The public beach we went to on our day off-- it pays living in the DR!
Fellow health volunteers--we made it to the beach!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
It has been a veggielicious week (and thus one of the best weeks yet)!
Firstly, our development focus this past week has been on nutrition and hygiene practices in the countryside. We have learned about the 3 food groups in the Dominican (constructors = protein, protectors = fruits and vegetables and energizers = carbs and fat) rather than our typical food pyramid. As I have mentioned previously, the main foods in the Dominican diet are unripe bananas, yucca, potatoes, rice, beans and meat (salami or chicken). Vegetables are rarely used and if so, are typically found in a salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, onion and avocado eaten at lunch. Fruit is a rare occurrence in the diet as well, although it grows everywhere, and is mainly used in juices (it also spoils quickly without refrigeration).
However, the coolest thing I have learned this week is the nutritional value of hojas verdes (green leaves)! Many green leaves in the DR are edible and contain an incredible amount of vitamins and minerals. For instance, the leaves of the yucca plant are far more healthy than the yucca itself. The unfortunate thing is that few Dominicans actually use these green leaves in the diet. To promote the identification and use of green leaves in the diet, the volunteers have been baking lots of food with green leaves! Simply pick green leaves found in many gardens/trees, boil them, chop them up, and throw them in anything. We made a bread with 1 pound carrots, 1 pound of pumpkin and green leaves! Super delicious (thanks to sugar + oil) and very nutritious. Rather than changing eating patterns (and taking away unhealthy practices like cooking with lots of oil), we are attempting to modify the foods to contain more nutrition (so although they cook with lots of oil, at least they will be consuming more veggies).
Following the theme of nutrition, the volunteers also constructed a veggie garden in the yard of a host family last night! We planted everything from lettuce, carrots, celery, tomatoes, cilantro, peppers to eggplant. Not only will this prepare us for the building of our own personal gardens in our future sites, but also will help us learn about agricultural practices and the building of more industrial community gardens. We hope the family will take over this garden when we leave in 3 weeks.
As well, A VEGETABLE MAN HAS STARTED TO STOP AT OUR HOUSE! For the past 2 days, a man on a motorcycle laden with bags and bags of veggies has stopped at 8am by our house selling veggies to my host mother. Subsequently, I have been eating LOTS of veggies the past few days (neither fruits or veggies are sold in our town because we have corner stores rather than a supermarket). A big hurrah! I ran out this morning to converse with the man who is from a nearby town and apparently he comes through our town everyday, although he had never stopped at our house previously.
I also had the privilege to go to the “Mercado” (market) in the nearest city of Bani yesterday. It was a typical latin American market with lots of stalls ranging from guava to beans to candles and herbs. Basically, a fruit/vegetable mecca. We spent about 3 dollars buying oranges, guavas and mangos and made a delicious natural juice back at home!
Other Updates:
· This past week has been the week of San Miguel, and every night there has been a “Fiesta de Palos” (which is a Haitian/Dominican tradition). This celebration is held at someone’s house all night and everyone in the town is invited. There is a group of men (both old and young) who drum and chant certain songs. Sometimes women dance with scarves and become possessed with the spirit of San Miguel. It’s basically a social event that many people attend. The gran finale is Tuesday on el Dia de San Miguel.
· Another PC trainee left Peace Corps today (not from the health group but the youth group). L
· The corner stores blast reggaeton, Merengue, Bachata and Salsa music all day and night. Unfortunately, their playlist consists of about 5 songs on repeat so I typically wake up to and fall asleep to the same song. Michael Jackson is huge here.
· My host father (who has a gigantic rice belly/looks pregnant) and is 65 asked me during lunch the other day how he could get rid of his belly. He says his legs are too bad to run like me. I basically told him it was a lost cause, but also showed up how to do situps and recommended eating less rice. It was a hilarious interaction.
· I’ve decided I’m going to get a dog/cat and/or both upon moving to my final site (most volunteers do). Not only is a dog/cat an automatic companion, but can help with rats/mice and can guard the house.
I can’t believe it’s almost October! While the weather here is consistently 75-87 degrees, other PC volunteers up in the northern DR have reported cool weather. Luckily, I’ll be moved up north for my final placement (in either Sanchez Ramirez or Monte Christi) in 1 month. Maybe that sweatshirt I packed will finally come in handy..
Firstly, our development focus this past week has been on nutrition and hygiene practices in the countryside. We have learned about the 3 food groups in the Dominican (constructors = protein, protectors = fruits and vegetables and energizers = carbs and fat) rather than our typical food pyramid. As I have mentioned previously, the main foods in the Dominican diet are unripe bananas, yucca, potatoes, rice, beans and meat (salami or chicken). Vegetables are rarely used and if so, are typically found in a salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, onion and avocado eaten at lunch. Fruit is a rare occurrence in the diet as well, although it grows everywhere, and is mainly used in juices (it also spoils quickly without refrigeration).
However, the coolest thing I have learned this week is the nutritional value of hojas verdes (green leaves)! Many green leaves in the DR are edible and contain an incredible amount of vitamins and minerals. For instance, the leaves of the yucca plant are far more healthy than the yucca itself. The unfortunate thing is that few Dominicans actually use these green leaves in the diet. To promote the identification and use of green leaves in the diet, the volunteers have been baking lots of food with green leaves! Simply pick green leaves found in many gardens/trees, boil them, chop them up, and throw them in anything. We made a bread with 1 pound carrots, 1 pound of pumpkin and green leaves! Super delicious (thanks to sugar + oil) and very nutritious. Rather than changing eating patterns (and taking away unhealthy practices like cooking with lots of oil), we are attempting to modify the foods to contain more nutrition (so although they cook with lots of oil, at least they will be consuming more veggies).
Following the theme of nutrition, the volunteers also constructed a veggie garden in the yard of a host family last night! We planted everything from lettuce, carrots, celery, tomatoes, cilantro, peppers to eggplant. Not only will this prepare us for the building of our own personal gardens in our future sites, but also will help us learn about agricultural practices and the building of more industrial community gardens. We hope the family will take over this garden when we leave in 3 weeks.
As well, A VEGETABLE MAN HAS STARTED TO STOP AT OUR HOUSE! For the past 2 days, a man on a motorcycle laden with bags and bags of veggies has stopped at 8am by our house selling veggies to my host mother. Subsequently, I have been eating LOTS of veggies the past few days (neither fruits or veggies are sold in our town because we have corner stores rather than a supermarket). A big hurrah! I ran out this morning to converse with the man who is from a nearby town and apparently he comes through our town everyday, although he had never stopped at our house previously.
