything back full circle for you guys. The reason is, unfortunately, the island's tourism has both positively and negatively impacted the citizens and the environment. While I still encourage y'all to visit, I want to remind you guys of a few important details!

Moving forward, there’s the problem of single-use plastics. Tourists tend to rely heavily on bottled water, packaged snacks, and convenience items, especially when staying in resort areas. Multiply that by thousands of visitors, and it quickly turns into a large-scale pollution issue, with plastic often making its way into the ocean. Another factor is water and energy use. Resorts use significant amounts of fresh water for pools, landscaping, and guest consumption. This can strain local water supplies, especially in drier regions. On top of that, high energy demand from hotels contributes to increased emissions, particularly if the energy comes from non-renewable sources. 

Also, Excursions and outdoor tourism can play a role. Popular inland destinations like Los Haitises National Park or hiking areas around Pico Duarte can experience littering, trail damage, and ecosystem disruption if they’re not managed carefully or if visitors don’t follow guidelines.

Now, while I don't expect you guys not to visit at all, the resort's waste and emissions issues are something only the government can restrict. However, as a tourist, you still have a role in this!

Helping in small ways leads to BIG changes, and if you are curious what you can do, well, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) sustainable tourism website goes into further depth. A more mindful approach to visiting the Dominican Republic would mean being aware of YOUR impact. Simple changes like reducing plastic use, respecting natural areas, supporting local businesses, and not treating the destination as a disposable waste bin can make a difference. It’s not about avoiding travel, but about being more conscious of how your presence affects the place you’re visiting.

In summary, I have enjoyed sharing with you all everything there is to know before making your journey to the DR. I hope my blogs were helpful, and I'm always looking to hear about your experience when you do visit. Remember that not everything will be like your home country, but that doesn't mean it deserves to be treated with any less respect. What we call embracing strange environments, someone calls their life, so let's continue to be kind to one another and loving each other for our differences and learning from each other for a better and brighter future. "Que tengan un bonito dia!" (ENG. Translate: "Have a beautiful day!")

The Wonderous Nature of the Dominican Republic

 

Okay, while I have been so eager to discuss all the eye-catching things about the Dominican Republic, the most show-stopping topic is the island's incredible nature and views. The Lonely Planet website talks a lot about places like Pico Duarte and Los Haitises National Park and resources to book excursions to several locations in the island. 

Something that really stood out to me is how much of the Dominican Republic tourist miss if they only stick to resorts. I mentioned this in my previous post, but venturing out safely is key to a true Dominican experience. 

The website points out that Pico Duarte is actually the highest mountain in the Caribbean, and hiking it is a full experience—not just a quick stop. It usually takes a couple of days, and along the way you’re seeing totally different landscapes than what you’d expect from the Caribbean. Then there’s Los Haitises National Park, which seems almost like a different country altogether, with thick mangroves, caves, and a lot of wildlife.

Most of the time, DR is advertised as an easy, relaxing beach destination, but not only through this post, but my blog shows there’s a more adventurous side to this beautiful island. That being said, hiking up Pico Duarte or exploring caves in Los Haitises feels more personal and less manufactured than staying at a resort. It also seems like a better way to actually connect with the environment and see how diverse the country really is.

Overall, the inland areas offer a deeper and more memorable experience compared to the typical vacation image people have. My hope is that this new perspective gives you a little more excitement to visit not just this island but any new place, to find something different but safe, and explore the space you're visiting for ALL that it is!

For Cigar Lovers: Nothing Beats the Quality of a Dominican Cigar

 

Taking a more direct focus on one of the most recognized Dominican practices known globally, Cigar making! 

Dominican cigars are significant for their premium quality resulting from the Cibao Valley's exceptionally fertile soil and perfect climate, which produces smooth, complex, and aromatic tobacco. They are world-renowned for consistent construction, rich flavors, and high-quality craftsmanship, making the Dominican Republic a leader in global premium cigar production. 

Additionally, the Dominican Republic has earned its reputation as a hub for some of the finest cigar craftsmanship in the world. In Santiago, Davidoff operates its headquarters and welcomes visitors with guided tours of its factory, along with a look at one of its nearby tobacco fields. I was fortunate enough to do this tour when I was about 11 years old. I distinctly remember the strong smell, and because I was a child, I didn't partake in any smoking or purchasing, but we were able to walk around the craftsman and ask questions as they were actively making cigars to sell. It was definitely a cool experience, and I would recommend you make a pit stop if you plan to visit the Dominican Republic! 

Moving along, not far away, the town of Villa González plays a key role in the country’s tobacco scene, known for both cultivation and small-scale cigar production. Brands like Avo and La Gloria Cubana produce cigars here in more intimate factory settings.

The Dominican Republic is also responsible for producing non-Cuban versions of well-known names such as Partagás, Romeo y Julieta, and Montecristo. Altogether, this thriving industry has helped establish the country as a leading force in global cigar production.

