Bayahibe and Isla Saona

Bayahibe

As I reached Bayahibe, I gave Cisco a call, to pick me up and help me find somewhere to stay. He picked me up on his motorbike, and off we went, trying the cheaper options first, and finally ending up staying in the only hotel in the village. It wads a beautiful room with a view overlooking the bay, and at a cheap price as the AC did not work, great for me, as I never use the Ac anyway

I got settled in and agreed to meet Nana and Cisco for drinks at the local Colmado later. The Colmado is the supermarket that also serves as a bar in many smaller villages and towns. I met up with them, and a group of their friends, and we headed off for dinner and drinks. We had dinner in a lovely Italian down on the sea front. The view was wonderful and the bill was cheap which, was a definite plus.

After dinner, we headed to the pool hall for some pool with the locals, and then off we went to the nightclub. At the nightclub the rhythms flowed and people danced. People here are naturally good dancers and seem to be born with rhythm. Being surrounded by all this rhythm and moves is a little intimidating, so I have to confess to never having danced so little in my life……

I arose the next morning to a beautiful sunrise that I watched from my balcony, and after repacking my bags I headed into town to the tour operator to take me to Isla Saona which is a part of the Parque national Este (National park of the east), and for some much longed for snorkelling, and beach time. The tour left at 8:30, and luckily we were only seven people and two crew, so plenty of space and personal service. We all got settled in the boat and off we went. Surrounded my stunning sea, and gorgeous views all around, I was sure it would be a fabulous day

We took a tour through the mangle first and also to see the caves, then off to the highlight of my day Isla Saona. The first picture I ever saw off Dominican Republic was from Isla Saona, and the little colourful village, so I was so excited to go and see it in person. We headed up the coast, and first we made a short stop in some shallow water for some snorkelling. We finally found a lovely stretch of beach with no one else on it, and got settled in for the day. The staff set up the food area, and I took pictures, swam, snorkelled, and ate. We stayed there for five hours just enjoying the day.

My new found love is snorkelling, and I spent most of the day in the water admiring the beautiful coral and the beautiful colours and fish. It is such an amazing world under water, with all its spectacular sights. I love the feeling of this water landscape, being in the water and swimming around with the fish, and being a part of another world, without taking part in it. The downside is that my bum was very sunburnt after a long day, and my back even blacker than before. I LOVED IT.

Next stop was the village of Saona, and my excitement was running high. We hopped of the boat and arrived in the colourful village. It was gorgeous, just as peaceful as I had imagined. They sold art and the usual tourist things there, but it was still so scenic. I took a walk to the quieter area of the village, and I enjoyed the quietness. I took so many pictures!

On the way back to Bayahibe, we made a stop in deeper water where they knew there was plenty of fish, big and small. They threw some bread in and watched the sea boil… Me and the guide jumped in, and did the last snorkel of the day. It was so wonderful. I did not see any really big fish, but I did swim along side a school of blue fish which was fun. Back in the boat we headed for the dock.

I practically ran of the boat, and got on the first gua gua I saw going in the direction I was headed; Santo Domingo. I had made arrangements to meet Keith to say goodbye before leaving the country. I WAS SO EXCITED.

Lessons i have learnt:

1. Snorkeling is the greatest sport on earth
2. Short is sometimes sweet as well
3. Sunrise and sunset is like medicine for my soul
4. Cheapest is seldom the best

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