Friday, March 12, 2010

A Memory of Paradize


I've been so sick,
So really wretched - but
I'm finally able to sit up at this machine and talk to you, my long-neglected Constant Reader.

Back a few weeks ago, 2 of my insanely sweet sisters and I went to the Dominican Republic for a week. It couldn't have been more memorable right from the get-go. We'd never been anywhere before, just us 3, and our other sibs placed bets on who would be the first to get arrested for sibling-cide. Surprise surprise, we had a hellova time!

Probably because of my cane, security put me in a wheelchair and with the sibs in tow, wheeled us to the front of every line we encountered. They swore from now on they'd take me everywhere they go to bypass those intolerable lines. I concur.What amazed me first was how no one talked about Haiti, the human suffering going on only miles across our border. It's understandable for the tourist industry but even the sunbathing tourists wouldn't mention the "H" word, it was so surreal. Almost as if talking about it would mean we might have to actually HELP those people anyway we could - like using gift money to put in a fund or something - but lo and alas, there WASN'T any such thing.
In the meantime, I was swept away by the unnameable shade of turquoise the Caribe was, and the sky which changed by the hour. Many English-speaking folks, alot of Canadians, some Germans, but mostly pampered Americans. Friendly, but had a kind of "I'm entitled" attitude. It was ok though. Everyone was open and easy to engage.You might remember my old "Thelma and Louise" post a few years back where I had my first experience walking on sand with this nutty neuropathy. So I was expecting to fall softly which was actually fun, but it was the Caribbean Sea that put me in paradise. For the first time in over 15 years I wasn't aware of my legs, no pain, no weight, no fear of falling, no nothing - the lack of gravity took all that away and with the help of a sister I just floated on my back with no sensation of that damn left leg. It's so difficult to explain unless you've felt it, but suffice to say I ascended to heaven escorted by angels.

We bought our requisite postcards but when we got to the door for stamps they wanted $3 each, so we mailed them from home LOL kinda takes the thrill out of getting a postcard but what the heck I wasn't going for that little rip-off.And I noticed alot of them, but it was easy to find bargains if you looked. Most of the place was set-up to pamper and please, which they did - I sometimes wondered how the "help" really felt about tourists though they seemed very genuine and happy to just have a job. We went deluxe all the way - why not, this kind of thing doesn't happen often, in fact NEVER till now.
I never flew before (except when 3 and don't remember it) and never been out of the country (except when 14 to Canada and definitely don't remember that lol) so there were alot of firsts.
I'm planning our next excursion before we get too old. Maybe the mountains? I already have my "walking stick" LOL.
Note: These stock photos are very close to the real thing, my sister is uploading all the pix, she took close to 700 - and the other sister's camera broke the first day lol o unpredictable life!

9 comments:

Ben said...

Welcome home, dear. And welcome back to the world of feeling better. It's great to have you posting again.

Ben
http://ben-better-left-unsaid.blogspot.com/

Senorita said...

I'm glad you're feeling better. I wish I could go to the Dominican Republic.

Gerry said...

I am so glad you were able to do this. It gives me a good feeling thinking of you enjoying this time in Paradize which for you was a one time thing. Reminds me of a trip to NY my sister Margie and I made. First and only time for both of us. There was nothing like it! And you told about yours so well. I knew you had to be doing something. I hoped you were enjoying it! Sounds like it all caught up with you, but after you were home!

Jeanie said...

I'm sorry to read that you were so ill!
Glad to see that you are on the mend though. You described your holiday with your sisters' beautifully. Especially that heavenly moment floating in the sea. That must have bee amazing Cathy! My first real flight abroad to Crete had me looking down on a jewelled island with the sea sparkling in the moonlight.
Magical flying moments to remember for both of us..yes?
Take care.
Jeanie xx

Barbara In Caneyhead said...

I am so thrilled to know you had this wonderful opportunity!! To see and experience something so beautiful and exotic. To have such fun with your sisters. And to feel free. Rest up and take care.

ADB said...

Excellent to hear you've been away to paradise, Cathy. And pleased to find you back. Isn't it strange how quickly we forget about all those disasters? Haiti, Chili - it's all a distant memory. But when you're in those countries, it's very much today. Keep well,

Guido

Trees said...

Hi my dear friend, so happy to hear you had a wonderful time with your sisters, the pics are really nice, sounds like a lovely place. It is nice you are planning your next adventure, just remember Niagara falls has a date with you, lol. Sorry to hear you were so ill, I have been wondering how you are, so happy you are feeling better.

Maire said...

Welcome home! Ahh you make me want to be laying on a lovely DR beach right now! I'm so sorry you have been ill, so have I, must be a NJ thing right? I relish the fleeting moments of not knowing any pain, it is heaven!
Hugs
Maire

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