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Explore the Soul of Santo Domingo
Assouline has been creating gorgeous coffee-table books since the '90s, spanning everything from fashion and travel to art and design. So it's no surprise that for their latest travel book they chose to profile this fascinating destination. As the cultural and entertainment epicenter of the region, Santo Domingo has birthed legends like designer Oscar de la Renta and continues to shape the global arts and music landscape. From bohemian cafés to world-class dining, cutting-edge fashion to global music festivals, the city is a melting pot of creativity and a beacon of Caribbean culture. This book also comes at a pivotal time for the cosmopolitan city, as the Dominican Republic continues to evolve as a luxury destination with several world-class resorts also on the horizon, including two new St. Regis resorts, as well as properties from Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and The Ritz-Carlton set to open in the next year.
Brendon Cook/BFA.com
The book features more than 200 dazzling illustrations, including contributions from David Collado, minister of tourism of the Dominican Republic, and cultural expert Rosanna Rivera, with photography by Aline Coquelle, offering a detailed exploration of the city's historical and cultural significance. Collado begins the book with the thought: 'My city, a vibrant landscape, is a mulatto: It weaves together the tapestry of colonial history, the towering modernity of grand structures, the enchanting beauty of the sea, the Caribbean's aromatic allure, and the pulse of industrial progress…To traverse its streets it to relive each of its triumphs.' Ample history and context is provided by Rivera, a Dominican journalist and writer with more than 30 years of experience as head of communications and publications at Listín Diario, the most prestigious newspaper in the Dominican Republic. She chronicles the city's founding in 1498 by Bartholomew Columbus (brother of Christopher) to the city's bustling modern moments. 'Santo Domingo is a land created for the delight of poets and lovers of culture,' Rivera writes. 'Every nook and cranny exudes the history of a glorious past.'
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Los Angeles Times
10 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
The ‘Deathracers' key to staying young? Skateboarding into your 60s and beyond
Chad Rivera gingerly makes his way to the edge of what looks like an emptied out swimming pool, a lime-green skateboard in one hand, a white cane in the other. At 58, he's legally blind, but he's been skateboarding since he was 5, so what's about to happen is part muscle memory, part 'trust fall.' Dozens of other skateboarders — mostly men in their 50s and 60s decked out in skating gear — roll along the periphery, watching on, at Encinitas Skate Park near San Diego. It's not yet 11 a.m., but punk music blasts from the speakers, punctuated by the rumbling and clanking of skateboard wheels on concrete. Standing at the deep end, Rivera considers the pool bowl's nine-foot concrete walls. He sets down his white cane and secures the tail of his board on the pool's rim with one foot, the rest of the board hanging in the air, like a mini diving board. He then steps onto the front of the board with his other foot and throws his body weight forward, 'dropping in.' He races down and around the sides of the walls before flipping around and landing back up on the pool deck. It's a frightening move to watch, but Rivera now beams, triumphant, eyes shining. 'Woo! Feel it and kill it,' says Rivera, a retired grape grower who's suffered from a rare optic nerve disease since he was 22. 'It always feels good, so I keep doing it. I'll never stop, no matter how old I get.' Rivera is a member of Deathracer413, a group of older skateboarders who believe that skateboarding is their key to longevity. They grew up amid the '70s and '80s skate scene and are as passionate about the sport as when they were teens. Many of them are now retired and the joy they get from skateboarding, the sense of community and the health benefits, such as core strength and balance, keep them young, they say. The inherent danger gives them an adrenaline rush that, they argue, keeps their brains sharp. 'Our slogan is: Keep dropping in or you'll be dropping out,' says the group's founder, Doug Marker, a former professional skateboarder and retired construction worker who's lived in San Diego his entire life. Marker, who also surfs, plays guitar and rides motorcycles, is 63 going on 16, with silver hair and a skate-park suntan. On this Saturday morning, he's wearing baggy shorts, Vans sneakers and a graphic T-shirt featuring 'Death Racer' in heavy metal band-like typography. 'Knowing you can get hurt keeps you ultra-focused,' Marker says. 