I also had the privilege to go to the “Mercado” (market) in the nearest city of Bani yesterday. It was a typical latin American market with lots of stalls ranging from guava to beans to candles and herbs. Basically, a fruit/vegetable mecca. We spent about 3 dollars buying oranges, guavas and mangos and made a delicious natural juice back at home!
Other Updates:
· This past week has been the week of San Miguel, and every night there has been a “Fiesta de Palos” (which is a Haitian/Dominican tradition). This celebration is held at someone’s house all night and everyone in the town is invited. There is a group of men (both old and young) who drum and chant certain songs. Sometimes women dance with scarves and become possessed with the spirit of San Miguel. It’s basically a social event that many people attend. The gran finale is Tuesday on el Dia de San Miguel.
· Another PC trainee left Peace Corps today (not from the health group but the youth group). L
· The corner stores blast reggaeton, Merengue, Bachata and Salsa music all day and night. Unfortunately, their playlist consists of about 5 songs on repeat so I typically wake up to and fall asleep to the same song. Michael Jackson is huge here.
· My host father (who has a gigantic rice belly/looks pregnant) and is 65 asked me during lunch the other day how he could get rid of his belly. He says his legs are too bad to run like me. I basically told him it was a lost cause, but also showed up how to do situps and recommended eating less rice. It was a hilarious interaction.
· I’ve decided I’m going to get a dog/cat and/or both upon moving to my final site (most volunteers do). Not only is a dog/cat an automatic companion, but can help with rats/mice and can guard the house.
I can’t believe it’s almost October! While the weather here is consistently 75-87 degrees, other PC volunteers up in the northern DR have reported cool weather. Luckily, I’ll be moved up north for my final placement (in either Sanchez Ramirez or Monte Christi) in 1 month. Maybe that sweatshirt I packed will finally come in handy..
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Today was a fairytale of a day. It was everything you would expect to happen on a weekend if you lived in the Dominican Republic: the beach! It was actually my first time at the beach since I arrived here 1 month ago, and it was definitely worth the wait. The health volunteers went to Las Salinas public beach (all the beaches in the DR are technically public), about 30 min drive from our training site. The beach was post-card picturesque with the palm trees, clear turquoise waters and soft sand. To top it off, we had stopped at a nearby fruit stand and purchased ripe mango and papaya. I’ve discovered that true bliss is mango juice dripping down your chin on a beach in the DR. I don’t think I have been happier since I have entered the country. We spent the entire day playing in the water, sunning and eating fresh fruit. While there were other families at the beach, it was empty compared to American standards. I put on a bit of sunscreen and didn’t even get burned!
To top off the day, I make pancakes with my host family! The food here is nothing to write home about, so I thought if I showed the family what I like to eat, they might get a better idea of what to serve me. I had previously purchased some cheap pancake mix and honey in town, and made the batter. We then cooked the pancakes in a big pot over an open campfire-like stove in the backyard. The improvisation worked well. The pancakes came out well, and we smothered them in honey and ripe papaya. My family, especially the kids, LOVED THE PANCAKES. They told me they want to make them all the time. Music to my ears!
I went to bed content at 8:30pm full of food and tanned.
Other Updates:
• I went to a wedding party for the 16 year old neighbor who just got married. I also got all the gossip. Turns out, the mother isn’t happy with the marriage. I guess the girl stayed out past 8pm (and didn’t want to come home probably because the mother would hit her), and so by staying out overnight with the boyfriend, she is no longer allowed back home because she has semi-disgraced the family and thus has become “married”. The truly unfortunate part is that the mother brought the girl back from the capital to go back to school—however she won’t be going to school anymore.
• I received 4 of the 5 DVD’s Mom sent—thanks! The selection was diverse and the 9 other health volunteers were eager to watch the American movies. A movie night complete with popcorn has been planned for Thursday. I have no clue where the 5th DVD might have gone…
• Running. So I’ve talked a lot about my running, but it has become one of my favorite parts of the day. While many people run for stress relief or personal achievement, running in the DR is anything but a personal activity. I’ve found that my running in Las Tablas relies heavily on community involvement. Whether it is the young men who will run 100 feet with me down the street, or the old women shouting out “have you tired yet?” to the men telling me “step by step!” my running is largely motivated by the families sitting outside their homes on the main road, encouraging me to keep going. Women here do not run, or exercise at all, so my running is seen as an anomaly and entertainment for many from 6-7pm. I really enjoy the community’s support and I hope that I motivate other women to exercise a bit as well (my 14 year old sister has started to run!).
To top off the day, I make pancakes with my host family! The food here is nothing to write home about, so I thought if I showed the family what I like to eat, they might get a better idea of what to serve me. I had previously purchased some cheap pancake mix and honey in town, and made the batter. We then cooked the pancakes in a big pot over an open campfire-like stove in the backyard. The improvisation worked well. The pancakes came out well, and we smothered them in honey and ripe papaya. My family, especially the kids, LOVED THE PANCAKES. They told me they want to make them all the time. Music to my ears!
I went to bed content at 8:30pm full of food and tanned.
Other Updates:
• I went to a wedding party for the 16 year old neighbor who just got married. I also got all the gossip. Turns out, the mother isn’t happy with the marriage. I guess the girl stayed out past 8pm (and didn’t want to come home probably because the mother would hit her), and so by staying out overnight with the boyfriend, she is no longer allowed back home because she has semi-disgraced the family and thus has become “married”. The truly unfortunate part is that the mother brought the girl back from the capital to go back to school—however she won’t be going to school anymore.
• I received 4 of the 5 DVD’s Mom sent—thanks! The selection was diverse and the 9 other health volunteers were eager to watch the American movies. A movie night complete with popcorn has been planned for Thursday. I have no clue where the 5th DVD might have gone…
• Running. So I’ve talked a lot about my running, but it has become one of my favorite parts of the day. While many people run for stress relief or personal achievement, running in the DR is anything but a personal activity. I’ve found that my running in Las Tablas relies heavily on community involvement. Whether it is the young men who will run 100 feet with me down the street, or the old women shouting out “have you tired yet?” to the men telling me “step by step!” my running is largely motivated by the families sitting outside their homes on the main road, encouraging me to keep going. Women here do not run, or exercise at all, so my running is seen as an anomaly and entertainment for many from 6-7pm. I really enjoy the community’s support and I hope that I motivate other women to exercise a bit as well (my 14 year old sister has started to run!).
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Today marks the 1 month mark. 1 month down, 26 to go. Wow, sounds like a long time huh? But as we all know, time inexplicably passes at an alarming rate. All PC volunteers have warned us how fast the experience ends. I am definitely taking advantage of enjoying each individual day.
