Why blog?

I have read a variety of articles on the BBC News Technology section about blogging and bloggers, I always wondered if it would be worthwhile getting involved and I guess I am conducting this site as a mini-experiment in order to publicise some of my experiences. Hopefully the wonders of Google indexing will push this content out to interested viewers.

As a little taster I'd like to talk about my last holiday, to the Dominican Republic. I spent a week in the resort of Punta Cana, now as I understand it Punta Cana is actually a region in the east of the DR as well as the name of a town in that region. The local currency in the DR is the Peso although everyone is happy to deal in US Dollars. We stayed in the Punta Cana Grand Hotel, which offers all inclusive facilities built onto the beach, although some of the food was distinctly average I think the Hotel was good value considering the quantities of rum consumed over the week we were there.

My advice for tourists visiting the area, ensure you have a supply of US Dollars, you have to purchase an "entry card" to pass through the airport for $10 and everyone from the men meeting you from baggage claim onwards will expect a tip, even if only $1. Secondly I would recommend taking part in excursions outside the hotel, although these will cost extra you can haggle the price down, and they provide a great opportunity to see the inner part of the area with some magnificent scenery. We went quad biking for $65 each and spent three or four hours riding around fields, villages and even along the beach next to the ocean. I would also recommend visiting the nightclub Mangu, your concierge will be able to arrange a taxi to take you there and there are always plenty waiting outside to take the tourists home. Be aware that the drinks can be quite expensive but good music and a decent crowd make it a much better night out than the generic hotel disco.

Last tip: take some bug spray!