The Wrap Up

Welcome home international travelers...

I'm so excited that you had this opportunity... 

I'm pleased by all of the new things you learned and experienced... 

I'm proud of each of your accomplishments... 

This trip has helped each of you grow and see the world differently.  Each of you in your own way is better because of it.  I hope you never forget.  

"Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quiestest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey.” – Pat Conroy

The Ride Home - Day 9

Scott and I slept with the shades open so we could fully enjoy the palms, the stars, the waves.  It's a view I won't soon forget!

The alarm went off at 6:30 so we got to work prepping the last few items.  Once the kids were up, dressed, and fed, I slipped out on the veranda to say my goodbyes.  Each kiddo in their own time snuck out to join me and we spent a few moments talking about our trip and what we would miss the most.  Then we spent some time praying... Thanking God for the opportunities this trip gave us and praying for safety and peace for our travels today.  It was so sweet to sit there as the sun came up, spending time with God together with my kids.

Miguel showed up right on time at 7:00 am. This time he had brought a rope to tie a few bags on top of the van since it had been such a tight fit before.  Now usually a 30 minute car ride to the airport wouldn't require much more than a prepositional phrase but this ride, well this ride needs a bit more explaining.

So to give a visual, we are crammed into a Toyota Sienna mini van.  You have Scott and Sammy riding in the far back.  Mary, Tyler and I are in the middle and JC is up front with the driver.  We have 2 large suitcases on top, then we have 6 carryons, 4 suitcases and a stroller packed in the between places (next to Scott, drivers armrest, etc). We are tight.

We are thrilled that the traffic seems very light this morning... None of that crazy driving from last week.  Until we saw a motorcycle sitting in the space where the guardrail should be dividing the highway - he's perpendicular to the road.  We've learned now that Miguel doesn't care for the driving in the Doninican Republic  and especially the motorcycles.  He taps JC and points at the bike, both laugh in spite of the language barrier.  We didn't move but held firm in our lane and we were headed straight towards the motorcycle.  As we got closer, I started to get nervous.   At the last minute the motorcyclist eased his bike backwards further into our lane... I literally let out a scream and ducked but Miguel swerved just in time.  Phew!  We all giggled nervously.

A little ways up the road we took the overpass toward Las Americas, the airport in Santo Domingo, as we came over the hill, Miguel starts motioning to tell us that he lives in the capital and starts pointing out the passenger window.  Suddenly Mary (from the middle row) shouted "car!" and points through the windshield.  We all turned to see a car headed straight for us!  Miguel slammed on his breaks and honked his horn, coming to a complete stop on the highway as the oncoming car passes us and continued up the wrong way.  We all giggled nervously again... I made eyes at Mary and moments later we were both relieved to pull up to the airport.  

Processing through the airport went smoothly, we arrived at our gate only a few minutes before boarding began so we made a quick stop for some breakfast.  Nothing on the menu for Sammy so we opted for two containers of Pringles (not sure if that's better than the french fries she's been eating).  We boarded our first flight to Miami, scheduled to be 2.5 hours.  Luckily we all had seats together. Sammy insisted that Mr JC sit by her so we adjusted a bit to please.  And it worked!  Sammy had a fabulous flight... She was calm and quiet the entire way.

We had 2:45 hours until our next flight left but we needed to be approved by customs, recollect our luggage, and go through another security screening.  It took almost 1:45 to make it through.  There were only slight hiccups along the way and everyone was thrilled to officially be back in the United States.

We grabbed Wendys for lunch and were ready to board our 3-hr flight to Detroit.  This time it was just Sammy and I with the rest of our party a few rows back.  The flight was again surprisingly uneventful.  I kept the timer going and Sammy would ask occasionally how much longer, but that girl made it!  As we touched down, she turned and looked at me and shouted "I DID IT!"  There were quiet giggles from the other passengers... Completely unaware of the amazing accomplishment they were witness to.  She was so proud!!

We claimed our bags and took the shuttle back to our vehicle parked at the hotel - that was so slick!  

We were on the road just after 5:00 pm.  We grabbed McDonalds and Arbys to go and pulled into the driveway around 8:00 pm with two very tired kids.  13 hours of straight travel is bound to leave you a little ragged.  What a big day!

Our Last Swim in Paradise - Day 8

What a beautiful day it was today... and we stretched out every last drop.

After a long and relaxing morning on the veranda, we ate breakfast at the poolside restaurant so we could make a quick transition to the beach.  We spent the entire morning and well into the afternoon in and out of the water, back and forth to the pool, and several stops in the lounge chairs under the palm trees.  We grabbed snacks from our room and stayed out until 3:30 pm... our longest day yet!  I think none of us wanted to leave.

We snuggled on the lounge chairs.  JC found our largest crab yet.  Scott picked it up so we could all take a look, until he got pinched by the very flexible and somewhat angry crab.

Tyler and JC posed in the lifeguard shack... you can see the guard coming to stop them in the first picture.

We've heard that there is a restaurant at the point on the far eastern side of our beach.  It sets on a small peninsula that juts out in the ocean (you have seen it in most of our sunset pictures) We hoped to time our dinner so we could watch the sun set from that point, so we ran in for showers and got changed to head to an early dinner.  

It took a while to make the trek across the beach.  It was warm and we were walking right into the sun so both kids were uncomfortable.  We had just about made it to the restaurant when we realized something was wrong.  With security guards closing in on us, we soon understood that it was a private club and we were not welcome.  We got directions from the guards who then escorted us off the property.  At this point, we've walked quite a ways in the sand, we are hot and sweaty and back out on the road without dinner yet.  We found ourselves close to the restaurant from last night and, remembering it had air conditioning, decided to go there again for our last meal in the Dominican.  Once again, it did not disappoint.  We didn't recognize one of the gourds that they used to decorate our plate.  The waitress even went back to the kitchen to bring us a full one to show us what they looked like...  it grows on a vine on the ground and is native to the DR.

We enjoyed the walk back to the hotel.  On the way, we decided to take a spontaneous swim in the pool... in our clothes!  Sammy was eager to do it, Tyler took some convincing, but either way they both loved it.

When we got home and dried off, we got a movie started for the kids in bed while the adults went to work packing.  It was all hands on deck but we finished packing and cleaned up the condo with enough time to get a movie in before bed.

It was hard picking which shells to take home after our collection had grown so large... here's some of loot!

Today we spent a lot of time talking about the highlights of our trip... the surprises, the views, the beauty, the new experiences, the laughs.   It will definitely be one to remember!

The Beginning of the End - Day 7

It was after 10 am when we headed down to Gulia's for breakfast... Tyler's favorite.  But today, he was in for a treat... his coke came in a chilled glass bottle, his first.

And it wasn't just Tyler that had a treat either.  Sammy and I ordered a brownie... that's right, now her breakfasts consist of french fries and a brownie.

Next stop, the beach...  JC and Scott went down to see a local fisherman's boat that came into shore to sell his catch to some of the other resort guests.

We had fun with the beach ball and snorkels again.  We had a little run in with a crab.  The crab was huge... probably 5 inches wide.  You could see those pinchers through the chest-deep water.  When it turned to come our way, Tyler started splashing in the water to get me to move away.  Unfortunately the splashing made it impossible to see through the water and we all panicked.  JC, Mary, me and the kids all let out a shriek that even Scott could hear from shore.  Regardless, it was really funny and gave us a great story for later.

We stayed down at the beach until 1:30 pm.  Then we ordered some snacks from room service for lunch.  After that, the adults were having a hard time keeping their eyes open so Scott, JC and Mary all decided to take naps.  Around 4:45 the kids and I headed to the pool.  While we were there we met some very nice people from Canada who gave me some food advice.

It was while at the pool that Tyler found a hermit crab wandering on the cement.  He was unwilling to leave it "alone" and "afraid" so we stopped swimming for a rescue mission.  It was very sweet and he was so proud of himself for saving our friend the hermit crab.

We headed back to the room so we could get cleaned up for dinner.  After everyone woke up from their naps, we took a walk to the west to "El Meson"... a restaurant recommended by our Canadian friends.  The place reminded us all of home... electricity, air conditioning, even the steak looked American!  We enjoyed a wonderful meal and the company of a group from Tampa who were there doing mission work.

We came back home for ice cream and then watched a movie.  Now, its time for bed.  Only one more day of sun and we want to be ready!

Another Day in Paradise - Day 6

After a great night's sleep and a relaxing morning on the veranda we headed out for breakfast.  It was rather late and Sammy was ready to start her day so I told her we could swim while we waited for the food.  So Mary and I inched into the pool as Sammy swam.  Eventually we went back for breakfast and then found our place by the beach.

We did the usual... swim, snorkel, beach ball, etc.  Then pool, loungers and snacks.