Today I went to Catholic mass in the stone church overlooking the town. It contains not only a breathtaking view of mountains AND ocean, but has the most delicious breeze. The tiny church only has 1 bench around the perimeter of the chapel, and the 25 congregants packed the room. I was one of the three gringos that chose to attend, and the reverend introduced himself to us after the service. Turns out, he thought we were missionaries. Me, a missionary! He probably thought we were the worst ever, not crossing ourselves or accepting communion.
I also had the good fortune of receiving a free manicure and pedicure from my neighbor yesterday! Many girls my age hang out in my backyard, and they happened to have brought their polish over. They thought it would be fun to give me a makeover, and sure enough within minutes they were scrubbing my dirty feet and cutting my cuticles. Dominican girls know what they are doing. I got pink polish accented with black stripes and glitter on the stripes. It’s too bad this effort of beauty is going to waste; my tevas do not do justice to my toes!
This weekend we have a food security assignment. This is by far my favorite topic and I’m excited to learn where all the vegetables are (because they are not on my plate)!
I realized it is fall in New England. Boy, do I miss it. The crispness, the leaves, the apples. My favorite season. I wish there were seasons in the DR. So, all of you reading from the north (and by north I mean New England), enjoy some fresh apple cider and some pumpkin bread. Think of me!
Other Updates:
• Walked into my room this morning to see a tarantula crawling on my mosquito net. It was quickly killed. I will never sleep without a mosquito net.
• Baked banana bread in a new neighbor’s oven (many don’t have ovens or stoves, but use campfires—this was a big deal!). Absolutely delicious.
• Played scrabble in spanish. I got the X, Z, V, W, J, Q. Good god. Obviously, I lost.
• More about food: I eat a form of banana everyday. Whether it is friend plantain chunks, sautéed banana slices, mushed plaintain (“mangu”), boiled plantain or a straightup banana, it’s present at every meal.
Sidenote: I’ve noticed that my English skills are deteriorating fast. I’m unable to remember English words, and my phrasing is somewhat incomprehensible (especially when I am typing). So, thanks for reading anyway.
Today I went to Catholic mass in the stone church overlooking the town. It contains not only a breathtaking view of mountains AND ocean, but has the most delicious breeze. The tiny church only has 1 bench around the perimeter of the chapel, and the 25 congregants packed the room. I was one of the three gringos that chose to attend, and the reverend introduced himself to us after the service. Turns out, he thought we were missionaries. Me, a missionary! He probably thought we were the worst ever, not crossing ourselves or accepting communion.
I also had the good fortune of receiving a free manicure and pedicure from my neighbor yesterday! Many girls my age hang out in my backyard, and they happened to have brought their polish over. They thought it would be fun to give me a makeover, and sure enough within minutes they were scrubbing my dirty feet and cutting my cuticles. Dominican girls know what they are doing. I got pink polish accented with black stripes and glitter on the stripes. It’s too bad this effort of beauty is going to waste; my tevas do not do justice to my toes!
This weekend we have a food security assignment. This is by far my favorite topic and I’m excited to learn where all the vegetables are (because they are not on my plate)!
I realized it is fall in New England. Boy, do I miss it. The crispness, the leaves, the apples. My favorite season. I wish there were seasons in the DR. So, all of you reading from the north (and by north I mean New England), enjoy some fresh apple cider and some pumpkin bread. Think of me!
Other Updates:
• Walked into my room this morning to see a tarantula crawling on my mosquito net. It was quickly killed. I will never sleep without a mosquito net.
• Baked banana bread in a new neighbor’s oven (many don’t have ovens or stoves, but use campfires—this was a big deal!). Absolutely delicious.
• Played scrabble in spanish. I got the X, Z, V, W, J, Q. Good god. Obviously, I lost.
• More about food: I eat a form of banana everyday. Whether it is friend plantain chunks, sautéed banana slices, mushed plaintain (“mangu”), boiled plantain or a straightup banana, it’s present at every meal.
Sidenote: I’ve noticed that my English skills are deteriorating fast. I’m unable to remember English words, and my phrasing is somewhat incomprehensible (especially when I am typing). So, thanks for reading anyway.
Last night was a game and story-telling night. Rather than going to play Dominoes down the block, my 11 year old brother, 14 year old sister and newly married neighbor (she’s16!) hung out in the electricity-less house. We started telling ghost stories, of which my favorite is “pepito”. It’s amazing to see how stories bridge countries; the old woman who shows up at the door every night and turns out to be a ghost, etc. The stories were so absurd that we were laughing hysterically by the end rather than being scared. We also played I spy (“Veo Veo”), Bizz Buzz and other games that actually helped expand my vocabulary. It was great fun. To top
it off, our neighbor brought over a litro of grape soda. Mmmm.
One aspect of life here that is very different from the US is marriage. Marriage occurs when 2 people move into the same house; there is rarely a ceremony or government certificate issued (and people start moving into the same house when sexual relations start to take place). Subsequently, women in the campo get married at 14-18 years old, and men 16-25 years old. Many of these young girls are pregnant with their first children within a year or two! I’m an old maid by Dominican standards, and have been asked many times if I am married or have a family. Much of the time we hear about young marriages in places like the Middle East—I would have never expected it here.
In other news, we are going to the beach on Sunday! Another pool party Saturday! Hooray for the upcoming weekend.
Other Updates:
• A dog bit me yesterday when I was running (although did not break the skin). The dog was with its family, so I’m going to assume it was not rabid. If I am dead in 7 days, you’ll know what did it. (Don’t worry Mom and Dad- I’m exaggerating a bit).
• While no one here is “obese” like in the United States, every person here definitely has a rice belly. I’m trying to not to turn into one of them. Running is helping. The food here is not. I was given chocolate and bread for breakfast.
• Okay. I live on an island in the Carribean (“tropics”). PLEASE explain to me how I am losing my summer tan… I don’t even wear sunscreen here!
• While searching in the pasture for sticks to make a broom, my female teenage neighbors asked me if it is true that in the United States at birth, girls’ virginity is cut away. I have no clue where they would have heard such things, but I definitely dispelled this rumor.
• I awoke in the middle of the night to movement coming from my suitcase. I stupidly got up to investigate and a creature came jumping towards me. It was the family cat. Horrifically frightening.
it off, our neighbor brought over a litro of grape soda. Mmmm.
One aspect of life here that is very different from the US is marriage. Marriage occurs when 2 people move into the same house; there is rarely a ceremony or government certificate issued (and people start moving into the same house when sexual relations start to take place). Subsequently, women in the campo get married at 14-18 years old, and men 16-25 years old. Many of these young girls are pregnant with their first children within a year or two! I’m an old maid by Dominican standards, and have been asked many times if I am married or have a family. Much of the time we hear about young marriages in places like the Middle East—I would have never expected it here.
