Four Boats and No One's Funeral

Stardate 66597.2

Our last day in the Dominican Republic, we decided to visit the South side of the island. We booked a tour that led us on four different boats that explored the Southern coast.

Boat 1: We sailed on the catamaran along the coast, catching wonderful views of the Parque Nacional de Este on land. The National Park is one of the few in the world that tries to protect the whole coastal ecosystem from the ocean to the mangroves to the shoreline. It’s actually one of the largest marine national parks in the region. We sailed on the catamaran until we reached the channel between the main island and Isla Soana.

Boat 2

Lunch

Boat 2: Our second float was just that a float. Our tour guide made a joke about it being what Cubans tried to get to Florida on. So we figured it was pretty sturdy. We took the canoe raft into the mangroves to see the breeding grounds of frigate birds. Fun fact, frigate birds are large and have huge red necks that can be puffed out. They would swoop all around us, giving us the feeling of being wild adventurers. The tour guides were also able to drudge up some weird looking jellyfish for us. They were up-side-down jellyfish, meaning their tentacles were on top. I’m not going to lie, Focus Foxies, I petted one. I did not get stung, but it did feel gross.

Up-Side-Down Jelly

Boat 3: Next, we flew past the channel between the main island and Isla Soana in a speed boat. Our destination was the sand bar where the Caribbean and Atlantic Oceans meet. So they let us out to drink and have fun in crystal blue waters.  We watched as the waves came crashing into the sand bar and intermixed forming some outstanding blue hues. This water was much choppier than the sandbar we were on the previous day. Also, the wind came in pretty strong as well. We just stayed under water with our drinks for warmth. That's a free survival tip for everyone out there.

Boat 4: Our final boat consisted of paddle boat that took us upstream into the main island. It seemed like a trip back in time with the old school transportation and the Jurassic vegetation.  It was as if the boat and river pierced a hole in the gigantic wall of jungle. Focus Foxies, I think we were in the Rio Yuma that borders two providences in Dominican Republic. There is actually no way to be sure. Our guide just dropped off after a while.

As the sun set, I held a rum cocktail in hand and propped my feet up. I felt peaceful amongst the jungle and happy about our last day in the Dominican Republic.

Swims with Sharks

Stardate 66551.4

Not sharks, but fish

14:40 - We thought after having a rough day with whales, we would take it easy with some sharks and stingrays. Focus Foxies, we also decided that being in a boat was not good enough. We wanted to be the water with them. We wanted to swim with predators that have honed their skills for millennia.  So we set off on a catamaran to our snorkel adventure.

Shark Tank

They let us off the boat to swim around and get used to the snorkel equipment before throwing into the shark tank. That is exactly what it was, a net in the middle of the ocean with sharks swimming around. I guess this would be a good time to tell y’all that these were only Nurse Sharks, so the probability that they would attack us was slim. 

Nonetheless, they are super scary under water. They look like this menacing shadowy creature that can outswim and out-think you at any moment. We held our own and took pictures of these over 6 feet long Lords of the Ocean. Then we entered into the other tank with stingrays. Those Focus Foxies familiar with my travels will know that I am an old pro at stingrays. Nothing to fear about these guys, not even being stung. They had their stingers removed, piece of cake.

After our adventures with predators, we sailed around the coast to see some pretty spectacular views of the Dominican Republic. We were on the Eastern/Atlantic side of the island, but for how deep the water can get, it was a pretty blue color. Now the Dominican tour companies have particular move that other countries don’t have. Many tours will allow you to drink until your heart drops on the boat. Don’t get me wrong, the Dominican companies will let you drink massively. They however drop you off on a sandbar and bring the mixed drinks to you. It is quite fancy if I may say so! Plus, I am a bigger fan of rum than tequila. So take that Mexico. 

Whale of a Tale

Stardate 66549.6

23:45 - We start this tale where we began it: at the Punta Cana Airport. Our mission was to find the seasonal Humpback Whales in Samana Bay. The only problem was Samana Bay was a few hours away by bus through mountains. We decided to bypass the whole bus situation and take an airplane. I mean the type of plane that makes you put down how much you weigh because they need to balance both sides out.

We landed about an hour away from Samana Bay, and the weather did not cooperate with us. Focus Foxies, we had a deluge of biblical portions that threatened to cancel our whale watching plans and plagued us all day. We persevered but barely. We headed out to sea in some of the choppiest water I have ever been in. I mean I have been on many rough seas, Focus Foxies. This was down right terrible. They outfitted us with life jackets and big yellow jackets, and we went bravely into the perfect storm. We needed to go further into the bay to see the whales and let the storm past by us.

