Dominican Republic - Cayo Levantado

After a bit of a break from the Tanzania/Amsterdam trip it was time to head to the Dominican for Jamie and Michelle's wedding. Jamie and Michelle organized a package that had us all staying at the Gran Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado, an all-inclusive, for about a week. Unfortunately Cheryl couldn't make it due to the timing, but I was lucky enough to go.

This resort is actually on a small island off the Dominican. The majority of the island is resort property, but there is a public beach to one side of the island where cruise ships can come by, dropping off people for a bit of off-the-boat relaxation.

I had never been to an all-inclusive before, and wasn't really sure how I'd enjoy it, but it really turned out to be a great time. I definitely got the most enjoyment from hanging around with the family and friends that were able to make it. This was the first time I had a chance to meet Michelle's family, and it was very good to get a whole week worth of interaction in. I think this is probably the most time I spent with my dad, mom, and Jamie since I left for university back in '96... Many moons ago. It's amazing how time flies.

Well, how about a few pics...

This is a view of the "lower pool" of the resort from above. There are two main beaches that are separated by a rock cut, those palm umbrellas at the top of the picture line one of those two beaches...

The one below is Jamie after just buying a thatch hat from the market:

 

Here's a good portion of the wedding having some dinner at the resort:

 

This is mom and dad at one of the drink huts. I believe we were drinking Caipirinha's as the drink of choice that week:

The most fun we had all week was probably playing in the waves. I do have some pics of those but I'll keep them off the web since some folks don't like having pics of themselves in bathing suits online :)

This is where the wedding ceremony took place. A great gazebo at the intersection of the two beaches on the resort:

 

This is myself, dad, Jamie, and mom. It's great to go to weddings where the dress attire is more casual:

I met Jamie for breakfast that morning, and he mentioned that he was re-writing the ceremony... I said it's today at 3 right? Yup, he started from scratch because they had determined the night before that the current one needed more than minor refractoring. Him and Chris did a great job and pulled it together at the last minute!

It was a sand ceremony, and Chris Kirby (the best man) got a bit entrepreneurial when the resort couldn't find him any containers for the sand... He ended up taking two massive conch shells and using those instead... It turned out to be a good touch:

A post wedding picture of the groom's side:

After the wedding we went on a sunset cruise. We had appetizers and drinks from our mini-bars during the ride:

After the boat ride we all came back for some great food... I think it was halibut wrapped in bacon... Mmmm.

Certainly a great day. Congratulations to Jamie and Michelle!!

The rest of the week went off very smoothly too. Mom, Dad, and I went shopping in the market, found all sorts of wildlife while snorkeling, and played in the waves some more. The bartenders continuously mixed very solid drinks, and the scenery continued to please. It did rain a lot while we were there, but the rain came in short bursts and wasn't a problem at all.

So, I would like to thank Jamie and Michelle for such a wonderful week, I am very glad to have met Michelle's family and friends, and it was so good spending quality time with my parents and Jamie as well. You can find all of the wedding pics here.

Until next time!