In other news, we are going to the beach on Sunday! Another pool party Saturday! Hooray for the upcoming weekend.
Other Updates:
• A dog bit me yesterday when I was running (although did not break the skin). The dog was with its family, so I’m going to assume it was not rabid. If I am dead in 7 days, you’ll know what did it. (Don’t worry Mom and Dad- I’m exaggerating a bit).
• While no one here is “obese” like in the United States, every person here definitely has a rice belly. I’m trying to not to turn into one of them. Running is helping. The food here is not. I was given chocolate and bread for breakfast.
• Okay. I live on an island in the Carribean (“tropics”). PLEASE explain to me how I am losing my summer tan… I don’t even wear sunscreen here!
• While searching in the pasture for sticks to make a broom, my female teenage neighbors asked me if it is true that in the United States at birth, girls’ virginity is cut away. I have no clue where they would have heard such things, but I definitely dispelled this rumor.
• I awoke in the middle of the night to movement coming from my suitcase. I stupidly got up to investigate and a creature came jumping towards me. It was the family cat. Horrifically frightening.
Hello! Not much new here. My days consist of technical training, interviewing, spanish class, food, and hanging out with the family (typically in the dark outside with plastic lawn chairs). I’m getting to know most of the families on my street, although many of their names are complicated and still a mystery, as seen with my sister “Llovayne” and my brother “Idelson”. Not your typical spanish names here.
Food has also slowly been improving, as I told my host mother that I don’t like fried cheese (literally, sliced of orange cheese fried in grease). She has begun to give me bowls of fruit, and yesterday a salad (the first greens yet!)!! This is all exciting.
My spanish class here is great. Much better than core training in Santo Domingo. There is only 1 other girl in my class, and we basically chat the day away and eat lots of junk food (a real treat in a place where you don’t get to make your own food). We are also learning useful things, such as how the Dominican healthcare system functions.
I have my first spanish presentation on Friday to our group about community diagnostics and PACA tools. I will be speaking for 15 minutes about daily scheduling as a tool to discern gender differences, based upon my interviews with townspeople. Wish me luck!
On another note, I had the opportunity last night to go to the closest city/town, Bani, for some internet access and a pharmacy/grocery store. What a difference some time in a city can make! Our group went to the city tired but returned revitalized and very happy. It is nice to check email, replenish essential items (tissues and hand sanitizer) and eat a few empanadas/slices of pizza. Shoutout to Ben Stratton and Seyfarth for being on gchat at the right time.
Other Updates:
• I have never seen more stars in the sky except maybe at Chimney Corners… it is INCREDIBLE! And all you have to do is walk out the front door at night…
• I found out there is 1 region in the DR that has vineyards. I am determined to visit this grape mecca in the next 2 years.
• I had a dream that I found out my PC final assignment and it was to work in Great Britain on a sheep farm. I was bummed. Anxiety much?
• I’ve been helping my 14 year old sister learn English—what a hard language! However, I feel good as I can translate any words or sentences from either spanish to English, or English to spanish. Fluency, here I come!
Hope all is well back wherever you are reading this blog from! (Does that make sense?).
Food has also slowly been improving, as I told my host mother that I don’t like fried cheese (literally, sliced of orange cheese fried in grease). She has begun to give me bowls of fruit, and yesterday a salad (the first greens yet!)!! This is all exciting.
My spanish class here is great. Much better than core training in Santo Domingo. There is only 1 other girl in my class, and we basically chat the day away and eat lots of junk food (a real treat in a place where you don’t get to make your own food). We are also learning useful things, such as how the Dominican healthcare system functions.
I have my first spanish presentation on Friday to our group about community diagnostics and PACA tools. I will be speaking for 15 minutes about daily scheduling as a tool to discern gender differences, based upon my interviews with townspeople. Wish me luck!
On another note, I had the opportunity last night to go to the closest city/town, Bani, for some internet access and a pharmacy/grocery store. What a difference some time in a city can make! Our group went to the city tired but returned revitalized and very happy. It is nice to check email, replenish essential items (tissues and hand sanitizer) and eat a few empanadas/slices of pizza. Shoutout to Ben Stratton and Seyfarth for being on gchat at the right time.
Other Updates:
• I have never seen more stars in the sky except maybe at Chimney Corners… it is INCREDIBLE! And all you have to do is walk out the front door at night…
• I found out there is 1 region in the DR that has vineyards. I am determined to visit this grape mecca in the next 2 years.
• I had a dream that I found out my PC final assignment and it was to work in Great Britain on a sheep farm. I was bummed. Anxiety much?
• I’ve been helping my 14 year old sister learn English—what a hard language! However, I feel good as I can translate any words or sentences from either spanish to English, or English to spanish. Fluency, here I come!
Hope all is well back wherever you are reading this blog from! (Does that make sense?).
Monday, September 14, 2009
Today was a party day (it’s Saturday of course)!
The first party started at 9am with an inauguration to the opening of a new library. The whole health group traveled an hour and a half (which is a close distance) to Ocoa, a town where a current PC volunteer lives. She had constructed a beautiful library, complete with murals of the world and had collected over 400 books for her community! As with the completion of any PC project, you have an inauguration for the community to attend. She had about 100 people attend, many current PC volunteers, the majority community members, and many local politicians. After a drawn-out ceremony there was a catered lunch (rice, beans, and chicken of course) and Fanta orange soda! We were back in Bani (in the rural community of Las Tablas) by 3pm.
A quick 20 minute nap and out to the next party! Las Tablas was hosting a community fundraiser in the form of a pool party; a generous man donated his house as the party site and everyone (except PC volunteers) got charged 70 cents to attend. What I thought was going to be a tame block-party ended up being a complete rager. Turns out, Dominicans like to party! My host sister and I walked about 20 minutes on this country path to this huge house semi-in-the-middle-of-nowhere. As we entered at 3:45 (maybe the party started around 1pm? 2pm?), there were probably 200+ at this house party—children, young people, old people. EVERYONE. I had never seen so many Dominicans in one small place. The pool was absolutely gigantic and in-ground. In fact, the whole house resembled a spring-break destination with a built-in bar and everything. Music was blasting and everyone was drinking rum out of the bottle (here rum is sold in beer-size bottles, convenient). I have never felt so white in my life (being the first PC volunteer to enter). Also, people go swimming in clothing, because complete bathing suits are too revealing. So I jumped in with my shorts and tanktop and made friends quick. By the end of the party, the dozens of teenage men were throwing in any adult/young person who hadn’t yet been in the pool (keep in mind that the pool by this point was dirty with 100+ people in it, and spilled food and drink in it). It was time to leave. I was home by 6:30pm.
