Christmas Day 2011

Well while flying home from the Dominican on Christmas Eve we ended up being stranded in Atlanta for an extra 4 hours. We finally pulled in the driveway at 2am on Christmas Day. We were so happy to pick the kids up at noon on Christmas Day. I don't know if it was the weather or what but it just didn't seem much like Christmas this year.

The kids had a great day! Caroline finally got her own DS, Sophi was covered in princess costumes and Strawberry Shortcake, and Jackson made out with a few Nerf guns and lots of Legos and games. It was back to work yesterday....but I was ready to get back into a routine. Off to Mom's for Christmas on Saturday and Theresa's on Sunday. We should have another great weekend.

Dominican Hospital

Here's the hospital. Very interesting. For good care, they also need private insurance.

Here are some pictures of tobacco. We went to a cigar factory and learned all about what makes a cigar smooth, sweet, and rich. Very interesting.

The Marketplace

The bananas and Plantains were everywhere. It was great to see the pharmacy. It was all spices in the market and the Pharmacist was an old wise man who spoke many languages and you told him the problem and he sold you the spices and told you what to do.

The meat was a different story. It hung in the streets with flies all over it. I'm not sure how they don't get sick with no refrigeration.

Views of the Dominican Countryside

Motorcycles are the primary mode of transportation. It's funny to see 3 or 4 people on a little Honda motorcycle zipping through town.

Dominican Homes

It was very humbling to see the homes that the Dominicans lived in. 64% are lower class, 22% upper class, and only 14% Middle class.

The story of the Basilica is beautiful. In 1691 there was a civil war here in the Dominican Republic. On January 21st (Sophi's Birthday) a portrait of Mary on a scroll was found in the center of town. On that day, the civil war was won. The city of Higuey swears that Mother Mary was praying for them and watching over them and that is why they won the war. From that point on, the people paid to build the Basilica. January 21st is the biggest holiday in the Dominican right next to Christmas. It is considered there Independence day.

The scroll is still located in a case on the altar. I didn't take a picture of it because I felt it was disrespectful.

The Dominican Countryside

I took a tour of the Dominican Countryside, today. Technically to do some shopping at the marketplace. It was wonderful. First we stopped at the primary school. School is only mandatory for ages 6-8years old. Then secondary school is optional for ages 9-12yrs. High school is 5 years optional and the final 2 years are to teach a technical skill. Only 10% go on to a university. The public university is $30 a semester and the private Catholic university is $650 a semester. The government allows only a certain number of doctors and lawyers in the country.

The next stop was the Higuey Basilica. In the 1200s the cathedral was built by the people of Higuey. The tallest arch is 240ft and symbolizes the hands of Mother Mary praying for us. Those of us wearing shorts or showing our knees were greeted by an altar girl who had skirts for us to wear to cover our knees.

Moonlight Massage at the Spa

What a great day! This whole trip has been eat, nap, cocktails, read, eat, nap, cocktails, repeat. I love the Dominican!! What a relaxing wonderful time. A few trips to the spa also:) Tonight we had a moonlight massage at the spa with champagne and fruit and could use the hot tub and sauna after. Then we ate and drank some more cocktails and watched a dance show afterwards. Starting to miss the babies, though!!

The Dominican

Brad and I are having a beautiful time. The weather is in the 80s and sunny. We have just been relaxing by the beach today. I love this all inclusive. We just go to any of the bars and order a pina colada or eat at any of the restaurants when we want. The flights were great. It was only an hour to Atlanta and two hours fifty minutes to the Dominican. The taxi ride from the airport to the resort was a little scary. The driver was going like 80 and passing everyone. Brad was a little nervous. LOL! I went to the spa while he took a nap today; it was awesome getting a wrap. Tomorrow we are going to relax some more and maybe do an excursion on Wednesday. We miss the kiddos and Spritzy, though. The locals are extremely nice, I just need more brushing up on my espanol.