One of the many street urchins who survive on the few pesos they earn shining the shoes of kind-hearted people.  They ought to be in school--education is the only way they will break out of this cycle of poverty.

These Dominicans have learned to live with the vagaries of life in this crazy country.  Using a treadle sewing machine may seem archaic to us, but when there is no electrical power (it happens often!) they can just keep on working!

Dominican flora

The stunning flora in this country never cease to surprise and please my eyes!  The cacti bloom for only a day, perhaps twice a year.  The flamboyant are in bloom for a good month as new blossoms open and the old ones fall to create a flaming carpet beneath.

We see olives in various shades of ripeness as we walk along the Anacoana trail  each morning. Black olives are obviously not nearly as appreciated as black ones because these are just falling on the ground to be trampled. Big black pitted ones are more expensive than green ones in the stores, however.

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.

Mama, with baby humpback whale following close behind, cavort in Samana Bay.