Day 6: Tuesday, November 18, 1997
Our final day away from home begins with--what else--a hearty shower and a heartier breakfast.
We fit in a walk around the resort and an hour or so of windsurfing.
Interestingly, the eastern coast of the DR is a destination for Europeans.
At times, it seems that native English speakers are in the minority.
I suspect that the reputation of Haiti and even the relatively safer and more affluent Dominican Republic
scares away the average American.
Towards noon, we get in a last meal, pack our many things, and depart for the airport.
Outside the walled and barb wired confines of the resort, we finally get a taste of the real DR.
Few people, but at least we get to see some landscape that isn't perpetually groomed by the diligent resort staff.
The airport is a final treat--it's open air.
We check our luggage through San Juan and (we hope) back to Boston and make a final pass through customs.
For an inexplicable reason, we are escorted back to a small office where we answer questions,
fill out forms, and pay the applicable fees.
Formalities past, we emerge to the bamboo walled and thatched gate area.
With none of the familiar overhead signs to guide us, we wonder: Gate 1 or Gate 2?
The crowds are at Gate 2, so we make our way in that direction.
Boarding is uneventful, as is takeoff.
On the way out, we get a final macro look through the airplane windows at our brief home
and that of the Good Ship IBIS for the next few months.
The END ... until LEG 4
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