Thursday, August 8, 2013

Chivirico goes to Jarabacoa


Last weekend there was great excitement as we went on holiday for the first time in years. Me, Danilo and Chivirico. We went to Jarabacoa to stay in a villa at Rancho Las Guasaras, which had been rented by a friend of mine from the US who was staying there with her family and friends.


The villa was lovely, not sure about the deer though – Chivirico decided it was one of Santa Claus’ who fell into the fireplace and died.


He had a brilliant time, cooking


Dressing in his new frog towel and swim shorts


In the pool where he learned to swim


Helping people to climb over rocks in the river


On his new scooter


Teaching the others to play dominoes - he won



On the Sunday night we went to the Hamaca de Dios (God’s Hammock) development, to their restaurant way up above Jarabacoa called the Aroma de la Montaña.


The views were simply spectacular.


I would thoroughly recommend this restaurant, not just for the food, service and the views, but because it was much more than simply going out for a meal. It was the whole ambiance and experience. We were there for 4 hours – eating upstairs in the revolving restaurant, out chatting on the upstairs patio and then downstairs to the outside deck to watch the sunset and the lights twinkling down below as it got dark. No one tries to push you out as someone else wants your table, no hovering waiters when you don’t want them, just an overall lovely laid back and very enjoyable experience.

It was sad to leave Jarabacoa and get back to normal life, but there have been some changes in the countryside. Firstly the gym has a new machine – again. I thought you were probably fed up of muscular men so here is Belinda the Great Dane checking it out. The only things lacking now are a running machine and a step machine - and I am sure they will turn up sooner or later.


Secondly, I couldn’t believe it, at last my cauliflower has the white bit in the middle. It has taken 7 months and  is only as big as my thumb at the moment, but I can feel cauliflower cheese coming on before Christmas.



So, many thanks to Tracy for inviting us to Jarabacoa and making a little barrio boy very happy


He will certainly remember his first holiday in his dreams and for the rest of his life.




12 comments:

  1. I am so glad that you all came up to visit at Jamaca. We certainly enjoyed having you and it was wonderful to laugh and share together.

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    1. Thanks so much for your hospitality Lisa - we had a wonderful time.

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  2. OMG Lyndsay! That last photo made me cry!! Talk about leaving the climax to the very end. LOL

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    1. Sorry to make you cry, but it was a very special time for him and I know he will always remember it. He was perfectly behaved, especially for a 6 year old. Was hard dropping him off at his grandmothers afterwards. I miss him.

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  3. Thank you Lindsay for the beautiful photos. So glad the little one got to enjoy that with you. What a gorgeous place. I want to go there!
    Ana

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    1. It is a lovely place Ana, especially the restaurant. Glad you enjoyed the pics.

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  4. As much as I miss the Hector photos, I have to say the little guy is adorable. You are during a wonderful thing by spending time with him.

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    1. Sorry Rita I knew you would miss those, and when Hector saw the blog he was upset there were no photos of him! I am sure he will reappear at some stage. Chivirico is such fun to be with is no trouble at all spending time with him, he really is a delight and makes everyone smile.

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  5. What a wonderful place, and great views from the restaurant. So wonderful that Chivi went on holidays with you!

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    1. Yes Sami it is a wonderful place. Many people see the DR as just beaches but the mountains are the best part I think. It was lovely having Chivi with us.

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  6. Lindsay, I will be interested to hear what happens with your cauliflower. When I planted cauliflower for the first time, it was in the DR, and neither I nor any of the Dominicans had any idea what to expect. It took AGES to "flower," as yours has in the photo, but once that hurdle was crossed, it grew so quickly you could almost watch it grow. So perhaps the wait is almost over :)

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    1. Now that is really good news Molly.I expected to have to wait another 6 months at least. I have around 20 cauliflowers and every one has flowered now. I had no idea they would take so long to flower and had almost given up hope. I will keep you informed!

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