Hillbilly's Santiago

[Justintime]

HB, as many of you know from meeting him in person, is not only a wise curmudgeon on this board, but I proclaim him to be 'good people'. I had the pleasure of spending a great deal of time with him on my very recent trip to the DR and his graciousness, patience toward my 'gringoishness' and assistance to my son's quest for information, was above and beyond anything we could have hoped for.

He is a wonderful golf mate, a wonderful ambassador for the DR, and in particular for Santiago, and our visit to this wonderful country has been extremely rewarding due, in large part, to his efforts. His family made us feel right at home during our visit as well.

By the way folks, if you are visiting Santiago, DO NOT MISS the Centro Leon!!!! Right HB? If you go to Santiago, and do not visit the Centro Leon, then HB will rightly question your ability to become cultured and you will be soundly whipped You have now been warned

AND if you have young 'uns lookin' to get book learned... check out all the programs at PUCMM.

Thanks also to Texas Bill, BushBaby, Marco, JJ, Eddie, and many more who ganged up to ensure a rich, rewarding visit. OHHHH....and let me tell you, they know how to party on the Malecon at POP the evening before the Big Parade. Thanks for arranging that priceless waterfront room, BushBaby.

Sorry I didn't get to meet more of you who visit this board

I have much, much more to tell about our trip when I get time. Some of our adventures may be interesting to those who are planning to visit and amusing to those of you who live there. The drive on "the road that wasn't" is an experience I will never forget!!!!!!

Regards

Doug/AKA
Justintime

[easygoin]

Originally Posted by Justintime

HB, as many of you know from meeting him in person, is not only a wise curmudgeon on this board, but I proclaim him to be 'good people'. I had the pleasure of spending a great deal of time with him on my very recent trip to the DR and his graciousness, patience toward my 'gringoishness' and assistance to my son's quest for information, was above and beyond anything we could have hoped for.

He is a wonderful golf mate, a wonderful ambassador for the DR, and in particular for Santiago, and our visit to this wonderful country has been extremely rewarding due, in large part, to his efforts. His family made us feel right at home during our visit as well.

By the way folks, if you are visiting Santiago, DO NOT MISS the Centro Leon!!!! Right HB? If you go to Santiago, and do not visit the Centro Leon, then HB will rightly question your ability to become cultured and you will be soundly whipped You have now been warned

AND if you have young 'uns lookin' to get book learned... check out all the programs at PUCMM.

Thanks also to Texas Bill, BushBaby, Marco, JJ, and many more who ganged up to ensure a rich, rewarding visit. OHHHH....and let me tell you, they know how to party on the Malecon at POP the evening before the Big Parade. Thanks for arranging that priceless waterfront room, BushBaby.

Sorry I didn't get to meet more of you who visit this board

I have much, much more to tell about our trip when I get time. Some of our adventures may be interesting to those who are planning to visit and amusing to those of you who live there. The drive on "the road that wasn't" is an experience I will never forget!!!!!!

Regards

Doug/AKA
Justintime

The people that you mention are like a walking encyclopedia....BUT most of all it's their generosity of willing to help tourists, without thinking twice to make their stay more enjoyable.

[Conchman]

is Centro Leon worth visiting if you don't speak spanish, do they have tours and/or displays in English?

[Justintime]

IMHO yes it is worth it even if there is no English tour available. With a very small amount of Spanish...if you take your time you can translate quite a bit from the informational plaques beside each exhibit. In the art exhibit you can read, at the very least, the artist's name, birth and death dates (if applicable) and date, or approximate date, of the work. We were very fortunate and had a fluently bilingual gentleman from Santiago giving us an incredibly informative tour. But I still think it is worth a look for 50 pesos a head entry fee. I think students are no charge.

[BushBaby]

It was a delight to see you again Doug.
I am sure HB & I will be pleased to ensure that Charles leeps you informed as to his prowess on the golf course with us when he comes down here on full time University - after all, YOU will be paying for his pleasures on the golf course I am sure (& hopefully OUR beers afterwards!!!! )

I look forward to the trip report AND hearing of your Spanish Lessons during meal times & visits with Charles!! ~ Grahame.