So, we’ve been home from the Dominican for a couple of weeks now, and I’ve gone back and forth in my mind on how I want to tell the story.  There was a lot of negativity.  Initially, I swore I’d get home and set in on a rant, ripping apart the resort and the package provider, airing their failures for the world to read.  But I’ve since calmed down – and realistically, it wasn’t all bad.

However, I will start by asking you to avoid the Be Live Hamaca resort in Boca Chica (near Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic).  Do not go there.  For so many reasons.  I can’t speak for other Be Live locations, but this one was a major let down.  If you like beautiful beaches and nice resorts, stay in Punta Cana… If you like plenty of culture and things to do, perhaps you’ll consider someplace besides the Dominican.  That’s all I have to say about that, and I promise, only positive thoughts from here on out…

The highlight of our trip by far, was a visit to some kids at a nearby village.  It started with our first ATV trip, where we cruised through some fields and quarries, ripped down the highways, and passed through local towns.  We had a few children approach us, but had nothing for them – we were very unprepared for this.  So, in talking with the tour guides and with other travelers who had done the tour, we discovered that we could go to an actual town with local kids and families – and this time we could come bearing gifts!

The next day we set off again, with hubs, myself, four of our new Canadian friends, and two local guides.  I had stuffed my bag with all the travel-sized shampoo, shaving cream, lotion, etc. that I could get my hands on, and we brought cash to spend at their corner store.  We arrived at a town that was exactly what you’d expect – dusty dirt roads, buildings crumbling where they stood, skeletal dogs roaming around.  The people though, were all smiles as we parked our ATVs.  I assume it was partly because they knew what our plans were.  But, I’ve also noticed that the places where you assume you’ll find people miserable and hopeless is where you’ll actually find them the happiest.

As we stood inside their little store, the crowd outside grew.  We bought everything they had – chips, candies, pop and juice.  I found myself wishing their were healthier and more substantial options, but it made them happy in that moment, so I guess that’s the important part.  With armfuls of goodies, we watched the kids form a line and excitedly take what we had to give.  I also wandered around to the adults and gave them the shampoos and other products I had brought.  The shaving cream was a HUGE hit!  We spent some time with these people, shared a beer or two, then continued on our way.

For me, this is travel.  These are the experiences that will never fade in my memory.  Beaches come and go, all the fancy hotels are the same, and shopping is mundane.  But the people – the real people who make a life for themselves in their native country, using their own resources and creating their own way of life.  These people are always smiling, always welcoming, and always the best way a traveler can learn.  I love the refreshed perspective and the sense of calm that I gain from these visits; there is nothing better in the world.

Do you feel the same way? Have you had an amazing experience during your travels?  Do tell!!