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!