This week begins our technical training of sex ed. One of the main tasks for health promoters is to form a youth group focusing on HIV/AIDS education in our communities. Interestingly, we started discussing the ramifications of HIV testing in the DR. Would we, as educators, suggest our youth and other community members get tested for HIV? From a public health standpoint, yes of course, so they would have the personal knowledge and know not to infect others and possibly help their own health. However, there are basically no services available to rural peoples with HIV, not to mention little treatment (due to huge costs). If a youth did find out they had HIV (testing itself is expensive), they would most likely become an outcast in the community and have no counseling services or treatment options anyway. So which is better, knowing or not knowing? While it is easy in the United States to be tested and receive necessary services there are few options in the DR. What are our responsibilities as educators here?

To change topics, today I had my first Dominican coconut! They are available everywhere (i.e. the street vendors & supermarkets) so before spanish class I wandered down to the corner store and bought a coconut for 75 cents. We cracked it open, had some coconut water and then dug out the meat. The meat wasn’t as sweet/tasty as expected, but the coconut water was delicious! Coconuts are used frequently as a seasoning with beans, rice and lentils here (I’m lucky!).

Other Updates:
• I’ve noticed that Dominicans age well here. While kids develop at an early age (I mistake most 13, 14, 15 year olds for being 17-22), they stay looking that same age forever. My host father is 75 but doesn’t look a day over 60 and many people who are in their 30s appear to be in their 20s. A true mystery. Maybe it’s the sun? Maybe it’s the rice and beans diet? Maybe the ground-water that is “not potable” secretly has an anti-aging chemical (Tuck Everlasting?)?
• I’m obsessed with my host sister, Yubeidy. She’s 14 but my best friend here (and could definitely pass for being 21+). She is so welcoming and doesn’t think I’m annoying in the least, even though I tag along everywhere. She’s always up for doing things (dancing, hiking, exercising) and is a very goal-oriented person (which is great in a community with high teen pregnancy). I wish she lived in my final community! I definitely plan on keeping in touch with her and hope she can come visit me in the north!
• For all you spanish-speakers out there. Spanish lit recommendation: Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s 12 Cuentos. Each one has an ending with a twist—and the stories are short enough to read before bed.
• I’ve found the best frozen yogurt place on earth. Beats anything in NYC and Truly Yogurt (Wellesley readers?): Yogun Fruz. Basically delicious frozen fruit/other yummy toppings that they grind