While in the pool, Sammy made a new friend named Rebekah.  She is 5 years old and lives in Santo Domingo.  She only speaks Spanish although her mother Corina helped her so the two could communicate.  Next year she will attend an "American" school which is basically an English immersion opportunity.  Corina shared their story... both of her older daughters earned scholarships to study in the United States.  Rebekah has two older sisters.  The oldest studied in Kalamazoo, MI and currently lives in Dubai.  The younger sister is 20 and is currently studying Communications at Michigan State in Lansing although she is in Rome for the semester.

The girls swam together for a bit while their mom's got to know each other.  Eventually their party found a spot on the beach, right next to ours so the kids could play in the sand together.  Tyler tried very hard to communicate with Rebekah... pointing and even drawing in the sand.  It was adorable!

It was very busy today at the beach and pool... Corina says its a religious holiday and so many families came for the day from Santo Domingo.  Since most of the units in this complex are second homes for people in the capital, it makes sense that they'd drive the 45 minutes to enjoy the beautiful weather.

We headed up to our condo a little after 2:00 pm noting that all of us were pretty red.  We were a bit surprised since we had all re-applied sun screen today.  The kids watched a movie and played with their iPads, Scott got some work done and JC, Mary and I relaxed on the veranda.  There was a party going on next door... locals who met at the vacant lot to enjoy the day off.  There was loud music which we all really enjoyed.  Next, it turned to karaoke, which was not so enjoyable.

We decided to eat here at the poolside restaurant and enjoy the sunset.

It was a fabulous meal!  JC ordered the Red Snapper and raved about it!  After handing out samples, we all agreed it was the best we'd ever had.  Scott ordered a seafood bisque.  We still aren't sure what some of the meats were but he really enjoyed it.  Although he did think it was odd at what he pulled out of the bowl.

We headed back for the night and rented the movie BoxTrolls.  We've all had a few applications of aloe vera and are drinking plenty of water.  It was a beautiful day today and we are all feeling blessed to be in the DR.

A Slight Mix-Up - Day 5 (part 2)

After we enjoyed the salsa and rest time, we knew it was time to find some dinner when Sammy asked for a snack seven times in 15 minutes.  Yup, its time.

So Mary and I decided not to waste any time with hair or makeup and head out al natural!  So we headed out but stopped at the gate to ask the guard for a recommendation on a restaurant besides the two we have been to.  Between the two of them, they told us to go to a place that sounded like "the Con Con"  but they were talking amongst themselves so I started to second guess myself on the walk.  So we proceeded past the abandoned resorts, on the right side of the street, hoping to see the sign... and finally there it was "El Rincon del Conejo".  Since there were no other restaurants in sight and the road ends soon, I figured I must have just misunderstood them.

It seemed like a shady place, but the owner was eager to serve us... he turned on the lights and sent his employee to the back to fire up the ovens.  But when the kitchen door opened there was a bit of a smell that made JC question our selection.  It wasn't long til we voted to eat somewhere else so I asked if we could purchase drinks instead and then after much thanking, headed back to more familiar territory. The owner was more than hospitable and very gracious at our decision to leave.  Besides, who wants to walk all the way back on these dark streets anyway!

Next we tried the local watering hole, but everyone that lined the bar turned and said "Sorry, already closed" (amazing how well they could say that!).   Our English-friendly breakfast place was closed as well so we ended up back at the restaurant from last night.  We all ordered something new and felt pretty confident in what would arrive.  Heck, we even ordered what we thought was mozzarella cheese sticks and it turned out correct.  The only hang up with tonights meal was the timing of it... appetizer first, Jen's meal, then the kids' food, and (after I was completely finished), the rest of the meals.   We ate well and enjoyed the familiar waiter who was concentrating very hard to get everything correct...  between his English and my Spanish, I think we did all right!  Even Mary's papas puree, which we thought would be mashed potatoes, came out delicious!

After the meal, Sammy got up and danced for us again, then it was over to the grocery to buy ice cream for dessert.  We are home now... safe and sound and well-fed.

So, on a hunch I decided to check out the map to better understand the situation with that first restaurant.  Oops!  Apparently there is a restaurant further down called "Con Con" and that lil "Rabbit Shack" that we stopped at, was not the one the guards had recommended.  I haven't told the guys yet, but I'm sure we'll all have a good laugh and yet another language blunder.   (Disclaimer for Bev, Ray, Dale, Sherri: stop worrying, I promise we are being very safe with your grandchildren!)

Anyway, Scott got the Apple TV set up today so the kids and guys are watching Wreck It Ralph while Mary and I enjoy the veranda again.  Its the very best place to be!

Finally Some English - Day 5 (part 1)

Today started out like most of the others... sleep in, drink coffee, read and relax on the veranda as we wait for everyone to wake up.  While we waited for everyone to get ready, Scott and I researched the empty resorts nearby and local real-estate.