'And trusting that you can do it — believing in yourself — is hugely empowering. I keep dropping in, I keep going. It's put me into a bubble where I never feel like I'm getting older.' Marker founded Deathracer413 in 2011 to draw like-minded people who are 'living life to the fullest,' he says. The name Deathracer reminded him of a motorcycle club and 413 are his initials, numerically. It was just a loose social affiliation at first, but in 2020 Marker launched the Deathracer413 Road Show, an invitation to join him in skating a different skate park every Saturday. Deathracer413 now includes former and current pro skateboarders doing tricks alongside average enthusiasts and late-life skating newbies. There are a handful of women in the group as well as a few children honing their skills with the masters. Marker estimates there are about 1,300 members of the group internationally, though typically only about 20-30 locals attend on any given Saturday. He welcomes anyone into the club and mails them a 'welcome letter' and custom Deathracer413 patch that he designed. Hundreds of recipients remain members from afar, kindred spirits who share a 'full throttle' outlook on life and participate via social media. Others have trekked from Australia, Germany, Belgium and the UK to skate with Deathracer413. ''Cause now everybody's retired and can travel,' Marker says. 'They're finding destinations to come and skateboard and San Diego's a top one. So they come.' As Deathracer413 celebrates its 200th skating session, the vibe is affectionate and rambunctious, jovial retiree backyard barbecue meets heavily tattooed skater meetup. More than 50 members — many with bushy gray beards, paunchy bellies and caps reading 'The Goonies: Never Say Die' or 'Independent' — mingle on the pool deck, cracking open beers, fist-bumping one another and catching up on life as the Ramones' 'I Wanna Be Sedated' fades into Bikini Kill's 'Rebel Girl' on the sound system. The skaters drop into the pool one after another — swirling and swooshing around, 'carving' and 'grinding,' before popping back up — in such tight succession it feels choreographed. It's as if we're inside a pinball machine, with tiny objects orbiting around one another maniacally, wheels spinning, helmets twisting, boards whizzing by or flying into the air before crashing back down. Every so often someone wipes out, sliding across the pool bottom, sparking cheers of encouragement. 'I feel like the older I get the more I worry about getting hurt — because it lasts longer,' admits skateboarding legend Steve Caballero, 60. 'If you think about it, it's kind of a scary sport. You can get really hurt.' Caballero has been a pro skateboarder since he was 15 and fear doesn't stop him today — 'I'll stop when my body tells me to stop,' he says. He performs one of his signature moves, sliding along the rim of the pool on the skateboard truck instead of the wheels. No small feat for a body that's endured more than 45 years of extreme athletics. A documentary about his life, 'Steve Caballero: The Legend of the Dragon,' debuts this November. 'It definitely keeps me in shape,' he says. 'It keeps me youthful-thinking, staying creative and being challenged. I think when people get older they quit doing these things because they feel like they should. I'm trying to show people, hey, even in your older age you can still have fun and challenge yourself.' The feeling of freedom, the thrill of sailing through the air, is worth the risk to Barry Blumenthal, 60, a retired stockbroker. 'I'm more worried about crashing my car. I mean, I wear gear in here,' Blumenthal says. 'Skating is just extreme fun where you can't help but grin. It's kid-like. It's a fountain of youth experience. You're chasing stoke.' No doubt 'dropping in' and 'chasing stoke' for eternity would be 'rad.' But is there any validity to Deathracer413's claims that skateboarding promotes health and longevity? 'I'd worry about fractures,' says Dr. Jeremy Swisher, a UCLA sports medicine physician. 'As you get older, it takes the body longer to heal. But it comes down to a risk-benefit analysis. The endorphins, the adrenaline — the joy of it — as well as the new challenges that stress the mind in a good way would be very mentally stimulating. You're forming new neural pathways as you're trying new moves. It would help keep the brain young and fresh.' 'I race cars for a hobby, and I know what that does for my aging,' adds Dr. Eric Verdin, president and chief executive of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Northern California. 'Finding a thing that you're passionate about, having a sense of community, not to mention the balance and motor coordination — skateboarding is extremely physical — all of that is part of healthy aging.' Deathracer413 also has an important place in the trajectory of skateboarding. Skateboarding has been around in California since the 1950s — a way to recreate surfing, but on dry land. 