Hi, my name is Tracy and I'm a Dominican Republic-oholic :)

Tracy · #1 11-10-2004, 05:50 PM

My first trip to the Dominican Republic was to Punta Cana in August of 2003.
It was after that trip that I found DR 1.

I am a Travel Agent in Indiana and had been getting more request for the destination, so I took a FAM to Punta Cana to better sell the destination.
I went not knowing what to expect, but my first words to my sister in law who picked me up at the airport on my return were "this is the best and worst day of my life" and "I feel more like I left my home than returning to it."
I stayed at the Paradisus and thought the grounds and the beach were best of any all inclusive I had ever stayed. The arrival day and next morning I did have a few minor issues and frustration to deal with but I do not dwell on those things. I did the day trip to Saona Island and the Monster Truck Safari.
Anywhere I go I always do the tours, so I have been on several island tours. But the Monster Truck Safari was the best tour I had ever been on. Our guide did a very good job and his sense of humor made the day so much fun. The beach at the Paradisus and the Saona Island were great, but I fell in love with the countryside and the mountains. When you do go to an all inclusive, please get out and see the country. You just don't know how much you are missing by staying inside the resorts. The recent pictures in the media gallery of the mountains, Saona Island and the resort flamingos are mine.

I just recently returned from my 4th trip to the Dominican Rep. This time I stayed at the Hamaca in Boca Chica and have more great pictures to share of the Colonial Zone and the resort. When with my friend in Santo Domingo, I have learned that there is another language to be learned with all the different hand signals used while driving. There is no way I'd ever want to drive there! I don't know how many times my nails had to be removed from my friends leg or how many times my invisible brake failed me. It never worked when I tried using it, which I did several times.

I am already planning my 5th trip to come, but this time with my 2 sons. I can't wait to see it from their eyes. I told them about the Colonial Zone,
but they were more interested in the story of my friends 92 year old grandfather out working on a car.

With DR 1 I have learned soooooooo much in a year. Mainly to take off those rose colored glasses after that first visit. I did that, and I do see things different. I know more of the daily struggles of life there but I still feel the same.

Just a little of my story....
Tracy

stormer · #2 11-10-2004, 11:59 PM

This a great trip report!! Thank you..............

Chareena · #3 11-11-2004, 03:22 AM

Very nice post. Enjoyed reading it. I know exactly what this feeling "I feel more like I left my home than returning to it" is like. There are many of us who feels the same way.

Jimmydr · #4 11-11-2004, 09:36 AM

Next week will be trip #29 for me.

stormer · #5 11-11-2004, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chareena

Very nice post. Enjoyed reading it. I know exactly what this feeling "I feel more like I left my home than returning to it" is like. There are many of us who feels the same way.

Glad you can relate, that is also how I feel, that it is like home! I am for surely making a trip down this winter. Can't wait.......

Musicqueen · #6 11-11-2004, 02:50 PM

an extra $5.99 a month to Comcast in order to get the Latino package...for sports and also to be able to watch...Super Canal Caribe.....

All day programming from DR!!!

I love Chevere Nights with Milagro, De Abigail a Abigail, and El Poder de las 12!

That man cracks me up! Does he really have to scream like that???

But he has some of the best Dominican bands in the show!!!

And the little bits they do on DR...showing different sights of the Island...oh, it's great!

Almost like being there! I feel closer to DR than even to Uruguay!

Is that like a 'vende patria'???

puppylove · #7 01-02-2005, 11:05 AM

Tracy, this was an excellent post. I too have fallen in love with the DR and its people. We will be there on our 4th trip in February... The first three visits were to Puerta Plata, but this time we are trying Punta Cana.
We have already decided one day to retire to this beautiful country. Last year we actuall started looking at property...

Thanks for sharing!

Escott · #8 01-02-2005, 12:53 PM

You were not very addicted. After my second trip I started planning living here. Had my permanent residency and drivers license before I took the final plunge. I have been here for almost 2 years I think but who knows.

This country is truly addictive. The thing that really got me was the differences when traveling around the country which amazed me and to this day fail to believe I live on an Island. You go from Desert to lush tropical to snow and ice to the bread basket of the island.

Is this a cool place or what? It just about outweighs the problems

Thanks for the report, it was interesting and fun to read.

Escott

Keith&Cris · #9 01-02-2005, 10:18 PM

Thoroughly enjoyed reading your post, Tracy. Thank you!

stallion · #10 01-03-2005, 12:14 AM

Hi tracy,

You are not alone, I believe everyone on the forum is in love with the island.
On my first trip I have already made my decision to retire in the DR. I have been going back since, and currently awaiting trip #33. Good luck to you and your kids.