We were able to see two different pods of whales. One pod had a mother and calf in it,

and the other had several juveniles. We got the feeling that the Mom and calf whale did not want to be messed with and kept swimming away. So we went in search of the other pod spotted by another boat. These juveniles were playing around in the sea as if they had no cares in the world. Pictures were hard to take because the amount of people on the boat and whales can hold their breath for long periods of time.

Our adventure didn't stop with the whales. As epic as whales are, Focus Foxies, we needed more adventure packed in our day. We stopped on Cayo Levantado, which is an island in Samana Bay, to visit the beaches. Well, until the rain chased us away to our lunch spot.

Our next adventure was a horse ride like no other. My Mom and I are not experts in horse riding, but we have had our fair share of horseback shenanigans. We have taken a donkey down into the Grand Canyon and made it back to tell the stories. This situation made us think twice. I mean we still jumped on and went along for the ride. We just said so many prayers as we made our way through the extremely washed out trails. Each horse had a guide/owner who led us to a waterfall. (Side note: Focus Foxies, we had no idea what our end destination was for this horse ride. At one point we thought we were on a one way trip into the forest.) We eventually made it to Lemon Waterfall, which fun fact was a USAID project for tourism.

We eventually made it to the head of the trail in one piece. Our guides grabbed their day's wages and rode off into the sunset. This was our cue that it was our time to go home as well. We made our way back to the airport but not before we went through some Dominican backroad. 

Yea, that road was washed out as well

Outta Moving Van

I can't believe it was snowing when I left DC...

Stardate 66546.1

"We need to just get out of the van. Just go!" --Mom  "What?"--Me

We found ourselves on the side of the road next to a market about ten miles from the hotel. But this is will into middle of our story. Focus Foxies, we need to back up to the beginning.

Hotel beach

My Mom and I touched down in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on Monday (stardate 66543.4). We came to escape winter, experience the beach, and go whale watching. We were welcomed into the tropical island with a fun tourism visa fee. An interesting development tactic to say the least, but since it was only $10 and the airport was nice, we thought it worth it. If we didn't, it would be a short story. Our hotel was  an all-inclusive beautiful resort that backed up to a beach.

A different market

Our first full day, we wanted to go shopping in a local market. We had a free day before we went on our excursions and wanted to make the best of it. Our hotel guest services had no idea where to send us. They had one shuttle service to a place called 'Bella Mar.' We were assured that it was a large market with many shops. Basically, it would be everything we would want out of DR. Bella Mar was a small, one shop stop. I mean larger that a few market stalls, but no dice. On the way back, I cobbled enough Spanish to get the driver to stop by Plaza Bavaro, which looked more promising. The driver was about to not let us out, so Mom took matters into our own hands. We just left the van and freaked everyone else out who stayed. They probably assume we are dead.

But, spoiler alert, we are not! We shopped until we dropped getting larimar (type of blue stone), paintings, shot glasses, and necklaces. We were the only tourists in the market, so it wasn't a take out your camera type of excursion. All eyes were on us as we walked around. It would have been a wonderful photo opportunity. We eventually caught a cab for $10 back to the cab. So the tip I have for you, Focus Foxies, is jump out of a slightly moving van. It will be a blast!

View from the hotel room

Zoo Atlanta

Floppy ears and all

Stardate 66467.1

19:45 - To cap off the zoo-apolooza that was the year 2012, Rob and I ventured out to Zoo Atlanta. We had already seen the aquatic life in Atlanta and thought we would give the terrestrial animals a try. Venturing from exotic location to another proved to be a challenge. Mainly because of the beastly state of the Atlanta public transportation system. I mean we waited over half an hour for a bus to show up! We finally made it to see these fabulous creatures, and they did not disappoint!

On the Prowl

Focus Foxies, most people do not think to go to the zoo during the winter months. I guess being outside in the cold does not sound appealing to most, but the winter months are the best times to see the animals. This is true especially for big cats and bears. The cold weather makes them frisky! We got up close and personal to Zoo Atlanta's Sumatran Tigers and Malaysian Sun Bears. I mean really close. The one of the tigers came up and near the window to check out some of the kids. I mean the tiger could have eaten the kid if it was hungry. What could you do to stop them?

 The Malaysian Sun Bears took to (dare I say) horseplaying around their exhibit. I mean the Atlanta Falcons should get on signing at least one of these bears the way they were tackling each other.

