Fathom Day 3

Tuesday April 19^th  - Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata is a beautiful part of the DR.  It is quite different from the arid, tourist area of Punta Cana.  Puerto Plata was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492, but it was officially named San Felipe de Puerto Plata by his brother, Bartholemew, in 1496.  Puerto Plata is most known for its beaches, Playa Dorado, but the city center has a 16 century fort, beautiful cathedral and delicious restaurants. 

It was a full day of learning about the culture of the Dominicans.  For instance, the indigenous (Indian or Tainos) people of this country were totally wiped out by the Spaniards, Christopher Columbus and Haiti.  The current population is a mixture of Spanish, African, and mixed blood.  A tripartite, which makes up today’s Dominican.

We enjoyed visiting the local neighborhoods, which ran from beautiful homes to the poorest of the poor.  We went to local food markets, churches, forts, homes of the stars and (mayor, senators) and a nice little restaurant, the Village Café for lunch.

A stop at the Amber Museum was quite interesting, especially learning that the museum logo was used for the current Jurassic Park logo.

Our driver/guide, Ariel, was fun and interesting.  He is proud of his country and his achievements.  Ariel gave us a 4 hour tour of Puerto Plata.  Please note that taxis are $60 round trip from Amber Cove, whether you are away 15 minutes or 5 hours.

   

IMPACT Partnership with IDDI and Entrena

I learned that our Impact activities were organized by existing companies that work in the DR.   Our guides for these impact events were young, highly educated people.  They have a passion for making their world a better place.  Their enthusiasm and enjoyable personalities made our events even more special. 

IDDI’s mission.

§  Contribute to the transformation of the human being, his family and the community in which we live.

§  Creating the conditions for the human being, both as an individual and collective, can have a reasonable opportunity to lead productive and creative lives in accordance with their needs, interests and potential.

§  Promote rapprochement and dialogue between the various sectors of our society.

§  Address both the causes of a problem and its symptoms.

Entrena is the other partnership with Fathom and was utilized for community English and Student English classes.

Entrena mission:

The Bridge Between Cultures.
For over 25 years, our mission has been to serve as a bridge between different cultures, uncover talents in an evolving society, and make the world a better place. Regardless of the specific activity - language learning, project management, overseas education, training youth leaders, baseball, community service, and a host of others - we adhere to the values of responsibility, diversity, excellence, respect, innovation, empathy, and service.