An All-Inclusive Offers a Nice Change of Pace

As one could probably tell by reading my blog or reviewing my website, most of our travels have been on the adventurous side of things. We have visited many far-off lands where culture shock, rigors of the road, and challenging physical exercise are the norms while we are travelling.

But, every so often, one needs to slow down and do some beach and pool time. Gone are the aches and pains of walking hundreds of miles or the deprivation of normal comforts during a dozen nights in the wilderness.

Instead, beach and pool time bring a new set of challenges, like worrying how quick the bar service will be or how much weight I will gain due to the excesses and over consumption of food, sun, fun, and alcohol.

Our latest laid back vacation was in Punta Cana, Domincan Republic at an all-inclusive resort. We traveled with over 30 family and friends to attend the wedding of MK’s sister Barb and her husband-to-be Glenn.

The resort was pretty decent. Actually, it was quiet beautiful.

Picture perfect!

And the place was meticulously maintained as well. Something that didn’t occur to me until we neared the end of our vacation was the various things that were missing. There were no birds swooping down to snatch your French fries from you lunch plate. There were no bugs buzzing in your ear or poking you for their meal of your blood. There were no creepy lizards climbing up your walls or scooting across the floor. It was quite an accomplishment for the resort people to keep these nuisances at a minimum. How did they do that?

So, how was the wedding, you ask? It was glorious and very moving, I must say.

On the afternoon of the big day, like most of our days, the skies opened up and the rains came crashing down for hours on end. There was no evidence that it was going to let up. We were socked in, or so it seemed.

Mother and father of the bride on a soggy start to the beach-side wedding

Despite the rain and umbrellas, there are still smiles all around

However, just minutes before the whole ceremony was to be re-routed to an inside venue, the skies lightened and the rain stopped, just in time for the bride's father to walk her down the beach to the altar and her waiting husband-to-be.

Glenn (2nd from left) and his two sons, Justin and Josh, wait at the altar

Joe and daughter Barb walk down the aisle

I'm not one to cry much. Most men don’t. But given Barb and Glenn’s history, what led them to each other, and the vows they exchanged at the altar…well…the whole thing just tore me up. I was crying like a little girl. Everyone else was red-eyed with tears, even all of the other men.

(l to r) Vicki, Christie, Barb, Glenn, Justin, and Josh

With Barb's parents, Mary Jane and Joe

Of course, the wedding was the featured event of our stay. On other days, we did a lot of swimming, sunning, and lounging and loafing around the resort. Our room accommodations were given the “deluxe pool view” label, a stretch of an interpretation. Look here, do you see a pool?

Where's the pool?

Still can't see it. Wait. Is that water I see?

Let's zoom in. Ok, now I can see it, but barely

Instead, the room description should have said: “Deluxe pool view if a) you lean over your deck railing, b) crane your neck to the right, and c) look through the distant foliage and palm trees, then d) you can see the pool.”

It’s like that one episode of the Andy Griffith show where Andy goes to visit Barney in Raleigh at his rented room at the YMCA.

"Andy, I have a view of the capitol building," Barney says proudly.

“Oh yeah?” Andy looks out the small window. “Where is it? I don’t see it.”

"Well, you need to get up on the bed.” Barney shows Andy how to do it. “Get on your tip-toes. Look out to the far right. Further. There. See it?”

“Oh yeah, I do.” Andy says with a smile. “Nice Barney! Wow, a room with a view! You're really moving up in the world!”

With the lack of bugs and creepy-crawlies came the luxury of sleeping with the deck’s sliding glass doors open so that we could take advantage of the cool evening breeze.  We learned early on though that you don't dare open them until around 2 or 3 in the morning after all of the drunks have gone off to sleep. Otherwise, you’re in for a rude and loud awakening from all of the liquor-induced and boisterous behavior.

Our last night, or should I say morning, was yet another typical and loud affair. A young man yelled out loud and long enough to make sure all could hear,

"My girrrrlllll-friennnddddd has niiiiceeeee booooo-bieeees!"

Thanks to brother-in-law Chuck Benson, the family's photographer extraordinaire, for sharing his pictures with us. Thanks also to the resort photographer. Both gentlemen's pictures are gratefully used in this post. Thanks also to the Bolander and Yopst families for inviting us to be a part of this special occasion.