My Tale from the Dominican Republic

All in all mission was accomplished. We spent some quality time with our friend Kim from South Bend, My sister and I did not kill each other...probably thanks to Kim, and we got a few days to rest and relax. Of course there really is not too much to do in the DR as they call it. So happy about that to begin with. No extreme sports to occupy my time this trip. We got an awesome deal ($700 for 6 days) so we did do a few other things. The resort was all inclusive which in my opinion is sort of like a cruise in that the food is not what the whole trip is really about so load up on the things you like. Plus I was a little worried to eat some things I normally love due to the water and all. As a whole the food was edible but nothing was outstanding. Did not bother us too much. We ate out at a little place down on the beach we had heard about which had wonderful steaks and burgers. They also have these things they call "Dumptruck Potaotes" the boil little potatoes and then smash them a little and then fry them. They were yummy!


The Second day we did go on a day trip to a little private island via a yacht and had a nice lunch on another island and then we went bananna boating. Whoo Hoo. I actually went and it was fine. The second boat turned over 3 times. We did not. The private Island was absolutely georgeous! I would love to stay there a week or more but they just had a little hut and some cold drinks. Not facilities as you will and luckily I didn't need one. Kim sadly got sick on the way back to the resort from the food mixed with a bumpy bus ride home.


The next day we went to the Ocean Wold which was fine but just a Big Lots version of Sea World in my opinion. Beth did get to swim with the dolphins which she loved...so for the most part it was worth it too.


On day 3 we just sat around by the pool and did nothing which was wonderful. They had 7 pools and we could have our pick any place we wanted to be for the most part. Very few people around and only a few kids. We all tried out the slide. My limit on extreme sports for this trip. Beth and Kim got so tickled on it I thought one of them was going to lose it.
Hope you will enjoy the pictures.

No, I did not perish in the fire.

So sorry blog reader...yes singular. I will have to post some photos and journal about my trip to the Dominican...Fantastico!
So on the morning of April 16 I was awake but just barely when I heard the fire alarm going off. I look out in the hall...nothing, look out my window...nothing. So I jump in the shower to get ready for work. As I am exiting the shower with my alarm still sounding I do smell a bit of smoke. So I towel off throw on my clothes from last night, put my hair in a ponytail still wet and grab #1. my purse containing my passport, #2. the sacred church needledpoint we have been slaving over for over a year now and head out to find Mimi. She is waiting for me when I come out and we proceed to the lobby of our building. Well, the smoke has cleared and the fire is almost all the way out but since it is a big building with some businesses as well they sounded a code 5 which means every station in a 10 mile radius responds. I counted about 20 fire trucks and 7 other emergency vehicles. We sat around outside for over an hour and then we were given the all clear. Mimi and I sat in the lobby and watched all the firemen come and go. Not a bad way to start the day I must say. I then had to call into my office and tell them we had a fire and I would be in late. "What's new" they replied. See, I'm not usually a tardy individual...ok...maybe a little, but only where work is concerned. The problem is that on Thursday of the previous week our water was shut off due to a broken line about 3 miles away from me. I get up and no water. Of course I could not go to work without a shower. Then on Friday...the next day...A tree fell over our driveway and we were all stuck in the parking garage until 10:30a.m. So when I called them about the fire I know they were questioning whether I should even come in at all, as was I. As you can see from the picture it was not a serious fire and it was far away from me but still you never know. It was on the news and in the paper and everything so it was sort of a big deal. It was caused by an extention cord which I have all over my place. Trust me I unplugged them all before I left for the Dominican.