Early rise... Janie and I got a walkabout in between 6 and 7 am. We did some investigating to locate the eateries, pool, etc. Also took a crack at nabbing some sunrise photos but a bank of clouds along the water left that subdued. We'd hoped to get a coffee but nothing really up and running until 7:00 am. I did manage a wireless signal at the Platinum Lounge and touched base with the folks at home!

All hands were on the move by 7:30 and we had breakfast looking out over Bavaro Beach. All the breakfast trimmings on deck... Fruits and yogurt, breads, meats, omelettes ready made and all the North American favourites. Lots of coffee too (bit rough but drinkable)! This day was about set up for the rest of the week, making the necessary arrangements to have a few days off resort to provide balance. Janie and I had a Sunwing meeting scheduled for 10:00 am so we got the rest of the gang settled oceanside, then trotted off to scope out potential excursions. Got the full Sunwing sales pitch softened slightly by the Piña Colada, then Mama Juana (a drink from the Dominican Republic that is concocted by allowing rum, red wine, and honey to soak in a bottle with tree bark and herbs) as it was a two drink session. Levelled the playing field nicely...

So... We purchased a couple of excursions that we thought would add some flavour to the week, then back to the hacienda for a looksie at the rest of the day. Left us, however, in a bit of a pickle. Before departure, we had engaged Punta Cana Mike to do a day... But his Wednesday only offering clashed directly with our desire to see Santo Domingo (only day from our resort). Reluctantly, we had to cancel. Not sure that he was happy about that and gave it to us a bit. Any way, movin' on!

The afternoon was utter relaxation mixed between a few drinks, seaside flirtations with the Caribbean Sea and noodling online, to catch up on the news! Interesting mix of Latin American, European and North American touristas! Made contact via message to Scott who was also in the DR with family as well as touched base with home. Got used to having the wi-Fi connection at the Platinum Lounge... handy as we had no such luxury in Cuba!