Dinner was absolutely wonderful tonight; everyone was busy so I was offered a box of Golden Grahams cereal and a red delicious apple. I ate 4 bowls of cereal alone and never felt so good.
Then, I took a longer nap, waking up at 8:30. I rallied another PC volunteer, and we headed with my sister to the next party, which were held at apartment about 25 minutes away, walking. This party was actually held in apartments down the road assembling projects; these apartments were built for families 2 years ago who had been affected by hurricane Noel (that devastated the DR). We arrived and there were about 50 people sitting around a dance floor, hanging out. We quickly got to dancing and I was able to begin learning bachata! It’s really not that difficult! We danced and danced and danced. I was back home at 11:45 and off to bed! What a day!
Other Updates:
• One thing that I love about the countryside is the amount of physical activity that must be exerted daily. Yesterday I got up at 7am with some other volunteers and my host sister and we went running! We ran about 2 miles and it felt wonderful (only to be greeted by breakfast which consisted of fried salami and potatoes). I also walked at least 4 miles between parties yesterday, and also danced/sweated buckets.
• I see slash and burn agriculture first-hand on the mountains behind the house. It’s cool.
• I ate some sugar cane for the first time today. It’s like a stringy branch that you chew. Too sweet for me!
I can’t believe I am getting paid to do this stuff (even if it’s only a dollar/day)!
The first party started at 9am with an inauguration to the opening of a new library. The whole health group traveled an hour and a half (which is a close distance) to Ocoa, a town where a current PC volunteer lives. She had constructed a beautiful library, complete with murals of the world and had collected over 400 books for her community! As with the completion of any PC project, you have an inauguration for the community to attend. She had about 100 people attend, many current PC volunteers, the majority community members, and many local politicians. After a drawn-out ceremony there was a catered lunch (rice, beans, and chicken of course) and Fanta orange soda! We were back in Bani (in the rural community of Las Tablas) by 3pm.
A quick 20 minute nap and out to the next party! Las Tablas was hosting a community fundraiser in the form of a pool party; a generous man donated his house as the party site and everyone (except PC volunteers) got charged 70 cents to attend. What I thought was going to be a tame block-party ended up being a complete rager. Turns out, Dominicans like to party! My host sister and I walked about 20 minutes on this country path to this huge house semi-in-the-middle-of-nowhere. As we entered at 3:45 (maybe the party started around 1pm? 2pm?), there were probably 200+ at this house party—children, young people, old people. EVERYONE. I had never seen so many Dominicans in one small place. The pool was absolutely gigantic and in-ground. In fact, the whole house resembled a spring-break destination with a built-in bar and everything. Music was blasting and everyone was drinking rum out of the bottle (here rum is sold in beer-size bottles, convenient). I have never felt so white in my life (being the first PC volunteer to enter). Also, people go swimming in clothing, because complete bathing suits are too revealing. So I jumped in with my shorts and tanktop and made friends quick. By the end of the party, the dozens of teenage men were throwing in any adult/young person who hadn’t yet been in the pool (keep in mind that the pool by this point was dirty with 100+ people in it, and spilled food and drink in it). It was time to leave. I was home by 6:30pm.
Dinner was absolutely wonderful tonight; everyone was busy so I was offered a box of Golden Grahams cereal and a red delicious apple. I ate 4 bowls of cereal alone and never felt so good.
Then, I took a longer nap, waking up at 8:30. I rallied another PC volunteer, and we headed with my sister to the next party, which were held at apartment about 25 minutes away, walking. This party was actually held in apartments down the road assembling projects; these apartments were built for families 2 years ago who had been affected by hurricane Noel (that devastated the DR). We arrived and there were about 50 people sitting around a dance floor, hanging out. We quickly got to dancing and I was able to begin learning bachata! It’s really not that difficult! We danced and danced and danced. I was back home at 11:45 and off to bed! What a day!
Other Updates:
• One thing that I love about the countryside is the amount of physical activity that must be exerted daily. Yesterday I got up at 7am with some other volunteers and my host sister and we went running! We ran about 2 miles and it felt wonderful (only to be greeted by breakfast which consisted of fried salami and potatoes). I also walked at least 4 miles between parties yesterday, and also danced/sweated buckets.
• I see slash and burn agriculture first-hand on the mountains behind the house. It’s cool.
• I ate some sugar cane for the first time today. It’s like a stringy branch that you chew. Too sweet for me!
I can’t believe I am getting paid to do this stuff (even if it’s only a dollar/day)!
Las Tablas. Wow. What an amazing community! I have been here less than 2 days and I feel as comfortable as if I were at home—the people are incredibly warm and welcoming. I’m officially in the “campo” (country) and my backyard borders on mountains (or very large hills) that are completely green and ridiculously beautiful. My backyard should be a postcard. The nearest town is about a half hour drive away, over unpaved roads. We are in a desert climate, so although it is technically hotter here than in Santo Domingo, the humidity is about 50% less which is a relief. I was actually cold last night and used a sheet in my bed!
My host family definitely lives a rustic life compared to that in Santo Domingo. We have a small, blue block house with peeling paint. There are 3 bedrooms for 5 people, and a general kitchen/living room. There is a small galley for cooking and a large backyard with a wonderful covered porch. We use a latrine, which is a hole in the ground (literally a concrete floor with a hole in the middle—not even a seat to sit on). Going #2 is especially tricky. I bathe in a tin shack where my head touches the ceiling and creepy crawlies thrive. All of our trash gets piled in the backyard and is then burned. However, I am privileged to have my own room with a wonderful queen-sized bed (I think my host parents gave it up for me).
The food here is also very different from Santo Domingo. In the capital I was provided with a plethora of food covering all the food groups (especially fruit!). Here in Las Tablas I have not been given any fruits or vegetables but rather potatoes, bread, eggs and coffee each meal (and rice and beans and chicken for lunch).
As previously mentioned, my reception into the community has been incredible. I happened to be placed to live with the woman who is the leader of the town (the president of almost every community organization), so we have about 3-10 people hanging out in the backyard at any one time (although only 4 people live in the house). Everyone is excited to meet the “Americana” and is impressed that I speak spanish! I can tell that even a day in the country has improved my spanish immensely because I am no longer surrounded by other PC trainees. I have an awesome host sister who is 14 (but looks 20) who has toured me around the town and introduced me to everyone! I also attended a community meeting today and got to meet other involved
community members afterwards.
