
As I said right before my vacation, jobs fill our pockets. Adventures fill our souls. My first 5 days in the Dominican Republic were at a beach resort to relieve my stress. This was the view outside my balcony.

There was nightly entertainment. On the second night 8 professional dancers selected 4 men and 4 women from the audience to compete in a Dancing With the Stars competition. Yes, I was selected. When I survived the first five rounds (rock & roll, the twist, hip hop, lambada, and salsa) I thought I had a chance. The last two elimination rounds were the typical island dances; merengue and bachata (my forte). At the end of the competition I was called back onto the stage to receive my award (a bottle of rum) and I pulled a hamstring. The very next day I received Swedish massage to ease my pain.

One of the reasons I went to the island was to see the humpback whales. These whales come every winter from as far away as northern Canada and Norway. This is a single female flirting and letting the males know she is free. The white on their tails are like our fingerprints. No two whales are alike.

Here I captured two males crashing into one another as they fought for the attention and right to be with the female. In all, there were four males fighting for the lone female. I guess she had an amazing tail.

This is my goddaughter Dibel (proounced Dee-bell). We spent plenty of time together shopping, beaching, and playing. Now, the peculiar thing about Dibel is she swears her parents gave her the wrong name. She insists her name was supposed to be Lily. So, I always make sure to call her Lily.

My good firiend Luis has a slight resemeblence to actor Daniel Craig. After years of teasing him about it, I put it to a test. One night in a beach bar, I turned on the charm and convinced two lovely ladies that Luis is James Bond’s stunt double. Well, after a wonderful night of dancing, laughing, and drinking, the two ladies left the bar with 007’s stunt double. Lonely Author went back to his room alone.

Because of the wedding, I had the opportunity to stay at this private resort for two nights. This was the table where I had breakfast and did some writing.

My long time followers recognize Ally. We spent some time together at the 75th birthday party and at the beach wedding.

I had the chance to dine at two mountainside restaurants. This one Aroma De La Montaña (Aroma of the Mountain) has a revolving floor which gave us spectacular views while me and my friends dined.

Ah, the wedding. It was my first time being a bestman. I had plenty of fun dancing and mingling. I recited poetry (English and Spanish) during the bestman speech at the celebration.

