Only in the DR

I want a 10 foot fence.

2008-06-23T16:00:00.003-04:00

So here is a mystery. Why would anyone put up 10 feet of fencing? By that, I don't mean a 10 foot high fence, but rather a fence that starts arbitrarily and ends (after 10 feet or so) just as arbitrarily.

I'd love to hear your comments on this one, cause its really got me stumped.

FYI: This fence has been sitting there, in this condition for over a year, so anyone proposing 'its under construction' is out of luck.

Word Art in Action!

2008-06-23T15:40:00.004-04:00

No one would accuse the government of being cutting edge when it comes to art, good taste and style, though perhaps one could argue that they've seen worse. Nevertheless, this one has to win a prize somewhere, for "Best use of Word Art in real life".

UPDATE: It's been pointed out that this in fact might just have been the traditional Word Art font used. I say, either way!

I'm speechless...

2008-06-23T15:27:00.004-04:00

I have no words to describe this... just check the image in this article...

http://supercanal.com//news.php?id=766

Just in case they decide to update it here's a screen shot...

Like Subway, but not really...

2008-06-19T18:44:00.004-04:00

Look again, its not Subway, but close. Apparently artists here use Google as much as everyone else.

Like Oreo's, but not really...

2008-06-19T18:41:00.007-04:00

Just for this, we've had to start a new catagory... "Rip-off".

Enjoy.

One Stop Shopping DR Style

2008-06-18T15:20:00.003-04:00

Some of you might know that there basically is no mail system in DR... some claim that there is but bullshit! There isn't!

Anyway... so because of this there are several courier services or mail forwarders that set you up with addresses in the states so you can handle these basic necessities like bills, packages, magazines, shoes etc... Having recently moved to DR from the states I still keep accounts in the states and shit so I needed to get me one of these... So I found some time and visited one of these places to set up an account.

As I walk in I was greeted very nicely by the rep and as we go over all the details about how things work and blah blah blah. So in the middle of her taking down my personal info for my account she goes.

"Do you have life insurance?"

I was like "yeah" as I thought to myself. "Holy shit this is either one of the most in depth questionnaires I've taken or this girls small talk skills suck ass!"

So we keep going and I finish setting up my account and before I leave she goes.
"I know that you said you had life insurance but please take this card if you know of anybody that wants to buy a policy and also take this one too we offer carpentry, plumbing upholstery cleaning, paint and any general repairs."

I managed to hold back a chuckle as I accepted both cards and left.

But daaamn! Talk about one stop shopping... DR style!

Dirty Politics

2008-04-15T14:44:00.001-04:00

It was fun watching the differences between the US and DR presidential campaigns. Though that was only until the Hillary threw in the towel, gave up on her principles and proceeded to through the first big fat gob of mud. So mad props to the DR in this one case - at least here they came out swinging and will not apologize for anything!

The country of the Future!

2008-02-11T17:25:00.000-04:00

I hereby officially nominate the Dominican Republic as "The country of the future."

My reasoning for this is simple.... whenever you ask anyone when something will be done, delivered, ready or completed, inevitably the answer is "mañana".

10 illegal job interview questions - Just not in the DR

2008-02-05T13:06:00.000-04:00

I came across this interesting article which clearly states 10 things that are illegal to ask during a job interview... in the United States. However, just to give a everyone a clear understanding of what a different culture the Dominican Republic has, I thought I'd go through them point by point and make a few comments.

#1: Where were you born?

In the DR, this is occasionally listed on the resume. Mind you that most candidates are more than happy to give you this information, though I'd stay away from asking, simply because they are likely to begin reminiscing about their home town, or 'pueblo'.

#2: What is your native language?

In the DR, all languages that the candidate knows are listed on their resume, typically so are a few that they do not know, but add simply because it makes their resume seem better. Their native language can be assumed to be Spanish, though when this is not the case, it will be clearly stated in the resume. The odd part is that when lying on a resume about speaking/writing ability in different languages, it is very odd that any candidate is proactive enough to use a simple thing like SPELLCHECK!!!

#3: Are you married?

In the DR, there is no need to ask this. Its a standard part of the resume... typically opposite the photo (yes, photo!).

#4: Do you have children?

