We're back!

Wow... after 7 days of not thinking and basically being complete slugs, it's tough to adjust to doing "normal" things (grocery shopping, paying bills, etc.) It's so nice to be back home though and being away really makes you appreciate stuff when you get back. I'm so freakin happy to be around our little furry children AND I think my stomach is relieved to be enjoying some standard fare. We both were very smart and stayed out of the hot Dominican sun during peak hours, but we are TAAANNNN!!! Here are some pictures if you haven't seen them yet http://www.flickr.com/photos/jlhcrawford/sets/72157620784973167/

Our days consisted of grabbing chairs under an umbrella early in the morning and then eating breakfast at the World Cafe (buffet type restaurant with ANYTHING your little heart desires). We'd jump in the pool, grab some drinks from the swim up bar and relax (occasionally hopping into the clear blue ocean to swim with some fishies). A shower and a nap would usually follow and then we'd go and explore one of the5-6 restaurants in the resort. Billy's drink of choice was rum & coke and I enjoyed some great spicy Bloody Marys (I learned that you shouldn't drink more than one, unless you want to get sick later!). On a few nights, local craftsmen would come in and set up shop to sell their wares (I got a Larimar-gem of Dominican- pendant after some tough bargaining) and there were some spectacular shows in the convention hall. Lots of talented women in thongs doing high kicks in heels, dressed in some crazy elaborate garb. Oh, and there was a casino... We spent a lot of time goofing around on the video poker/slot machines. Sadly, we're not millionaires :) Surprisingly, our favorite restaurant turned out to be Bordeaux (French cuisine), Chateaubriand, Baked Grouper, Creme Brulee... yummy!

The people that worked in the resort were so friendly and accommodating! Many think this type of place exploits the native culture of the country, and I have to disagree. The people we interacted with were so proud to show us how they lived, talked, ate, drank, etc. It is a beautiful country and I would love to go back - SOON!

It was a lovely, relaxing vacation that we both deserved!