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Though we spent most of our time in the Dominican Republic lazing around the beach, we were able to see a little more of the La Romana area via horseback.  Our resort helped us set up a horseback riding trip that meandered through the lush countryside and along the beaches.

It was a lovely way to spend a balmy, breezy morning, and our guides were warm, easy-going and fun to chat with. One of them spoke four languages fluently, several more languages proficiently, and seemed to have lived a dozen lifetimes.  The two older men declared that the youngest guide had pretty much been born on a horse and was the best horseman of the three.

Cowboy Mister

A gift: Hibiscus flower on horseback

Guides and rides

After our ride, we explored a Dominican cigar factory, ventured to a grocery store where we happened to meet former baseball all-star Julio Franco, and stopped at a small lunch counter to pick up food that ended up being the best meal we ate our entire time in the D.R.

Local catch

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Bananas

Sampling the local coconuts

Cigar maker

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Amazing local food