"City of Happy People" a Santo Domingo Travel Page by el_ruso

The city is chaotic, with some areas nice and ritzy, and others desperately poor. But what strikes the most is the friendliness and openness of its people, and their desire to live and enjoy life. Despite the difficulties they face, these people refuse to be anything less than happy!

The Western barrios, notably Gazcue, is the 'rich' area where upper class condo towers, homes and malls are located. Also the government, embassies and museums are there. The center is full of historical colonial sites, and the East across the river is the poorest part of the city. Most sites of interest are located in the 'Zona Colonial', the old town center.

The country obviously is not wealthy, and the effort of its government to maintain its history, to build museums and parks is worthy of admiration. When I was there, lots of students were attending classes in those places, and it is evident that the state puts its limited resources in education.