Monday, June 25, 2012

Open thread: Last minute questions!

With the Symposium just days away you may have questions about all sorts of things, from the type of sunblock you should pack to what's the local dish or drink you shouldn't miss. Leave a comment on this post with anything you'd like to ask and we can all crowd-source some answers. Can't wait for Day One!
Posted by at 10:32 PM

18 comments:

  1. Miguel FrancoJune 26, 2012 at 12:32 AM

    The first thing that comes to my mind is the address of some local art suppliers near the area where we are going to sketch. Although we will receive plenty of material from our sponsors, I believe some information about that would make everybody feel even more confortable in Santo Domingo.

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  2. Martine KervagoretJune 26, 2012 at 3:54 AM

    hi,
    last year we had the list of the participants for every worshop is it possible to get it this year.

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  3. Apa June 26, 2012 at 3:55 AM

    I guess there should be some pharmacies or drugstores in the colonial zone, right?

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  4. Kalina WilsonJune 26, 2012 at 10:29 AM

    I was going to ask about internet cafes, but found this list. http://www.colonialzone-dr.com/businesses_calling-interent-centers.html

    I'd still be interested to know which of these are better and which have computers available for hourly use (as opposed to just WIFI), if anyone knows!

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  5. Jim BumgarnerJune 26, 2012 at 2:07 PM

    safe water, safe foods, bugs, hurricanes,

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  6. Orling DominguezJune 26, 2012 at 2:10 PM

    HI everyone...!!!! I'll wait a couple of days in order to compile all the questions you ask here, and reply them all in on message... Please, keep asking! :-))

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  7. Gabriel CampanarioJune 26, 2012 at 10:49 PM

    Good question Martine, the workshop lists are not public this year. Sorry! It has to do with two things. One, we are using different registration software that doesn't allow us to make class lists available for others to see. Two, we can't really take the liberty of making people's workshops choices public without their permission.

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  8. Miguel FrancoJune 27, 2012 at 5:18 AM

    Second thing that came to my mind (should have been the first) is a telephone number and the address of a Private Clinic/Hospital that is experienced in dealing with foreigners and their health insurance companies such as Aetna, Allianz, etc.

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  9. Liz SteelJune 27, 2012 at 6:33 AM

    ok... important question... where is the best coffee in Zona Colonial (yes, that is right - I am asking about coffee which I do drink as well as tea!)

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  10. Orling DominguezJune 27, 2012 at 6:59 AM

    Hi Liz...
    I don't need to do much research about your question, with no doubt one of the best places for a real Dominican coffee is the traditional and well known La Cafetera. Lonely Planet talks about them here : http://www.lonelyplanet.com/dominican-republic/santo-domingo/restaurants/other/la-cafetera-colonial

    Also, there is a comment in youtube that I found funny and real: "One of the best coffee shops in the world. Perfect coffee and fresh juice, unique ambiance, always beautiful smell and stimulating sounds.. One of the true symbols of resistance to Starbucks -ization of our coffee shops in all around the world.."

    José Franco, the owner, used to be my coworker, the spanish teacher in the school I work. La Cafetera is a symbol of the Colonial Zone and it is worth ckecking it out, it is a place for sandwiches and fresh juices at low cost....and of course... coffee!!!

    A flickr photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/40445815@N04/6585570077/

    You can tell I love coffee.... will be glad to take you there... Just a warning, do not expect fancyness here, this is the very and true dominican "cafetería" :-))

    This is the place where, if lucky, you will find interesting locals talking about past experiences, the bohemians of the zone, artists and writers....

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    Replies
    1. Liz SteelJune 27, 2012 at 7:02 AM

      excellent - I saw that name in my guide book but always good to get it confirmed by a local. I like coffee too (just always feel like I need a cup of tea to wash it down afterwards) so really looking forward to having some good DR coffee! Yay!

      Delete
    2. Apa June 27, 2012 at 10:57 AM

      I'm guessing dominican coffee is very similar to puertorican coffee... really strong! I drink it black/no sugar, hope to enjoy a cup or two.

      Delete
  11. Marcia Milner-BrageJune 28, 2012 at 1:18 PM

    Question #1: Are sandals appropriate to wear in the Colonial Zone, in regards to local custom?

    Question #2: Can you recommend a place in the Colonial Zone for my husband to buy one cigar?

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    Replies
    1. Orling DominguezJune 28, 2012 at 8:09 PM

      Hi Marcia,
      Right in front of Parque Colón (the Cathedral site) there's a cigar place, where you can actually see a guy making the cigars, it is part of the attraction of the zone since the guy sits right in the window where everyone can see him.
      Also, right in the corner of Nina's workshop, at the corner of Hostos St. and Mercedes St. there is a big cigar store.... and there is also a couple of places along El Conde St.

      Delete
  12. Shiho NakazaJune 28, 2012 at 11:39 PM

    Should I bring mosquito repellent? I had bad mosquito bites before, so I just want to be prepared. Thanks!

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  13. John BartoldusJune 29, 2012 at 5:15 AM

    Gabi,

    Can you recommend a car rental company? I want to drive out into the country on a day off. Thanks o very much for all your attentive hard work. John Bartoldus, Naples

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  14. Gabriel CampanarioJuly 1, 2012 at 11:18 PM

    Hi John, I've never been in the DR before, so I can't really make an informed recommendation of car rental companies... I imagine AVIS and Hertz have a presence there.

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