11/15/06 Start of the trip
The start was an arranged pick up of Alberto at a local restaurant. We proceeded to Syracuse to catch our flight. We joked and said this was our �In Kind� contribution for we prefer to leave from our local airport. My reason is Peggy usually drops me off and I get to kiss her goodby.
The flights were on time with a little confusion in New York �s larger airport. Arriving in the DR, we were greeted by the same driver we had before. It was great meeting him again. He drove a newer van than last time and we joked about how rich he was.
We arrived at the hotel about 9:00PM or so. There was no room for us. They had no idea who we were. Luckily, I had the confirmation number but no room is no room. We ended up at Hispaniola Hotel which was within walking distance of the Santo Domingo Hotel. My credit card did not work at the hotel. My backup card did not work but my corporate card did�.luckily. I was in the room. The hotel was less expensive and had a casino with free drinks and food.
11/16/06 Arrived Early to Tour Santa Domingo?
The next morning Alberto left me for a business meeting. I was assured someone would come to show me around the city. But at what hotel? I did not know so I walked between hotels all day. I did meet new people and did lots of sketches. Even the casino gave me free food. I had a fun day.
We spent the evening with the speakers and our hosts. I wanted to talk about El Presidente, the local beer. I got to taste my first El Presidente Light beer, a new innovation of the DR. A �GREAT BEER�! We ate over-looking �Columbus� house.
11/17/06 Conference Day
Today was conference day. Many presenters were ASQ Fellows and top in their fields. I found all presentations very interesting and informative.
When I arrived I was to talk about open markets and how it would affect the quality pro and practitioner. I used the El Presidente Beer as an example of selling a dream and the crowd loved it.
11/18/06 Day 2 Conference
This day was focused on CASS Alumni. Many speakers were CASS Alumni. I was quite proud to see that previous students have become very successful.
My talk was a stakeholder dialog to get participants talking to each other. It went better than expected. It was GREAT! These people are all leaders!
The evening was fun for we went to Mr. and Mrs. Domingo Valerio�s home. It was a beautiful home with art everywhere, really like a museum but better. We started a new �tradition� of throwing glasses into the air and breaking them on the beautiful floor. �JUST KIDDING� Alberto�s glass slipped (dog related) and like a missal, it went straight up and onto the floor.
The meal was a great local dish with everything in a pot: corn, chicken, smoked pork chops and much more, served with rice. It was great.
I thought the evening was over since it was about 12 or so. It was not for we went to a �beer house� where we danced till 2:00 AM. Well, that is when we left, but others stayed.
11/19/06 Tourist Day
I made arrangements to meet German at 8:30 AM the next morning in the lobby at the hotel. I did not care what we did as long as I did not spend the day in the hotel.
He arrived at about 10:00 AM I knew he would be late�remember the dancing the night before�. This was a great day when we just walked the city and oceanfront. It was a great reward, more than I expected. I saw the church (cathedral) where Columbus was buried until 1877. The art on the walkway was local. The fort was a great place to sketch. Lunch was at Gonzalez Antonia�s where there was beautiful art on the walls.
We walked back to the hotel along the waterfront. German asked if I wanted ice cream� I wanted beer.. We had a beer and I sketched a bike with coconuts and a horse drawn carriage. The rest of the walk was along a closed road. It was closed on Sundays for families. It was beautiful. At the hotel, German left me. I hope to enjoy his three children and wife.
I sat at the pool. GREAT DAY!!!
11/20/06 Going Home
All was well except we had a one-hour connection. We were concerned but after thinking a little Alberto and I agreed to stay together. It worked out fine. Being with Peggy at home is always my reward.
