Dominican Republic

I had the opportunity to visit Puerto Plata during the holidays and sit under a palm tree for New Years.

These photos are just a few of what we took when there for 12 days. The island is so rich in culture and tradition yet so poverty stricken depending on where you went.

I didn’t know whether to jump for joy at all the great photo opps with every corner I turned, or sit on the curb and get depressed looking at the starving dogs and mothers asking you for money to make their childen’s lives a better one.

Its very much extreme culture shock that lies between the fine boundries of the resorts and the real life just outside.

I had to keep reminding myself that poverty is everywhere not just there, and if I just ventured down a few city streets in Toronto, the scenery would change, but poverty would always remain.

I hope you had a wonderful Holiday season, all the best to you and your families in 2009.

Cheers
Clint