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MommaK Goes To The Dominican Republic, Pt. 2

By Jane Goodwin | April 27, 2007

When last we heard from MommaK, she and her husband had been joined by their two daughters, freshly sprung from the Club Med Kid’s Club. Their Dominican Republic adventure continues, today:

"So what did we do? We ate - a lot. We snorkeled, swam, played in the sand, walked, talked, and ate some more. By mid-week my clan was tiring of our simple schedule (not me - I am a born and bred beach bum- so we signed up for two excursions for the following days.

Thursday, we went to Manati Park in Bavaro. This was like no zoo I had ever been to. Talk about hands-on - as soon as we paid our admission and walked through the turnstile, we each had either a parrot on our head or a snake placed around our neck while they took our picture. It was quite a production.

First off, the kids got to swim with the dolphins. It was the coolest thing ever.

Following that adventure, there was a dolphin and sea lion show. It was really entertaining. I think my husband and I enjoyed it more than the kids. Funny how that happens, huh?

Next stop was a walk with the iguanas.
It was crazy to take a walk through their home. The little guys were everywhere. . . kind of like the deer are here - except they don’t run as fast.

Following a good hand-washing, a parrot show, and hearty lunch of pizza and El Presidente beer (I now LOVE this beer), it was time for the final event: the horse show.

Yup, there I am. . . they picked me from the audience to participate in the show. I had no idea what they were going to have me do and since there was a slight language barrier, I really was flying - or riding- blind.

The guy had me get on this little horse/pony (I have no idea) without a saddle and without reins. He motioned for me to hold on to the mane and then started us running. . . or galloping. I have to tell you that I really thought I was going to fall off. My thighs have never squeezed so hard in all of my life. I think the only thing that kept me on was my fear of having to be taken to the hospital out there in the. . . jungle. No, thank you!

The last full day, Friday, we went on a shopping excursion. . . . the bus took us to an outdoor plaza where there were many shops and restaurants and said to meet back in 3 hours. On most days, that wouldn’t be enough time to buy a good pair of shoes. . . ."

MommaK went on to relate her adventures with Dominican Republic shopping. This is quite different from American shopping, and many Americans are somewhat put off by the Dominican style of customer service, which pretty much entails the salespeople standing in the doorways shouting at the customers to come in and buy something. Americans, who are used to being left alone while shopping to the point that’s hard to even find someone to pay when we’re finished, will occasionally find the aggressive sales tactics unnerving. That’s just the way it is in the Dominican Republic, though, so if you are seeking actual local shopping sites, be prepared to experience the actual local shopping procedures.

MommaK, I thank you for allowing us to share in your family’s Dominican Republic vacation. I’m glad you all had such a great time. I’m lost in envy of your experience.

And how did it all end for MommaK and her family? Let’s ask her.

"The next day we headed back to freezing Virginia well-rested and golden brown. The end."

Sphere It

Topics: Friends and Family, Culture, Travel / Relocation, Lifestyle, Destinations, Retirement Overseas |

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