In the DR, this is not something that is asked in interviews, but is volunteered by any candidate. Mind you that this information is offered as a 'negotiating tactic' that proves why the candidate deserves higher compensation. Oddly enough, on very few occasions does a candidate offer their experience and hard work as a reason for better compensation. Don't ask me why - I never understood this, its just the way it is.

#5: Do you plan to get pregnant?

In the DR, you would be surprised at how often this is offered by candidates. Mind you that they are well aware that this is not something that is going to work in their favor (if you knew the labor laws, you'd understand why), but they are more than happy to answer questions like "Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?" with answers like "married, with several kids". Why they think this was a personal question is beyond me, but alas, it is more than revealing.

#6: How old are you?

In the DR, this is typically on the resume... along with whether or not they have an automobile and drivers license (no, one cannot assume one dictates the other). Did I mention the photo?

#7: Do you observe Yom Kippur?

Finally, we come to a question that simply does not apply. In the DR, it is assumed that all religious holidays are catholic holidays, which are mandated by law, regardless of religion. After Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic is the country with the most holidays in the world... impressive right?... Just try running a business.

#8: Do you have a disability or chronic illness?

In the DR, I'm pretty sure this is also illegal... but again, candidates are more than happy to offer this information. Typically this information is offered freely if one simply asks as to why the candidate did not advance quicker in their previous job, as you can understand a disability or chronic illness is a good scapegoat for not putting in a little extra effort.... then again so is the rain, public transport... and my personal favorite... GOD... thats right... only in the DR can you ask "Why where you late to work?" and get a response like "Cause GOD wanted it to be so."

#9: Are you in the National Guard?

If they can write a resume, it can be safely assumed that they are literate, thus their is a good chance the government will not be enlisting them to 'protect' the rights of the civilians.

#10: Do you smoke or use alcohol?

In the DR, you can safely assume that the answer will be yes, with the exception of "Born again Christians", which are clearly identified by their completing most sentences with one of the following phrases: "si dios lo quiere (if GOD wants it)", "que dios lo bendiga (GOD bless you)"... well you get the idea.

Original Article - Steer clear of these 10 illegal job interview questions

Imagine Hillary or Barrack pulling off this shit!!!

2007-12-10T11:31:00.001-04:00

Excuse my language but how the fuck are we gonna progress when candidates are pulling this shit off?

This is presidential candidate Amable Aristy, who's slogan is "The Poor Man's President" , flying on his helicopter (how humble huh?) and tossing out a few pesos to a crowd that basically starts fighting and trampling each other!

The sad part is that this might work out for him... All we can do is hope it doesn't.

Cramps? ED? Constipation?

2007-10-10T12:51:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time you could buy pretty much everything over the counter, and the amazing part was that few people abused it (or at least not that I knew/heard of). While those days may be slowly coming to an end, it is still interesting to see that you can still find Viagra over the counter.

BTW - Anyone know if 100mg is a large or small dose? It seems like a pretty stiff to me.

Found it!!!!!

2007-09-27T10:38:00.000-04:00

This is my last rant about coffee… I promise! I just had to say that I finally found the perfect latte!!! Every morning I go to this small coffee stand just outside the office and I tell the guy exactly how I want my latte. I am very happy to say that the guy is now officially trained! I walk in and without saying anything, other than good morning, I get my latte just the way I like it! Even if I have to call it a ‘cappuccino’.... but then again, when I'm paying only 1.50 for it, including tip... I guess its not that bad after all!

I'm sorry... what the hell is that in my coffee?

2007-09-26T11:13:00.000-04:00

Unless you didn’t realize it from my last post… I really like my coffee. At least now I’m a little bit more used to the way they do it here… As long as I can get my latte I’ll call it cappuccino or whatever the hell they want to call it!

So a few days ago after having lunch at this restaurant I decide it’s the right time to enjoy my ‘cappuccino’. I order it from the waiter and a few minutes later I get a latte with some foam… not quite enough as it should have, but there was something floating on the foam! I took cup up to my nose…cinnamon!!! Who the hell asked for cinnamon!!! I managed to scoop it out but lost pretty much all the foam they gave me.

A couple days later… again, after lunch, at another restaurant I asked for my ‘cappuccino’ but this time I asked

“Do you put cinnamon in your cappuccino?”

