Tuesday night we unfortunately returned back to reality and 10 degree temps from gorgeous 80 degree weather with views of turquoise water and sandy beaches! Thankfully all our flights went smoothly despite airline delays the week before. Originally I felt guilty about going on this trip to the Dominican where there are so many poverty stricken areas and being on the same island as Haiti my heart was torn. I shared this feeling with a co-worker at Assure and she really helped me put it in perspective by saying "Oh don't feel guilty when God gives you those blessings." Being able to share in Kyle and Dacey's wedding was such neat experience and to be there for their vows on the beach as they start their life together was amazing! I am always blown away by the loyalty and dedication to friendship that Alex has displayed over the years to his friends.
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Alex and Kyle right before the Wedding |
Thursday // Arrived at the resort early evening. Checked out the beach for the first time. Hung out in the Lobby bar area with the majority of the wedding group while sipping on cocktails.
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Finally the beach after 5 hours of flying! |
Friday // Woke up early to get spots poolside. Swam in the ocean and talked to a guy that was wind surfing. Alex & Kyle played water polo with a group from the resort (Their team won of course) Played "Domino Diving" contest. My teammate and I collected 27 sunken dominoes in 1 minute ( all those years teaching kids swimming lessons really paid off :)) Ate at the Mexican Restaurant and had strawberry tequila shots for dessert. Alex and I checked out the piano bar in the lobby.
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Domino Diving |
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The "CC" group waiting for the rest of the party. |
Saturday // Wedding Day! Kyle knocked on our door to make sure we were waking up! We quick grabbed something at the buffet and made sure Cody (The Best Man) was where he was supposed to be and on time ;) The wedding started at 11:00 am as Dacey's dad, Sam, walked her down the aisle. The ceremony was done in Spanish (since that is the national language of DR) and translated for us. After a quick set of "I Do's" it was time for champagne, Gangnam Style Music and a lot of pictures with the beautiful backdrop of the ocean! That night we had the wedding dinner at the Italian restaurant and I filled up on waaayyy too much of the delicious chocolate/pudding filled wedding cake!
Sunday // Relaxing day spent poolside and Cody, Alex and I walked the coastline the the west of our resort. We had views of parasailers, sailboats and even some couples wearing matching swimsuits :) We walked about 3 miles and Cody and I even showed off our gymnastic skills on the beach.
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C.C. - Our group name :) |
Monday // Day filled with adventure. Alex, Cody and I went on a 4 hour boat ride along the coast to go snorkeling, swimming with stingrays and sharks and chilling in a natural pool far west of our resort. Unfortunately I don't have 'proof' with pictures of us with the sharks and stingrays but it was a way cool experience! We took shots of Mama-Wana (the National drink of the DR) and soaked up every moment of our last day in paradise! That night we had dinner on the beach at the seafood restaurant with Kyle, Dacey, Kendra, Jen, and Cody.
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Ready for our Adventure - Hoping we come back with all our limbs! |
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Huge plate of Lobster |