I took to life in the resort with aplomb. As my skin browned I fell into an easy rhythm of relaxation. My days contained nothing more stressful then remembering to apply sunscreen. Aaaaahhhhhhh�I could get used to this kind of travel.

Sunny shores are hard to dislike…

When I arrived at the resort, I was shown to my room by Agapito, a security guard, who insisted on carrying my backpack for me. He gave me a little tour of the room, throwing open doors and shutters, making sure to point out the �buena vista� (great view).

The view from my balcony

After showering off the long bus ride, I decided to hit the bar. There I met the amazing Super Nick (not Nick, Super Nick if you please). Mr. Nick speaks fluent English and Spanish as well as �some� French, Italian and god know what else. He�s a smiley guy who likes to laugh and mixes a good drink. He had me try the local rums and made sure my cup was always full.

The Tiki Bar

A stone�s throw from the Tiki Bar is the pool�where I spent most of the week. I love being in the water and was quite happy to swim beneath the coconut palms, float from one end of the pool to the next and join in on more than a few water volleyball games. It was almost a joke how many hours I spent in the pool. I thought I might grow gills.

My home away from home…

I did take a day trip into Cabarete, the neighboring town which has found life in the international surf circuit because of the absolutely perfect conditions for windsurfing and kite-boarding. I had lunch on the beach, politely declining entirely too many vendors selling jewelry and CDs. Still, with a view so perfect I was far from annoyed.

My view from the restaurant where I had lunch…

I found my week in paradise over too quickly and a genuine sadness creeping in. I met so many cool people, got tons of Spanish practice, caught up on a bunch of reading, got the best tan of my life�it was pretty much perfect. The rainy, grey weather in New York has made the transition no easier. I can�t wait to go back