Pattersons enjoy eventful trip to Dominican Republic

Tommy and Charlotte Patterson relax on the beach at Paradisus Palma Real Resort during their trip to the Dominican Republic last month. (Photo provided)

Lepanto native Tommy Patterson and his wife Charlotte enjoyed a vacation to the Dominican Republic last month. Patterson, who is branch manager of HD Supply Electrical in Memphis, was invited to attend the trip to Paradisus Palma Real Resort on Oct. 8-12.

The trip was part of the "Connect the Customer" trip, a five-day vacation to reward top customers of HD Supply Electrical.

Patterson and his wife were invited by HD Supply Electrical president, Steven Margolius, and regional manager, Lester Jenkins, to assist in hosting the events in which 350 people participated including customers, sponsors and HD Supply associates.

Excited at the prospect of seeing another part of the world and meeting customers, their families, and executives of HD Supply, they carefully pre-planned each day with special attire for all the company events.

"How could we know we were only wasting time," said Charlotte. "Once we flew out of Memphis in stormy weather and arrived late in Atlanta with more weather delays, we wouldn't see our luggage again for four days."

Missing their connection in Atlanta, they managed to take the place of absent customers on a charter flight to the Dominican Republic.

"So, we made it to our destination -- but without any more clothes, underwear, shoes, make-up, hairspray, well, you get the picture," said Charlotte.

However, they made do with what they did have in their hotel rooms.

"We survived with the shampoo, razor, soap and toothpaste they supply in the hotel room," said Charlotte.

The Pattersons did not let the delay of their luggage slow them down. "This was our chance for a wonderful vacation, and we were not going to let anything dampen our spirits," said Charlotte.

The first two evenings that the Pattersons spent at the resort were welcoming receptions on the beach and in the plaza surrounded by sculpture and fountains.

"We met Tommy's customers and wives, along with HD Supply associates," said Charlotte. It was catered by the resort, and the food included an assortment of seafood specialties, cheeses, breads, spreads and a dessert table laden with tropical fruits and pastries. Local musicians completed the ambience for the evenings.

Since this resort was all-inclusive, one could eat in any restaurant (there were seven), lounge at the coffee bar, attend different classes (sushi making, tango, flower-arranging, etc.) swim in the larger-than-life pool, or go out to the ocean any time of day. They had a dinner theatre with live performances each night.

"The room was stocked with soft drinks and bottled water, or you could get something to drink all over the resort at any time of the day or night," said Charlotte.

However, the Pattersons did find out that the bottled water came in handy when it came time to brush their teeth, since they were told to not use the tap water or to swallow any water when showering!

On their third day, they went on a Safari adventure to see the Dominican countryside. The trip was from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Deep into the country, they were able to see how regular folks lived.

"We were invited into a typical Dominican home, built of palm tree wood, painted brightly," said Charlotte. "This home was fortunate enough to have a tractor battery with which to power a bare light bulb on the ceiling."

There were tiny rooms, bare floors with chickens roaming about in the house, and a kitchen built separately from the rest of the house. The Pattersons said it made them much more appreciative of how they live in the United States of America.

Also, visiting an elementary school, they learned that the government builds the building, but local people have to come up with all the supplies for the teacher and children.

"The school room was decorated with the alphabet and the flag," said Charlotte.

Later on that day, they toured some fruit markets in the streets.

"We drove through a small community with fruit markets out on the street and meat hanging out on a rope to cure," said Charlotte. She also explained the wealthier people had homes built out of concrete blocks with tiled driveways. They were still very tiny compared to American standards, but their guide assured them sadly, that these were the rich.

"At a small farm, we were allowed to ride horses on a short trail," said Charlotte. "We visited a farm that packaged coffee, cocoa and unrefined sugar."

They observed how they processed the coffee beans and roasted them outside on an open fire. Of course, the tourists were offered some of it for tasting.

"Offered this fresh coffee (black), I was sure I could not drink it, since I have to have equal amounts of sugar and milk in mine," said Charlotte. "Lo, and behold, this fresh coffee (black) was delicious. Absolutely amazing -- it did not taste like any coffee I have ever tasted."

They also were introduced to their local herbal medicine called "Mamajuana." This was a combination of herbs, rum, honey and wine and supposed to be good for whatever ails you. A small taste of it reminded them of cinnamon-flavored Dimetapp. They left the farm and arrived at a large pavilion surrounded by mountains, valleys, and tropical flowers.

This outdoor paradise was the setting for a typical Dominican lunch.

"Although the food was not unusual (chicken, beef, vegetables, fruit), the manner in which it was prepared was different, and it actually was some of the best food we had on the entire trip," said Charlotte. After lunch, they traveled to a small beach where some went for a refreshing swim.

"Not us -- remember we didn't have a swimsuit," said Charlotte. So they returned to the resort.

Their last evening, as they were preparing for the farewell dinner, their luggage arrived.

"Although almost past the point of thinking we had to have it anymore, it was a welcome sight," said Charlotte.

The dinner was originally planned for the beach, but due to a thunderstorm in the afternoon, it was moved indoors.

"Nevertheless, it was a festive occasion with buffet table after table of beautiful and delicious food, local musicians entertaining, and visiting with customers, associates and families," said Charlotte.

The next day, they were up and off to the thatched-roof Punta Cana airport to fly home after saying goodbye to many new friends and their little slice of paradise.

"Our return flight was uneventful, and we arrived home with all our clothes, still clean and ironed," said Charlotte. "Now, that doesn't happen often on a vacation!"