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Places Visited: Bayahibe, Santo Domingo
In planning our first real vacation away together (outside of Canada and the U.S.), we were young and strapped for money. We had seen some all-ilnclusive packages and were deciding on the Dominican Republic, Cuba or Mexico. After much discussion with family and friends and their own experiences, we opted for La Republica Dominicana.
February 2000
For our first time in the Caribbean, Amhsa Casa Del Mar was PARADISE; abundant in food, long stretches of sandy white beach, and water and beach activities to exhaust you. It was no wonder our motto became "This is the life!" I don't think I ever lay around doing nothing all day but sun tanning in my entire life!
Luckily for us we got to spend Valentine's Day in paradise. The resort was hosting a special evening at the terrace restaurant followed by a Valentine's show. Each night the animators put on a show to entertain the guests.
A few months before our trip we had bought a point and shoot 35mm camera. However on our fourth day we were taking pictures by the hotel and during a pass off, the camera slipped ouf of our hands and crashed to the ground. It was our biggest fear come true as the next day we were planning to tour Santo Domingo. We ended up purchasing a disposable camera at the gift shop but the quality of our photographs in our photo album diminishes half way. Lesson learned: ensure someone says "got it" before you let the camera go.
Our passion for latin dancing begins...
The origin of merengue is believed to be from the Dominican Republic. After our first try at it we became hooked on latin dancing to this day. Hearing the rhythm of the music, you can't help but move your feet.
Santo Domingo "The birthplace of the Americas"...
During our stay we made it a point to book an excursion to Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. It is the oldest occupied town in the Americas and sometimes referred to as the "birthplace of the Americas" given that the first cathedral, first fort, first hospital, and first university dating back to the 16th century are located here.
The colonial city had beautiful Spanish architecture dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. We were fascinated by the underground lakes called the Tres Ojos, the Christopher Columbus Monument in the shape of a cross, and the house of Christopher Columbus' son Diego.
As our vacation winded down and we were slowing settling back to life back home, depression set in. It was the dead of winter and people everywhere were pale and bundled up trying to survive the harsh Canadian weather. I was unhappy at my current job. I felt my life was stagnant. It was clearly depressing.
We couldn't wait for our next vacation!
