Block Island (CVE 106) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 59 text:

, . ff 4 , -y-4, f. Us--L -.- ,S L .ww -. -5- -.,.,,.vY-h,-. ..VV - .. Y I-., Hotel Juaragua Pool Unknown Soldier's Tomb-Ciudad, Trujillo

Page 58 text:

EE YOU DAD I CIUDAD , - 73-Qty -' wg'-?li 2' -'-.--gg. ......-,Y.-4,35-.-fe?-5 -.-'aw-.,-,, .. .14 1.-rp. ,-.rf .--. ' .-., -1 ,L - .-fs-fm -. .1 -. ., ' lri'b:dgn!-Luwuslzllxtt -1- . . . . 1 Acey Duecy ? Ruins of a Spanish Home THE feeling of new horizons was upon us within three days of our departure from Norfolk as the entire ships personnel stowed the Moldw winter things in mothballs and donned freshly starched whites. With tem- peratures in the high seventies and eighties, we entered the historic port of Ciudad Tru- jillo, Dominican Republic. All were con- stantly amazed at the rapid flow of Spanish spoken by the natives and of the very in- teresting customs observed by these descend- ants of foreign lands. Of special interest was the striking architectural development of the buildings and homes throughout the cityg the cathedral housing Columbus' Shrine and the president's offices being outstanding ex- amples. Residential houses and hotels were constructed of mahogany, stucco and ebony wood blending to form masterpieces of de- velopment. The remains of the Columbus castle held tour members in awe as they gazed and heard stories of 16th century grandeur unfold be- fore their very eyes. Founded in 1496 by Bartholemew Co- lumbus, the city is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement of the West- ern Hemisphere. It was long a center of Span- ish activities in the new world and served as a base for the expeditions of Cortes, Balboa and many others. In 1930 Santo Domingo, as the city was formerly known, was completely devastated by a hurricane. During the next few years rebuilding took place and with it, a new name came forth, Ciudad Trujillo, named for Rafael Trujillo Molina. The city is the political, social, educational and industrial center of the island. Among the main industries, as we found, alcohol distilling and brewing rate high on the list. Although still retaining the char1n of the old world, Ciudad Trujillo is made up of broad avenues and modern buildings. lt is a clean, attractive site with a pleasant tropical climate. A trip down the newly completed, palm-lined Avenida Washington to the beautiful new Hotel ,luaragua was a must. Complete with outdoor swimming pool, patio and cocktail lounge this essence of graciousness was a sight and thrill well worth seeing and enjoying. All of this combined to depict a modern, well run community of which President Trujillo can be justly proud. - 'sf ' 1- ' wr' A , , F , H ,

Page 60 text:

VIVA LA FORT de FRANCE 1' 122S 'W iL.f ' f f ' ' sasM5af ' f 1rm,1z+sasaQe.smsaraa4.i-fry. v Martinique Landscape FROM our Spanish-speaking neighbors, a further sea voyage ever closer to the equator, found us entering the port of Fort de France, Martinque which, as the name implies, is a French posses- sion. Although lacking in many of the facilities of our previous port nevertheless the charm of a small French village was apparent immediately from the intertwined streets, narrow houses and pleasant shops. A Of singular attraction was the coastal tour around the shore line to the small town of St. Pierre which was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1902. The inland road back by auto was marked by hundreds of natives Walking to and from their hillside homes. And, of course, the taxi drivers were wilder and crazier than those found in Flatbush fno offense, Brooklynitesj. The statue of Empress Josephine in Savanna park also proved a valuable sightseer's item. Suffice to say, enough French perfume was purchased to keep all wives and sweethearts happy for many months to come and this, plus the magnificent champagne provided one and all with the souvenirs necessary for remembrance of this picturesque port. And do you remem- ber the Bumboat women selling everything from baskets to dolls? Never saw sailors before in dress canvas and straw bonnets. ITT! Entering Martinique