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The Prettiest Tourist Trap You Ever Did See

Jaunted editor Ellen Wernecke just got back from a trip to the Dominican Republic and before she's even unpacked, will be giving her take on jungles, jingoism, and the Caribbean tourism slump.

We're not immune to the kitschy charm of the tourist trap in its many guises. But we have a bit of an allergy to tourist traps which protest all the more mightily that they are Historic and Important! Still, we were taken in by the looks of this Dominican town built as an anachronistic present and, potentially, the only slice of "authentic" culture with which most tourists are represented.

The town of Altos de Chavón was a Gulf and Western employee's extravagant birthday present to his 18-year-old daughter: A faux-Italian pile paved in cobblestones, it overlooks a gorgeous valley cut by the Chavón River and a wilderness that seems totally untouched by human life. One night we dined at the very good Italian restaurant La Piazzetta and found ourselves peering over a balustrade, lit by a gorgeous sunset. You could almost see what would have possessed Charles Bludhorn to import a Hollywood set designer to recreate a 16th-century village nowhere near one of the country's famous beaches.

First impressions in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Dominican capital boasts some of the oldest colonial structures in the New World.

By MELINA I. DE ROSE

SOUTH FLORIDA SUN-SENTINEL

There's something about firsts.

And Santo Domingo, the oldest city of the Americas, boasts many.

In the Dominican capital for the first time, I sat in the courtyard of an apartment complex, listening as the neighbors relayed a long list of must-sees: among them, the first street, military fortress and cathedral of the New World.

Lucky for me, my friend (and Dominican native) Alex knew where to go and what to do. We only had a long weekend, and had been en route to the car when his neighbors' chatter led us to peek in for a quick hello.

Thanks to Columbus & Co., every step here tells a story – one my new friends were only too happy to share. Their pride was palpable. After all, whether you're North, Central or South American, this is where it began for all of us.

Being that I love a good story, I was hooked.

Contact the writer: mderose@SunSentinel.com

Ted Alen Steadman have this to say about the Dominican Republic

"is a big, beautiful Caribbean jewel"

Ahh, the swaying palms, the tourmaline colored water, gentle tropical breezes and misty mountains piercing the clouds. Could be Hawaii, but I'm talking about the Dominican Republic . As I plot my second dive/raft/party sortie to the DR, I'm reminded why I love this friendly Caribbean country brimming with exotic flair.

It's not like I'm alone in my enthusiasm. Europeans and Canadians have been hitting the DR for years, although U.S. travelers not until more recently. The new El Catey International Airport, a major high-speed arterial road, plush resorts, awesome diving, fantastic golf and an envious menu of eco-sports -– what's not to like? Here's another reason: it's just a two-hour ten-minute flight from Miami to the DR's capital,Santo Domingo.