The house is kept so clean and the huge kitchen is located outside. This is a totally different life style then many of us are use to. This is a large family and different generations live all under one roof. I am sure glad the Outback let us take their picture. Take a look at the next four pictures of the scenery as we drive through the foothills. |
| Countryside |
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| Palm Trees On A Hillside |
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| Shades Of Tropical Green |
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| Row Of Palm Trees On The Top |
Wow, can you believe we are looking at this natural landscape and in a tropical location? This is a great outdoor feature we see as the Outback bus takes us through the multi green tones of tropical trees, grass and native shrubs. One of the most unique characteristics of this area, is all the magnificent Palms mingling along the hillside. Oh wait, the bus is stopping.
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| Cool Water Swim |
Ah, a refreshing pool of water underneath a waterfalls. The water is colder than the Caribbean ocean, but the nature trail allows you to experience a different side of a tropical paradise. I don't know about you, but I am getting hungry. I wonder if we will get some lunch soon.
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| Lunch In The Foothills |
This is awesome as there is a country style lunch with salads and hot dogs. Picnic tables line the covered pavilion. There are people from all over the world all sitting together. The back ground is of the natural woods with luscious vegetation all around. There is a little souvenir outdoor shop and you can purchase a number of native Dominican items. The vanilla is one of my favorites along with cinnamon sticks. The Outback bus is ready to roll again.
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| Coffee Beans |
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| Bananas |
The Dominican Republic is known for its coffee and banana crop. The bananas grow in bunches around natural settings of the forest. There are many banana orchards throughout the country. There have been many advances made in the last six to seven years with the banana crops. Three fourths of the bananas are now certified as being organic. The Dominican banana industry did suffer some major damages over the last few years with hurricane damage. This is one of the most tasty bananas I have ever eaten.
The Dominican coffee is made from a shrub of the Rubiacede family. It can get tall and woody. The native workers prune it regularly. This plant family takes up to four years to start producing buds and flowers. The flowers will turn from beans with green tones first and then to a ripe red color. The beans are separated and dried for about two weeks. The Dominican coffee has a real rich flavor and this culture is very proud of their crop as well as enjoying their morning coffee. The Outback bus is on the move and ready to take us to our final destination on this Safari adventure.
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| The Gorgeous Caribbean |
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| Horses On The Beach |
This has to be one of the most beautiful natural water landscapes I have seen. The turquoise water along with the soft sand. Grab a boogie board and lets hit the water.
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| Boogie Boarding |
If you're not into boogie boarding, sit along the sandy beach and take in the view. This is tropical heaven! Time to board the Outback Safari bus and take us back to our original starting point.
All of these pictures were taken a few years ago with an older camera. In January of 2007, with a new updated camera, this shot was taken along the beach at a resort. I wanted to share it with you as I spend most of the week in awe of the beauty of the Caribbean Sea.
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| Ocean Scene |
Punta Cana is a fantastic area to go and see the different plant specimens as well as the some natural beauty of the Dominican Republic. This country is growing and developing wonderful places for many tourists and businesses to enjoy. Not only can you savor the beauty of the landscape and gardens, but learn about the Dominican culture along with the heritage of this exquisite region.
The Outback Safari
is a day trip so worth taking! I hope you have enjoyed this adventure.