When we were all ready, we decided to try a new restaurant across the street called Guilia's for breakfast... apparently the on-site restaurant is closed on Tuesdays and a previous renter had recommended this online.

We walked in and found a table only to be greeted by English menus.  There was even New York news and the Kelly & Michael show playing on the TVs.  The waitress spoke pretty well too and we all ended up with the food that we were hoping for - this was a treat!  Tyler was especially pleased with his pancakes this morning and asked if we could make this our breakfast stop everyday!

After breakfast we hit the beach for our usual fun in the sun.  Mr JC joined in on the snorkeling today and the three "kids" could be seen floating together pointing under the water for quite a while.  We even had a quick rain shower, although I'm not sure any of them noticed.  I know I've mentioned numerous times that our kids love the ocean... something about the sun and salt water makes them so happy.  But its worth noting that every time Sammy goes snorkeling, you can hear her singing through the snorkel... just so happy she can't help herself.  It is so wonderful to hear.

We switched it up and played with the beach ball for a while and then Sammy, Mary and I headed over to the pool while the guys searched for shells.  They seemed to figure out a trick and found tons of amazing shells today.  Here is our find in less than an hour's time... Sammy holding one in her hand for perspective.

The sky was getting cloudy so we decided to take a walk down the beach by the abandoned resorts next door.  What a shame to see these (once beautiful) large buildings now wasting away with overgrowth and garbage.

We came home for a rest time and after showers decided to go in search of chips and guacamole.  So I wrote out a note in Spanish and gave it to the guys to try for take out.  It took a while.  When they finally returned they said the note was effective but their aren't any avocados available.  So they picked up a jar of Tostito's salsa instead.  Not quite what we were hoping for but it still works.

Mary and I sat out on the veranda with our books listening to the ocean waves and the occasional rain shower.  It was a fabulous way to spend the afternoon.

It Is Enough

My travel companions suggested I include a post about the area we are staying to help give a better picture.

First, the language barrier... Yes, it's a barrier!

• The property manager for our unit picked us up from the airport on Saturday - Spanish only.
• The wait staff and menus at our primary restaurant on site - Spanish only.
• The employees at the market and pharmacy - Spanish only.
• Security guards on site (walk beach, at each entry gate) - Spanish only.
• Signs - Spanish only.

Both kids are trying to speak to the locals.  Sammy ordered her breakfast yesterday "papas fritas". (Don't judge me - she'll have French fries for breakfast every day). Tyler's manners translate very well with "gracias" and Sammy passes out "hola"s to almost everyone she sees.  So cute! 

The language barrier has kept us on our toes... We translate what we can with my high school / college Spanish (it's been 15 years) and our cell phones.  But some things, especially menus do not translate correctly.  Mealtime is an adventure but we are loving it and trying all sorts of new things.

This is a very small fishing town.  Juan Dolio was the up and coming tourist location until Hurricane Georges hit in 1998 allowing Punta Cana to overtake them as the all-inclusive tourist destination in the DR.  There are two large abandoned resorts neighboring our property.  It's strange to see such large empty buildings.

The town is very small... And we see some of the same people over and over again while we are out.   With abandoned shops, stray dogs, and trash in the streets, it's been an eye-opening experience for both of the kids.

We are staying in Marbella... A beautiful complex of 5 buildings built in 2010 on a beautiful stretch of shore.  

Although it is winter here, the highs are around 89* with lows around 70*.  These temps seem to stay consistent year round.  We have had a few brief showers... That literally last minutes and blow over quickly.

There are very few guests at Marbella right now, we estimate only about 10% of the units are in use.  We aren't sure if it's because of the season but we enjoy always having our pick of cabanas on the beach and rarely having to share the Olympic-size infinity pool.

Although it doesn't seem catered to the American tourist per say, we find it refreshing that there aren't the never-ending advertisements for excursions and activities that you find in more touristy areas. 

This morning another guest passed me by the pool and asked in his broken English "it is enough for you?"  

Yes.  It is enough indeed.  The perfect description.  The restful, calm, slow days.  The joy inside and smiles on my kids faces, the fun and laughter with friends... It is enough.  It is quiet and relaxing in every sense of the word.

"Its Hard Work Being This Lazy" - Day 4

"Seriously, this relaxation stuff is hard work!"  At least that's what Scott said as he got on the elevator today after several hours on the beach.  And we all agreed!