'Vertical skateboarding,' which the Deathracers partake in, grew out of SoCal kids commandeering emptied backyard swimming pools. It was especially prevalent during the 1976-77 drought, when residents had to drain their pools and kids began performing elaborate airborne tricks. Skate parks emerged and 'vert skating,' as it was dubbed, became a phenomenon. The first park in California opened in Carlsbad in 1976 and the San Diego area is still considered a central hub for the sport. So today there's a critical mass of '70s and '80s-era skateboarding devotees who still live nearby. That's why Deathracer413 — the only club of its kind in the area, Marker says — has so many active members. 'There hasn't ever been 60-year-plus [vert skaters] before,' Marker says. 'The sport's not that old. So that's kind of our thing — we're just gonna keep pushing the bar.' In that sense, Deathracer413 is more than a subcultural vestige — its members present a sports medicine study of sorts, says Michael Burnett, editor in chief of 'Thrasher Magazine,' a longtime skateboarding publication. 'There were a few old-guy outliers, but this is the first generation of older skaters,' Burnett says. 'We're now witnessing how long someone can physically skateboard for — this is the test. It's uncharted territory.' Still, many of the Deathracers have modifed their skating techniques as they've aged. Marker says he now skates within 80-85% of his ability range to be safe. Others admit that the inevitable — death — is on their minds. 'As an older adult, you can get into your head about, oh, how much time do I have left?' says John Preston Brooks, 56. 'But a lot of people here are older than me and it just makes me realize I got a lot more time to do the things I love and make the best of life.' David Skinner, 60, a retired school teacher, says he's realistic about his physical limits. 'A lot of us have health issues,' he says. 'We're not necessarily trying to cheat death, but we're definitely trying to stay ahead. We know it's coming, but we wanna keep dropping in and having fun, and this gives us a venue to do it. As the day grinds on, the skate session morphs into an actual barbecue. Marker fires up the grill, tossing on an assortment of meat: burgers, bratwursts, hot dogs. Plumes of aromatic smoke float over the pool bowl, which is still getting some action. Lance Smith, 74, stands off to the side of the bowl, a Coors Light in one hand, a Nikon camera in the other. With his dark sunglasses, soul patch of facial hair above his chin and trucker hat that reads 'Old Bro,' he appears like someone's cool great-uncle. He can't skate anymore due to three replacements — two hip, one knee — after years of skateboarding injuries. ('I wouldn't trade it for anything,' he says.) But Smith, who documented the SoCal skateboarding scene in the '70s and photo edited the book 'Tracker: Forty Years of Skateboard History,' still attends Deathracer413 events nearly every Saturday. He photographs club members in action. 'It's the community,' Smith says, stretching out his arm and snapping a passing skater. 'I get enjoyment out of shooting pictures and seeing my friends skateboard. And, yeah, drinking a Coors Light.' Deathracer413 is both a brotherhood and a sisterhood, says Tuli Lam, 31, a physical therapy student and one of the only women skaters in attendance today. 'When I'm here, I'm just one of the guys. We're bonded by skating.' That camaraderie is evident when the group presents Marker with a gift of thanks. 'OK, gather round! Bring it in!' yells Lansing Pope, 58. The skaters crowd around, stretching their necks to see what's in the wrapped box Marker is tearing open. 'It's a knee brace!' someone yells. 'It's a crutch!' says another. 'Something for his prostate?' jokes a third. 'Whoa, super dope,' Marker says. (It's a leather Deathracer413 bedroll for his motorcycle.) 'I'm super stoked.' 'Till your wheels fall off!' several guys scream in unison, fists in the air. Then, as if on cue, the skaters disperse around the pool bowl, streaming in and out of it, the sound of rattling wheels and screeching metal on concrete filling the space. Tye Donnelly, 54, surveys the scene from a nearby picnic table, an electric guitar on his lap. He noodles on it, playing a mix of Black Sabbath and reggae. 'When I was 18, I never thought I'd be the old age of 20 and still skateboarding,' he says. 'At 54, I thought I'd have a hat on, a suit, with a newspaper. But it turns out you can skateboard your whole life. And I'm thankful for this group — because it wasn't like this back in the day.' Caballero sums up senior skateboarding best: 'This is the new bingo.'
