Something I’ve noticed that is very different from the United States is the physical build of Dominicans. As a person who is typically classified as “thin” in the US, I am labeled here as a “fuerte” (strong) woman. I’ve also been labeled as “gordita”. I’ve realized I’m a big person—Americans are big people. I’m as tall if not taller than most men and have a broader build than most Dominican women (besides the obese grandmas). As my father has pointed out, I look like an Amazon compared to my previous host family…

On another note, I have noticed that I am consistently asked the same introductory questions repeatedly (typically by middle aged men in surrounding communities). They find out I am an American living here for 2 years, and waste no time discovering my purpose here. A smattering of questions (in the order they are typically asked):
1. So, are you married?
a. No.
2. Oh, well, do you have a boyfriend?
a. Ambiguous response.
3. And do you like us Dominicans? Are you planning on marrying a Dominican here (insert chuckle)?
a. Well, Domincans are nice. No, I’m not planning on marrying. I’m still young.
4. How old are you? 17?
a. 22
And then I find some way to end the conversation. It usually ends with the Dominican shouting goodbye in broken English, or suggesting I take them back to the US with me. This is not an exaggeration. It gets old, fast.

Other Updates:
• Yesterday as I was getting on the truck to leave the city, a Haitian woman climbed on board wearing a Dunkin Donuts employee visor. What is one person’s trash, is another’s treasure.
• I am beginning to cook a bit more in my host mother’s house (I typically don’t because it involves buying my own food, and I’m already paying for her to cook my meals). However, I made a veggie scramble and yesterday I made a semblance of a grilled cheese sandwich (with a hotdog bun roll and farm cheese). I also made a breakfast sandwich with scrambled eggs, friend salami and cheese on a hamburger bun. Delicious!
• I recently found out that my host family’s dog (who resembles Scrappy from Scooby doo) is pregnant! I’m taking one of the babies ~Marchish. Suggestions for names?