People often picture the Caribbean island of the Dominican Republic as a place of golden sand beaches and inviting all-inclusive resorts. While there are many such settings, I had other things in mind during my visit. I was intrigued by a lengthy choice of activities that provided opportunities to explore the largely unspoiled countryside, interact with local residents, visit villages little touched by tourism, and enjoy encounters with Mother Nature.
I was following the journey of Christopher Columbus, who in 1492 spotted the island that the Dominican Republic today shares with the country of Haiti. A colony was established there 10 years later.
