Viva la Republica Dominicana

If you've never been to the Dominican Republic, you're missing out. I just got back from a week in Puerto Plata, and it was the best vacation I have ever been on, hands down. Of course, I haven't done a whole lot of traveling and I have been to Branson more than 25 times, so you might want to take my advice with a grain of salt.

Why I loved the Dominican Republic:

1. The people. The Dominicans that I met were some of the most friendly, warm and fascinating people I have ever encountered while traveling. They go out of their way to make you feel welcome in their country, and they humor you when you try to speak Spanish.

2. The culture. Why did I wait so long to visit a Spanish-speaking country (crossing the border into Mexico doesn't count)? I loved the language, music, customs, culture and pretty much everything else about the Dominican.

3. Using my Spanish. I took five years of Spanish, four in high school and one in college. Despite the fact that this was almost 10 years ago, I was amazed at how much I still remembered. And, I found that the more pina coladas I drank (gotta love those all-inclusive resorts) the more Spanish I remembered. Estamos baracha!!

4. The price. $37/day for all your food and all your drinks. Need I say more?

5. The landscape. Que bonito!! We took a "safari" through the very beautiful and basically untouched countryside. It was my first experience in the Third World, and I didn't know whether to feel sorry for the little children clamoring around our bus and reaching out their little hands for candy and dollar bills. Sure, it was jarring to see people living without electricity, indoor plumbing, running water and 24-hour grocery stores. But they had all the basics – food, clothes, water – and technology does not equal happiness.

I could go on and on about the trip, but it probably would start to get boring (if it hasn't already). But if you want to see the Dominican for yourself, let me know because my parents bought a Puerto Plata timeshare and I can hook you up with some dirt-cheap deals.