Starting with day 1, we were 6 people in total to start in a pre-paid cab that picked us up one by one from each of our own houses. The plan was to fly from Gatwick at 12.40PM to Punta Cana, DR. Total flight hours - 7. Expecting there would be major rush at the airport, we got there three and a half hours prior to boarding, joined by two more friends at the airport accompanying us to the holiday. But apparently Gatwick does not get the same amount of rush as Heathrow. Everything went on smooth and quick, we all checked in our bags, got us some DR pesos and USDs and had a massive breakfast since everyone seemed to have been starving. Some enjoyed pre-holiday drinks and champagne just to get started. The journey felt quite short to be honest, we watched few movies, ate some, slept some, didn't feel weary at all.
When we arrived at Punta Cana, it was about 5PM there (DR is 4 hours behind GMT). Upon arrival the island was pretty much just as I had expected it to be, warm, fresh and welcoming, in short a tropical Paradise! Everything, from the weather, the flora, to the landscape, as well as the cheeriness of the people… it all felt like a dream.
After a couple of hours in to filling in forms, paying for the tourist cards and getting the passport stamped we were all collecting our bag when the almost too perfect moment turned into a nightmare when my luggage went missing. And yes, it was still missing for the first 8 days of my 10-days holiday visit. Yeah, that's just my luck… Oh well, the best thing that came out of the whole ordeal of my delayed luggage is that I learned how to survive on the least ;)
Despite the luggage mishap, it was indeed an exciting and refreshing getaway from months of miserable british rain and cold. Surprisingly, it was a lot like home back in India (although my mom did say I was going to a place that fell on exactly the same latitude as Assam). Naturally it was meant to have the same climatic conditions and vegetation, although the sea DOES make a whole lot of difference, the similarity was still uncanny… As if the two places had been hand-painted with the same colours… like being back home but on the other side of the globe!
The Grand Palladium Resort we were sent to was called "the palace", and true to its name it was indeed like one. There were welcome drinks, free drinks served throughout the day and till late night at the lobby (I'm in love with their Pina coladas!), a massive pool in the open with proper pool bar (open 9-7), and spacious individual en-suit rooms with jacuzzis. Most of us were in the same building that comprises of 8 rooms in all.
Food was served in abundance, there were three courses of all you can eat, served three times a day, in 100 different varieties of items. Fresh tropical fruits, delicious around-the-world cuisines, unlimited drinks, wednesday breakfast champagnes, and beach bbqs, need I say more? For a foodie like me, this was the ultimate winner. There were also many different restaurants with their own individual themes such as "meat fest" brazilian, japanese with show tables, mexican, steak house, oriental, etc. In 10 days of stay, we made the best of every restaurant that there was to try. I can certainly say that with surety :D
We also went to a disco in a natural cave, run by company called "Imagine". The splendours of the naturally formed wonder was astonishing. As much as I love grooving, the cave added the extra zang to this experience. And latin music, oh my, I think I have a new favourite genre added in my playlist.
…something groovy… at the cave disco
I also went on the crazy adventure of speed boat rides, natural pool, dolphin viewing and snorkelling… The trip to Catalina Island was one of the best part. The island is situated at the south eastern part of the country, on the caribbean sea and we can get to the nearest coast by bus in about 90 minutes. On the way there you can see acres of sugar cane farms. And farmers engaged in harvesting them. Agriculture is one of the primary sectors that boosts the DR economy, much like India. And the first modern sugarcane mill was built in the Dominican Republic in 1516. Hence, the history goes back way back between the two.
Once there on the coast, a ferry took everyone to the a spot where some of us snorkelled and those who can, dived down under water. I had the chance to snorkel there among the colourful fishes and observe the sea world underneath from the water surface. Then at the island we swam by the coast, had our lunch (bbqs and lobsters), and those who dove the 1st time went on a second dive while some of us basked in the sun.
| Basking in the sun in Catalina Island |
For the last days of the holiday, I signed up for open water diving course and am now a certified open water diver… yeah buddy!
In all, DR Rocks!!! If I have to rate it, I would give it 5 out of 5, and I am not even generous. Believe me when I say you will have the best experience ever.
I recommend!
Now, coming to the tips for your future plans, here are some definite dos and probable don'ts that might be useful...
Tip no. 1:
Always always always pack light, not because daddy taught me so but because DR is quite warm (or rather hot if you plan on going during summers), and you are never ever too far from the sea, also because that way you can carry all your things in a hand luggage ;)
For the holiday you would essentially require a pair of shorts, some vests, a summer dress or two, some bathing suits, bikinis for the babes, sun-tan lotions to puts it on it's skin, sandal thongs, sunglasses/shades, and if you like, a giant hat. That is enough to get you through a week, but if you are staying there for longer than a week you can add a few more tops, shorts and vests. I survived for 8 days on just two vests, one swim wear set, a pair of shorts, a playsuit, a pair of sandals, and two dresses which I bought at the resort store, plus the pair of trousers I was wearing the day I arrived. Trust me ladies, if you are one of those who pack a large suitcase for every holiday (just like me) you always end up not wearing half of the things you packed, sometimes even more.
So, keep it light and right.
Tip no. 2:
Do I even have to mention cameras???
It's your holiday, of course you want to cherish it forever. And cameras are the best and easiest way to capture the moments at it's best.
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| Oh little Mickey, he was beyond cute… <3 |
DR is famous for the Dominican macaws. These cheeky creatures are known to be immensely clever and are humongous compared to the common parrots. Capturing these beauties was a treat for me. I had left my camera in the room that day but luckily my phone has a decent camera so, nothing went a miss :).
