Wrapping up another long week in Santo Domingo, Republica Dominicana. At least I now feel that I'm gaining an understanding for the culture here. Also, perhaps not coincidentally, getting ready to leave. I feel that one often understands a place or language or book or culture just as one is getting ready to leave it. I think this indicates that the two are connected, understanding something and getting ready to leave it.
Next I plan this afternoon to walk over the bridge, to East Santo Domingo. Still part of the same metropolitan area, but it looks different enough, far enough, detached enough to form its own entity, at least as a political entity. Also, from there I can ride out into the rest of the Dominican Republic, so psychologically it's a larger distance, because this separates my "arrival in the country" period from my " riding around the country" period.
I'm looking forward to getting out into the countryside, for the quiet, the scenery, the people. Of course, once I get there I'll probably long for the city, the amenities, etc.
I guess that's the way things go. The grass is always greener. You often want what you don't have.
Luckily, I also like what I do have. I am happy to be in the city now, in a tall building overlooking a cityscape. I am happy to write.
Santo Domingo is a tough city. The crime, dogs, pollution, noise, congestion, heat, humidity, etc., combine to make it somewhat unpleasant to go out. Still, it does have its positive side. There's tasty and affordable food, a few buildings with attractive architecture, and more.
Santo Domingo fits among the places I've been where I find the least in common with the local people. At least it gives me a chance to see things differently.
I appreciate the more quiet, thoughtful, and the more positive, upbeat, festive places I've been.
So far, Republica Dominicana seems like a "no" place, like Cuba, rather than a "yes" place, like Puerto Rico. Not just in terms of my response to it, but in terms of the basic approach of people. In Cuba and Republica Dominicana, I feel like people are hasty to say that things cannot be done, whereas in Puerto Rico I feel like people are hasty to do things.
Parts of Santo Domingo are developing. The inner core of the city is surrounded by at least one layer of rough neighborhoods. Around that, there are numerous (gated) areas with fancier buildings, some under development. The relatively richer people reside here, driving through or around the rougher areas.
I find much of the development unattractive. Identical boring rectangular condos, shopping malls, etc. I guess that compared to the slums these places are a sizable improvement, but they seem to me to lack the appeal of fancier neighborhoods in some other countries.
This produces some stark contrasts, as in many other places. You can often see shiny SUVs among the street dogs.
The other day I came across a series of ad signs. One was a public service announcement, to the effect of "Remember when you didn't have emergency services?" Right next to it, an ad for a double bacon cheeseburger.
Anyways, looking forward to going ahead!