This cathedral in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo DR was begun in 1514--making it the oldest church in this hemisphere. That was only 20 years after Columbus discovered this land! It is a beautiful building--and a testament to the devotion of early explorers for whom religion was reason enough to risk their lives--and take the lives of certain others.

A delicate balance

This mangrove swamp on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic protects the island and its wildlife from the havoc of its frequent hurricanes. They call this red mangrove, one of many kinds, though I couldn't see that the roots looked red. There are no dangerous or poisonous animals on this island--maybe the hurricanes provide enough fear.