I know exactly what you mean when you say poverty. I was in the Dominican Republic two years ago and drove around the countryside and visited some of the Haitian villages. For those that don't know about the island of Espanola, the eastern part of the Island is the Dominican Republic, and the western side is Haiti. Some of the Haitian villages I saw were such squaller that I could not believe my eyes. I'll have to dig out some pictures to post. Most of the employed people I saw worked in the sugar cane fields. While I was there, I saw manty of them had been burned during the revolt. It seems that for some reason, the Haitians that worked from sun up to sundown in the sugar cane fields 6 days a week expected to be able to feed their families with the money they earned. The land owners at that time decided since the sugar prices were down, they would pay the workers even less. The workers werent too happy about that...Go Figure. So, after talks and strikes and all else failed, they burned the fields.

I was staying on the far eastern side of the Dominican Republic in a newer resort area called Punta Cana. Let me tell you, its an entirely different word in the resort areas then the rest of the island. For those that consider traveling, do yourself a favor; experience the real thing, not just an isolated fantasy island resort where all is pristine and wonderful. I travel every year and I always rent a car and go out into the countryside. This is a perfect example why i never take a cruise ship anywhere. Many friends have done that, and they're only experience with an island is that of the cruiseship dock area where all of the tshirt and tourtist shops are, or maybe a side excursion to swim with the sting rays or snorkle. Even a full week on one of these islands isnt enough.

Now dont get me wrong, I dont just go to places that have "seedyer" sides. I love the islands that have been devoloped enough where almost everyone works and the world is a wonderful place. Aruba is a perfect example. But still....a full week is needed.