“No”
“Great! Thanks!”

A few minutes later here comes my latte… I can see from afar that there is a good amount of foam… they might have gotten it right this time! As they set down the cup in front of me I see something floating on the freaking foam!

I take it up to my nose… cocoa!

Once again I had to scoop something out of my latte before I could drink it.

Anyway… to not go on and on about this any longer… all I can say is that every place I’ve been to and ordered a “cappuccino” I have gotten something slightly different. There’s a joke in Seattle that goes on about how you are from Seattle if you can order a cup of coffee in a hundred different ways… well… all I can say is that here you can order 1 cup of coffee and GET it in a hundred different ways!

In search of a good Latte... parte dos

2007-09-21T11:37:00.000-04:00

A couple days later… again, after lunch, at another restaurant I asked for my ‘cappuccino’ but this time I asked

“Do you put cinnamon in your cappuccino?”

“No”
“Great! Thanks!”

A few minutes later here comes my latte… I can see from afar that there is a generous amount of foam… they might have gotten it right this time! As they set down the cup in front of me I see something floating on the freaking foam!

I take it up to my nose… cocoa!

Once again I had to scoop something out of my latte before I could drink it.

In search of a good Latte...

2007-09-20T11:31:00.000-04:00

For the last 6 and half years I lived in Seattle, Washington… beautiful city! Anyway… some of you may have heard of a lil ol’ company called Starbucks. Well Starbucks originated in Seattle and needless to say the city is covered in them! Coffee in Seattle is a way of life! Between Starbucks and all the other local chains you can pretty much find a coffee shop in every corner. Hearing things like “I want a double tall half caf non fat extra hot no whip sugar-free vanilla white chocolate mocha” is really not that big of deal! By the way that’s 12 ounce cup with 2 shots of espresso (one caffeinated and one decaf) with steamed non fat milk heated a few degrees over the norm and to add flavor it has sugar free vanilla, white chocolate and in this case no whipped cream which normally goes on top of a mocha ;)

Ok… going back to the point of this post. I am addicted to coffee!!! Some people might not see this as a problem because Dominican Republic actually has amazing coffee… the problem is that besides espresso and drip they don’t really have a clue! Let me elaborate…

For starters there aren’t that many coffee shops in DR and the few that are around serve crap that looks more like a freaking cappuccino blast from Baskin Robbins!

So I am looking at the menu in one of these so called coffee shops and after browsing through a ton of these “coffee” drinks I find a small section at the end that contained an espresso, a cappuccino, a mocha and a café latte. GREAT! I proceed to order a latte and the guy behind the bar looks at me and goes

“Que?”

“A latte.” I say. “You know espresso with steamed milk”

“Oh you want coffee with milk”

“Yes”

So I see the guy pour out the shots of espresso into a cup and he then proceeds to pour milk into it right out of a carton…

“Whoa! Aren’t you gonna steam the milk?

“Why?”

“I ordered a latte”

“You wanted a cappuccino?”

“No. A cappuccino has mostly foam and little bit of milk. A latte has milk AND foam.”

(Laughing) “Mostly foam?”

“Yes”

“So you want a ‘latte’?”

“Yes!”

“Oooookay...”

He turned around and started to steam the milk. He then pours the milk in and yells to the cashier.

“Cappuccino coming up!”

I didn’t feel like arguing any more and I took the coffee cup from him… at least I had my latte… no matter what they want to call it.

Hello!

2007-09-13T12:07:00.000-04:00

I would like to take a few moments to introduce myself... well... sort of. My name doesn't really matter. The important fact is who I am and where I come from.

Those of you, who I invited to read this blog, know me... but if you just happened to stumble across this blog or used to read it before I came along, all you really need to know is that I was born and raised in Dominican Republic and at the age of 18 I moved to the United States and lived there for almost 11 years. Went to college for 4 and half and worked for another 6 and half.

Seven weeks ago, I moved back to DR. The way of life that has been “normal” to me, is now completely different!

As of today you will be able to see how I get reacquainted with my country. You’ll learn about things I like and things I don’t… Well, for starters it will be a lot of bitching on my part! I’m going through some sort of reverse culture shock or something, but eventually as the shock diminishes the tone of my posts will shift to the good side. Feel free to comment on my ramblings… maybe these things are common in other Latin American Countries… maybe they are true to other developing countries… or maybe this shit happens only in DR!!!

