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Unplugged and reconnected: a week in the Dominican Republic
Embracing life’s detours.
Jeannette Reyes
November 07, 2024
Hey friend,
Sometimes the best adventures are the ones you don't expect. Case in point: my recent trip to the Dominican Republic. It could have been a travel nightmare—a steep mountain road, a sudden power outage, and a downpour that left us stranded. Instead, it turned into one of the most heartwarming experiences ever, filled with family, laughter, and a deep reconnection with my roots. ❤️
My big goals this year have been to prioritize family time and explore my heritage. This trip was the perfect opportunity to do both! I got to enjoy the vibrant city of Santo Domingo and the peaceful countryside with family members.
Our journey kicked off in La Capital, where I let ChatGPT be our tour guide. A highlight was exploring the Colonial Zone with my late father's brother. He'd seen it before but never wandered through its ancient streets. This place is truly unique—lined with 16th-century buildings, it's home to the very first paved road, hospital, and cathedral in the Americas. Walking through this living piece of history with family felt surreal, surrounded by architecture that has witnessed over 500 years of stories.
Here's a peek at our city itinerary:
Morning: A cozy coffee shop with Dominican breakfast (mashed plantain, malanga, yam, cheese, and poached eggs) and great vibes for catching up on work.
Midday: Soap-making at KahKow Experiences—fun for all age groups!—followed by ceviche and Chinola at Bucho Perico.
Dinner: Ended the day with delicious empanadas and chicken fettuccine alfredo at El Buho Eatery (10/10, highly recommend!).
Later, we took a bumpy, rain-soaked drive up to Moca, a tranquil mountainous region. As we approached our cottage on a ridiculously steep hill, our car just couldn't make it up the final stretch.
 | A kind stranger—a neighbor we'd never met—came to the rescue with his 4x4 and gave us a lift! His generosity was a beautiful example of the warmth and kindness you find in small communities. The cottage itself, nestled high in the mountains and surrounded by clouds, felt like a hidden paradise. And then, the unexpected happened (again). The power went out. For a whole day. While I was a bit thrown, my family just laughed it off. They were used to these occasional outages and knew how to make the best of it. We spent the evening sharing stories, reminiscing, and enjoying each other's company. |
It was a gift in disguise—unplugged, quiet time together, with only the sound of our laughter and the rain outside.
This trip reminded me of the incredible power of family, the beauty of nature, and the importance of breaking from routine. Often, the most challenging moments—like a car getting stuck or the power going out—become the most memorable. They force us to slow down, appreciate the simple things, and connect with the people around us on a genuine level.
I quietly use these vacations as a way to honor my father. He valued deep, quality time with family and believed in sharing blessings with loved ones. Now, with the flexibility and resources to make these trips happen, I cherish the opportunity to create these memories with my family.
Life is about embracing the detours thrown our way. After all, those detours can lead to the most amazing destinations. 🏝️
Have you ever taken a trip that felt like coming home? Hit reply and share your story of reconnecting with your family or roots—I’d love to read it, and may even share a few on my Instagram stories.
Sending love and many joyful adventures of your own!
  An incredibly honest take on recovering from trauma |   The heavenly body lotion I used on vacation |   Bopping around the Colonial Zone (thanks, ChatGPT!) |
Family faces are magic mirrors. Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present, and future.
Our husbands have entered the chat.
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