Dios mio keepin up on this blog thing takes time especially when sitting in front of the screen is the last thing I want to do. Nonetheless I've gotten to visit some pretty amazing places in the past few weeks. Most of them have been for research and in the process I've stumbled upon some real unique and secluded spots that most people traveling to this area (and locals for that matter) probably would/have not experienced. 

         Like I mentioned before my research is basically on opportunities available to women in communities that take on ecotourism ventures. In the past week I've visited three small communities en el campo otherwise known as the countryside/mountainside. Angostura, Los Calabazos, and El Salto, all of which are located in the region surrounding Jarabacoa and all of which are at different stages in development of ecotourism projects. Getting the funding for these projects and supplies and electricity to some of these places in the mountains is no small feat. Meeting the people that have plowed through the sometimes slow and lengthy process of building establishments (to "ecotourism" standards as well) that will generate revenue to benefit the local economy has been a treat. On my trip to Ebano Verde Reserve I met Rildes Sanchez and over the past few weeks I've had the chance to meet with him and discuss the ecotourism industry in greater depth. Being Dominican well traveled, and exceptionally knowledgeable on environmental issues specific to the region, I've gotten to hear a very well rounded explanation of the some of the cultural elements that factor into the projects development process. 

For example, there are some people in communities that have a hard time comprehending some of the ecotourism projects such as cabañas, restaurants, or trails take lots of time, dedication and patience and that they might not see the benefits for some time. That rarely is there instant satisfaction so community members do not invest as much as is possible to the projects.