Twelve heavy bags among seven people. Lots of weighing and repacking to fit under the 50 lb. limit. None of us got much sleep last night; too excited for the coming day.

Our shuttle bus driver was from Puerta Plata, on the northern coast of the DR. He was impressed by the purpose of our trip, as well as by the volume of our luggage.

He said it should be in the high 80s today in Santo Domingo. (I promise to limit the weather references as much as possible.)

Well, they’re calling our plane. Dramamine? Check. Enthusiasm? Check. Espanol? Ya tengo…