We landed in Punta Cana with sand already between our toes.
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At least in our mind.
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Our mini-van waited. Eleven seats. Eight of us. Math that worked.
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We headed for Las Terrenas. The Lopez clan - Uncle Elijah, Tia Zaviyth, little Leo - alongside us for the journey.
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Eleven days lay ahead.
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Eleven days to forget emails (except I couldn't escape the few work calls).
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Eleven days to remember what matters.
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We drove that mini-van everywhere.
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Many beaches to explore each day but we kept going back to our favorite.
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That's how you know you've found something good.
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When you keep returning.
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The BBQs at home became our favourite joint. Garlic rice steaming. Persian-style tomatoes charring on the grill for every meal.
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Simple food. Better than any restaurant.
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Then there was Empanadas Y Mas :(
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The place we couldn't find open.
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Island time isn't something you read on a watch.
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Their inconsistent hours became our running joke. "Today?" we'd ask. The answer was always tomorrow.
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That's the thing about the Dominican.
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It teaches you that island time ticks different.
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Eleven days.
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Gone too fast.
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Like all the best things.
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Thank you Lord, for the trip of a lifetime.
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