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Travel + Leisure
3 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
The Ultimate Egypt Packing List, According to a Cairo Resident
My husband and I have been living in Cairo, Egypt, for a year and a half, and we also had our first daughter since we moved here. Between the city's summers with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees and cooler winter days in the 60s, I've experienced the country's extreme desert climates and dress accordingly, all while navigating motherhood. Additionally, I've developed a list of my must-have items based on some of my favorite things to do here, like playing golf and going to the beach. (Despite being a desert, Egypt has some of the best resort towns I've ever seen.) All in all, don't underestimate the variety of essentials you'll need for your Egyptian adventure. Ahead, you'll find everything I never leave home without—and tell visitors to pack—including sightseeing necessities. Quick Tips It typically takes a while to get checked bags at Cairo International Airport so consider traveling carry-on only, when possible. Pack loose-fitting clothing and layers to deal with heat and modesty considerations. Always stash a pack of wipes as many public bathrooms don't have toilet paper. Packing Checklist for Egypt Clothing Shoes and Accessories Gear and Other Essentials Clothing As a cosmopolitan city, people wear a range of attire; Even though you can get away with shorter silhouettes common at home, I prefer longer lightweight clothing that protects me from the sun's strong rays. When packing, I begin by laying out my suitcase, toiletry bag, and packing cubes. Then, from dresses to socks, I organize my packing cubes based on the items inside them. Before moving here, I stocked up on affordable white and beige-colored linen pieces from cult-favorite brand Quince. Additionally, this Marcella midi-dress became my go-to as you can easily dress it up for brunch at the one-of-a-kind KHUFU's restaurant in front of the pyramids or an afternoon at the underrated Gayer Anderson museum, located right next to the must-visit medieval Ibn Tulun mosque. When out and about, you won't draw attention if your knees are covered. Many people wear sleeveless tops and dresses, especially if it's really hot outside, except at religious sites where you'll be denied entry at a mosque if your knees, shoulders, and head (for women) aren't covered. The only other thing I highly recommend having is sun-protective clothing, or at least investing in a swimsuit with built-in UPF. Shoes and Accessories Between the dust and the lack of sidewalks, your shoes will get dirty. If you love the breezy, all-white monochromatic look like me, this is something I live with when I rock my white Veja sneakers and matching linen set. For the days when I want to switch things up, I break out my comfy Rothy's flats, which I'm not afraid to mess up since the brand is beloved for machine-washable footwear. As noted, a woman will have to cover her head with a scarf, and everyone has to take off their shoes when visiting a mosque, so I suggest wearing shoes with socks. Sometimes the mosque will have plastic covers that look like shower caps you can place over your shoes, or there are cubbies where you can leave your pair behind. If you opt for either, just bring small bills as the attendant will ask you for a tip. To avoid this, you may be able to simply carry your shoes with you as you tour the mosque. Other accessories I finish my looks with are my tan baseball cap that doesn't get dirty easily and my Ray-ban Meta glasses. Between climbing in and out of the pyramids and having to be extra alert when crossing the busy, pedestrian light-free streets, the protective eyewear is a great way to stay hands-free without missing memorable moments as I can take photos with a click of button. Gear and Other Essentials Cairo is a spread-out city with heavy traffic, depending on the time of day, so it's best to have everything you need with you. (The roads are pretty clear early in the morning on the weekends, which are Friday and Saturday, as Egypt follows the Islamic calendar. Keep in mind that this schedule will affect the time sites are open.) All in all, you won't last a full sightseeing day without a water bottle, sunscreen (which is important to consistently reapply), and a portable charger because extreme heat can affect your battery life. I also like to treat myself to a Dior balm that can revitalize and moisturize my