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| Gorgeous macaws... Although be careful of those sharp beaks! |
Ah! and the sunrise as well as sunset, you do not get to see that very often in UK...
(f). Also, paintings: Lovely colourful paintings that depict the village life, simple yet powerful. I was in love with this particular one. These make excellent gifts too especially for someone who enjoys art. As a matter of fact I gifted one such painting to the lovely girl whose birthday fell during the holiday (lucky pig).
I would also like to mention their beer, "Presidente," the only beer I have ever liked. It is light and foamy… Never thought I would actually appreciate a beer this much :) A definite yes from someone who doesn't like to drink too much alcohol.
If you are at the sea, might as well just learn to dive ;)
As said by a friend and an experienced diver, "if you want to learn how to dive, this is the place to do so." And she didn't say it without any cause. Learning at a proper site is a far better experience as well as cheap than anywhere else. Caribbean sea and the atlantic ocean are vast and the visibility is very clear, this itself makes the diving experience better by 10 folds. Not to forget, learning here is way cheaper (almost £200) than at UK.
Back at UK, you have many diving centres but the experience is not the same because (a). the whether, frankly, suck! (b). the visibility in the murky waters of english coasts are as good as looking for something in the dark and (c). Most importantly, it costs a fortune for practically nothing...
Oh and did I mention learning in DR was wayyyyyy cheaper? (he he, sorry, I am still a student so money matters A LOT.)
Do not buy gifts from the street vendors, especially cigars since you might never know what is in them. Also, it is best to carry USD to the shopping centres, malls, resort shops and also paying for facilities and events such as diving, road trips, discos, etc. because the exchange rate is pretty bad when you pay in pesos. Also, do keep spare changes as people love tips. I think that's these are the only "don'ts" I can think of or remember.
I'll be honest, DR wasn't expensive but it wasn't particularly cheap either. A student like me would definitely feel a bit on leash. This could be partly because DR's economy is dependent on tourism and people who go there for holidays are generally well to do people from first world countries.
| It's the best time of the day when the breeze is cool and the colours all sublime... |
Tip no 3:
As I said before, the best souvenir from a lovely place are it's sweet memories. But for most it does not suffice, me included. Also, we have family members who appreciate the little gestures of bringing gifts for them from an away land as it signifies that they were in our thoughts. So, the best souvenirs that you can get for your friends and family from DR are:
(a). Santo Domingo coffee: renowned to be the third best coffee in the world after Brazil & Colombia.
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| …and you don't even have to rummage through cat poop to make it :P |
(b). Stefilia's stone - Larimar: Dominican Republic's national gemstone, the only place in the world where this blue stone is found.
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| Lovely for wedding presents too... |
(c). Mamajuana: nope, it is not related to the other type of -juana. This is what's called the Dominican "Viagra," a local medicinal drink that contains rum, wine, honey & mixed herbs.
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| …this is probably too good a wish come true for some... |
(d). Faceless dolls: traditional and artistic for some, slightly creepy for most. These ceramic dolls are usually made from red clay and are said to depict Dominican country life.
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| They are colourful, cheery and, in my opinion, rather cute. |
(e). Cigars: no DR holiday is complete without these babies… DR is the leading manufacturer of Hand Rolled cigars. They come in all sorts of sizes and flavours! Awesome gifts for gents and ladies alike...
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| …and are quite cheap too. |
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| …Such colours, much skill… Very lovely! |
I would also like to mention their beer, "Presidente," the only beer I have ever liked. It is light and foamy… Never thought I would actually appreciate a beer this much :) A definite yes from someone who doesn't like to drink too much alcohol.
Tip no. 4:
If you are at the sea, might as well just learn to dive ;)
As said by a friend and an experienced diver, "if you want to learn how to dive, this is the place to do so." And she didn't say it without any cause. Learning at a proper site is a far better experience as well as cheap than anywhere else. Caribbean sea and the atlantic ocean are vast and the visibility is very clear, this itself makes the diving experience better by 10 folds. Not to forget, learning here is way cheaper (almost £200) than at UK.
Back at UK, you have many diving centres but the experience is not the same because (a). the whether, frankly, suck! (b). the visibility in the murky waters of english coasts are as good as looking for something in the dark and (c). Most importantly, it costs a fortune for practically nothing...
Oh and did I mention learning in DR was wayyyyyy cheaper? (he he, sorry, I am still a student so money matters A LOT.)
Tip no. 5:
Do not buy gifts from the street vendors, especially cigars since you might never know what is in them. Also, it is best to carry USD to the shopping centres, malls, resort shops and also paying for facilities and events such as diving, road trips, discos, etc. because the exchange rate is pretty bad when you pay in pesos. Also, do keep spare changes as people love tips. I think that's these are the only "don'ts" I can think of or remember.
I'll be honest, DR wasn't expensive but it wasn't particularly cheap either. A student like me would definitely feel a bit on leash. This could be partly because DR's economy is dependent on tourism and people who go there for holidays are generally well to do people from first world countries.
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| Sip your pina colada and enjoy... |
DR is truly a place to be at least once in your life if you haven't already been to a similar tropical place. For me, although I have lived by the sea for majority of my still young life, this is the first time I have seen a new side of the world. There were water activities, breathtaking views, groovy latin-spanish music every night (and turns out I really enjoy them), unlimited supply of pina colada (only in the resort of course :p), even witnessed a few weddings by the sea. Oh that'd be my dream wedding too.
Given a chance I will go there again, and again, and again every year. Here is to the dreams and possibilities… Until next time,
¡Salud!
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