...is the final island nation that we will visit on this trip.
today, we went to see a natural wonder here -- Cueva de las Maravillas (Cave of Miracles); i have my doubts that it will be added to the "new seven wonders of the world", but who knows? the caves feature stalactites and stalagmites as well as some ancient Taino cave drawings. the museum is considered a national treasure and as such, military police are posted to ensure that the grounds are well respected by locals and visitors alike.
there were bats that flew about over head; but well enough away that they did not collide with us. the air was cooler here. and that was a welcome break from what has been mostly very warm conditions. at least, warm by my standards. still quite humid, even though we were in caves.
the footpaths are completely lighted with motion sensors that activate when movement is detected. another well-considered feature is the presence of handrails throughout the path that winds through the caves.
the museum did not allow any photographs to be taken; and most of us respected that stipulation. of course, there are those people who just could not observe what they were instructed to do or not do as the case may be. maybe that is where pictures on google come from?
sugar cane was another big cash crop on this island as has been the case on the others we have visited (once built on the backs of slave labor). it remains a viable source of income for the dominican republic and so, it is still produced here. textiles, coffee, ferronickel, cacao, tobacco, meats and medical supplies are the other exported goods.
spanish is the national language and there are people from all walks of life here. but predominantly, the population is of mixed background--african origin mixed with all sorts of other races. we were surprised to learn that during world war II, many fleeing nazi europe were able to begin new lives here. accounting for a very small, but still, present population observing a religion other than roman catholicism.
so pronounced is the roman catholic religion (95%) here that during pope john paul II's tenure, at least two papal visits occurred.
there are over 9 million people that make up this island nation. tourism accounts for the majority of their economy.
as we sail away today to begin our return to fort lauderdale, palms sway in the gentle breeze bidding us hasta la vista.
A place where there isn't any trouble. Do you suppose there is such a place? There must be. It's not a place you can get to by a boat or a train. It's far, far away. Behind the moon, beyond the rain - Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz
