Friday, February 24, 2017

Punta Cana - December 24 - 30, 2016

December 24, 2016

   After a quick three hour flight, we landed in Punta Cana, and with little effort boarded the mini-van for our destination, Colonial Majestic Resort. We were so happy to see Rich, as our welcoming committee, since we'd all be spending Christmas together.  We checked in, did a little recon, and then waited for our luggage....and waited....and waited! Finally, after Connor and I did a bit of detective work, our luggage was located.

We quickly changed and went to dinner.  The resort is absolutely lovely and the weather couldn't be better. We're looking forward to some quality family time in paradise.

December 25, 2016
  Merry Christmas! After breakfast, we ventured out to the beach.  It was an unusual "Christmas" to watch Zumba on the beach!  Personally, I loved it!
Rachelle, Rich, and I did work out at the gym in hopes of ridding ourselves of any extra calories from this all inclusive resort!  After my workout, Rob wanted to be helpful and fill the Jacuzzi with water to help soak away any sore muscles.  Only one problem, the drain plug wouldn't work.  Well, it's a good thing I didn't really have my heart set on that Jacuzzi, because two days later, the plug was finally replaced.  We enjoyed a lovely dinner together and then went to a show where Connor and Zaydie danced away.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

December 26, 2016

  Another "Chamber of Commerce" weather day, and we spent the day reading by the pool, Punta Cana style:

Rich and Connor got some more beach time, and Rachelle worked on her new business!

Rob did encounter another little glitch today when he went to make a cup of the local coffee.  Suddenly, swarms of white microscopic bugs appeared.  He called the office for help.  Now, there is a definite language barrier and communication was a constant struggle.  So, I'm busy on my phone Googling "insects" in Spanish while Rob is on the phone with the office.  He totally lost it when the manager said, "Do you want someone to come show you how to make a cup of coffee?"  Oh, my!  Anyway, shortly thereafter, someone appeared at the door with bug spray.  Not good!


December 27, 2016

  Today, was one of those days I'll remember forever with a smile.  Connor and I went golfing at Punta Blanca Golf Course!  We had such a great time together.  The highlight of the day was when Connor bought me a golf ball, which is proudly displayed to make me smile for years to come.
   Meanwhile, back in our room, the beautiful fan in the living area suddenly stopped working.  Rob called the office, and again, with a bit of a language barrier, managed to communicate the problem.  The maintenance worker arrived, declared that the fan was "caput" and that it would have to be replaced.  Which did happen, two days later.  We've all decided that we have "the lemon" room!
  We all relaxed at the pool bar before getting ready for dinner.  Afterwards, we enjoyed another show, while I sipped a delicious chocolate martini! Part of the entertainment was audience participation in a dance class.  We were all SOOOOO proud of Connor for participating.  Love, love, love that kid!

December 28, 2016

  Rich, Rachelle, and Connor went on an excursion today, while Rob and I relaxed by the pool.  We're getting plenty of books read!  AND, we're really enjoying the delicious coffee.  The jogging trail is gorgeous, so I'm logging in plenty of steps. We also took a nice stroll down the beach where the white sand is like powdered sugar.  Poor Connor suffered a finger injury while out on the excursion.  He is such a trooper, never complaining about an injury that I feel sure must hurt.  Love that kid!
   Rob and I had reservations at the resort's French restaurant, and the meal truly was delicious.  Afterwards, we met up with the rest of the family.  The absolute best part of this trip is the great family time we get to spend together.  We sit and chat for hours.  Smile!!!!

December 29, 2016
  
   Can't believe that our final full day has arrived.  We've had THE MOST perfect weather!  Today, we spent most of the day by the pool.  Another favorite memory - Connor got dragged into a dance class.  He is such a good sport.  Anyway, eventually, he was paired with another adorable teenager, a VERY cute young gal, and I took some great pictures; however, you won't see them here because I promised Connor that I wouldn't post the pictures.  Take my word for it, the pictures are fabulous!
   We also spent some time walking "into town" - one word - SAD!  The little stores were pitiful, and the owners were like sharks at feeding time as we entered.
   Our dinner was delightful!  We had reservations at the Japanese Steak House.  We sat around a hibachi table enjoying a fantastic performance by the chef, as well as a delicious dinner.  It was a great ending to our time together.

December 30, 2016

  Farewell Majestic Colonial, Punta Canta!  The Kleimon Family enjoyed our stay.  We rode to the airport together to begin our journey home. While our tans will fade, our wonderful memories will last a lifetime.




Tuesday, February 21, 2017

New Orleans - December 1 - 5, 2016

December 1, 2016
   We left around 0900 hours for our next adventure to New Orleans to attend the wedding of Patrick and Colleen Stewart.  It was a gorgeous, sunny day so our drive was quick lovely. As we arrived at the Q&C Hotel in New Orleans, we noticed a peaceful demonstration across the street.  Welcome to New Orleans!

After we settled into our room, we ventured out for dinner and coffee at the Starbucks located conveniently around the corner from our hotel. 


December 2, 2016

Another gorgeous, sunny day!  We enjoyed a delicious breakfast at our new favorite Starbucks, then set off for the WW II Museum.
We saw only a fraction of this incredible museum and vowed to return some day to finish the job.  We did eat lunch at the museum, and my mouth still waters when I recall the delicious food.  I had the MOST amazing truffle fries EVER, and the po-boy had so much shrimp that Rob and I together could not finish them!  We've quickly discovered that the food in New Orleans is AMAZING as we enjoyed Italian food with the Hussies and Alan before attending the Meet and Greet for Patrick and Colleen. 

We had such a great time meeting all of the friends and family of this adorable couple.  I was the "photographer" and it was heartwarming to watch all the people celebrating Patrick and Colleen.

December 3, 2017
We started our day with coffee and beignets at Café du Monde!  Actually, my cell phone and I wore much of powdered sugar from my delicious breakfast.  We then toured the city and enjoyed a truly fabulous day.


We used "Uber" for our ride to dinner, where once again we ate WAY TOO MUCH!  Back at the Hotel, several of us gathered in the bar and chatted way into the wee hours.

December 4, 2016
It's the wedding day, but we have plenty of time to explore this wonderful city, so off we go!
Breakfast at Jimmy J's Café was well worth the thirty minutes we stood in line before getting a table.  Our cute waitress quickly named Rob, "The Fox in the Hen House" with his three Hussies!  After strolling the streets, it was time to return to get ready for the wedding.  Unfortunately, the rain began.  Oy, did it ever rain! Again, I was the videographer, so I loved capturing the happiness and pure joy of the wedding party, friends, and family.  Even in the torrential rain, it was one of the most meaningful weddings I've ever attended!
December 5, 2016
Time to say farewell to this delightful city and begin our journey home.  Due to the horrible rain, the seven hour trip took nine hours!  Fortunately, we arrived home safely, smiling as we recalled the terrific memories of a treasured trip.