Stepping Out of the Boat

Our four day weekend has come to a conclusion. We had a great time exploring the east side of the island. In fact it was one of the best resorts if not the best resort that we have stayed at here on the island.

Our journey started early Saturday morning by catching the Bavaro Express out of town. We have never taken this bus before so it was lucky that Holly was with us. Navigating the bus station was a painless experience and the bus, even though it was a step below the Metro and Carribe Tours. The bus was air conditioned, showed a movie, and the ride was shorter than any we have taken so far. We were at the resort by 10 o'clock that morning. Because it was a little early for check in, we explored the resort and took a look in some of the gift shops that they had. Once getting the room keys, around noon, we headed to our rooms to find the best rooms we have stayed in yet. It had a king size bed, a living room area, a shower, and to top it off a huge bath tube. We were both really impressed with where we were.

After changing into our swim suits we grabbed a bite to eat and headed to the beach. White sandy beach with bright blue and turquoise water. It was a magnificent sight. We spent the rest of the day on the beach catching some rays and doing a bit of snorkeling. The water was clear and the ocean floor had all sorts of shells and other interesting things to look at. After having our fair share of sun and topless sun bathers we headed back to the room for a nice hot shower. While Claire did some relaxing, Rebbecca and I went to make dinner reservations for the next couple nights and then made a stop off at the gym for some exercise.

After our showers we took naps because we had good intentions of heading to the disco later that night to try out some of our newly learned Meringue and Salsa moves. This sounds easy enough but Claire is yet to be lively enough at that time of night, 11 o'clock, to have seen the inside of any disco. For dinner that night we headed to the buffet. It was the largest selection of food we have seen yet. You name it and they had it for dinner. After filling our already full stomachs, because you are never really hungry at an all inclusive place, we watched the show. It was a normal singing and dancing routine, cheesy as ever. Then it was dancing time. We finally made it to the disco. After some convincing by Claire we finally made it out to the floor and indeed put our lessons to good use.

The next day we again headed out to the beach and spent the day going back and forth between the pool and the beach. Not much different than any other resort day. Relax and read on the beach, snorkel or swim in the ocean to cool off, take a walk on the beach, nap on the beach, grab a bite to eat, take a dip in the pool, grab a Pina Colada or something at the pool bar, and repeat. It was a grooling day but we made it through. One of the things that made this resort a little different than others and another reason why we never seem to be truly hungry come meal time was the ice cream machines that were always up and going, the crepes place you could stop at anytime you wanted, the snack stand by the pool that was open all day, and the popcorn machine that ran throughout the night.

That night for dinner we had reservations at a Japanese restaurant that does the cooking on a grill right there in front of you. It was a fantastic meal. We tried a little of everything and weren't disappointed with any of it. Sushi for an appetizer, glass noodles with shrimp and fish, fried rice with beef and chicken, and then ginger cake for dessert. Claire and I both agreed that it was the best meal we have had since moving here to the D.R. After being rolled from the restaurant we again headed to the disco, yes for the second night in a row. We again danced the night away, or at least an hour or so before deciding that the sun had taken its toll.

The next morning, Claire and I headed to breakfast where were were quickly realizing that no matter what meal you ate at the buffet the selection was enormous. Again, you name the breakfast food and they had it. We were hoping to meet up with Rebbecca and Holly but when they didn't show up for breakfast we decided to head to the beach and wait there. Much like the daily grind as the day before, Claire and I took our places at the beach. After a couple hours we headed to the pool where we found Rebbecca for the first time. She informed us that her and Holly had gotten really sick the previous night and still weren't feeling well. For whatever reason, because we all had the same things to eat off the same grill, Claire and I felt fine. Rebbecca felt better, she was out on the beach for a good part of the day, but Holly on the other hand spent the entire day inside. We enjoyed the routine of the day before retiring back to the room to prepare for dinner reservation number two, a French restaurant.

The menu for that night had warm shrimp salad as an appetizer then grilled lobster, duck, or lamb ribs for a main dish, and then mousse, eclairs with chocolate fondue, or assorted fruit for dessert. Claire and I each chose the grilled lobster since neither of us have really ever had lobster before. Unfortunately it wasn't very good. Both Holly and Rebbecca told us that it wasn't cooked correctly and was more mushy than anything. I am not sure either of us would have loved it anyway since neither of us really like sea food that tastes really fishy. The meal wasn't a total loss as the salad and dessert were good and after all the snacks that we had had throughout the day we didn't have that big of an appetite to start with. It was a long day and the sun had once again done us in. We got a little burnt and after our late dinner we were ready to call it a night.

The next and final day was a half day. The girls were feeling better, not great, but well enough to hang out on the beach. We spent the little time we had left reading in the shade and enjoying the day. We left the hotel around 12:30 and after the normal waiting at the bus station, enduring the many stops along the way, a rough bus ride for Holly, and a taxi ride back from the bus station, we made it back to our apartment around 6. Claire and I had a fantastic time. Like I mentioned we would classify this as one of the best stops we have made in our time here on the island.

As always after a trip like this there are some more pictures on the picture page so go check them out.