I am excited to finally put into practice much of my training; I begin health surveying this weekend. I have about a 30 question survey that I will use through individual interviews to discover more about community health (which means I will be conducting all interviews solo in spanish!). I have also been put into the advanced spanish class with only 1 other girl, so the classes have become more specific. It also helps that we have class on a porch overlooking the main drag, so our mornings are filled with hellos and meet and greet.
Other Updates:
• My host brother of 11 years old was wearing a Wayland soccer jersey (how he acquired it I may
never know, but what a weird coincidence)
• Las Tablas has a sanctuary/church made entirely out of stones up on this large hill, which I have seen in Dominican Culture books. Apparently, many devotees journey to the church at different parts of the year to pray and make offerings. I was able to journey there today and it is breathtaking (not to mention breezy) and have decided it is the most peaceful place I have been yet.
• Another PC volunteer in Las Tablas woke up today to a tarantula on her head. Not pretty, I
imagine. She tried to flush it down the toilet but it only crawled up. Moral: always make sure the mosquito net is tucked in at night.
• Dominoes is a town past-time in Las Tablas. There is a constant game of dominoes being played
morning, noon and night on my street. I’ve learned that I suck at the game, but it’s a great place to hang out.
My host family definitely lives a rustic life compared to that in Santo Domingo. We have a small, blue block house with peeling paint. There are 3 bedrooms for 5 people, and a general kitchen/living room. There is a small galley for cooking and a large backyard with a wonderful covered porch. We use a latrine, which is a hole in the ground (literally a concrete floor with a hole in the middle—not even a seat to sit on). Going #2 is especially tricky. I bathe in a tin shack where my head touches the ceiling and creepy crawlies thrive. All of our trash gets piled in the backyard and is then burned. However, I am privileged to have my own room with a wonderful queen-sized bed (I think my host parents gave it up for me).
The food here is also very different from Santo Domingo. In the capital I was provided with a plethora of food covering all the food groups (especially fruit!). Here in Las Tablas I have not been given any fruits or vegetables but rather potatoes, bread, eggs and coffee each meal (and rice and beans and chicken for lunch).
As previously mentioned, my reception into the community has been incredible. I happened to be placed to live with the woman who is the leader of the town (the president of almost every community organization), so we have about 3-10 people hanging out in the backyard at any one time (although only 4 people live in the house). Everyone is excited to meet the “Americana” and is impressed that I speak spanish! I can tell that even a day in the country has improved my spanish immensely because I am no longer surrounded by other PC trainees. I have an awesome host sister who is 14 (but looks 20) who has toured me around the town and introduced me to everyone! I also attended a community meeting today and got to meet other involved
community members afterwards.
I am excited to finally put into practice much of my training; I begin health surveying this weekend. I have about a 30 question survey that I will use through individual interviews to discover more about community health (which means I will be conducting all interviews solo in spanish!). I have also been put into the advanced spanish class with only 1 other girl, so the classes have become more specific. It also helps that we have class on a porch overlooking the main drag, so our mornings are filled with hellos and meet and greet.
Other Updates:
• My host brother of 11 years old was wearing a Wayland soccer jersey (how he acquired it I may
never know, but what a weird coincidence)
• Las Tablas has a sanctuary/church made entirely out of stones up on this large hill, which I have seen in Dominican Culture books. Apparently, many devotees journey to the church at different parts of the year to pray and make offerings. I was able to journey there today and it is breathtaking (not to mention breezy) and have decided it is the most peaceful place I have been yet.
• Another PC volunteer in Las Tablas woke up today to a tarantula on her head. Not pretty, I
imagine. She tried to flush it down the toilet but it only crawled up. Moral: always make sure the mosquito net is tucked in at night.
• Dominoes is a town past-time in Las Tablas. There is a constant game of dominoes being played
morning, noon and night on my street. I’ve learned that I suck at the game, but it’s a great place to hang out.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Buenas Tardes!
This may be my last blog update for a few days. I'm officially moving to different training grounds in the countryside tomorrow. Core training is finished! Now I am moving to Bani (think: beach located on the southcentral coast) with only health volunteers (9 other volunteers). We will be doing specific health-training in a health-setting for 5 weeks. I will also be sweating even more due to the increased heat, eating mangos and going to the beach. I will also be living with another host family! Wohoo!
I'm excited for the upcoming training but bummed that our group of trainees will all be separated (into our specific dectors: youth, water, health and community economic development). Tonight is the last time we will see eachother before we are sworn in as official PC volunteers.
Other Updates:
-Another PC trainee left today. :(
-I've begun washing all my clothes by hand. My host mother waits too long to wash laundry.
-We had our first test on all our training, both technical and with language. Hopefully I passed!
- I made my first oral rehydration solution this past weekend.. for myself. Tummy wasn't too happy.
- I told the health trainer that I want to be placed in the mountains in a rural village--he said thats definitely possible! Cold weather, si Dios quiere.
This may be my last blog update for a few days. I'm officially moving to different training grounds in the countryside tomorrow. Core training is finished! Now I am moving to Bani (think: beach located on the southcentral coast) with only health volunteers (9 other volunteers). We will be doing specific health-training in a health-setting for 5 weeks. I will also be sweating even more due to the increased heat, eating mangos and going to the beach. I will also be living with another host family! Wohoo!
I'm excited for the upcoming training but bummed that our group of trainees will all be separated (into our specific dectors: youth, water, health and community economic development). Tonight is the last time we will see eachother before we are sworn in as official PC volunteers.
Other Updates:
-Another PC trainee left today. :(
-I've begun washing all my clothes by hand. My host mother waits too long to wash laundry.
-We had our first test on all our training, both technical and with language. Hopefully I passed!
- I made my first oral rehydration solution this past weekend.. for myself. Tummy wasn't too happy.
- I told the health trainer that I want to be placed in the mountains in a rural village--he said thats definitely possible! Cold weather, si Dios quiere.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Hello all! Sorry I haven’t written in some time. I have been out of the capital and in the country (“campo”).
This past weekend in the country was revitalizing; it reassured me that what I will be doing in Peace Corps IS what I want to be doing (living a slow paced life while helping develop slow-paced projects). The country is absolutely gorgeous. Think lush hills and fruit trees everywhere. Specifically, this weekend I did a volunteer visit, so I visited a current 2-year volunteer in health. We were in the central region of the DR, in a small village (200 houses) about a 40 minute walk from the main road and another 20 minute drive to the nearest town (Cotui). Basically, I got to see what daily life was like and how she initiated her various projects.
