So, Monday... bright and early after a cleansing overnight rain and perfect breakfast, we set out via an open windowed 24 seat safari vehicle towards a half day prowl about the local area. The tour proved an interesting mix of cultural / activity based learning.

We went into lift off at 8:00 am, and were the first on board. We did lose some time loading passengers from other resorts on, but it was kind of fun to see the variety of offerings from Riu, to Iberostar, to even a Hard Rock! We quickly became acquainted with a different driving culture as well. There were helmet-less motorcyclists, vehicles stopping mid-roadway for conversations, passing on either side of our safari rig, and general negation of any rules of the road. We had quite an introduction to DR road travel.

Our guide, "Uncle Kenny", rolled things out very nicely, and was more than knowledgeable about the region. Pretty funny too... The kids took to him right away. After a short stop at a one room school house (where Janie and Monica dropped off some school supplies) the bulk of the tour consisted of a visit to a local family's plantation. The space was nicely set up with a series of trails that link demonstrations of plantation life. We saw coffee beans, sugar cane, cocoa plants, vanilla, tobacco leaves, pineapples and royal palms. There was tasting and smelling, grinding and smoking, stories and samples... Lots going on. I'm guessing that one could grow just about anything in this landscape.

When we finished at the plantation, all hands were trekked to Macao Beach where all were invited to go "boogie" boarding. Essentially, it was wading out in the surf, waiting for a good wave and riding it out on a small board towards shore. I was curious that the activity was dropped in the tour, as we had an older group... The water time seemed a bit out of place, but my gang loved it. Guide was excellent with the kids, taking time in the water with Peter and Monica to make sure they got the hang of it. Then, after refreshments, it was all hands back for the journey home. All in all, worth it for us! The kids had a great time.

As with Cuba, there lies a striking contrast between on and off resort. The excesses of luxury in accommodation, food and drink are paralleled by a people with very little in regards to possession, education or income. The tin and palm shanties scatter the garbage lined rural routes with an air of lawlessness. Not sure that much tax dollar, from what seems a substantial tourist economy, is making its way back in either infrastructure or wage to the inhabitants of this island. Certainly some people are pitting their fortunes on that occurring - hopefully in the near future.

We arrived back at roughly 2:00 PM in time for lunch. Everyone did something a little different in the PM. Janie and Monica hit the salt water, Eileen took her sewing out at the Platinum lounge, Peter and I got some time online and I even wedged an afternoon nap into the mix. We invited ourselves to supper at an a la carte restaurant, for Russian cuisine. Chicken Kiev, beef, veggies and lots of vino! We capped off the evening with a big con flab on the deck and a bottle of the pineapple wine we had purchased on the day's tour! A wonderful treat in our paradise!