Day 1: Traveling to the Dominican Republic

We made it! After about 11 hours of straight travel from Arizona, we finally made it here to our beautiful hotel in Santiago, Dominican Republic.

We got to the airport in Phoenix late on Friday evening to check all 7 of our bags full of supplies for the school Haiti. Our flight to New York was delayed due to weather so we didn't end up leaving until about 12:30am.

We arrived at JFK at about 8:30 am (which was 5:30 AZ time, so our mental clocks were a bit off). We only had enough time to grab a cup of coffee and a doughnut before we had to board our next flight to Santiago. And 3 hours later we arrived to the Santiago International Airport.

After we cleared customs and found all of our luggage in baggage claim, it was time for our van to pick us up and take us to the hotel (Hotel Colonial). Then it was time for us to haul all 18 of our suitcases and duffle bags up 3 (yes 3) flights of stairs in the marvelous Dominican heat and humidity. After that we (or at least I did) passed out on the bed for a good 30 minute nap.

 The rest of the evening was spent exploring the city, losing David in a huge grocery store, eating amazing food, and preparing for tomorrows travel day.

Finally arrived to Santiago!

Tim, David, and Fiona carrying luggage!