2007-03-30T13:14:00.000-04:00

Only in this country do you have an agreement with vendor/supplier for a certain cost, and at the end of the day they try to invoice you double....

2007-03-26T18:02:00.000-04:00

$150 = $300

That's right friends, only in this country does a $150 plane ticket end up costing you almost $300. Why, because of the excessive taxes that our fine friends in the Dominican government like to charge us. Its a good thing we don't rely on tourism as a country... and that all the people here are so rich... I mean, these taxes are ridiculous. In contrast, the US government charges less than $20 per person, while our friends in the Dominican Republic government are asking for over $100. Mind you these are only the 'International Departure Tax' and 'International Fee's'... there are a few more taxes involved if you actually buy the tickets in the DR... 26% sales tax... it is really ridiculous.

The worst part about this, is not even the taxes themselves, its the blatant way in which the government corruption makes all that money disappear. You have no idea the number of poor people who enter the government, and let me tell you, by the time they are done, they have made their bank account rise by a couple significant factors.

But I digress... no one seems to give a shit about this country, so why should I. for now, I would simply be happy if they where to stop hiking up the prices of the damn plane tickets.

2007-03-12T17:08:00.000-04:00

Go NCF Yourself!

Its been a while since I posted, but that by no means implies that the humor in Dominican society has come to an end. Quite the contrary. In fact, I have a bone to pick with the number one clowns in the country - the government (no surprise here right).

So where to start? Ok, lets focus this post (and probably many more to come in the future) on the amazingly complex over-reaction to tax evasion.

The government, in all their endless wisdom has decided to, with a single new initiative, to increase the amount of paper required to do business, increase the overhead of ALL SMALL BUSINESSES and create an environment in which tax evasion is more pervasive than ever, as the costs of trying to comply are so incredibly complex that complying will surly prove too difficult to last forever.

The idea they have implemented is not new. My understanding is that it exists in various other countries, but as anyone who knows the DR, this is not a country ready to have overly elaborate and complex procedures put into place - for gods' sake, this country has at least a 60% illiteracy rate.

So now the idea. It seems simple. Every invoice has to have a government tracking number for the sole purpose of ensuring that all these thieving companies pay their taxes.... or at least those working with a single set of books. It seems simple enough until you consider that most businesses in the country are not prepared to manage this new system, especially with the little amount of training that has been publicly provided.... at least in the rural areas.

To me this seems like a ploy to gain more money on fines... so the honchos in the government can buy more Mercedes'. Sad but true. Its so ridiculous, that I doubt that any company investing in the DR will feel comfortable putting all but the most minimum capital investment into the shores of this fine thieving country.

There are those who feel that the taxes will obviously go to good causes, but I fail to see how building a Metro in a country with such poor education and a health care system that makes the US look good, is even thinking.

Naturally, one must understand that in this country, people never think about making it big in business with great ideas and concepts, rather, those who aspire to be rich and powerful tend to go into politics. As a poor man elected to office can come out a rich and powerful man.

Please understand that I am in no way implying that all politicians are corrupt vultures sucking the life out of the country... I am sure there are one or two that are not bright enough to understand and one or two who foolishly believe they can make a difference.... suckers!

I'm a little cynical at the moment.... but that does not negate the fact that it is true. Sad. But true.

2006-11-24T19:38:00.000-04:00

Whatcha need my friend?
Sunglasses? Cel phone charger? Phone Cards? Fruits? Vegetables?
Just remember not to pay more than 1/2 of what they ask.

2006-11-16T19:50:00.000-04:00

Who needs trunkspace when you've got a bitchin stereo?

Como? Hey, no te oigo... baja esa mier***

2006-10-30T19:42:00.000-04:00

Gotta love these T-Shirts!

For those wanting to show your Dominican Pride, you have got to get yourself one of the trendy tshirts from www.mangobajito.com.

You'll love'm... or at least laugh your ass of.

2006-10-25T19:44:00.000-04:00

Got gas ?
Will travel.

2006-10-09T19:32:00.000-04:00

Saftey first kids!
Always remember to protect your face from the burning rays of the hot Dominican sun.

