Dominican Republic Part 3... Las Terranas

June 27, 2014 we left beautiful Puerto Plata and headed toward our next adventure, Las Terranas.  On our way there we drove through La Vega where Travis tried to meet up with a former mission companion.  Unfortunately he was working so we were not able to see him.

Of course we managed to get lost... again.  We found Las Terranas after dark that night.  Thank goodness for answered prayers and strangers who are willing to give directions!

 

 One of the many crazy things you see on the roads in the DR.

 Our loft in Las Terranas.  It was SO hot in our room!  Our first night was miserable. 

 

 Las Terranas is gorgeous!  Definitely my favorite place on the island.

 The view from our balcony... Yes, basically Heaven on Earth.

 This is me melting.  We spent the morning wandering shops and I got sick, really sick.  I think the food got to me and then the heat.  It didn't help that our room was just as hot.

 We made a 4th, yes 4th, request to have our air conditioner fixed and then left for a drive while waiting for the repair man.

We found some great paintings, and ended up buying 3.  We also stopped for a Dominican avocado, delicious!  We ate it on some bread with a little bit of salt.  I could eat that every day and not get sick of it.

 When we got back to the hotel the repair man was still working in our room, so we made ourselves comfortable by the pool

 

 Finally our air conditioner was fixed (hallelujah!) and we hit the beach.  We took our snorkeling gear with us and while I napped on the beach Travis snorkeled.  He loved it in the ocean and stayed for hours.

 For dinner that night we ate at the restaurant right next to the hotel.  We got a complimentary appetizer that, despite the tomatoes, was delicious.  I, of course, ordered La Bandera and enjoyed every bite!

 June 29th was another relaxing day.  We spent more time at the beach snorkeling, wandered the shops a bit more, ate another delicious dinner of La Bandera, and then took a nice hour long walk along the beach.  I have never seen a more beautiful and peaceful place.  I did not want to leave.

 

 Examples of some of the houses in the Dominican Republic.  I always come home far more grateful for what I have.

 

Absolute perfection.  I highly recommend a visit to Las Terranas!



Part 2 Dominican Republic: Puerto Plata

June 23, 2014 was time to continue our adventure in a different part of the island.  We decided that on this trip we would visit places that were new to both of us, so we made our way north.  Now, because Travis hadn't been to Puerto Plata before we were relying on Google Map directions.  Life in the DR is a little different.  Street signs seem to be a luxury that we take for granted in the States and it made finding our resort quite challenging.  We got lost.  After a few extra turns and lots of silent prayers in my head Travis was able to ask for directions and we found it.  I was grateful to have gotten there before dark.  Street lights are also a thing I learned to appreciate much more.

One of the things I love the very most about my Dominican friends is all the fresh fruit they provide, some I've never seen before in my life.  As we were making our way toward Puerto Plata Travis slammed on the brakes and pulled over.  He had seen the fruit he missed the most.  I can't remember the exact name of the fruit, and I honestly wasn't terribly fond of it, but Travis' heart sure was happy with this small fruit.

 When we arrived at the Barceló Resort in Puerto Plata we were surprised to find out that it was an all-inclusive resort (no, we don't really read all the information thoroughly).  All 3 meals were included, there was entertainment each night, a beautiful pool, and a private beach.  All of that made for the perfect week of relaxation.  It took us a couple days to feel at peace with doing nothing while on vacation.  We are so busy at home with work and social life that we had a hard time being ok with simply relaxing and not constantly being on the go.  Our only complaint with this resort was all the people on the beach trying to sell us things.  Hey!  Just leave me alone to work on my tan!

 This is our beach at Puerto Plata.

 

June 24, 2014 we hopped in the car and set off to explore.  As we entered Puerto Plata the day before we had noticed a statue on a rock out in the water and we wanted to know more about that.  We headed toward Malecon and walked along the street.  We decided the statue was Poseidon, although there was absolutely nothing there to tell us what it was.  It was a beautiful day with a gorgeous view.  SO LUCKY to be there!

The best part of the whole trip was having Travis with me 24/7.  At home we are both so busy and he works so much that I often find myself missing him.  I loved having to undivided attention for 2 solid weeks.  It was fun to see him relax and listen to all of his mission stories.  He loves this country and its people so much and that love is contagious.  I am so blessed to have been able to share all of this with him twice now.

 



 June 25, 2014 we landed on the beach for awhile.  Don't mind the smoke in the background... it really is a beautiful beach.

 June 26, 2014 we set out to explore again.  Travis had read about a fort and wanted to visit.  This is Fort San Felipe of Puerto Plata.  We were able to have headphones to explain all the things we were looking at.  I loved the view the most.

That evening we went for a walk on the beach.  I cannot get over how handsome The Husband is, seriously!  The beach is like a scene from a movie and I was so in love with the quiet peace that was there.  When we made our way back to the resort I sat out on our balcony which overlooked the stage and watched the show for the night.  It was a Love Show and the 4 couples they called up on stage were so funny and I found myself giggling to myself as I watched.  We loved Puerto Plata and were grateful for the time we were able to spend there relaxing and enjoying some exploration.