Thanks for joining me in my adventures. This blog is dedicated to travels off the beaten path. You won't find my review of Disney World here, but you might just discover a new way to explore your world. If you're a fan of the road less traveled, I think you'll like what we have in store today.

Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach

On my first ever trip out of the country, I visited the island of Hispaniola, more specifically, The Dominican Republic. When most people think of this small country, they think of visiting Punta Cana, the main tourist destination. For this trip, I wanted something more affordable so opted to stay at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Resort in Bayahibe. The transfer from the airport was about an hour and a half if memory serves correctly, but on the way I got to see gorgeous scenery.

The resort itself was quite lovely - right on the beach with well-appointed rooms. My room was on the first floor and had a lovely patio that opened right up to an ocean view. The breeze blew gently most days, with occasional rain toward evening, but I traveled in early Spring so that is to be expected.

This resort has an infinite pool - this just means the water flows up to and over the edge of the pool and from the right angle it looks as if the pool extends into infinity as it blends seamlessly into the ocean beyond. I didn't spend much time in the pool however; my mermaid heart was captivated by the warm ocean and white sand beaches.

The beach was lovely! The sand was brilliant and soft under foot. Coconut Palms dotted the oceanside to provide just the right amount of shade during the heat of the day. While there were many chairs to lounge in, relatively few people occupied them. This resort was built to hold many, but still maintained a secluded feeling. The only drawback to this particular beach was that the ocean was a bit rocky in places. You'd be wading along just fine, then WHAM, stub your toe on a rough patch of rock underwater.

Joining the Circus

After a morning of relaxing and drinking *mamma juana* one day I came upon a deserted trapeze. This was the chance I'd been waiting for! As I approached the ladder, a local man greeted me. He quickly made clear that he was in charge of the ladder, and that I'd had too much to drink to be allowed to show off my beginner's luck on his trapeze.
Not to worry though! I had plenty of time left in my vacation, so I spent the rest of that day drinking *mamma juana* and returned the next day to hone my skills. I was strapped into a harness, then climbed a ladder 3 stories tall! Once at the top, another man clipped me to a safety cable before giving me instructions on what to do once on the trapeze. He told me how to do a backflip to dismount. He pulled the trapeze toward us, held me firmly by my harness, then unstrapped my safety clip. I leaned forward, and forward, and forward until I felt certain I would topple over, but the man had a firm grip. I finally grasped the trapeze and took a big jump down.

Whoosh! I was flying! It all happened so quickly, that I'm surprised I remembered the man's instructions. At the center of my arc I began to pull my feet up to hook them over the bar. Once secured, I let go with my hands. As I began swing back again, I reached up to the bar once more, unhooked my legs, and pushed them backward over my head. Poof! I landed in the waiting safety net below. After several more trips on the trapeze, my arms were so sore that I decided it was time for some more mamma juana.

The next day, my still sore muscles told me it was time for a relaxing boat ride. The boat met at the end of a long pier right at the resort, so I didn't have to go far to board. We were heading out to the Isle Saona for the day. What's better than vacationing on a tropical island? Going to another tropical island as a vacation from your vacation!

On the way to the island, we passed by many fancy houses. The boat's captain told us stories about the many rich and famous people who lived in them or owned them. This pretty yellow house was supposed to be owned by none other than Michael Jackson himself! He is since deceased, so I wonder who they say owns it now.

Finally we arrived at the Isle Saona. If possible, the sand was even softer, the water even warmer, and the sun even more warm. Keeping in the spirit of an inclusive resort, drinks were included at the snack bar, although there was a charge for snacks. I'd thought ahead and brought a snorkel, mask, and flippers, so I spent the rest of the afternoon alternating between snorkeling around and laying on the beach in the sunshine.

Several hours and at least one nap later, it was time for the evening entertainment. Every night, the resort put on a different production. This night it was a tribute to Michael Jackson. I couldn't help but wonder if the owner of the yellow house changed depending on who was performing that evening. Regardless, the show was outstanding! All the entertainers did a fabulous job of recreating the look of Michael's signature moves, and somehow, every one of them looked just like the original!

At the end of a gloriously relaxing week full of good food, flowing drinks, vigorous entertainment, and plenty of sunshine, it was time to head back to the US. It's only a short 5 hour flight from Ohio to the Dominican Republic, and you can bet I was already planning my next trip by the time I got home.

Thanks for joining me in Bayahibe! I hope to see you there sometime!

Happy Travels!

Jennifer

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