2006-10-03T19:20:00.000-04:00

Mary Kri-ma!
Thats right. Christmas is comes early in the DR. The shops are already begining to get the decorations / displays into place.

BTW, anyone have a clue why Santa is humping this raindeer?

2006-10-02T19:18:00.000-04:00

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

2006-10-02T19:08:00.000-04:00

Is there anything better than a haircut in the great outdoors?
Its a great way to save on things like rent and utilities - pass the savings on the the customers!

2006-10-01T19:01:00.000-04:00

Ud ha visto algun borracho atracando?

2006-09-27T22:40:00.000-04:00

Avisenme si van a frenar!

2006-09-27T22:38:00.000-04:00

Bad boys, bad boys...
...whatcha gonna do when they come for you...

Just makes you feel all warm and tingly. Go Army!

2006-09-27T22:28:00.000-04:00

U espeiky englee?

2006-09-21T23:30:00.000-04:00

Can I take your order please?

Yeeeeaaaaahhhh.... I'll take 20 chicharones, 10 yucittas, 12 pechugas, 15 tostones and... hey, any one want something to drink?

2006-09-13T19:19:00.000-04:00

How to swim across a flooded street

So a few weeks ago I'm in Santo Domingo. Coming out of a meeting after one heck of a thunderstorm, it is noticeably wet everywhere - very wet. Puddles resembling small lakes everywhere! One in particular had practically engulfed my car. Now just how the heck was I going to get to my car without getting knee deep in this muck?

First of all I had to walk a block in the opposite direction just to be able to get onto the street, which I believed was the safest, or rather driest, way to get into my car. So now I'm standing in the middle of the street with a lake in front of me crossing from one side of the sidewalk to the other. It was clear that I was going to get wet. The question was, how wet?

As I was standing in the middle of the street contemplating the best trajectory of approach, the depth of the standing water, the splash patterns and so many other little nuggets of information that I hoped could keep me as dry as possible, the oddest thing happened.

A car stopped right next to me. The lady driving rolled down her window and offered me a ride to the other side of the lake. I thanked her and explained that I was not trying to get across, but rather into the middle of it... where I was parked. The gesture was nevertheless genuinely appreciated.

To think of someone willing to help a total stranger cross the street by inviting them into their car. Only in the DR I thought to myself as I continued to stand in the street calculating, contemplating and wishing my car had a remote control to it.

Then it happened again. Another car stopped and offered to drive me across the lake. Wow! This was something I thought to myself. Twice in a row. This would surly not happen in the US.

It gets better. By the time I was able to get back into my car, through a careful calculation of wave patterns and a little jumping... I had been offered a ride no less than SIX times!!!!

ONLY IN THE DR will total strangers offer to help someone cross a street in the sanctuary of their cars without even being asked. THAT my friends is something special. Something you can only find.... well you know the rest.

2006-09-01T12:44:00.000-04:00

Por que los Dominicanos no pueden ser Terroristas...

8:45 am es muy temprano para levantarse de la cama
Siempre llegamos tarde, hubiéramos perdido los 4 vuelos.
La gente bonita que va en el avión nos distrae.
Como hablamos fuerte, atraemos la atención de todo el mundo.
Con comida y tragos en el avión, olvidamos a quéíbamos.
Como hablamos con las manos, tendríamos que poner las armas en el piso.
Todos quisiéramos volar el avión y nos pondríamos a discutir antes de tiempoen quien sería el piloto.
Como no podemos mantener un secreto, todo el mundo se enteraría una semanaantes9. Pondríamos la bandera de nuestro país en el avión.

2006-08-29T12:48:00.000-04:00

TU ERES DOMINICANO?
SI NO LO SABES, SEGURO QUE TE DARIAS CUENTA SI.......

