After a quiet Friday at SAJS, the family packed the car and departed at 3:30 PM... Believe it or not with sunny skies and 3 degrees. With an early Saturday flight out of Moncton we decided on overnighting near the airport. We picked up our star guest, Eileen, in Amherst and got checked in and hit the hay knowing it was to be an early rise.

In the airport at 5:30 am and all checked in and through security by 6:30 am. Kind of a sluggish process getting through... Had us filling out (by hand) pieces of paper with boarding/passport information. Seemed redundant but no one wants to question airport policy anymore! We watched the fog dissipate and boarded normally. The flight left about 15 mins late (de-icing) and made a direct line for Massachusetts. We had a great view of Cape Cod/Martha's Vineyard out my side of the plane. Then out to sea, with the next piece of land being the Dominican Republic. Sunny skies all the way, with only several bouts of turbulence.

Landed close to on time at Punta Cana International... A balmy 32 degrees. All in all, we spent roughly an hour paying our fees, going through customs, finding luggage and making our way to the transfer. The airport was an attraction of sorts on its own. The palm leaf roof, the giant ceiling fans, and wall to wall people provided a bit of a culture shock. Our bus was sitting at the very back of a stinking hot parking lot but there were lots of friendly people ready to direct us to the location. Quick drive to the Bavaro Princess, taking about 25 minutes max. Bavaro Princess first impressions were; large, lots of birds, foliage established, shaped like the seigneurship land grants in Quebec (deep with a slice of water frontage), and an international gathering with languages from all over.

We were picked up and taken to the Platinum Check in... Very close to the beach area with pretty fancy rooms. Each had a King size bed, jacuzzi, sprawling bathroom, few bottles of "refreshments" and lots of AC. We got settled very quickly, with Eileen's room next door having an extra bed set up for Peter. Great location near the Platinum Lounge where we could grab the odd ale and wireless signal. Liked the Presidente... Great when cold!

We made our way by foot to the main buffet and hung out prior to supper. Lots of birds on the grounds... Peacocks doing their thing for sure! We enjoyed a few ales before the staff applauded us (must be a tradition at this resort) as we entered for a gorgeous supper with too many things to pick from. I'm guessing morning walks will be in order every day to try and stay ahead of the buffet! Shades of Hansel & Gretel trying to walk home. We headed back, thinking we were on target only to find ourselves walking full circle back to the buffet... On our second attempt we hit the mark, found our way home, and all hands were quickly in the bunk after a big travel day... Great start.