visit the dominican republic

IM going to D.R in two weeks. So excited!

no particular reason….

I think I feel more comfortable there, than here.

My heart has always been where people are happier, with much less. I was practically in tears just seeing the land from the air. So simple and beautiful.

I don’t like bartering (though I did… a first for me), and the roads seem dangerous… (maybe I could stick to small town living and have a horse :-)

Sugar cane is better than candy… just a hint of sweet.

To me D.R. isnt just hotels and beautiful beaches but culture and home. Even though now I live in New York City.

Went here in 2007

When Columbus spotted the coral-rimmed Dominican Republic, he proclaimed, “This is the fairest land under Heaven”. The Dominican Republic offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but the country also is home to the highest mountain range in the entire Caribbean.

Exciting trip – highs and lows. It seems I was just getting used to the environment, and it was time to go.

Enjoyed most: talking with the people, the beautiful views, shopping in the streets, balmy days, swimming in the ocean and pools, the nightlife, getting outside my own culture.

Biggest disappointment: The all-inclusive food and drink was a bit too much to handle. My sensitive digestive system is still reeling. I would have liked to visit more sites perhaps in other areas of the country. 1 week is not nearly enough.

I would love to go back again someday.

We leave on Friday morning. On Thursday I have to buy cat and dog food, take the dog to my mom’s house, copy our passports and birth certificates, get my son’s stuff packed, pay a few bills, check through everything and make sure we have all that we need. My bag is packed.

I leave next week, so I made a tentative packing list. My goal is to carry everything on the plane (no check-in luggage). All my stuff has to work together. I am debating my shoe choices now. The hardest part for me is going to be the limitations on carrying liquids. That and deciding on which books to take!

Absolutely worth doing. It was an amazing experience. I rode a horse (for the 1st time), went on the Monster Safari, toured Puerto Plata, glass bottom boat tour, bartered with the locals at the outdoor markets, and went white water rafting in the mountains.

It was amazing to see people and their lives so different than mine. This country is great, definitely worth a visit.

P.S. Try a drink of Mamajuana.

Less than 4 weeks away. I borrowed a carry-on bag from my mom. I am trying very hard not to overpack for this trip. I have a tendency to do that. It would be freeing for me to travel lightly though. How much do I really need?