Punta Cana, Days 4 & 5

We're home now.  Between a non-stop final 2 days and wifi only cell service, these days didn't get blogged.  

Day 4 was a blast!  We went off the resort to take dune buggies out into a local town and countryside.  The views were beautiful, the town was pitiful, many wrapped in barbed wire and/or lockable cages, and the children were heartbreaking!  I've seen photos taken by friends of children in poor countries with hands out asking for money or things, but until this trip I'd never experienced it myself.  They waved and smiled at us as we cruised down the road.  It looked as though they were just excited to see a mass of loud, gurgling go carts riding through their neighborhood, but they were only excited because it meant the possibility of handouts.  It occurred to me more than once that we probably paid as much for that excursion as their families make in months.  We did, however, have a marvelous time getting muddy while seeing Macao Beach and beautiful caves with fresh water to swim in.

 Macao Beach

 Dune Buggies!  Erik has always wanted to drive one of these!

We got a little muddy

Day 5:  Dad and I got up early to meet friends on the beach for the sunrise.  It was very pretty and an enjoyable morning.  We spent most of the morning on the beach before it was time to get ready to leave (insert sad face here!).  

The airport in Punta Cana is something to experience.  Arriving was simple and pretty quick.  Departing, however, is a completely different story!  It took us over an hour to get through security with the three lines and a family of 10+ cut in front of us.  I was not a happy camper.  At customs, a different group of three simply stepped up in front of me from the entirely wrong side of the line.  No "excuse me," or "I'm sorry," or anything!  I was quite peeved.  The world thinks Americans are rude (each of these groups were European)!  Anyhow, it was an ordeal and I was glad to reach home and be greeted by warm smiles and "happy holidays, welcome homes!"  

That said, we wished we'd had 2 more days in paradise.  But alas, we didn't.  We're glad to be home safe and sound to celebrate the holiday season with our families.  A few more photos until next time....

 The view from the security line in the airport...