The port that tourism built

Today's port was Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic.  We were in the Dominican a few years ago, but not at this port.  Today we only had 6 hours in port, so we didn't plan any tours or other excursions.  Instead, we thought we'd just wander around port and see what we could find.  It was a very strange experience, to say the least.   The port is new - built by Carnival in 2015.  It was clear to see that "Built by Carnival" means that it is customized to the cruise crowd.  In other words, they built a US mall and waterpark in the middle of the jungle, and then put a wall around it to keep any of the local residents away.  

 The vista outside of the compound walls was beautiful, lush jungle.  The original Jurassic Park movie was filmed here and the scenery was exactly like you saw on the big screen - minus the velociraptors, of course.  Inside the compound walls, however, was very artificial and contrived.  We much prefer to try and immerse ourselves in local culture and get off the beaten path, whenever possible.  That was not to be the case today, so we didn't stay terribly long.  I will say, however, that if you had kids you would probably love this port.  There was a huge series of pools/water park complex and, because the port was "private" (for cruise passengers only) security was tight so there is unlikely to be much in the crime department.  There were also a couple of waterslides and a zipline.  The pool and waterslide were all free; the zipline was $10 for kids for unlimited zips during the day ($20 for adults).  

We had lunch at Andrew's favorite place onboard - Guy's Burger Shack (Guy Fieri for those who know Food Network).  They have them on several of the newer ships, but this is the first time we've encountered one.  Andrew is a fan of the Pig Patty, which is a lattice patty made of bacon that they put on top of your burger.  He then tops it with more bacon from the toppings bar.  It's quite the site to behold. 

Stuffed, we waddled back to the cabin.  Andrew had a nap, and I spent a gorgeous few hours out on our balcony working.  Seriously, I need to get an office with a balcony.  In the Caribbean.  Sigh. 

Coastline off to the right of the port.  There were some locals fishing off the shore.

Amazing scenery!

If you look carefully, you'll see an irrigation canal running from the mid-left of the picture.  The "swamp" in the middle is full of snakes and other nasties, I'm sure.  

View of our ship from the top of the hill.  

Little cabanas over the water that you can rent for the day.

Pretty

In my line of work, we regularly use "woody's" to do condom demonstrations for patients.  One of the shops was selling items carved out of local hardwood - including woody's!  I had to buy one to take back to the clinic.  They will love this one - it's so much nicer than the ones we have.  AND it was $7.  

Guy's Burger Shack

My office for the afternoon.  What a view!