A Gift of Friendship in the Dominican Republic

Sylvain’s longtime friend Peter, along with his father, graciously invited us to the Dominican Republic—a generous gesture rooted in enduring friendship. We feel deeply blessed to have escaped Quebec’s winter chill and to be welcomed into such kindness. Simply being here already feels like a gift.

Surrounded by lush greenery, swaying palm trees, and the endless ocean, the landscape is utterly mesmerizing—a celebration of nature at its most abundant. This place feels like a natural paradise, where life flourishes and history quietly whispers its stories. As the site of the first Spanish colony in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic carries a rich and fascinating heritage. Today, it stands as the most visited destination in the Caribbean, a land of remarkable contrasts: home to Pico Duarte, the region’s highest mountain peak, and Lake Enriquillo, its largest lake and lowest point. With an average temperature of 26°C and extraordinary climatic and biological diversity, the island offers both comfort and wonder. In Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—stand the first cathedral, palace, monastery, and fortress ever built in the Americas, timeless witnesses to history.

We are here for an entire month, gathering memories and savoring every moment. Life feels especially precious as the years pass, and we are determined to embrace this time fully—with gratitude, presence, and joy.

Pasta Dinner at Elmer's House