Porfio_Rubirosa said:
I suspect that the unidentified tropical port is Haina, where the USN frequently made call. The hotel is the Embajador. The "Farmers Market" is the Mercado Modelo, prior to it becoming a shop for puerqueria. And how about all of those mechanized howitzers?!?! Trujillo was ready to start World War III!
I wonder how many of the sailors in those photos came back as repeat tourists in 1965.
I think Trujillo had already met his maker by the time those photos were taken.
If I remember correctly, the photos are from 1963, Trujillo met his fate on May of 1961.
This also explains why they took a photo in Trujillo's yacht bedroom. Only Trujillo, his immediate family, and mistresses ever saw that room when he was alive.
Another hint is the fact that the photos mention of "Santo Domingo". During Trujillo's reign, this metropolis we know today (of course was a small town back then) was known as Ciudad Trujillo and nobody in their right mind would have ever referred to this city by its former more appealing name.
However, Trujillo (aside from being an SOB) wanted to see a powerful mini-state evolve in the heart of the Caribbean. Of course, that got to his head, he attempted to become too powerful in the region and the American bullets and gunboats were not late in responding.
About your wondering, I wonder that too. Although, I did met a former American militarymen who actually was part of the invasion. To make a long story short, he was surprised to see how much and how fast the city has grown. Places that were countryside fields, today covered in homes and high rises, all in 40 odd years.