hands, body, and lips—plus, it smells fantastic. And since there may not be soap or toilet paper in the public bathrooms, I always have the Aesop rinse-free hand wash and Goodwipes with me. In addition, while Cairo is lined with coffee and dessert shops, there's often no place to grab a quick bite at the major sites outside of the capital city, so I rely on snacks in my bag for a pick-me-up. These must-haves and more all pile into my Dagne Dover backpack that doubles as a diaper bag and comes with a life-saving changing pad, which is something I've only seen once in the bathroom of a restaurant. Finally, I'd recommend you add Egyptian Hieroglyphs for Complete Beginners and Islamic Monuments in Cairo to your cart. The highlight of any Egyptian vacation is the chance to see ancient temples and tombs on a scale like nowhere else in the world. Make the experience even more immersive by learning to read the language the ancient Egyptians left behind. While I'm not yet fluent, there's nothing more thrilling than recognizing a word or phrase in a magnificent temple, thanks to Bill Manley's book. At the same time, there's more to Egypt than its ancient sites, Cairo has an entrancing old city full of medieval mosques and monuments that are nearly 1,000 years old. My husband and I have been following Caroline Williams' book of architectural walking tours for truly off-the-beaten-path experiences. You Might Also Need In addition to a sightseeing stay in Cairo and the surrounding areas, there are other popular activities around the country that are worth a visit. While some require very few packing list adjustments like a luxe Nile cruise, more active endeavors will require planning ahead to reserve precious suitcase space for hiking apparel, beach gear, and other sporty necessities. Golfing: Golfers rejoice! The expensive sport is very affordable in Cairo and is accessible at many major hotels, including the famed Gezira Sporting Club, Hilton Pyramids Golf Hotel, which is known for its breathtaking views of the pyramids, and more. My husband and I are even members of the Katameya Heights club, where I sport my fun, printed golf apparel. If you're on the fence about bringing your golf clubs, just know that you can get plenty of use out of them. Golfers rejoice! The expensive sport is very affordable in Cairo and is accessible at many major hotels, including the famed Gezira Sporting Club, Hilton Pyramids Golf Hotel, which is known for its breathtaking views of the pyramids, and more. My husband and I are even members of the Katameya Heights club, where I sport my fun, printed golf apparel. If you're on the fence about bringing your golf clubs, just know that you can get plenty of use out of them. Watersports: Egypt may be a desert, but don't sleep on the watersports available to you, and consider packing necessary gear. Tourists flock to snorkel and scuba dive in the Red Sea for the diverse marine life and extraordinary coral reefs, like those within the Ras Mohammed National Park located in the resort city of Sharm El Sheik. Dahab is another nearby snorkeling destination with the most calm and tranquil atmosphere. Also, if you're visiting the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, consider cooling off at Hurghada's white sand beaches complete with kite surfing, on top of snorkeling and scuba diving. Egypt may be a desert, but don't sleep on the watersports available to you, and consider packing necessary gear. Tourists flock to snorkel and scuba dive in the Red Sea for the diverse marine life and extraordinary coral reefs, like those within the Ras Mohammed National Park located in the resort city of Sharm El Sheik. Dahab is another nearby snorkeling destination with the most calm and tranquil atmosphere. Also, if you're visiting the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, consider cooling off at Hurghada's white sand beaches complete with kite surfing, on top of snorkeling and scuba diving. Cruising: Yes, you should splurge on a luxury cruise along the Nile. It's a surreal and magical experience that's still on my must-do list of things before we leave early next year. According to our friends, cheaping out on a Nile cruise has led many to bad experiences. You should also consider going between October and April when the weather is ideal, so you won't get hit with heat waves and sandstorms. Frequently Asked Questions What items are not allowed in Egypt? According to the Egypt E-Visa site, there's a long list of prohibited items, including 