The Reason and the Motivation
I’m not exactly sure what made me want to take my first solo trip to PuntaCana, Dominican Republic. I’d taken a trip to DR before but this time was different, before I was accompanied by a friend. I may have asked someone to join me this time , buthonestly, I can’t remember. Asking others to go embark on a type of travel sometimes seems like pulling teeth.
But this time I think I just wanted to have the experience alone. I stayed at Paradisus Punta Cana Resort-All Inclusive. And I must say I was not disappointed. Hopefully, I will be able to do more trips in this manner. The thought of:
- Not always having to do excursions because someone else did, or vice versa.
- Someone not bringing enough money, or clothes.
- A friend getting too carried away with the all-inclusive drinks, having to leave you babysitting the remainder of the trip.
- Or that one friend that aurora just brings unwanted company when all you wanted to do was RELAX.
What I’m trying to say may have been many reasons I went on this trip solo. I remember I’d just come from Afghanistan. It may have been being in the presence of others 24 hours a day, that motivated me to want to be alone. It was time and I was overdue for some important me time.
Cultural Cuisines
Now from my previous experience the one thing I remember the most was the food. Granted I was residing in a resort on the beach, but the cooks were still local and brought all the taste of the island to the Resort. When I say I was eager for the next meal I’m not kidding, the food was in abundance, and I for one was not disappointed.
Now this includes the drinks as well and on the previous visit a friend and I had the experience of sampling a drink called “Welcome to Punta Cana”. Honey, I was feeling like royalty with this drink. Until it came time to stand up, yeah, it’s one of those drinks that sneaks up on you. Drink carefully!
It was in this solo experience that I realized I’m not a big fan of duck, fried ice cream, and well…lobster. Such rubbery meat to my pallet. But I also learned that bottom Mimosa is a real and delicious thing.
The Dominican People
Honey when I tell you were some very handsome men in DR, I’m not exaggerating. I myself almost pulled a cougar card a couple of times. Does what happens in DR stay in DR? Inquiring for others…IJS. But like anywhere you go you will run into some unfriendly people. But it’s the good ones that make the experience worth it.
The only other downfall was those trying to sell you shares. I wasn’t a fan of that but my host was nothing short of a gentleman and very polite.
I had the opportunity to leave the Resort and have a real experience with the locals in the area. I tasted bourbon for the first time and went to some other locations that were an entirely new experience for me. Rode on the mopeds to other various locations.
Also had the opportunity to witness the cave that was filled with rainwater. Sorry, no images. And rode around on the dust buggies. That was fun! A lot of fun, especially going to another beach with less kelp and fewer people.
Overall Experience
In this time away from my children and my demanding job, I managed to get some clarity on my life. There was meditation and quite a bit of self-reflecting. Would I do it all again? In a New York minute. It was so refreshing to be in all the elements besides the unbearable heat. I truly got to be one with the planet, especially when I would wake at 6 AM to sit on the beach and watch the sunrise. Overall I say my first solo travel experience in Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic was well worth every penny. Did I mention how much the entire cost? Something around $1200 and I spent maybe $30 and got that back when I left. I left with the biggest smile on my face knowing it was all worth it.
Can’t wait for my next solo trip to Punta Cana!
Leave a Reply