Mikal

What a Pleasant Surprise…

I have been aware, for a long time as to the many changes that were in effect in the States and quite a few things that were to come. In September of 2013, I had crossed paths with the DRescapes web site last year after watching a video that I had come across. What instantly appealed to me before watching the video was something in its title…….? Something to do with the Dominican Republic. I had visited the DR many times over the years and found it to be a fascinating place to visit, and take my stress breaks, from my fast paced stressed out life on the East Coast of the U.S.A.

I really came to love the DR. Its beautiful people, diverse and very tasty culinary dishes, along with the beautiful energy that always seemed to reach out and touch me during my many stays, were always something for me to look forward to. But I never really thought about living there, on a full time basis, for many reasons.

In the videos I noticed Barry and others, placed a lot of emphasis on the simple and basic needs of people, such as clean healthy food, water and a safe place to live. Those elements were always at the top of my list of needs, when it came down to the basic ingredients for living a quality life.

Although I was familiar with Santo Domingo, I knew nothing about the agricultural regions of the DR. In the video, DRescapes was making me an offer that I couldn’t refuse. I have to admit that I was a little skeptical about some things, but I was willing to give it a try, by going on down and take Barry up on His offer, to visit and meet the DRescapes family.

I arrived in Puerto Plata the first week of April of 2014, to be met by Barry at the airport. After a nice relaxing drive through the country side, we arrived at the town of Cabrera, a very clean and quiet community, with some really great people, about an hour or so, from Puerto Plata. Over a period of a week, I was introduced to many members of the DRescapes family along with many of the local folk, through Barry. And I have to be honest when I say that I was thoroughly impressed to find that Barry and the DRescapes family seemed authentic and genuine. During my short stay, I had a chance to relax and unwind with the help of Barry and His Beautiful wife, Liane. They invited me out on a daily basis to meet and enjoy the company of their close friends like Willie Acosta and His beautiful Family.

I also discovered a new sport (Rum Surfing) while attending a birthday beach party in honor of a member of the Acosta family. Rum Surfing is something I’ve never seen before. And from what I saw, some folks take it very seriously. It goes like this; A Rum Surfer fills up a glass of Rum and attempts to swim frolic and or play in the surf without spilling the Rum out of the glass (plastic cup). There were three contestants; Barry along with two other men. The other men were clearly experienced and well adapted, but after about 20 minutes in the mostly moderate surf, they called it quits, all without spilling one drop of Rum.

But Barry really stood out because he went out and endured two successful 30 minute rounds of Rum Surfing, all without spilling a drop. At some point in the day, I guess Barry was thinking of breaking some sort of record I wasn’t aware of because after a 60 minute break he went back in the water, for a third time, with his cup filled to the brim and tried to outdo himself. Barry attempted a one armed backstroke while holding Rum in the other hand and out of nowhere a wave came along and wiped out his chance for the day, at a perfect score of 10. But I had to give Him a 9.5 out of 10 for the effort. I guess it’s like Bowling, there are many excellent Bowlers out there, but rarely does anyone Bowl a perfect 300 game. Better luck next time, Barry!

Overall the DRescapes family, Cabrera and the community as well as the people of Cabrera, did not disappoint. In fact, I enjoyed my experience so much, that I came back 5 weeks later, with a plan to live in the region permanently. DRescapes and Cabrera is a great place to be, with lots of wonderful people. I would recommend it to anyone.

Mikal