Our little adventure started early on a Saturday morning. We were happy we were also able to help a neighbor out with a ride to the airport as well. We carried everything on....it really is the way to go.
We flipped flopped seats with each airplane, to maximize our window sitting experience.
This one was the most excited about the "beverage service"
When we arrived at the Island the wait in line for customs was huge. Hours. Suddenly, after we had waited about an hour, a security guard pointed to us and took us out of line, right up to the front. NO idea why, we didn't ask. Logistically this was the best trip we have ever been on. No delays, no problems putting our luggage in the overhead, no problems with security. The Dominicans we very nice, kind, and courteous people. They always did what they said they were going to, no surprises.
Our place was amazing, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, laundry, full kitchen and a huge balcony with a grill overlooking the pool, beach and palm trees. There were restaurants, a grocery market and shops within a 5 minute walking distance. there was a bar and snack shop at the beach. There was security at the road and on the beach. They cleaned the grounds, beach and pool daily or several times a day. It was quiet and the kids had the pool all to themselves most late afternoons. For an island Vacation, it was just right for us.
And the weather, OMG. Sunny and 85 times 7 days and nights. A few quick passing showers one afternoon and evening. One day of a little breeze. Just totally amazing.
Oh, the blue, blue warm water and hours and hours spent body surfing and swimming in the waves. Pure joy.
and homemade Pina Coladas by the pool with a good book (I finished 2!). Ahhhhh.....
We broke down and bought a family Go Pro. Mostly cause it was an amazing deal at Dicks Sporting Goods and mostly cause we have jam packed adventures planned for the next few years. WE had a great time with it.
The bracelets got us in and out and on our private beach
sleeping in every day was the best....no schedule at all. Wake up, put bathing suit on, visit beach and pool, come back for lunch, put another bathing suit on, sit in shade by beach and pool. Swim in waves. Eat dinner, relax and listen to music and the waves with a drink on the balcony. Sleep. Repeat x7.
Coming back in the evenings and going relaxing on the balcony and dressing up and going out to dinner was my favorite. Oh, and the warm weather and the Peach nectar juice and Pina Coladas. The worst : the grocery store, the customs line, and doing our dinner dishes.
Josh best: riding the waves
worst: the customs line
T best:
worst:
B Best: The pool
Worst: When the waves at the beach knocked me over
L best: everything
worst: the airport line
We visited a couple of the local restaurants where knowing Spanish was kind of a must. We failed miserably.
naps were the best.
and the sunrises.
And the snorkeling Catamaran adventure where they were brought to a giant ocean "pool"
Wild Parrots
Family time beach walks were the best.
Exchange rate 1:46
Treasure hunting.
We were so sad to leave the amazing weather. The morning we left we sat outside for breakfast and took in the last of the ocean breezes. I can still smell the tropics.
The flight home was a breeze, we arrived early even. Unheard of. Hello Cold Portland. the kids were great travelers. Really, I had very little complaints about any issues they had. They are getting to the ages now where handling a little discomfort is ok and manageable for the sake of fun. They can see the light at the end of the adventure tunnel. We committed right then and there to spend more money on travel vs. material things from now until the kids leave home. Here's to many more family adventures to come.
