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August 28, 2009
Saturday 22 August was the big day - the party to celebrate the fact that Henri took over as owner of Hotel Don Andres 10 years ago.
The hotel was originally built by the Brugal family (famous for its rum), who named it after the founder of their company, (Don) Andres Brugal - hence the name Hotel 'Don Andres'.
Henri decided not to change the name, because alternatives such as 'Hotel Don Henri' just didn't sound the same.
But Henri has done a lot to expand and improve the hotel and restaurant complex.
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
He turned it into the town's main meeting place for Dutch residents and tourists alike.
Tourists who discover the hotel, and who stay there for a holiday, always come back.
Don Andres is more than just a hotel, it is like being with family.
So, last Saturday, Henri celebrated his 10-year anniversary with a huge party featuring the famous bachata singer Yorkar Sarante.
It took several months to prepare for the street party, because the entire street in front of the hotel was closed off, table and chairs were rented, lighting installed and security organised.
Yoskar Sarante
Once the party got going guests arrived from everywhere.
Not just the residents in Sosúa, but we saw visitors from as far afield as Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata and Punta Cana.
Some guests had flown over from the Netherlands just for the party, including a group from Den Dungen.
Henri estimates that there were at least 500 people at the party.
At the start of the evening the DJ played good music and everyone enjoyed the excellent BBQ.
Yoskar Sarante started his performance at around midnight.
This was a fantastic concert, with everyone, particularly the Dominican guests, singing their hearts out.
Yoskar took a break after more than an hour, and began singing again at around 2am.
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
Luckily the weather stayed dry, despite the forecasts of heavy showers due to Hurricane Bill passing the island to the north.
The rain held off until around 3.30am, when Yoskar had to stop singing and head indoors.
But the party continued in the hotel restaurant until around 5am.
The DJ played more excellent music and the party atmosphere was in full swing with everybody singing along, dancing and enjoying themselves!
Thanks to the work of many volunteers, the company El Tractor (which arranged the lighting), the Politur (responsible for security), Henri can look back on a spectacular event, and start thinking about his next anniversary party.
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
Yoskar Sarante in Don Andres
I love Sosúa
Sosúa
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