Sadly, I said goodbye to two old dear friends Maria (95) and Tato (93). Hope they will still be there when I return.
Here is a peek at one of the orange sunsets.
Life is about the memories we make. And the memories waiting to be made. So, go out there and make some memories of your own.
Can’t wait to go back.
Fabulous, and it seems you are making the memories to match!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, I was. This is one of the best vacations I ever had. Thank you Resa.
How do I contact you if I find a mural?
LikeLiked by 1 person
You can use the email address attached to my comments. If you go into WP Admin – Comments – and find my comment, you will see my Gravatar pic w/ my blog address and email address.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I edited your commemnt to remove all references to your email. while on vacation i foudnd a great mural I wanted to photograph for you, but got lost on my return trip when I was searching for it. I am certain I will find more. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
❦❦❦
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like an awesome trip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was memorable. Thank you so much for reading and for your words..
LikeLike
Nice reflection.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy you think so.. Thanks so much
LikeLike
Have yourself a blessed week!🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. You too.
I stayed thinking about you. Hope all is well.
LikeLike
Awwww
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy you liked the photos. I wanted to let people into my world. Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was such a treat😀
Thank you 💕
Happy you enjoyed your moments
LikeLike
Awwww
What a wonderful time you had..
Such special moments – and it was nice to see Ally- I wondered what happened to her..
thank you for sharing your beautiful moments😊
I hope you go back soon
Nothing better than hanging out with the ones we love 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ally is doing great. Actually spent some time with her. It was wonderful and painful too.
Happy you enjoyed this slice of my life.
Thank you for being there to read my highs and lows.
I truly appreciate it.
Yes, nothing better than to hang out with the ones we love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How wonderful you spent time together – even if it hurt too.. those we love will always remain special in our hearts – even when it doesn’t end up how we imagined..
I hope you end up in Florida soaking up the sun 😀👏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Crossing my finger. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes!
LikeLike
And what a beautiful god daughter 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
So proud of my little doll. Thank you so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh those mini’s are the sweetest delights to our heart ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
They sure are
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊😊😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Sunday 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much Simona. Happy Sunday
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic pictures and descriptions of a dream vacation😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy yuo enjoyed them. It was a dream vacation. Can;t wait to go back.
Thanks for reviewing and for your words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
From dancing king to loving godfather to best man–what a lovely trip! The original meaning of my name is actually Lily and I’ve always liked it too:-) (Great pic of Allie btw).
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had no idea about the name meaning. Cool. Yeah, I call her lily since she insists that is her name.
And the trip was the best vacation of my life. It was fun sharing it with my friends.
Thank you for reading and for your lovely comment. I appreciate your kind words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loving the photos and the post! Just a wee bit jealous…especially of the white table overlooking the ocean! My goodness…paradise! Or my version of paradise anyway. One of these days I must take a holiday where I can write by the shore like that. Sigh….<3
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thrilled you enjoyed the photos and my little vacation post. Oh, that table by the sea was so beautiful and inspiring. The view was breathtaking.
That is why I am sufferign from the vacations over blues.
You need to get away to paradise. It is intoxicating and refreshing. No better way to recharge the battery.
Thank you for your beautiful words. Hope to see your vacation photos one day soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will have to post some of my stay here in England soon. Oh and I really like your new poem, but I will comment on that when I get a minute to breathe. xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Breathe my dear. And yes ost pics. Anxious to see them.
I await your thoughts on today;’s insanity. LOL
Hope you are having a beautiful and inspiring day
LikeLiked by 1 person
That read like a great vacation (apart from the one lonely night for lonely author). I enjoyed my brief vicarious journey to the seaside, thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a wonderful vacation. So good, it has me singing the blues now. LOL
Thank you for your wonderful comment. And that lonely nighyt, well, it gave me time to write.
So it wasn;t all bad.
Thank you for your read and comment. Always appreciated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful memories, Andrew. Life is all about the connections we make. The joyous as well as the wistful feelings in your post reach out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your words always make me sigh.
Life is about the memories and connections we make.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
Always appreciated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww! That’s so sweet of you to say. You are kindly welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
this is by far my favourite, it’s so wonderfully profound and i can relate to it as well. left me emotional.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am glad you made wonderful myriad memories on your vacation Drew. They are always special …. something to cherish for a lifetime ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
They sure are. You said it so beautifully. Thankl you for reading and for your words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a fabulous time, Drew – and those views are spectacular!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I did have a great time. And their views were unforgettable. Makes me want to go back.
Thank you for reading and for your lovely words. Appreciate it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic post Andrew! Thank you for taking me along memory lane: “adventures that fill the soul” and we tend to remember the good times (as it should be). I teach merengue and bachata (as well as other dances) in my ballroom and latin dance classes. 💃🕺I love making memories!
❤️carmen
https://fashionableover50.wordpress.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know you love making memories. You do it so well. In factr, you are the expert taking us on your adventures with your gorgeous photos. Kind of inspired me to do the same.
