DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (2022)
Post divorce, mid-empty nest. After three months in California over the holidays with the Rogue and seeing my friends and family, it was time to leave again. This time the Dominican Republic presented a film opportunity on top of a tropical winter getaway… (From the journals.)
The Journey
February 2022 – Due to last minute decision to go to Dominican Republic, flights were a bit ridiculous. Flew Santa Barbara – Denver. 8 hour layover with Elway’s Steak and then United Club. Short “overnight” flight to Newark. Another 2 hour wait. Then dreadful flight to Punta Cana with screaming kicking children the whole way. Easy arrival though. My friend Kiki picked us up on Sunday and drove us to to Barcelo Bavaro Palace https://www.barcelo.com/en-us/barcelo-bavaro-palace/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=my_business&utm_content=7397. Quite an epic Latin resort. We were so tired. Ate lunch buffet. Settled in. Dinner at steak house. Rallied and stayed up then crashed hard.
Barcelo Bavaro Palace
Monday – Breakfast buffet, walked around resort, gym, hydropool/spa. Shopping. Rogue helped me pick out “resort wear”. Lunch buffet at adult resort. Beach. Massages. I had a writing deadline hanging over me. Finished late tonight.
Last minute photo shoot and Covid test for tomorrow’s TV pilot shoot.
The Production
Feb. 8 – First day of production super successful. Fun. Loved meeting everyone and being a part of things. I’m so impressed with our dynamo Kiki who put this bilingual, International project together. The cast and crew are so talented and professional. The villa speaks for itself. What a location! Not a bad way to spend a few days.
Rogue on his own. After I was back we ate at French restaurant on property, then walked.
Feb. 9 – Second day of production in this gorgeous tropical paradise.
Feb. 10 – The Rogue got pulled in as an actor. So fun!
Resort Pleasures
Feb. 11 – Yesterday, Kiki and the director here at the resort. Lunch buffet, pool, dinner at steak house. Kiki bought us Larimar jewelry.
Feb. 12 – Today mellow catch up restful Saturday, on the beach. Later went out to Hard Rock Cafe and Coco Bongo with a bunch of the cast and Kiki.
Feb. 13 – Super Bowl Sunday – another one in another country! LA Rams vs. Bengals.
Feb. 14 Valentine’s Day – Rogue and I have had a delightful time. Settling into a routine. Ridiculous how long this has been going on! I’m happy. It’s working now. Living in the moment.
Feb. 15 – Great afternoon evening at Kiki’s. Delicious Dominican dinner. Massages!
Feb. 16 – Went to bed early. I finally got some sleep. This is the life I have manifested. #writetolive #livetowrite Traveling, writing, creating.
Feb 17 – Lots of positive momentum on film projects. Great catch ups with fam. Moving to Hard Rock tomorrow!
Hard Rock Resort
Feb. 18 – Leaving Barcelo moving to Hard Rock. Packing up. On to the next adventure. Discussing March. Plans. Future. Checked out Hard Rock. Booked some fun activities. Nice Brazilian dinner. A little Netflix and chill. https://hotel.hardrock.com/punta-cana/
Casa de Campo
Feb. 19 – Ready to go to Casa de Campo with Kiki. Exhausting but great seeing it all – amphitheater, beach, marina with yachts, dinner with Rogue and Kiki.
Cap Cana
Feb. 20 – gym, spa day, then rushed to go with Kiki to Cap Cana to have dinner at the Farm with another couple from the show. Kiki and the Rogue, clash of the rams, Aries (over croquettes LOL). Rogue and I played games (one of the things we both enjoy are trying silly activities).
Orphanage Visit
Feb. 21 – Orfanato Ninos con Cristo. Amidst all the glitz and glamour here in the Dominican Republic, one can’t forget the tough realities as well. An emotional, humbling experience visiting the orphanage Orfanato Ninos con Cristo. Kiki’s son proudly gave us a tour of his former home, and introduced us to all his friends. These boys eagerly greeted us with hugs and excitement. So full of love. Showed their dormitories, murals, and scampered about to show off their soccer and basketball skills. A seven year old little guy clung to me and wouldn’t let go the entire time. The mother in me wants to nurture them all. Fortunately this is a really stellar place, and while not a traditional home, it is better than the boys other options.
Hard Rock Casino
More pool and beach. Dinner with Mikaela from the show, at the Casino restaurant. Super fun.
Monkey Land & Jungle Buddies
2-22-22 – Fun day of Monkey Land (masked up for monkeys’ health), Jungle Buddies (mud galore!) and laughs with the Rogue. There is nothing like silly adventures and laugh out loud moments. https://www.runnersadventures.com/jungle-buggies-monkeyland/
D.R. Slices of Life
That’s a Wrap!
Feb. 23 – Last night in Hard Rock. Enjoyed the facilities, the beach, the pool.
Feb. 24 Leaving Hard Rock. Little depressed having to leave. I have loved this time in the Dominican Republic. We spent the last night at Kiki’s. She took me to the Oscar de la Renta tennis center. I went to Playa Blanca with her. Met a DR actor and his girlfriend. Passionfruit mojitos kicked my butt.
Next stop Panama before heading back to the States!
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