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	by Frank Greco When you hear mention of the Dominican Republic you think of sandy beaches and an inexpensive all-inclusive vacation. Not much to do except relax on the beach or at the poolside, right? You couldn’t be more wrong. For starters, this is the most historic island in the western hemisphere. Christopher Columbus settled in this Caribbean island and described the land as “a beautiful island paradise.” He loved the island so much that his final wish was to be buried there. Santo Domingo, its capital city, is the oldest city in the New World, bursting with relics of the first settlers. One can take a walk through the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo and find the first Cathedral, the first fort, the first street, the first hospital and other historic buildings of the New World still standing. Columbus did get his wish, his remains rest in a magnificent building called The Columbus Lighthouse. It is an impressive structure built to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ discovery. There is no other building like this in the world. Shaped like a cross, it features many exhibits inside its hallways from all countries of the New World, including Canada. The Dominican has the most extensive cave system in the Caribbean. Cave Fun Fun (pronounced Foon Foon by the locals) is located in the eastern region (Hato Mayor) of the island and is believed to be one of the largest caves in the world. Located on private property, Rancho Capote you’ll find that getting to the cave is fun fun. First you ride a horse for about 30 minutes, then, hike through a nature trail for another 30 minutes or so. At the entrance, you will be repelling about 18 meters down into the dark abyss of the cave. A headlight around your hardhat will guide you through the 7 kilometers of tunnels, underground rivers and spectacular rock formations that await you.  To explore cave Fun Fun you need to go with a tour group or hire a local cave expert to take you. Rancho Capote cooks up a great meal once you return to base.  Although you are given overalls and semi-knee high rubber boots, be prepared to get soaked, especially your feet.  The Dominican has a growing reputation for a carnival called La Vega, named after the town that created it. La Vega celebrates The Dominican’s independence from Spain. Towns and cities come alive every weekend in February during festival time. People get dolled-up in elaborate costumes and ornate masks that are truly works of art.  The costumes are supposed to resemble demons that are pranksters.  Costumed people dance up and down streets and bonk people on the head or rear end with a large rubberized balloon, because after all, they are pranksters. The dance is very easy to learn, as soon as you put on the mask, it seems that your legs get jumping and you’re doing the carnival dance. People actually bear their bottom just to get whacked by the prankster demon(s).  For the rest there are bands, activities, local food vendors and a party atmosphere to enjoy. The largest, most elaborate and most attended carnival is in the town of La Vega that draws over 1 million spectators. Puerto Plata has a spectacular natural resource called the 27 waterfalls. After a short walk through an amazing nature trail, you arrive at the first waterfall, here’s and the fun begins. Swim across a natural pool of water, climb up and get the first taste of this exciting natural eco attraction. Up a few more falls and swim across channels of crystal clear water to the next, always climbing. If you ask me, getting back down is the really exciting and easy part. You’ll be jumping and sliding down one waterfall to the next. You are provided with a lifejacket, a helmet and guides. You need to bring a bathing suit, running/hiking shoes. Not many can brag about going all the way to the 27th waterfall, most make it to the 7th or 8th and then head back down. The falls, located in Damajagua (northern coast), are becoming one of The Dominican’s must visit attractions. To enter The Dominican Republic, a tourist card is required. The card is sold to you upon landing just before you enter customs. The Tourist card fee is $10 US and you better have the exact amount because they do not accept credit cards or any other currency as payment. After you pick-up your luggage your tourist card is collected.  So what’s the purpose of the card? I’m still trying to figure this one out. The Dominican Republic is a great vacation spot providing many attractions and activities. For more information on these and other things to do on the island, visit http://www.godominicanrepublic.com/rd/  GL	ABOVE Beautiful lookout and photo spots are spattered along the coastline, like this one at the RIU Bachata hotel (Puerto Plata) ABOVE Dramatic beams of light greet everyone at the exit of Cave Fun Fun, creating a photo opportunity that should not be missed ABOVE The Columbus lighthouse (Santo Domingo) is the most visited monument in The Dominican Republic. At night, beams of light form the shape of a cross in the sky ABOVE Colonial Zone, A statue honouring Christopher Columbus (who’s Spanish surname was Colon) overlooks his discovery of the new world in Columbus Park, Santo Domingo ABOVE Frank Greco dressed in traditional Dominican attire TIPS 1) Drink bottled water, period. 2) Be careful if you plan on renting a car.  It's not the rental agencies you have to worry about, its the local drivers.  The locals drive like they’re un poco loco. 3) If you plan on shopping, always offer street and beach vendors half of what they want as your starting point.  (This does not work with resort shops.) Then to get YOUR price, use the words vendors fear the most; “I may be back tomorrow.” 5) The sun can be deceivingly powerful; sunscreen is a must. 6) 78% of all rum produced in The Dominican is consumed on the island.  The strongest is white rum (150% proof) and should be used as a mixture in your drink and not consumed straight. Run and Rum don’t mix. 7) All-inclusive resorts offer a wide variety of rich foods and drinks. Pace yourself, because you do not want your tummy sounding louder than the band on stage.  Resort cooking is very good but not like home.