'explosives, drugs, firearms, narcotics, antiques, agriculture, food products, and more.' You should also obtain a permit beforehand to be able to bring a drone into the country. How can I get around Egypt? Even as a full-time resident, I still use my international roaming that's included at no extra cost with my T-Mobile monthly plan. It's fast enough to be able to navigate using Google Maps and call an Uber. You can also get a local SIM via Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat, and more at the Cairo airport or once you get to your final destination. Overall, getting around Cairo is extremely affordable, but there are tiers. Walking and even just crossing the street can be stressful because there are no crosswalks, pedestrian lights, and traffic won't slow down for you. Then, there are cheap cabs, but I don't recommend hailing one unless you're able to negotiate prices or are willing to give your driver directions in Arabic. The next option is Uber, which is hit or miss because the app is glitchy, and you may be told to cross a busy highway to be picked up. I always choose Uber Comfort for a higher chance of getting a better driver in a nicer car with air conditioning. Of course, a private driver is the way to go, and most guide services can set this up for you. For a smooth start to your trip, I suggest hiring private transportation and an expeditor who can meet you before customs and whisk you through immigration in no time. There's typically a sea of people asking if you need baggage and transportation services at the airport, so this is a way to avoid being overcharged and bothered. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Isis Briones is a travel writer who has lived in Egypt with her six-month-old daughter and husband, who's a diplomat, for a year and a half. Not only did she bring her baby back from the U.S. to Cairo when she was only two months old, but they've also traveled to and from the desert destination many times since moving. Love a great deal? 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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Arajet announces new Dominican flights to Florida, here's where, its low-fare deal
Heading to the Dominican Republic for a summer getaway? Discount Dominican airline Arajet is adding a new direct route from Miami to Punta Cana to its existing flights to Santo Domingo, starting in June. And in October, Arajet is launching a new nonstop flight three times a week from the Orlando area to Punta Cana with introductory fares starting under $140, according to a release. 'Launching service in Orlando marks another important milestone for Arajet as we continue our rapid growth across the United States,' said Víctor Pacheco Méndez, CEO and founder of Arajet. 'Florida is a cornerstone of our expansion strategy, and Orlando is the perfect place to strengthen our U.S. footprint as one of the most visited cities in the world and home to a vibrant Dominican and Latin community. "After seeing record-breaking sales and sold-out flights in Miami, expanding to Orlando is a natural next step as we grow our U.S. network and fulfill our mission of making Caribbean travel more accessible,' he said. On June 4, Arajet will expand its current South Florida service from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Santa Domingo Airport (SDQ) with a new nonstop route to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). Tickets for the new route, from the Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), are on sale now at Introductory fares are $138 per person from SFB to Punta Cana and the promo code #HOLAORLANDO gets you up to 30% off the base ticket price, not counting taxes and fees. The offer is good for one person per booking. The route begins Oct. 26, 2025, and will be available on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, the airline said. Arajet is the largest airline in the Dominican Republic. Started in 2014 as the charter flight airline Dominican Wings, it rebranded to Arajet and began offering low-cost flights in September 2022. Arajet now flies to 18 countries in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean out of two bases in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana7. Miami was the first U.S. Destination added, and by November there will be six more: Orlando, Boston, Chicag MAX aio3, New York, Newark and San Juan. The airline uses Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida flights to Dominican from Arajet include 2 new routes
