A Wren Says

Hi, this is the start of a quick travel series based on my recent trip to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Let’s start with the airport. I must say that as someone with limited international travel experience and one who is perhaps easily impressed, I found the Punta Cana International Airport to be especially beautiful. Yes, there was the advanced passport control area that seemed like it was the future and the friendly employees. But I want to focus on the little touches I noticed. It seems that the someone on the team made a concerted effort to bring the local fauna and arts in to greet and bid farewell to travelers.

Upon arrival, I noticed the flooring. It was a warm brown of a material I can’t pinpoint. But I can tell you it definitely wasn’t carpet, nor was it the generic white and gray speckled flooring I see in many an airport and retail space.  Then approaching customs, along the winding walkway, I was shocked to see the foliage wall ahead. I so wish I had taken a picture. At least this way, you will be happily surprised on your trip when you see it for the first time. But here is a picture of a plant in the airport, thought it is not the same thing.

And there are the art exhibits. There are dolls throughout the airport through which the invited artists connect o their Dominican heritage. And there are the works I noticed on the way to departures that are made with repurposed materials. These touches add something special to what could be a frustrating travel experience. And I know, I could do a whole series just based on the art in airports around the world, and perhaps I should. In any case make sure you check these exhibits out on your trip.