Continuation of Parents' Visit

Saturday we got up early and had breakfast with my parents at the hotel before heading to the bus station. We arrived a few hours later in Santo Domingo, the capital. We took a taxi to the Colonial Zone, where Columbus first landed and all the firsts of the new world are located. We saw the first sundial, cathedral, hospital, monastery, street, etc. So cool. There are some Santo Domingo pictures from Steve and my first visit located on our Flickr account if you missed them last time around.

We got back and went to the Plaza (mall) for a while. Mom found some jewelry at KB- cheap but so great! Then we went to the Parillita (little grill) for some great Dominican cuisine. Always delicioso!

The next morning was church. My parents got the wonderful guagua (bus) ride that most of our other guests have missed. We headed out to Moca and were thrilled to see the church decorated in fronds for Palm Sunday! We had an excellent service and then my parents got to meet some of our church friends.

After church we took the guagua back toward Santiago but got off early in Licey to visit the first grade Dominican aid, Niwrka. Niwrka was so excited to have us! We got to meet her family members, who are mostly her neighbors. She taught my mom and I to make arroz amarillo (yellow rice), cerdo (pork), and ensalada de tayota (a salad with a vegetable that we don't have in the States...) Definitely some of the best food I've had on the island! She showed us her very humble home, we relaxed on her patio, she taught my parents to merengue and bachata (Dominican dances).

Finally we headed home to Santiago with enough time to go swimming in the hotel roof pool and get dressed up for Camp David, a beautiful restaurant in the mountains that overlooks the city. We got there in time to watch the sunset. Take a look at the beautiful view!





























We enjoyed another amazing meal, mine slightly more adventurous than the others... I ordered Seabass with Calamari Risotto. Take a look at what I received!





























Yes, that squid looks like a squid. Really good- just not quite what I had envisioned... ;)

Monday, we went to a salon to get beach-ready! The boys came to check it out with us and then left us to pack. Mom and I had manicures and pedicures and Mom even got a great new haircut! Along with a haircut here you will always get a wash and dry. We LOVE her new look. Here's us at the salon:


After that we finally headed out for the beach. And that's where I'll have to leave you until next time...