Back in Santo Domingo (and its really humid)!

The going away party held for us health volunteers in Las Tablas was lovely. Our host families and the volunteers lounged poolside on Friday afternoon, eating cake and empanadas and sharing embarrassing stories.

I later gave my host family their gifts and they cried! It was emotional. In return, I received 2 earring/necklace sets from them. Very thoughtful!

Arriving back in Santo Domingo, I realize I do not like the capital. It’s smoggy and humid and there is a water shortage so I can’t wash any of my dirty clothes (barely enough water to bathe). However, it is nice to go to a large airconditioned supermarket and go to the Peace Corps office for free wifi.

On Tuesday I head to my final site for 5 days, return to swear in as a volunteer, and then leave Santo Domingo forever! I had forgotten how much stuff I have; 2 months in-country makes you accumulate a lot! I have about 10 manuals and a whole suitcase filled with stuff I haven’t even used yet (sheets, spices, sleeping bag, sweatshirts). It will be very interesting to try to lug these suitcases on crappy public transportation 5 hours north.

It will be even more interesting to be thrown into my community by myself. I will have no clue about the whereabouts of any amenities (i.e. how to get to the nearest city, where the supermarket is, etc.) and will be relying heavily on shoddy directions from my future host family. I will literally be dropped in my community and left to fend for myself. That’s the Peace Corps way!

Last night all the volunteers from all 4 sectors reunited at the Car Wash for drinks and dancing. It was thrilling to see everyone, hear about adventures and hear where everyone is placed! Everyone is itching to get to their sites…