So we arrived in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, midday Friday after departing LAX at 1:00 a.m. Excited but exhausted from flying all night, we hopped in a van for the 45-minute ride to our destination, Casa de Campo in La Romana. Just. In. Time. For. A TROPICAL DEPRESSION! That was three days ago, and we’ve yet to step foot on the beach.
Nor have we experienced most of the other activities this amazing place offers its guests. Horseback riding, skeet shooting, paddle boarding and kayaking, to name just a few.
When we learned earlier this summer that T had a business to the DR, it made perfect sense that I join him and that we could arrive two days early to enjoy time together. But as I lay in our bedroom listening to the skies unleash their fury on Saturday morning, my thoughts began to focus on the negative. Like… It cost a lot for me to fly here with T, for THIS! And… What on earth will we do here in the rain? And… His conference starts tomorrow, so our two days together are ruined. But I quickly stopped the negative thoughts in their tracks and began to count my blessings. I decided at that moment to change my expectations and make this a memorable trip, no matter what. Since then, I’ve discovered three unexpected blessings we’ve received on this beautiful, rainy island:
1) The opportunity to appreciate much of the lovely details we might have overlooked in more weather-friendly circumstances. This place is utterly magnificent. I’m a beachy girl, and I’ve found myself admiring the island’s lush fora and fauna, the unique architecture and the culture of the people. Whenever the rain has broken, we’ve explored parts of the 7,000-acre Casa de Campo in the golf cart we received upon check-in. (More on me and the golf cart later!) I’d love to return here one day to take in even more.
2) T and I have engaged in more in-depth conversations. Rather than reading a book on the beach all day, we’ve spent hours chatting about the past and our dreams for the future as we enjoy long and delicious island meals. BTW, when you’re stuck in a tropical depression, happy hour officially starts whenever you want it to! Just sayin’.
3) Total and complete R&R. This was T’s contribution to the three blessings. At first I argued that I could be enjoying just as much R&R on the beach. But he insisted that having literally nothing to do makes for even MORE R&R. I think he’s right (as I lazily hen peck this post on my iPad in my pajamas close to noon). We have certainly caught up on our sleep! And, I might add, our room is amazing with camp inspired furnishings with a modern twist and tall, white wood-beamed cathedral ceilings… the perfect place for a few days of R&R! Plus we treated ourselves to the luxury of a couples massage at the spa on day one during the storm. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
HIGHS
-Delicious food
-Some of the most hospitable people I’ve ever met. The friendliest smiles!
-Dinner at La Piazzetta In Altos de Chavon, designed after a 16th century village
-Exploring the island on our golf cart
LOWS
-There’s really just one. Yesterday as we were cruising in our golf cart during a break in the storm, the scenery was so picturesque that I decided to lean over to grab my camera (i.e., my trusty iPhone) out of a bag. Somehow my foot slipped, and I found myself falling out of the golf cart, hanging on in sheer dread. Sweet T didn’t notice (for just a second!) that his bride was in peril. I was yelling to stop the cart (they don’t stop very quickly) while trying to keep my right foot off the ground. Despite one somewhat mangled big toe, I escaped unharmed, save my pride. I know. Some of you who know me well aren’t the least bit surprised!
Well, there’s still tomorrow. Hoping and praying for a beautiful sunny day! But we’ll make the most if it regardless of what the weather brings.
Xoxo,
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Very beautiful story Andrea! Please tell me you didn’t get your mom’s Klutzy genes!!! I don’t mind that you got the “look and act younger than your age” genes…..but the Klutz ones are not something I want to pass on. LOL But it is what it is! And I for one, have made the best of it!
Hi Andrea,
Excited to see your blog.
Looking forward to visiting often
Brett
So glad we found each other on the blogosphere, Brett!
Doing nothing is one of my favorite things!
Love the reminder to make the most of any situation. Also glad that you were not hurt with the golf cart adventure, and glad that your phone is still working. I would have dropped my phone and then run over it with the cart. Can’t wait for your next post.
Thank you for your sweet encouragement, Kim!