La Romana: The Jewel of the Dominican Republic

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media hora (10)
  [meh-dee-ah oh-rah (dies)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [say-ees]
• 7Siete
  [see-eh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-cho]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyez]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwahl ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-kssee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

La Romana was officially founded in 1897. Initially, it was a small village focused on fishing and agriculture. Over time, it evolved into a significant urban center, particularly due to its strategic location along the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic.

In the early 20th century, the establishment of the Central Romana Corporation marked a turning point for the city. The company built one of the largest sugar mills in the world, which became the cornerstone of La Romana's economy, attracting workers and facilitating urban development.

In the 1970s, the construction of Altos de Chavón, a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village, began. This cultural and artistic hub, developed by Charles Bluhdorn, has since become a prominent attraction, hosting an amphitheater, art school, and museum, enriching the cultural landscape of La Romana.

With the development of luxurious resorts like Casa de Campo in the 1980s, La Romana transformed into a premier tourist destination. The area attracted international visitors with its world-class golf courses, pristine beaches, and upscale accommodations, significantly boosting the local economy.

Established in 1969, the La Romana Free Zone became a pivotal economic area, fostering industrial and commercial growth. It attracted numerous companies, particularly in textiles and manufacturing, creating job opportunities and diversifying the city's economic base.

La Romana hosts a variety of cultural festivals throughout the year, such as the Patronales Festivities in honor of Santa Rosa de Lima. These events showcase traditional music, dance, and cuisine, offering a vibrant display of Dominican culture and community spirit.

The city features notable architectural landmarks like the Iglesia Santa Rosa de Lima, a beautiful church and a central point of local religious life. Another key site is the Obelisk, a monument commemorating important events and figures in La Romana's history.

La Romana is serviced by La Romana International Airport (LRM), which handles both domestic and international flights. Alternatively, you can fly into Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) or Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo, both of which are approximately a 1.5-hour drive from La Romana. There are shuttle services, taxis, and rental cars available at these airports to transport you to La Romana.

In La Romana, local transportation options include taxis, guaguas (shared minibuses), and motoconchos (motorcycle taxis). Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or arranged through your hotel. Guaguas are the most economical option for getting around and connect various parts of the city and nearby towns. If you prefer more freedom, renting a car is also an option, but be prepared for local driving conditions and traffic.

The official currency in the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso (DOP). Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, local markets, and tips. ATMs are available throughout La Romana, but be cautious of transaction fees and ensure you notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues.

La Romana is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid displaying valuables and be cautious in crowded areas. Some neighborhoods, such as Villa Verde and Quisqueya, have higher crime rates, so it's best to avoid these areas, especially after dark. Stick to well-traveled routes and use reputable transportation options.

In case of emergency, dial 911. La Romana has several medical facilities, including Centro Médico Central Romana and Clinica Canela, which offer emergency services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and remain respectful. Public Transport: Do use guaguas for an authentic experience, but don't expect them to adhere to a strict schedule. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' and a handshake. A kiss on the cheek is also common among friends. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like sancocho and tostones. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience La Romana like a local, visit the Central Park (Parque Central) where locals gather. Explore the local markets to buy fresh produce and handcrafted items. Engage with the local community to learn about their culture and traditions. Don't miss a trip to Altos de Chavón, a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village, which offers stunning views of the Chavón River and an insight into the local arts and culture scene.