After some days of hard work in the community we packed our bags for a couple of excursions to check out some beautiful beaches and a hike. On the first day we traveled to Quemaito where we met a young entrepreneur who has an ecotourism business with a surf camp, hiking tours, and accommodations. We traveled with him and his team up a mountain. Along the way, they picked many varieties of locally grown fruit for the students to try, including cacao, coconuts, mangoes, passion fruit, and durians. The group eventually arrived to a river and waterfall where we took a much needed dip to cool off. We then proceeded to hike down the river until we finally arrived to a restaurant on a beach with beautiful blue water. Once students had filled their bellies, we took a dip in the ocean and headed to our next stop: a locally owned Larimar jewelry workshop. In the facility, students learned about the light blue stone that is only found in the Dominican Republic.  

Then we were off to another beach for some sun tanning and swimming. Jason and the boys quickly made friends with some local Dominican kids and played them in a game of baseball on the beach.  

The next day the gang headed to Bahia de Las Aguilas—one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic. We invited two community members: an eight-year-old boy named David, and his uncle, Biembo, who helped us with the painting projects as well as other projects. After a long bus ride, we unloaded our things and set up camp. Once we were settled and had eaten some lunch, we hopped onto a boat and headed over to the main beach. Bahia de Las Aguilas was truly a pristine beach due to its isolation and boasted crystal clear waters with fine white sand. Students sun bathed, swam in the water, and played with the volleyball.  

By the time we got back, it was time for dinner. While we waited, some students danced while others checked out a bonfire on the beach. After dinner, everyone was exhausted and found it easy to fall asleep while listening to the sound of the ocean.  

The next day we headed back out to Bahia de las Aguilas and enjoyed another beach day. This time we rented some snorkels and some of the students explored marine life while others soaked up the sun. Groups were able to see several species of fish as well as a sleeping stingray. Kate and Jason offered for the group to stay longer on the beach but the group reached a consensus that, while this beach was amazing, they already missed their friends back at our second home. Therefore, we hopped back on the bus and many slept on the ride back.