Most zoos will be able to show you the usual suspects of all animals, but good zoos will teach you a thing or two. I found out about a two new animals. The first animal to be discovered was the Tanuki, which looks like a raccoon. This makes a whole lot of sense because Tanuki is Japanese for raccoon dog. Also, the Japanese name will tip off most detective Focus Foxies that they live in East Asia. However, sleuthing Focus Foxies, these guys are not related to the raccoon family; they are dogs. They are tricky and loving animals. They choose to 'play dead' rather than encounter predators, and they are monogamous creatures.

The next creature comes from the bird family, and it is a rather odd bird. The Kori Busturds are sizable birds from the African Plains. These birds are not easily pushed around as the males are contenders for the world's heaviest flying bird. An honor in the animal kingdom, I assure you. The males can weigh up to 40 lbs; the females come in at 14 lbs. Both genders measure approximately 4 feet tall. The males do some pretty elaborate mating rituals to attract their small lady friends. They guard their nesting territories, making booming calls to differentiate themselves, and preform dances to show off their plumage. You know, all in a days work. I am not sure if these birds mate for life, but they have about 30 years of life to figure it out.

On a scale of 1 to 10; you want to be meerkat level

Well, year 2012 turned out to be the best year for me and the zoos. I made it to 4 different zoos this year. I am not trying to brag, but I believe that is some sort of record.

There is a Wild Ass Abisinine, as my Grandfather would say

Under the Georgia Sea

Stardate 66466.7

16:45 - Far and wide, Atlanta is known for its spectacular aquarium. They have eight exhibit areas geared to show you every part of the water ecosystems. With 75% of the world made up of water, the aquarium has its work cut out for it.

Our first stop was the Georgia Explorer exhibit, and as the name suggests, you learn a ton about Georgian wildlife. In front of the exhibit is a touch tank, but no ordinary touch tank. You  get the chance to touch stingrays! How cool is that? So I went in and attempted to touch a stingray, but they are frightful and slippery creatures. Eventually I was successful.

The Cold Water Quest exhibit featured the coolest ocean mammals and birds. We first got to see the California sea otters, which are huge! It was their feeding time so we watched as they danced and did tricks for treats. They are pretty smart and know how to ham it up for the crowd. 

Next, we ventured out to see the Beluga Whales. These fanciful white whales danced around their huge aquarium. It was hypnotic to watch the dazzling blue aquarium and bright white gentle giant just swimming along. They would come right up glass (and sometimes bump into it), say hello, and then swim around again. The best part of the Cold Water Quest was the small colony of South African Penguins. They had a neat exhibit where you got to pop your head up into the exhibit and experience 360 degrees of penguin funness. Words simply cannot describe the magic. Therefore, Focus Foxies, I created a small montage for you. 

The crowning jewel of the Georgia Aquarium is its Ocean Voyager exhibit. The exhibit consists of a four football field long tank full of ocean animals. They take you on a conveyor belt through the exhibit so you can see the ocean from another perspective. Up above you can see four huge whale sharks gliding through, large manta rays floating about, and schools of fishes following them around.  At the end of the ride you can see the whole tank through one large pane of glass. The tank looks as if it goes on forever. The sheer size of the tank and the animals within was really impressive.

Our last stop was in the Tropical Diver exhibit where all of the colorful fish come out to play. I have seen tropical fish many times in the Carribbean Sea, but this exhibit showed tropical fish from all over.  One tank featured a Pacific coral reef with a wave simulator. It gave you a glimpse of how unstable the lives of these fish are. They manage quite fine under these conditions, but it would make me sea sick.

Our animal adventures would not stop here, we eventually went to Zoo Atlanta to visit the land animals. 

Rise Up, Dirty Birds!

Stardate 66464.4

18:57  -  Over the past professional football season, I have been getting quite into the NFL. So much so I finished 13^th in a fantasy football league. I’d say things are getting pretty serious. To get really into fantasy football, you have got to watch a bunch of actual football. I mean Redzone switching around to all of the games watching football. There is no waiting around and watching commercials; action is happening. However, I love watching a game live. There is nothing like being in the actual stadium. Over New Year’s Eve, Rob and I stopped by his old stomping grounds of Atlanta, and we couldn't be in Atlanta without seeing the Falcons. It was time to Rise Up!

For those Focus Foxies unfamiliar with the season will need to know that the Dirty Birds were riding the wave of multiple victories into the playoffs. In fact, they were the number one seed in the NFC. They had their last game at home and against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The game was pretty much a wash, but we got to see some of Rob's favorite players go out and run around. By the second half, they were resting a few starters, but it didn't stop us from cheering on when Matt Ryan would go long for Julio Jones. Plus, going to the Georgia Dome is a one of a kind experience. Where else can you see the Dirty Bird Victory Dance in person? 

Focus Foxy Dirty Birds: Atlanta's Finest Rob, Matt and Joseph plus me.