Alguna vez te han pegado con una chancleta
Creciste teniéndole miedo al cuco
Si otros te dicen que dejes de vocear cuando solo estas hablando.
Si le encendías velas a la Virgen María o al Cristo de Esquipulas la nocheantes de unexamen.
Si usas tu boca para apuntar a alguien.
Si tu constantemente te refieres a cualquier cerealcomo "Con fle."
Si tu mamá te gritaba para que vinieras a comer, apesar de que vivían en un apartamento de una recámara.
Si tu puedes bailar cumbia, son, típico o salsa sin música.
Si tu usas manteca en vez de aceite de oliva y todavía no sabes porquetus nalgas crecen cada vez mas.
Si te montas a un carro para cinco pasajeros con siete personas adentro ytodavía alguien grita "todavía cabeuno!"
Siempre que te sientes agripado automáticamente teembarras todo el pecho de "Vivaporu" además de metértelo en las narices.
Si tu mamá te prepara tu lonchera a pesar de que ya tienes 32 años de edad.
Si llamas a los Norte Americanos "gringos" incluyendo a los Canadiensesy también a todos los Asiáticos los llamas "chinos o chinitos"y a la tienda de la esquina la llamas "donde el chino".

2006-08-01T08:46:00.000-04:00

Dominican Smoking Monkey

You read that right! This video was passed on to me by a friend - and it is totally unbelievable! First the monkey tries throwing rocks at the visitors, but then joins them for a smoke.

2006-07-27T09:58:00.000-04:00

A Moment of silence as the DR stops drinking.... as much.

Under the auspices of cleaning up 'delinquent violence and crime', which by the governments' admission has apparently over-run the country the government is now doing a show of force mobilizing over 10,000 police and military elements to combat crime...

More cops and troops hit the streets
More than 10,000 police and military elements will hit the streets of the nation's cities and towns in an effort to put an end to the current violence that has shaken every strata of the society. According to the Listin Diario, the Armed Forces, the National Police and members of the National Drug Control Office (DNCD) will take to the streets as of 7 pm as part of the Plan of Immediate Short Term Action that will try and remove illegal weapons, drug trafficking and consumption and late night-early morning sales of alcoholic beverages in 18 targeted cities. Night-time patrolling was previously practically inexistent in the DR. By next Thursday, the program will be extended to the entire country. The mixed patrols will be on the watch for delinquents, they will check vehicles, and do body searches for weapons and drugs. Interior & Police Minister Franklin Almeyda told reporters that the patrols are following the President's action program to put a halt to the violence.

Source: DR1 | http://www.dr1.com

The first I heard about this was literally last night, when I thought someone was pulling some sort of sick prank on me... telling me that new anti-drinking laws had been implemented by Presidential Decree.

Basically the following activities, which where once (two days ago) considered every Dominicans God-Given rights have now been castrated from the acceptable norms:

Alcohol can no longer be bought/sold after midnight on weekdays.
Alcohol can no longer be bought/sold after 2am on weekends.
Drinking and driving is now no longer legal... (this by the way is implemented almost a decade after cell-phone usage while driving was made illegal without the use of a hands-free set.)
Drive through bars are now considered illegal... which is odd cause these have been around for a damn long time. If anyone has any photos of drive through bars in Santo Domingo, please email a copy so I can post it!!

...then again, it will probably be enforced for a month or so and then go down the toilet, like most goverment initiatives.

I will offer a reward for anyone who can supply me with with photographic or (preferably) video evidence of bars or restaurants owned by government officials or relatives who are breaking these new laws, as they always tend to be the first ones to do so.

Lastly, I would like to get everyones' opinions as to what the goverment is most likly to outlaw next in their quest for Ameracanization of the DR... I mean 'cleaning up the streets'.

2006-07-22T18:27:00.000-04:00

The Dominican Barney

Dont be afraid children, he just wants to dance and shake his booty.

2006-07-20T20:24:00.000-04:00

Perico Ripiao

From what I hear, Perico Ripiao is one of the funniest 100% Dominican made movies out there. One of these days I'll watch it and let you all know, though from what I hear, even having grown up in this country - I will still need some assistance to understand it. But I have faith! And if not, I also have denial!

Trailer below. Enjoy!

2006-07-07T10:17:00.000-04:00

Dominican Innovations and Inventions - Part 1
The Valet Trunk Lock 2000 - DR Edition

Ever leave your car with the valet only to discover that the contents of your trunk have been completely removed, including the spare tire? Ever have some important stuff that needs to be safely guarded in your car as you go from car wash to bar to night club to chimi stand?

