Ryan Flight 1440

The pre-flight announcements are heard throughout the cabin of the aircraft. We thought this time would never come. I've got just enough room to sit down and with some effort get my seatbelt to connect. (big breath) I'd say we were packed in like sardines, but I think even they have more room. We begin to taxi towards our runway and the snow is coming down sideways

The pilot orders the crew to prepare for take off and soon the hammers going down and were in the air in no time. It's a little bumpy as we gain altitude, but in just a few minutes it's smooth sailing. I've got my ipod on shuffle mode and try and imagine what's ahead. The toughest part of our journey is over and the best is yet to come. I continue to try and find the position that allows me to get comfortable. There is none. I keep rockin' to the music and think of happy things. Kathleen pulls out something for me to read. It's Tuesdays with Morrie a book I've always wanted to read. After about 4 hours I'm restless, I can't read anymore. The announcement says we will be landing in about 15 minutes. We can see the ground peeking through the clouds. Paradise, here we come.

We gather around the luggage picking through the constant flow of baggage. I've got the pretty floral design matching set and here it comes now. We follow Jenny like puppies through the airport and find our bus for the resort. I've had many locals offer thier services to handle our bags. "Amigo, bags" they all holler out. "No gracias" is my reply. I've carried them this far, and I'm the right man for the job. The guy from Apple Vacations checks off our names as we board. The driver soon has us traveling through the Punta Cana countryside. There's not much to look at except lots of trash along the road everywhere. We dash through the traffic and the winding roads. He doesn't slow down for anyone. Then there's the sign. It's the Catalonia Bavaro Resort.