Hi all
I had never been on an AI before but having heard that all the drinks were included and knowing that I do like to have the odd pint I decided to go for it. Also the price was ridiculous only ?650 pp for 2 weeks and that was with flights, transfers etc.
Landed at La Romana airport and was herded onto the buses waiting to take us to the Barcelo Talanquera Resort in Juan Dolio. Arrived early evening in time for dinner and a paddle. The hotel seemed ok and you got what you paid for.
Our first trip was to SD by coach arranged by the rep. Had a great time there as I love old historic buildings.We went to see Columbus?s house, a lovely old church and had a general walkabout. Next stop was shopping in a market where we managed to haggle our way through without getting stung too much, which was fun. The coach then took us to a jewellery/ souvenir shop for half an hour. The tour guy must have been on commission but we never bought anything and neither did anyone else. Had lunch in a restaurant with music and dancers, nice food nice atmosphere.
On the way back had a look at Presidential Palace,Columbus Monument and some interesting caves. All in all a great day. We never used our rep after that and got some good trips cheaper from the beach guys.
After a few days rest we were up for it again and went horseback riding in the country and through a poor local village. They were saying hola and waving and smiling at us as we went by. Funny thing, where I live there are people with money who walk right past you with face to the floor not saying a word. I suppose money can?t buy you happiness.
Next trip was white water rafting. This trip is definitely worth doing if you haven?t done rafting before. I loved the 4 or so hours to get there just looking out of our coach at the villages and countryside. Breakfast was laid on at the centre and then it was getting your wetsuit on. Phew what a struggle. They were never meant for a person of beer gut proportions. The rafting lasts for about 3-4 hours then back to the centre to watch the video that was taken while rafting. What a fantastic experience it was.
Relaxing at our hotel was next on the cards by the beach and beer,cuba libre etc. After that day holed up we were in the mood so I booked to go quadbiking out along the sugar cane fields. There?s nothing like the breeze on your face and the mud in your ear. I am proud to say that my son and I found the deepest and muddiest holes in the land and we came back filthy. Couldn?t understand everyone else going around them. That?s all part of the fun.
Last trip out was to Samana Island on the catamaran and back on a speedboat. This was the most relaxing day we had. The wife thought she was in paradise and I suppose it was true because it was absolutely beautiful. BBQ on the beach with drinks and the water was crystal clear and warm as a bath.
All too soon our holiday was over. We had a great time although on our next visit I would like to get out a bit more and see some more of the people and country. None of us can speak a word of Spanish and our rep did not know where to get the local buses or times and prices. I would like to visit up north Sosua area POP somewhere. A friend has visited there and said it was great. Don?t know when next time will be but I hope it?s soon and not just a dream.
Neil
I had never been on an AI before but having heard that all the drinks were included and knowing that I do like to have the odd pint I decided to go for it. Also the price was ridiculous only ?650 pp for 2 weeks and that was with flights, transfers etc.
Landed at La Romana airport and was herded onto the buses waiting to take us to the Barcelo Talanquera Resort in Juan Dolio. Arrived early evening in time for dinner and a paddle. The hotel seemed ok and you got what you paid for.
Our first trip was to SD by coach arranged by the rep. Had a great time there as I love old historic buildings.We went to see Columbus?s house, a lovely old church and had a general walkabout. Next stop was shopping in a market where we managed to haggle our way through without getting stung too much, which was fun. The coach then took us to a jewellery/ souvenir shop for half an hour. The tour guy must have been on commission but we never bought anything and neither did anyone else. Had lunch in a restaurant with music and dancers, nice food nice atmosphere.
On the way back had a look at Presidential Palace,Columbus Monument and some interesting caves. All in all a great day. We never used our rep after that and got some good trips cheaper from the beach guys.
After a few days rest we were up for it again and went horseback riding in the country and through a poor local village. They were saying hola and waving and smiling at us as we went by. Funny thing, where I live there are people with money who walk right past you with face to the floor not saying a word. I suppose money can?t buy you happiness.
Next trip was white water rafting. This trip is definitely worth doing if you haven?t done rafting before. I loved the 4 or so hours to get there just looking out of our coach at the villages and countryside. Breakfast was laid on at the centre and then it was getting your wetsuit on. Phew what a struggle. They were never meant for a person of beer gut proportions. The rafting lasts for about 3-4 hours then back to the centre to watch the video that was taken while rafting. What a fantastic experience it was.
Relaxing at our hotel was next on the cards by the beach and beer,cuba libre etc. After that day holed up we were in the mood so I booked to go quadbiking out along the sugar cane fields. There?s nothing like the breeze on your face and the mud in your ear. I am proud to say that my son and I found the deepest and muddiest holes in the land and we came back filthy. Couldn?t understand everyone else going around them. That?s all part of the fun.
Last trip out was to Samana Island on the catamaran and back on a speedboat. This was the most relaxing day we had. The wife thought she was in paradise and I suppose it was true because it was absolutely beautiful. BBQ on the beach with drinks and the water was crystal clear and warm as a bath.
All too soon our holiday was over. We had a great time although on our next visit I would like to get out a bit more and see some more of the people and country. None of us can speak a word of Spanish and our rep did not know where to get the local buses or times and prices. I would like to visit up north Sosua area POP somewhere. A friend has visited there and said it was great. Don?t know when next time will be but I hope it?s soon and not just a dream.
Neil
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bottle of Barcelo Gran Anejo 700 ml and the tag says 86 pesos. The exchange rate in Nov/Dec was an average 40 for 1 US so that's about 2 bucks and 6 pesos.