Details/Adventures:
My volunteer lives in a small wooden house connected to her host family house. Her family was very nice but very in-your-face. The senile great grandma loved to creep in the house and say funny things and feel us up. I realized I need to live on my own (and not with a host family for 2 years). My volunteer’s house consists of two rooms: a bedroom and a kitchen/sitting room. It was cold at night (I used a blanket)! I hope to be placed in a mountainous region in a very small village (the smaller the better—projects function better that way). Among other important things, we watched a movie on her laptop, ate Kraft Mac and Cheese and peanut butter, and read books in english! So American (but wonderful). I’m really ready to live on my own and cook my own food (however I still have 5 months of host family to go through). I felt so much healthier in the campo; walking everywhere and eating normal amounts. I also had my first motorcycle ride. It was thrilling (I now know why people ride motorcycles), the wind in your hair and the incredible landscape!
I did not bathe at all while I was there. We went to the river and washed our hair (the river was kinda dirty..but she has never gotten any diseases from it) and also went to a pool in the nearest town. We thought about going to a different river, but it turns out that 25 cows died from contamination in the river. Good thing we heard this before we went to that river! I was also bitten by “mayes” which are like chiggers. Even if you don’t scratch them they swell and itch and look like horrendous chicken pox. I have about 20 around my ankles.
A tropical storm downgraded to a tropical depression passed by one night and I literally thought the tin roof was going to fly off from the house. I have never heard a storm like this one (and the ceiling started to leak—we had to put blankets over ourselves in bed).
My volunteer has accomplished typical health stuff: HIV/AIDS youth group, women’s health group, nutrition class, community garden, community library, building healthier stoves, etc. She gave me a folder of all the forms/templates she has ever used, which should prove to be helpful.
Basically everyone in the community was friendly and eager to meet me. I can’t wait to have my own community!
The only real low of the weekend was the ride back to the capital. The journey took about 6 hours due to many factors, including a two hour busride on a unpaved dirt road with about 60 people on a bus meant to hold 30. We had 5 people sit on 3 seats; I was stuck between an old women with a box (where my feet should have been) and a fat man who smelled like vinegar and was holding a saw. Not to mention the pregnant woman and the many industrial bags of grain. I thought my feet were going to have permanent damage; they were twisted in such a way that they both were asleep for about 1.5 hours. I have never been happier to be off a bus. I also took the subway, which is actually the nicest subway I have ever been in on my life (think new, clean, empty and airconditioned). Also, I took another bus in which I was squeezed in the backseat (“la cocina”) with 5 people and 4 seats. The three drunk men in front of us just stared at me and another blonde PC volunteer. While I told them to stop staring, my friend just stared back, trying to keep a straight face. We ended up laughing hysterically the whole ride. I quickly learned that at the end of the day, you just gotta laugh (and that is what we did). Never have I been happier to finally get back to my host family’s house in Santo Domingo. So, suffice it to say, the lows may be low, but the highs are always higher.
Other Updates:
• The taxi I was riding in broke down in the middle of the street. It was actually hilarious and the driver ended up getting some gas and filling up the tank, while we sat in the middle of the street and got honked at (although neither the gas gauge or speedometer work). Then, the car in front of us broke down. Haha.
• Aaron Williams (current PC director) came to the DR last week and came to training to talk to us. He is amazing, wise and his speech gave me goosebumps! We told him to convince Obama to come down..maybe he will!
• 2 PC trainees left the DR/Peace Corps today. Our group of 51 is now down to 49. It was emotional as they said their goodbyes; many of their sentiments reverberated with our own.
This past weekend in the country was revitalizing; it reassured me that what I will be doing in Peace Corps IS what I want to be doing (living a slow paced life while helping develop slow-paced projects). The country is absolutely gorgeous. Think lush hills and fruit trees everywhere. Specifically, this weekend I did a volunteer visit, so I visited a current 2-year volunteer in health. We were in the central region of the DR, in a small village (200 houses) about a 40 minute walk from the main road and another 20 minute drive to the nearest town (Cotui). Basically, I got to see what daily life was like and how she initiated her various projects.
Details/Adventures:
My volunteer lives in a small wooden house connected to her host family house. Her family was very nice but very in-your-face. The senile great grandma loved to creep in the house and say funny things and feel us up. I realized I need to live on my own (and not with a host family for 2 years). My volunteer’s house consists of two rooms: a bedroom and a kitchen/sitting room. It was cold at night (I used a blanket)! I hope to be placed in a mountainous region in a very small village (the smaller the better—projects function better that way). Among other important things, we watched a movie on her laptop, ate Kraft Mac and Cheese and peanut butter, and read books in english! So American (but wonderful). I’m really ready to live on my own and cook my own food (however I still have 5 months of host family to go through). I felt so much healthier in the campo; walking everywhere and eating normal amounts. I also had my first motorcycle ride. It was thrilling (I now know why people ride motorcycles), the wind in your hair and the incredible landscape!
I did not bathe at all while I was there. We went to the river and washed our hair (the river was kinda dirty..but she has never gotten any diseases from it) and also went to a pool in the nearest town. We thought about going to a different river, but it turns out that 25 cows died from contamination in the river. Good thing we heard this before we went to that river! I was also bitten by “mayes” which are like chiggers. Even if you don’t scratch them they swell and itch and look like horrendous chicken pox. I have about 20 around my ankles.
A tropical storm downgraded to a tropical depression passed by one night and I literally thought the tin roof was going to fly off from the house. I have never heard a storm like this one (and the ceiling started to leak—we had to put blankets over ourselves in bed).
My volunteer has accomplished typical health stuff: HIV/AIDS youth group, women’s health group, nutrition class, community garden, community library, building healthier stoves, etc. She gave me a folder of all the forms/templates she has ever used, which should prove to be helpful.
Basically everyone in the community was friendly and eager to meet me. I can’t wait to have my own community!
The only real low of the weekend was the ride back to the capital. The journey took about 6 hours due to many factors, including a two hour busride on a unpaved dirt road with about 60 people on a bus meant to hold 30. We had 5 people sit on 3 seats; I was stuck between an old women with a box (where my feet should have been) and a fat man who smelled like vinegar and was holding a saw. Not to mention the pregnant woman and the many industrial bags of grain. I thought my feet were going to have permanent damage; they were twisted in such a way that they both were asleep for about 1.5 hours. I have never been happier to be off a bus. I also took the subway, which is actually the nicest subway I have ever been in on my life (think new, clean, empty and airconditioned). Also, I took another bus in which I was squeezed in the backseat (“la cocina”) with 5 people and 4 seats. The three drunk men in front of us just stared at me and another blonde PC volunteer. While I told them to stop staring, my friend just stared back, trying to keep a straight face. We ended up laughing hysterically the whole ride. I quickly learned that at the end of the day, you just gotta laugh (and that is what we did). Never have I been happier to finally get back to my host family’s house in Santo Domingo. So, suffice it to say, the lows may be low, but the highs are always higher.