If the answer is yes, you need to get the 'The Valet Trunk Lock 2000 - DR Edition'. It is the latest in Dominican innovation. This low cost device is made from stainless steal (Premium edition only) and a unique pad-style locking device perfect for locking up all your valuables.

Available in fine colmados, gas stations, supermarkets, mechanics and other retailers near you!

2006-07-07T10:07:00.000-04:00

Mas bonita que nunca

For those longing for the good old days, this should take you back just a little. A classic Presidente commercial.

For thos who don't know, Presidente is THE beer of the Dominican Republic. Yes others are available, but those dont really exist for most people. The beer of choice, and for a good reason, has always been and will continue to be Presidente.

2006-07-03T17:06:00.000-04:00

Torre de Control

This is great animation made 100% in the DR (as far as I can tell at least). If you don't at least understand a little Dominican (not just Spanish), then you can just keep moving along... Otherwise, it is really hilarious.

For a better version, check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCI3WItm0MA

E'ta jevi mano!

2006-06-30T17:46:00.000-04:00

Bad Apple

Only in the DR can you find an ad for a company the basically says 'if you did not buy it from us, its rotten'. Oh yeah, also does wonder for considering buying a Mac. Nice job guys!

2006-06-30T11:21:00.000-04:00

It's a great place to go to get drunk.

Time for a little DR pop-quiz.

Can you guess where the people in this video are drinking and having such a ball?

A Bar
A Disco / Nightclub
A Car Wash

If you guessed 1 AND 3, you would be correct. Only in the DR can you find the convenience of a car wash with a full bar. I mean, what better way to wait for your car to get squeaky clean, than to have a few beer over the course of a few hours. At the very least you will THINK they did a good job cleaning it.

MARKETING IDEA:- Coupons for autobody work with every five drinks.

2006-06-30T10:50:00.000-04:00

Flor del Este

On a serious note (for the first time), I came across this promotional video of the town of La Romana. Ok, its a Rum commercial, but its about as authentic as they come. Enjoy.

2006-06-13T20:56:00.000-04:00

Taxi!

How do you fit 100 people in a automobile designed for 2... just yell "free ride".

2006-06-13T20:29:00.000-04:00

Signage! Menus! Billboards! The Spanglish and bastardization of the grammar has no limits, but its funny as heck.

Dear Guest

For Remodelation
We have MOVED to the first oficce in the hall.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

The Management.

2006-06-13T14:03:00.000-04:00

Today's topic is traffic.

Something I personally cannot stand. But anyone who complains about traffic in the US has absolutely no idea how good they actually have it. The DR was rated among the top 10 countries with the highest accidents per capita - I knew we had to be on top of some lists. What an honor.

The crown jewel in this driving cluster f**k is Santo Domingo, where green, red and yellow lights are used simply to indicate that currently there is electricity in the area. Delightful.

Surely I am exaggerating, you ask. Prove it, you say. Fine.

The following video, is completely happenstance, unscripted luck of the shoot. The setting, Santo Domingo, aka Santo Man-dingo. The time, 'rush' hour. All I need to say, is keep your eye on the traffic light and enjoy wait for red to go.

Stay tuned to our next exciting episode -
How to fit 100+ people into a vehicle designed to seat two.

2006-06-06T20:26:00.000-04:00

For those of you who have heard about the project to create a metro in Santo Domingo, I share with you a photo from the future - or at least on Photoshop artists impression of what it will end up looking like. I hate to be negative, but I can imagine that the artist must have gotten it at least half right. Which half? Well, I guess we'll just have to wait till "2007" (suuuuuuure) to find out.

2006-06-05T21:14:00.000-04:00

Only in the DR can you find this type of situation, picture the following:

A truck going at about 80MPH a main highway... hauling furniture and other stuff.... with a comfortable LA-Z-BOY in the back... in which a woman is strapped into and sitting comfortably...

Cant believe it... you will.... click play.

2006-06-02T17:49:00.000-04:00

The Dominican Republic is a 'special' place, and boy do I mean 'special'.

For those who do not know it, you should. For those who think they do, you don't. Trust me, I grew up here and everyday I am more and more surprised with some of the things I see, hear and experience.

The 'DR' as we usually call it, is like any other country, in that it has its good, its bad, and its ugly.

Love it or hate it - or a little of both, it is what it is. And here I'll tell it like I see it.