The Dominican Republic is a pretty complex place, and gave us all much to mull over. The obvious disparity and economic gap between the affluent and impoverished felt immense. I can't help but think that the tourism dollar of visitors represents opportunity and stability for some, while met with the same level of disdain and intrusion by others. I think getting off resort is a must and helped inform our "feel" for the Dominican people.

Citizenry: The Dominican has many layers of cultural influence, best discovered through looking at the entire "Hispaniola Island" history. From the Taino (aboriginal) inhabitants torn apart by the Spanish invasion, to French colonialism in Haiti and the African slave trade, the DR has a complicated history. It's a story marred with violence and exploitation. We, during our stay, encountered customer service folks lucky enough to be working and garnishing tips in the tourism industry, who were very obliging and went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed and were comfortable. Most were super friendly and many spoke multiple languages. Off resort, it seemed to us as though they had little in regards to possession, but were outwardly content and comfortable in their existence. Very entrepreneurial in spirit, and visitors like us surely must have represented livelihood.

Planning: By the time we departed the vast majority was planned for and paid in full. We purchased our resort package in January so the flights, accommodations and sustenance were finito!!! We purchased (in cash) excursions from Sunwing the day after arrival, bringing a fair bit of US cash with us. Our buck was worth (on the average) around .90 cents American during the span of the week. Didn't touch Canadian currency the entire trip!

I'd like to break this out into the following visuals...

• We saw... palm trees, mountains and valleys, a coral reef, fluffy white sand, dogs laying down on the curbs and streetside, piña coladas, classic cars, buildings in disrepair and "For Sale" signs, motorcycles, braces on teeth, smokers, sunburns/tans, rum, sugar cane fields, cocoa plants and cigars...
• We didn't see... snow or rain, Tim Horton's, neither Canadian Dollars nor Dominican Pesos

What's it speakin' for? The weather was sublime. The daily breeze from the ocean was perfect. Daily temperatures were consistently around 28-30 Celsius with a reliance AC for cooler pillows overnight. Except for the excellent example of the humidity in Santo Domingo, we were continuously comfortable. We heard one rain that occured overnight ... or snow for that matter!!!

Food: We got along all too well at the Bavaro Princess. There was lots to pick from and we managed our five eaters very well in regards to narrowing of favorites and experimenting in new dishes. Breakfasts couldn't have been better... with the noted exception of North American tasting coffee. Lunch and dinner always had multiple choices or one could just grab a fresh salad for something lighter. Desserts were definitely a hit... everyone liking the banana/pineapple/coconut (almost like piña coladas) flavours. We ate a la carte twice as well... and we enjoyed the change in venue. No complaints from me!

Transportation: We accessed plane, tour bus, speed boat, safari vehicle, kayak, resort buggies, catamaran... and saw some of the most carefree driving we've ever been privy to. I do not recommend car rental here... just the plain old paying for someone else transport you is a must. That being said, great new highway from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo which makes that drive a treat!