This morning we slept in until 8:30 am.  Made some coffee and did some reading while we waited for everyone to get ready.  Today we decided to eat breakfast in our swim suits so we wouldn't waste anytime getting to the beach.

And that's just what we did!  After breakfast at the poolside restaurant, we found a new bed and loungers for our day.  This time we settled in closer to the restaurant, at the other side of the pool.  We were still incredibly close to everything but there were fewer rocks in the ocean to walk over.  The water was incredibly calm so we all waded out and talked in the surf while the kids explored with their snorkels.

After quite some time, we blew up a beach ball and continued our conversation while passing it back and forth.  It wasn't long though til the wind caught it and it started drifting away.  But Mr JC was on it... He took off after that ball.  Mary and I watched as he got farther and farther away, wondering if he was gaining on it at all.  (Apparently the water got very deep and he was no longer able to touch)  Eventually Tyler headed to shore and jogged the distance to pace it until the wind blew it in.  It was just like a scene from Baywatch as Scott and JC jogged back with the rescued ball.

Next, I relaxed poolside while the kids played a while... you know, with snorkel gear, as you do.

After that we headed back to the lounge chairs while the kids (and Scott) enjoyed digging a hole in the sand.  It was after lunchtime so I headed to the restaurant for some snacks.  I saw one of the men in the kitchen making fresh guacamole and asked if we could order some (not on the menu).  I tried to explain chips... although the waiter agreed, I wasn't confident he understood.  But when he asked if I wanted it with cheese I thought for sure we had gotten it.  When the platter arrived, our mouths were watering for nachos with cheese and guacamole.  Instead, it arrived as a pile of guacamole with several slices of cheese on the side.... nope, he didn't get it.  But we all had a good chuckle and went to work using the slices of cheese like tortillas and scooping the guacamole.  It was fabulous (and terribly messy)!

We took another trip to the ocean and enjoyed the water.  Again, mentioning how much we are appreciating the warmth and sun.  When we headed up to the condo for the day, we all realized just how tired we were.

We found some more snacks and all spent some quiet time... the kids with a movie, JC a nap, Mary a book, me on the computer.  It was a great relaxing way to spend the rest of the afternoon.

For supper we headed out on the town again.  I say town... but realize the main road that our complex is on is half abandoned and the other half FILLED with restaurants and small

We stopped at the pharmacy to get Mr JC a snorkel set and then the market for some laundry soap.  We tried a new restaurant, Cafe Bistro,  and all agreed it was a great option.  They even had half of the menu in English (well at least one copy) and the waiter was pretty good at translating.  I had the best Chicken Cordon Blue I've ever tasted, Mary had grilled shrimp, the guys each had a steak, and the kids shared a pepperoni pizza.  It took a while to get the check and the kids were getting antsy, so we decided to take the dance floor for a spin.

 

We walked back to the condo and enjoyed a variety of cartoons: Tom & Jerry, Bugs Bunny, etc.  We topped it off with some ice cream that we had picked up earlier at the market.

Soon it was time for devotions and then off to bed.  We had such a relaxing day yet are all exhausted.  Looking forward to another great day tomorrow.

Our Accommodations

We are staying in Marbella... a beautiful gated community on the shores of Juan Dolio, just 30 minutes from the capital of Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo.  Our unit is in building 5, 2-46.  

It is the closest unit to the beach and we have LOVED it.  At 3000 sq ft we have lots of room for everyone and we feel very comfortable during our stay.

The sitting area with gorgeous views.  We would sit here when the veranda was too warm.

This is the dining room with the sitting area and ceiling to floor windows beyond.

Here is the living room with a HUGE flat panel TV.  The laundry is tucked in the closet behind the couches.

The kitchen.

Bar Area in kitchen

The Master Bedroom with en suite and walk in closet.  The windows are sliders so you can sleep with them open and hear the ocean waves all night. 

The kids' bedroom with attached bath and two closets.

 JC and Mary's Bedroom with their own bath as well. 

The pool with our building on the far end.

The grounds at Marbella are beautiful as well.  There are 2 Olympic-sized infinity pools, canopy beds on the beach and a playground for the kids.  The beach area is cleaned and raked everyday to remove sea weed.  The swimming area is protected by a rock wall to keep out some of the larger sea creatures.  There are large comfortable lounge chairs both at the beach and pool.  It is a fabulous resort and I would highly recommend it.  

We found the condo through VRBO and so we worked directly with the unit's owner to rent and make arrangements.  He was wonderful to work with and quick to respond.  He even arranged our ride from the airport.  I've been very impressed with the hospitality of everyone we've worked with.