July 25, 2007

visitando la republica dominicana


The DR Wows: Becky just as fun as ever (hadn't seen her in 5 years!); her Peace Corps. site (La Joya, outside of San Francisco de Macoris) is a beautiful campo with gorgeous floras and lush greenery all around; el maraton (half-marathon in Santo Domingo with fireworks at the end!); chalacas, my new favorite candy; travel to San Rafael and swimming in el mar and el rio where the river meets the sea; funny moto ride with the full moon over the sea; dancing the merengue and the bachata (or attempting to); Becky's cat Cajuil and crazy cool house (with las cucarachas included!); Kristina's site in the mountains with a street party at night at el parque (a marching band came by!); yummy food made by Becky; fresh fruit at all times; jugos naturales (textures are a bit like orange julius's); cold bucket showers (SO refreshing!); swimming in a random river in underwear and tank tops; translating everything in my mind to spanish without meaning to; sitting on a waa-waa (sp?) which is like a transport van, and feeling something standing on my foot-- looking down and seeing a chicken foot!!! (it was a fighting rooster, loose from its bag!); many funny chats with Becky; Becky giving me a psuedo-pedicure; drinking beer in the backseat (legally!); cliff guest house overlooking the sea

The DR Woes: TOO much development (fast food, tight clothes, mass grocery stores, and more-- seems like they've taken the worst of the States' development and copied it); the capitol of Santo Domingo (kind of a cool town, but felt just like a U.S. city-- not what I was looking for); pig (cerdo) smells; calls of "rubia"; disillusionment with Peace Corps. (many stereotypical "rich kid" volunteers without much respect for the locals-- not Becky of course!); fashion "requirements" (tight pants, painted toenails, skimpy shirts, etc.); feeling like a dummy because I have a hard time understanding their Spanish; GETTING SICK (fever, aches, stomach cramps, etc.) for 3 days; translating everything in my mind to spanish

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