Last photo

Here's the last family photo on the North Coast. Daddy made one last trip up North after the family left, but this was it for the rest of us.

Ocean View

Despite a reputation as a seedy destination, Sosua has some hidden gems including these villas where our friends live. You still get ocean view but also quiet, peaceful seclusion. Oh, and we loved the pool!

Monica & Ted

Well, it became time to start making our final rounds and saying farewell to friends we acquired during our Dominican journey. We had a lovely weekend up at Monica & Ted's on the North Coast, including going to a concert on Cabarete Beach. If you look in the doorway, even Marley was invited to come up for a final visit.

Till next time

We might have one more chance to visit these guys

up here. Keep that pool nice and warm for us.

Mommies

While the boys and the dogs got along, I think it was the Mommy's that really liked to get together to share stories of misery far away from home.

Visit with Friends

Right between Sosua and Cabarete on the North Coast of the DR was a lovely little oasis which our friends called home. Little Estefan loved when we came over. Even Marley got a free trip out of it. Too bad it was over 3 hours away.

Toronto 2024?

With this international exposure, could we be on the road for Olympic glory? 2024 might be too soon, but you have to aim high in life.

Another for the Trophy Case

The competition was fiercer this time around, however, with perseverance, I managed to come home with another medal for the growing collection for the trophy case.

Silver Medallist

It was not easy, competing in front of all those people, but with encouragement from the coaches, my clubmates and my family, I clawed and scratched my way to a silver medal performance. Can the Olympics be far away?

Primed for Battle

In the final competition in Santo Domingo, the stakes are high, knowing that could be the last chance to medal in some time. With Darius entering in at the lowest weight class, expectations were not high. Soren, on the other hand, had the benefit of experience but the drawback of crowd and coach expectations. I wonder how they did...

Fish on Wheels

This photo op was too good to pass up. Fresh from the wharf, this motorcyclist begins the task of selling his goods.

Dune Sliding

This could be a new sport. Perhaps it exists in the desert somewhere. But, believe us, it's nothing compared to sliding on snow.

Gliding back down

In preparation for the big slide down the dunes, I had to visualize my descent. It helps being up this high.

The other side

We got to the top of the sand dune mountain and had a spectacular view of the ocean. Then we proceeded to collect more shells.

3 Wise Men

Instead of the traditional gifts, we trekked all the way across this desert with fishies, drinking boxes and ritz bits.

Getting Harder

Now there's a double burden and the heat is picking up. Are we there yet? I sure hope the view on the other side is worth it. Where are those camels anyways?

Desert Trek

This was tougher than it looks. Trekking in 35 degrees with a child draped to your back, in sandals sinking into the desert sun.

Mommy, why are we doing this again?

Camping at Las Dunas

It wasn't necessary as Las Dunas was only 1.5 hours away from the capital, but if we ever needed to crash, the park warden had a couple of bunks that were just about right - if one was Goldilocks.

Maestro's Canadian Champs

I think our Maestro was even happier than us to see us succeed. Our first mentor sure had a special place for us.

Successful Day

How is this for a successful day? 2 new belts and 2 happy boys. Hard work pays off.

Orange is my colour

It was my final exam of my Dominican Tae Kwon Do career

and it was the most challenging test yet. However,

with true Canadian grit and guidance from the Maestro,

I joined the elite level of orange belts.

Orange you happy for me?

This is serious stuff. I'm probably one of the youngest, but definitely, one of the smallest to obtain such colourful feats. But 3 days of week is lots of practice so it is well deserved.

Big belt

A special day indeed. Earning a belt promotion would never have been imagined the way I started out in Tae Kwon Do. People seem to think I'm shy. I may be shy, but I can punch and kick.

The Prize is Right

This is no longer about my big brother. I just obtained by white-yellow stripe belt. This is big stuff and all before my 4th birthday. Jumbi!

Yellow Stripe

Hey folks! Do you realize how big a deal this is? You're talking about a
3 year old obtaining his 2nd belt. Jumbi! Stand at attention for Darius!

Stronger Competition

Poor Carla had to face my wrath. This was a real stretch for my little legs.

But it was part of the big exam.

Punishment Pushups

This wasn't related to the wheelbarrow race, but somebody wasn't paying attention in class and faced the consequences.

Wheelbarrows

What would be the more efficient combo? Older brother pushing little brother or little brother pushing older brother? Probably neither one would win a race.