So, I hope you take this knowledge on your visit and try to squeeze a tour full of different cultural ambience and practices!

Bachata In All It's Glory!

 

The time has come to talk about all things Bachata!

This is a form of dance most commonly found in Caribbean countries. BACHATA MUSIC is a romantic guitar-driven genre originating from the Dominican Republic, characterized by a 4/4 tempo and a distinct, heartfelt rhythm. It typically features five key instruments: lead guitar (requinto), rhythm guitar (segunda), bass guitar, bongos, and güira. The music often blends bolero with elements of son, merengue, and, in modern times, pop and R&B. 

The amazing thing about this form of dance is its way of bringing

people together, while it typically is a more sensual style of dance, people can 

still enjoy a song or two together in a platonic matter as well. 

Additionally, many people don't know that Bachata originated in Dominican Republic

during the early 1960s. It emerged from rural and working class neighborhoods 

and was initially known as música de amargue ("bitter music" or "music of bitterness") and was heavily stigmatized as low-class before gaining global popularity.

Overall, the Dominican dance style Bachata has always been a welcoming style with it's inviting feelings, romantic positions, and firey movement; people of all backrounds are welcome to learn and try it maybe even with a partner! If you ever visit the beautiful island of Dominican Republic.

 

If you're interested in learning exactly how to dance in this style check out this amazing BACHATA DANCE video! Good luck!

There's Nothing Like Dominican Food!

 

I believe it's only right that before I throw you into the sea of Dominican culture, I make sure you're fed! 

That being said, Dominican food has been passed down from many generations, and certain aspects are found throughout other Caribbean cultures, like plantains. In the pictures above, there are foods you will see that you may recognize like the avocado, the fish seems pretty universal, and the pizza. However, if you take a closer look there are different variations of plantains on two dishes and on the last picture would you believe me if I told you that is a dessert soup made from beans!

I know there is a lot to unpack here but please stay with me!

To start the fish is your average catch of the day so yes there isn't anything particularly crazy about it. However, the pizza is a different story because in the Dominican Republic the people general add sugar in their tomato sauce to balance the acidity of the tomato paste. This was a complete shocker to me because at first glance it looked like a normal pizza but when you bit into it you were tasting sugar! 

Next, in the second picture the dish you see is called, "Los Tres Golpes" or "The Three Hits". This dish has an assortment of foods and is considered a Dominican Breakfast. The yellow looking mashed food is actually cooked plantains that are mashed into a mashed potato consistency served with pickled red onions. This dish is traditionally salty and the plantains are always soft but never as mushy as mashed potatoes due to the starch consistency of the vegetable. There is also fried Dominican Salami as the protein, alongside is fried cheese that isn't supposed to be stretchy but thick and creamy like butter on the inside. Also, the dish comes with a sunny-side up egg and half of a sliced avocado. Now, you may be thinking this is a lot for a breakfast, I would say the reason this is ate so often and to this capacity is because of what the work day may look for Dominican citizens. Often times they won't eat until it's dinner time so they ration their meals to twice everyday but making them bigger to keep them from going hungry. If you're interested in seeing how we make this traditional dish and possibly trying to make it at home, check out Tasty 10's video, Los Tres Golpes!

Lastly, now that you're all filled up with the savory details of DR, the last picture shows a sweet dish called "habichuelas con dulce" or "sweet cream of beans". This dish is typically made during Lent for Catholics or "Semana Santa" which is Holy Week for Catholics but even those that aren't in the religion make this dish around that time. This popular soup is made red beans, coconut milk, regular milk, sweet potatoes, and spices. It makes you feel warm inside not only because of it being actual soup but because it's always made with love and intentionally. I remember when I was visiting my family in DR I was over one of my aunts houses and everyone had gathered to enjoy each other's company, talk about life, joke around, and to eat some of this soup that all the older ladies had been working on earlier that day. You would wonder why it would take more than one person to make this soup, well it's because its regularly made in huge portions and in a metal pot over a big gas or wooden fire. I think that influencer Marlin does an excellent job at showing the traditional recipe for "habichuelas co dulce", I would check it the quick link out if you're ever interested in making something new and sweet at home!  

Well, that pretty much sums up some of the most memorable food's I've had the privilege of trying and a little bit of culture shock when I visited the island most recently. If you have any question's be sure to comment and I'll be happy to discuss! Thank you again for stopping by, chat with you later!

Introduction

Hello there, welcome to my blog, the Dominican Republic: Beyond the Beaches. My name is Genesis Pinales. The reason I wanted to start this blog was to hopefully draw attention to a part of my culture. Also I wanted to share more than just the beaches and expand on things tourists may not know about the beautiful island of the Dominican Republic. I love the Caribbean, and that is where all of my heritage is found, so I feel extremely proud and lucky to share this part of my life with others. I hope that through these posts, not only will you feel compelled to interact, but also be motivated to share and even visit this country and all it has to offer.