Thanks for your lovely words. Happy you liked it. You and your lovely blog inspired me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww that’s so kind of you to say Andrew! I’m sure you inspire many people and more than you know! We are influential beings, aren’t we? Sharing our adventures lets us get a glimpse of each other’s lives. 🙂
❤️carmen
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is so sweet Carmen. Thank you. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful set of photos! Fun!❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Happy yuo liked them. Thanks so much for viewing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
I felt the same way when I visited the Dominican Republic—despite being sick much of the time. And the girl I did it for dumped me ! But the experience (NOT at a resort) was still something special—a short-term missions trip.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sorry, you were dumped and that you were sick on your trip. I bet you had a good vacation nonetheless. The island is magical.
Thank you for the reblog. Always appreciate your kindness.
LikeLike
You have had some adventures 🙂 Great to see Allie again.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Trust, it was great for me to see her again.
Thank you for reviewing the post and for your words.
Always apppreciated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like you had a very nice time on your vacation. Your Goddaughter is adorable. And I am so jealous of your ocean view… I have never made it to the shore line. Glad you made some wonderful new memories!
LikeLiked by 1 person
As wonderdful as you write and you have never made it to the shoreline? Oh, you have to do it. It is so inspiring.
Thank you gor the kind words about my Goddaughter. The vacation was wonderful.
Thank youy for reding and for your wonderful words. They really made me happy.
Appreciate your kindness and support.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, never seen the ocean or mountains. I would love to travel more, but that requires money – minor details. You are most welcome Drew!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you will be abkle to one day
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like such a good time you must’ve had.
It was funny about your convincing powers to make them believe he was Bond’s stunt double. Yet Thelonelyauthor remained alone. You could try being someone’s stunt double too, lol 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, it was a great vacation.
LOL .No one knows the lonely author. Now, James Bond’s syunt double, well…..
You really made me laugh with this comment.
Thank you for your kindness and words.
Appreciate your comment and humor.
LikeLike
All my pleasure! 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely pictures and wow, whales! I’d dream to see whales someday. Thank you for sharing! 💕
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for taking the time out to read and leave your lovely comment. Seingthe whales was an amazing experience. I hope you get the chance some day.
Thanks again for your words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If I start seriously dieting right now may be when you go back you can squeeze me into your bag🤩😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha
I am certain youm will fit. I am a good packer. LOL
Thank you for reading and for your words. Hope you and the clan are well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice write up and nice pictures, LA! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy you think so. Thgank you for taking out the time to read and comment. Appreciate it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Omg how is it possible to have a view like that at your balcony! I keep feeling like I’m missing out in life!
Such a lovely place and beautiful memories you got stored now
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah, I have great memories to accompany me onm the lonely nights. Thank you for your beautiful words and for reviewing of my post.
I need more of those views myself.
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Huggsssssss
LikeLike
Love it 😊 I’m back!!!!!!! My hubby and I are going to DR in September, I can’t wait! We’re staying at Secrets❤️ Keep in touch!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome back. It has been a long while. Hope and your loved ones are well.
Secrets in Punta Cana. That will be my next resort whe . I return to the island. It is gorgeous.
I loved Secret in Cancun. Not as beautiful, but the attention they give you is incredible.
I will be catching up wioth your blog soon.
Again, welcome back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely place!
The dance contest sounded so much fun.
And oh yes, I agree with your godchild that she is more Lily than Dibel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha . She is a Lily. Thank you so much foer readign and for your beautiful comment.
I appreciate your kindness.
LikeLike
Looks like you had a really wonderful time
LikeLiked by 2 people
Had a great time. Thank you for taking out the time to read and leave your words. Appreciate it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to know you had a great time, it’s always a pleasure 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was so lovely to have a snippet into your real world Andrew and your time on vacation. I love dancing too! Sounds like you had a great time. Thank you for sharing this and I hope you came back rejuvenated. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought it would be nice to share a part of my life with my friends. And your posts always inspire me.
Happy you enjoyed the peek. Thank you for being you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful experience is to take time out from normality. Thank you for sharing your rejuvenating events, places and beautiful faces that represent souls. Funny, that you didn’t post a pic of you. Makes me wonder. Any way, I’m looking forward to read more of your moving and poetic rhymes. Lidia
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was the vacation of my life. It stays on my mind like a wonderful dream I never thought would come true.
Never post a pic of me. But that will be coming soon.
Thank you for your lovely words. I am grateful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Punta Cana❤️🔥 Awesome sauce 😎 I cant wait, thanks ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Please share a post about that vacation when you return.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok, will do!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am trying to catch up on reading and realized I have missed some of the posts of my favorite author …………these are memories to be cherished truly …..and I see some beautiful captures
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for taking out the time to read so many posts. I am flattered and so grateful for your
kindness and support. Bless you Sakshi. You are a treasure.
LikeLike
I missed out on so many …. Was my loss …… catching up on reading my friend ….YOU are a treasure
LikeLiked by 2 people
Smiling
LikeLike
That is amazing and thanks for the pictures hugs good job turning on the charm
LikeLike
Happy yuo liked it. Thank you for reading.
xo
LikeLike
Why cant I see you my friend?
LikeLiked by 2 people
You see my beach pic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🧐
LikeLiked by 2 people