The Diary of visiting the Domincan Republic

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Driving about three hours from Sant Domingo, the Capital city of the Dominican Republic, going through unpaved streets, Larimar was sleeping quietly, deep in the mountain filled with mystical fogs.

In thick overgrown tropical plants on the mountain, I could imagine ancient Pterosauria were flying in there...

 

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Standing next to the mine entrance, I could feel hot air blowing out.
Mining is done by hand while electricity and fresh air are sent into the mine.
There was a cave-in accident about several years ago.
Miners put their life on the line for finding Larimar.
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There were many mining shafts that have been vertically dug by hand.
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I saw many work shelters for Larimar miners.
They cook their own meals by themselves there, too.
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Both the surface of the mountain and the spoil tips assumed a bluish gray color.
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This is Florian. (Furoian)
He gave me an exclusive tour of the mining site.
His job is to sell mined rough stones to domestic processing factories.
He said something memorable:
"I have stayed with this job, which allowed me to earn enough to send my three childrens to college.
Larimar is said to be a stone of happiness. I personally believe that having Larimar in the Dominican Republic itself is a blessing and a happiness to this country. "
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Here, I am with Mr. Miguel Méndez, the discoverer of Larimar.
I had an opportunity to hear about variety of things that were not found in any mineral guides, including how he discovered Larimar, and how he felt at that time.
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Mined Larimar rough stones are sent to processing factories all over the country.
The stones will then be polished and turned into products.
This young man who was working on engraving has involved in this job for ten years.
"I am deeply in love with this job", he said, with a smile on his face.
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Craftworkers wearing masks for protection from mine dust were processing stones.
They kindly let us take their photos.
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The Dominicn Republic, a tourism-oriented country, has many beautiful world leading beaches, where many Europeans visit as gateway destinations.
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Within those beaches, one near the border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, is said to be the sixth best beach in the world.
It is located in a remote area, where it takes at least six hours of driving from the Capital city.
Not many people were on the beach when I was there, although it was a holiday.
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The Dominican Republic has put significant effort into developing renewable energy.
This is near the border of Haiti.
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An unbelievable number of wind power gnerators were spinning around in this reddish-brown field, where strong winds blow all year around.
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Away from the Capital city, in the countryside, I had a chance to try the Dominican dishes that were served at a place like an outdoor cafeteria, by the side of the street.

The dishes were primarily beans and rice.
All dishes were wonderfully seasoned and quite delicious.
I did not find any dish that could not suit my palate during my stay.