Help I'm Alive, My Heart Is Beating Like A Hammer

Hello all,

Back from vacation down south. It really was remarkable. The sights, sounds and tastes all lived up to expectations and it was an unbelievable experience. I tell ya, the Dominican Republic is the place to go to relax and escape from life's misery; it sure did for me.

We stayed at the Celuisma Resort in Playa Dorada right outside Puerto Plata on the north shore. The bad thing about that was that the sun was behind you on the beach; most of my tan lines are on my back. The staff were tremendous. They encouraged you to play games and activities every single day - even on rainy ones. (It only rained once one night). The rooms were great, although I could've used a fan in the washroom. Swimming was a breeze and believe it or not, the ocean was actually warmer than the pool! The food down there was awesome as well. One night we had Mexican food at a nearby restaurant, and they serve the best chimichangas, hands down. And one day, we took a cable car tour up the north mountain of Puerto Plata. I have to say that that was an experience I enjoyed so much, I wish there was more time to do it again. Although it was a little foggy on top, the fog lifted and we were able to see the ocean front along with the main city. It's too bad the trip had to end so short, but I'm home, and it was a big change. Going from one climate to another certainly takes it's toll on your body. I came back with a minor sun burn and when I left the airport, into the freezing winter air, I almost ran back inside towards the plane. And there's so much I have yet to mention. But that's another blog.

When we were down there, it didn't seem much like the Dominicans even cared what had happened to Haiti, but on the other hand, they did. Even though you may think that the two countries are very far apart in the world, they are actually uniquely very similar. Even before all the other countries stepped in to lend a hand, both Haitian and Dominican governments were the first to come together and try to resolve a reasonable solution. They really have a tight bond down there, the same kind that represents United States and Canada. The only difference is that the Dominican relies on the tourism industry to raise it's economy, while Haiti on the other hand is focused mainly on agriculture, farming, forestry and fishing. Not the same type of amount of money at the end of the day, but Haiti is still able to sustain a healthy lifestyle. But being down there for a week, it never really occurred to me that a disaster has taken place just across the border. Maybe I was a bit to occupied by the sun and relaxation that surrounded me.

Anyways, in other stories, I did mention I was going to post a list of my favourite songs exiting 2009. Once again, I apologize for the late delay. The list grew over the past few days, but I narrowed it down to a plausible 10. So without further ado, here they are:
  1. The Big Pink - "Velvet"
  2. Animal Collective - "My Girls"
  3. The Notwist - "Consequence" (2002)
  4. Julian Casablancas - "Glass"
  5. The Mission District - "Just Don't Feel The Same"
  6. Pilot Speed - "Ain't No Life"
  7. N-Dubz - "Playing With Fire"
  8. Metric - "Help I'm Alive" (2008)
  9. Thom Yorke - "Hearing Damage"
  10. Dead Man's Bones - "Buried In Water"

Well, there you have it. My top 10 of 2009. Sure you may be asking yourself, where's Lady Gaga or The Black Eyed Peas? Not on the list. I try and stay away from mainstream radio music. I like this type of music because it becomes popular in my head, and no one else's. Hmm...what a great way to classify music. For my ears, hearing songs on the radio only means you will be hearing the same song again, only on a different station or channel. And today's music either seems overplayed or all similar; or at least to my ears they do. That really irritates me. So give these songs a listen and tell me what you think.

Now if you want to see any pictures of my trip, head on over to Facebook, I will post a few eventually and for any videos of my trip, go to my YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/andhawk101.

Till next time.

-Drew

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