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How do you get over a break up? Do you cut your hair? Do you put on your favourite rom com and grab a bucket of ice cream? Or do you call your closest friends and plead with them to join you on a crazy night out that includes a tad too much alcohol and a greasy pizza slice for the journey back home? I’m not ashamed to say I have been guilty of all three. But in October 2018, I decided I wanted to do something different. Something exciting, and what could be more exciting than booking a last minute solo trip to a foreign country that I had never previously visited? I haven’t always been a fan of solo travel. I had previously only travelled on my own to Paris, and Brussels. Both of which locations are no further than a couple of hours away from London. Simply thinking about solo travel as a female made me nervous. Travelling to the Dominican Republic was going to be an entirely different experience. Although I am of Jamaican descent and I spent a few summers there as a child, all Caribbean islands are different. Jamaica’s population is 3 million, English is the national language and I have plenty of family dotted around the island. Dominican Republic has a population of 10 million, Spanish is the national language and I didn’t know anyone located on the island. Was that going to deter me? Of course not. I chose Dominican Republic for many reasons. I knew it was a beautiful island, the food looked incredible, I wanted to practice my (very basic) Spanish, I wanted to explore the music and learn more about the history. I landed in Punta Cana and struggled through the modern glistening airport with my battered, oversized luggage. My adventure had finally begun. Food Before I arrived I knew the food in DR was predominantly made up of Spanish, indigenous Taíno, and African influences. I enjoyed plentiful amounts of rice, pork, habichuelas (red beans) often supplemented with chicken either fried, grilled or served asopao (in a rich, soupy sauce.) Onnos in Bavaro was a particular highlight. There’s nothing like having a fresh meal made in front of you, with the sounds of a live band next to you. Ex-boyfriend who, what, where? My belly was full, my throat was saturated with the taste of sweet cocktails and my hips were swaying. History and Culture As much as I love food and cocktails, history is my one true love. I have been fascinated with the history of Dominican Republic since first reading about the Treaty of Ryswick in high school. This treaty essentially gave the western part of Hispaniola Island (Haiti) to France and eastern part (Santo Domingo - the present Dominican Republic) to Spain. Unfortunately I was unable to visit Haiti on this on this occasion. The closest I got was during my days in Santo Dominigo where I met plenty of Haitians. I managed to visit the colonial historical zone of the oldest city in Latin America, the Plaza de España, the National Palace, the Columbus lighthouse, and view the underground caves and lagoons used by the Taino Indians. My Haitian tour guide Timmy was fabulous and had a talent for describing history in such a way it almost felt like you were there yourself. Music The two principal genres which are synonymous with the Dominican Republic are merengue, and bachata. Night after night I was told about bars, clubs and street parties that brought together locals and tourists alike. ‘Didn’t you feel awkward attending on your own? Did you get lonely?’ I can honestly say the answer is no. There were so many different shows, concerts and parties going on throughout my stay. There was always somewhere to go to tap your foot, bop your head or shake your bottom (if that’s your thing.) By the end of the trip, I was in such a healthy state of mind. As cliché as it may sound, I have never been around such a consistently warm group of people. I took a leap into the unknown and bounced back with some amazing pictures, memories and friends for life.