Other Updates:
• The taxi I was riding in broke down in the middle of the street. It was actually hilarious and the driver ended up getting some gas and filling up the tank, while we sat in the middle of the street and got honked at (although neither the gas gauge or speedometer work). Then, the car in front of us broke down. Haha.
• Aaron Williams (current PC director) came to the DR last week and came to training to talk to us. He is amazing, wise and his speech gave me goosebumps! We told him to convince Obama to come down..maybe he will!
• 2 PC trainees left the DR/Peace Corps today. Our group of 51 is now down to 49. It was emotional as they said their goodbyes; many of their sentiments reverberated with our own.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Buenas noches!
Today the overwhelming nature of the DR finally hit me. I came home from class at 5:30, ate some dinner, and was asleep by 7pm. I was so tired. I woke up later at 9pm, only to go to the bathroom and have to duck and dodge 3 cockroaches. Somehow, this was the breaking point. After chatting with my parents for the next few minutes, and complaining about everything possible, I cried. I’m frustrated at my lifestyle. I’m frustrated that I don’t have running water, the water isn’t potable, there is no soap in the bathroom, that I’m eating only starches (and many veggies are out of the picture), I am living off only a few dollars a day (and everything is a luxury). I’m stuck at home most nights because I can’t really go out alone, and I can’t wear tanktops and shorts outside the home (in a country that is so freaking hot), and the bugs are gigantic. I can’t walk down the street without being catcalled. Worst of all, keeping in touch with friends and family is expensive and difficult. The best I can do is a facebook post. Of course, I expected this and I accept this. Most of the world is even worse off than this. I’m laughing at myself even writing this. It is just the overwhelming to have this all happen immediately. Probably my living situation will be worse where I will be moving for a few years anyway!
In my silly state I cried in front of my host mother who started asking me if I didn’t like it there. I wanted to tell her to hold the CoffeeMate creamer from my tea, but instead just told her I had to run to the store to buy another phone card (Peace Corps budget be damned!). Of course, I bought the wrong card that costs 2 dollars (and only has 7 minutes on it) at the corner store. Luckily, good old Alix picked up her phone and was a great listener as I cried some more. Thailand will be worse (ha! Just kidding!). When my minutes ran out, I ran to the store again to get the phone card that only costs 1 dollar and has 7 minutes. I called Alix back and chatted about the good life. I felt much better. Then, my neighbor came over to help me with homework and we had some good laughs over diarrhea prevention (dorky I know--I’m currently health surveying). The night ended well.
Other Highlights:
• Aaron Williams, newly appointed US Peace Corps Director, is visiting the Dominican Republic (and me!) today! The first country he chose to come visit was the DR (where he served himself). It will be very exhilarating to meet him!
• I got my motorcycle helmet I will be using this Thursday when I go to the interior of the country for 3 days to visit a current PC volunteer. My motorcycle helmet is a racing helmet (think silver with red and black design stripes). We even have one of those tinted visors.. these are LEGIT. I look like a power ranger.
• Schedule update: Visiting a current PC member alone this weekend in Cotui, then 1 more week in Santo Domingo, then 5 weeks in the village of Bani (doing specific health training). I come back to Santo Domingo at the end of October to be sworn in as a true PC volunteer. Then, I head to my post for 2 years.
• I took public transportation home today for the first time alone. An 8 year old little boy helped me navigate. Thank goodness for sweet children.
• While the veggies are lacking, fruit is not. I eat papaya, guava and mango on a daily basis with a bit of pineapple and starfruit thrown in. Not bad.
• I finally have learned how to open my front door with my crappily copied key. Success!
Today the overwhelming nature of the DR finally hit me. I came home from class at 5:30, ate some dinner, and was asleep by 7pm. I was so tired. I woke up later at 9pm, only to go to the bathroom and have to duck and dodge 3 cockroaches. Somehow, this was the breaking point. After chatting with my parents for the next few minutes, and complaining about everything possible, I cried. I’m frustrated at my lifestyle. I’m frustrated that I don’t have running water, the water isn’t potable, there is no soap in the bathroom, that I’m eating only starches (and many veggies are out of the picture), I am living off only a few dollars a day (and everything is a luxury). I’m stuck at home most nights because I can’t really go out alone, and I can’t wear tanktops and shorts outside the home (in a country that is so freaking hot), and the bugs are gigantic. I can’t walk down the street without being catcalled. Worst of all, keeping in touch with friends and family is expensive and difficult. The best I can do is a facebook post. Of course, I expected this and I accept this. Most of the world is even worse off than this. I’m laughing at myself even writing this. It is just the overwhelming to have this all happen immediately. Probably my living situation will be worse where I will be moving for a few years anyway!
In my silly state I cried in front of my host mother who started asking me if I didn’t like it there. I wanted to tell her to hold the CoffeeMate creamer from my tea, but instead just told her I had to run to the store to buy another phone card (Peace Corps budget be damned!). Of course, I bought the wrong card that costs 2 dollars (and only has 7 minutes on it) at the corner store. Luckily, good old Alix picked up her phone and was a great listener as I cried some more. Thailand will be worse (ha! Just kidding!). When my minutes ran out, I ran to the store again to get the phone card that only costs 1 dollar and has 7 minutes. I called Alix back and chatted about the good life. I felt much better. Then, my neighbor came over to help me with homework and we had some good laughs over diarrhea prevention (dorky I know--I’m currently health surveying). The night ended well.
Other Highlights:
• Aaron Williams, newly appointed US Peace Corps Director, is visiting the Dominican Republic (and me!) today! The first country he chose to come visit was the DR (where he served himself). It will be very exhilarating to meet him!
• I got my motorcycle helmet I will be using this Thursday when I go to the interior of the country for 3 days to visit a current PC volunteer. My motorcycle helmet is a racing helmet (think silver with red and black design stripes). We even have one of those tinted visors.. these are LEGIT. I look like a power ranger.
• Schedule update: Visiting a current PC member alone this weekend in Cotui, then 1 more week in Santo Domingo, then 5 weeks in the village of Bani (doing specific health training). I come back to Santo Domingo at the end of October to be sworn in as a true PC volunteer. Then, I head to my post for 2 years.
• I took public transportation home today for the first time alone. An 8 year old little boy helped me navigate. Thank goodness for sweet children.
• While the veggies are lacking, fruit is not. I eat papaya, guava and mango on a daily basis with a bit of pineapple and starfruit thrown in. Not bad.
• I finally have learned how to open my front door with my crappily copied key. Success!
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