MUSIC MONDAY: Ms Harmony - Robin Thicke

There is something so chill about this song...

ACTIVITIES: Macao Surf Camp

First I would like to say that it has been a dream of mine to try surfing.  It took me a while to finally do it and I can proudly say that I've gone once a year since I've started, which is a total of 2 times =D.

As you may know, we visit Punta Cana A LOT, and after a while you got to do different things to make your trip stand out.  Just this past Christmas I did that.

I contacted Rafel Ferreras from Macao Surf Camp and I'm glad I did.  Honestly it was one of the best experiences I had.  After planning out the details over email, he picked us up form our hotel and drove us to Macao Beach.  Unfortunately the day I went the conditions were rather choppy and BIG.  For some reason every time I go surfing, the conditions always seem to have huge waves.  With that as a challenge, Rafael still was determined to get me going.  He has a lot of patience which is needed when teaching a newbie.  Honestly he was so driven to get me standing up it was awesome!

If you are going to Punta Cana and would like to get some private lessons, give Rafael a call.  Trust me you'll be happy you did.

Here's a little video compilation of my surfing in Macao Beach.


Wipeout! from openmiQ on Vimeo.

Here is a tip though, keep your schedule open.  Don't do what I did and schedule a day when you want to go.  Go when the conditions are good. Rafael will tell you when it will be good during that week.  You will have a better and easier time learning!

If you do decide to go here, please tell Rafael that Mike and Alysia from Toronto say HI!!

Also let me know how your experience was if you did go.  We want to hear all about it!!

Contact Information:

Macao Surf Camp
Rafel Ferreras
macaosurfcamp@gmail.com

Address: Macao Beach
Bavaro Punta Cana
Dominican Republic

Tel: (809) 430-9017

For more reviews go to Macao Surf Camps Tripadvisor Review Page

MUSIC MONDAY: Jamie Lidell - Rope Of Sand

MUSIC MONDAY: Calabria 2008

Natasja - Calabria 2008 by Playground Music

Vacation Countdown Starts NOW

Beach Junkies has just booked their first vacation of the year.  This June, we are off to Samana, Dominican Republic staying at the Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado.

This resort has been on my list since I've seen it in the brochures. The main thing that I love about this is that unlike all the other all inclusive resorts, this one you have to take a boat to since it's on it's own island holding 3 different beaches.  I think it's awesome and I hope we have an awesome time!  Stay tuned for the review!

ADVICE: Medicine bag

When away at an all-inclusive resorts, you may encounter all sorts of ailments.  Here is what I carry with us when we travel. I keep all this in a ziploc and bring it in my carry-on:

• Advil - not only is it good for headaches and muscle pain, you can also take it when you get a sunburn. If you get a bad sunburn, immediately go inside. Take two Advils and a cold shower. Apply lots of aloe and take a nap with the A/C on full blast.
• Benadryl - I discovered this trick when we stayed at Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya back in 2007. We met a great couple - Michelle and Carl.  While the men were snorkeling, Michelle noticed my heat rash. She went back to her room to get me Aerius. She instructed me to go back to my room for the rest of the afternoon, take the two antihistamines and a cold shower and relax in the comfort of an air-conditioned room. She is one smart cookie because this trick worked (this is the same formula as the Advil and sunburn trick).
• Lanacane - this is great for instant relief for heat rash and bug bites.
• Immodium - just in case you have a bad case of BG's (this was a term we came up with when we stayed in the DR with four other friends - BG's stand for bubble gut). Only take one Immodium when it's absolutely necessary.
• Visine - Mr. Beach Junkie loves to snorkel and also swim in the ocean and pool. He tends to get red eyes after a day in the water and sun. A couple of drops of Visine does the trick right before we go out for dinner.
• Hand sanitizer - with germs lingering around everywhere, you never know if you will get to wash your hands before eating any food. Always good to have sanitizer on hand.
• Liquid bandage - water-soaked band-aids are never any fun so spray liquid bandage on your cut or scrape instead.
• Band-aids - always good to have (just in case you get blisters from your flip flops).
• Gravol - if you are prone to motion sickness, it's good to have these for the airplane and bus ride (maybe even for a boat ride).
• After-Bite - another remedy for instant relief of bug bites.
• Facial lotion and mist - I added these two items because you should hydrate your face on the plane and the facial mist is great for when you are feeling the heat on your face.

MUSIC MONDAY: Jack Johnson - Better Together