New Memories

Not much to report on our last day in the Dominican Republic, or as Mama Kim would call it, Paradiso.

We did our usual routine of gym, breakfast buffet, and pool lounging. We were able to get late checkouts and we maximized the time in the sun. Mama Kim got another swim in and I read more of my book.

We did have a lovely lunch at the buffet even though we weren’t hungry. Mama Kim said her trip wouldn't have been complete if she hadn't tried the tasty customized pasta. Generally, I decided that the buffet can sometimes be better than the specialty restaurant as they prepare for and feed more people. Anyway, we loaded up as our flight was scheduled to depart around 8 pm and thought we were probably not going to have dinner.

Our transfer picked us up on time and we headed to the airport which took about 90 minutes. But shortly before our arrival, we were alerted that our flight was delayed about an hour. The flight coming in from NYC had been delayed and therefore, we were delayed. But we went through the check-in and security process, and Justin was able to get us free access to the lounge where we enjoyed free WiFi and snacks for several hours. We enjoyed the mini-buffet in the lounge and we had an uneventful flight home.

The trip all in all was restful as I declared I felt like my body was mine again. With the move, I was aching and in so much pain that I wasn’t able to do much beyond the minimum and groaning while at it. I feel refreshed and recharged as the big move is behind us and we did nothing but relax these past few days. Also, I logged in a new country for the year while at it!

The goals of turning the tide and making new memories while successfully returning to the country and being Covid-free were met. In these post-pandemic times, it’s the simplest things that really matter - being with family.

Back to the Beach

I woke up the earliest that I’ve been here to grab some seats at the beach and workout. After my workout, the family met me at the convention center, so we could take our Covid antigen tests for US entry. The process was convenient, as it was just beyond the casino, and we grabbed breakfast afterwards.

We then headed to the beach where we sat under a massive umbrella and listened to the waves all day. We ran into the midwesterners and a friendly and accomplished New Yorker and I chatted lots throughout the afternoon.

Around 2 pm, we had to head to the convention center to pick up our test results which were all negative. Woohoo, we can go back! Even though Mama Kim wished we had more days, I said it was just the right amount of nights as we tried all the restaurants on the adult only side.

On the last night, we had saved the only indoor restaurant, Sakura - the Asian fusion and hibachi establishment. I wanted to minimize chances of testing positive before our re-entry test. The restaurant itself was fine for what it is and who they cater to, but of course this family has high expectations when it comes to Asian cuisine. We enjoyed drinks before dinner and managed to catch the sunset and then walked through the resort after dinner which Mama Kim still gets a little turned around in the dark.

The trip has served its purpose as we soaked in the sun and napped plenty. As Mama Kim said, although we went to bed late last night, we were all rested!

Infinity Pool Daze

Today we enjoyed the infinity pool all day after breakfast at Noor. Not much to report except nice breezes, beautiful weather, lime juice, Hawaiian pizza as a mid-afternoon snack, and some lovely midwesterners celebrating a 50th birthday.

Also, I felt like a fashion photographer as Mama Kim wanted to send photos to her friends - I guess 70 year olds like to show off their lives too!

Tonight, we had dinner at Noor, the Mediterranean restaurant and during the daytime, the premium restaurant. We were served by Freddie, a very happy waiter - he said he was born into happiness as his last name is Feliz! We enjoyed fun desserts like a crêpe Suzette served flambé. Dinner was lovely and we ran into the lovely ladies by the pool as we meandered through the hotel afterwards. Also, Mama Kim fared much better at the blackjack table tonight as she declared, “she’s here to have fun!” 

Aren’t we all? And we sure are…

A Premium Day

After working out at the gym, we had breakfast at the Caoba buffet. They took great lengths to make sure the guests felt safe as we were required to wear masks in the open air restaurant, partitions for the buffet, and the servers had to plate the food. This made buffet portions a little difficult, but we just ended up eating more.

Mama Kim and I headed to the beach afterwards where we managed to scrounge up chairs in the premium area and relaxed. It rained drops here and there and we went in and out of the water. Before noon, we headed over to the family side of the beach and enjoyed aqua Zumba before heading back to our chairs.

We enjoyed the waitress service and ordered various drinks before heading to lunch at Noor, the premium lunch restaurant, where we had ceviche, mofongo, and pasta. We laid out in the sun by the premium pool and relaxed. We eventually went in, swam about, and drank piña coladas.

The pool was rowdy with some young folks, and my mom reminded me we’re not at a nursing home, but even after awhile she agreed it was getting rambunctious. Nonetheless, we enjoyed the time in the sun and eventually headed back to our rooms.

We got ready and headed to Mare, the seafood grill for dinner and then stopped by the casino for some blackjack. There was live music in the lobby, so we headed there for a bit.

Today was fun and relaxing, as we absorbed the resort and everything it had to offer. It’s very clean, service is great, and my premium status gets us a few perks!

Dominican Republic

In the midst of a pandemic and after the loss of Papa Kim, my brother and I bought a home, and then moved and unpacked after a four month-long renovation. Last summer, I had the foresight to want to book an all-inclusive when all was said and done and had selected this holiday weekend.

We were allowed to cancel up to 14 days before the trip, but after daily tracking of COVID cases in both NY and the Dominican Republic, we felt comfortable enough to head down to Santa Domingo and then to the Hilton La Romana.

We were treated to premium perks and upgraded rooms due to my status, but was generally tired from our 4 am wake up call and lack of food. But we snacked, settled in, and enjoyed the first night where we dined at the traditional Dominican Republic restaurant called Chinola at the resort. The resort is divided into the family side and the adults only, and was formerly a Dreams resort. It’s lovely, peaceful, and very clean.

We wandered before and after dinner, but went to bed relatively early due to the long day. We can’t wait to relax and get some vitamin D for the next four days!

Mama Kim with the flamingos