We're Home!

Adios Republica Dominicana! 

Maria and I flew into Miami International Airport at around 11:30pm Saturday. We arrived at Maria's house in Immokalee at 2am. Spending Sunday with Maria and her family really helped me with any culture shock that I might have experienced. Maria is a first generation Mexican-American. She lives in a bilingual household, so hearing Spanish made me feel like I was back in the DR. Although I loved Dominican food, I realized that picante (spicy) isn't a flavor found in a lot of the dishes. Maria and I are both lovers of picante, so we were super excited when her mom made delicious and spicy empanadas for us. Throughout the day, I also tried Mexican candies and drinks. I came to realize that Mexican food is totally misrepresented in the United States. Mexican food is full of contrasting flavors; many dishes contain sweet, salty, and spicy all in the same bite! To give you an idea, I had a drink of cherry ice and mango puree topped with pickles and chili powder! As someone who likes to travel by following my taste buds, Mexico is definitely a country I would like to experience. Maria and I even discussed the possibility of making it our next adventure together! I really loved learning about her Mexican culutre and I thank her family for sharing it with me.

Maria and I

And now, I want to share one last thing with everyone. Music and dancing is everywhere in the DR. One of the songs that is really popular in the Dominican Republic right now is Vivir Mi Vida by Marc Anthony which means Live My Life.  I heard it everywhere; in conchos (taxis), tiendas (stores), and discotheques (nightclubs). It reminds me of the DR, the good friends I made, and how the trip and all its experiences changed me. I encourage all to listen and consider this as a way vivir tu vida (to live your life).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMNPv_HXffQ

English Translation

I'm gonna laugh, I'm gonna dance

[I'm gonna] live my life, la, la, la, la

I'm gonna laugh, I'm gonna enjoy

live my life, la, la, la, la

Sometimes rain comes

to clean wounds

Sometimes just a drop

can overcome the drought

And why cry, for what?
And why cry, for what?

If it hurts bad, forget it

And why suffer, for what?

If life is like this, you must live it

I'm gonna laugh, I'm gonna dance

live my life, la, la, la, la

I'm gonna laugh, I'm gonna enjoy

live my life, la, la, la, la

I'm gonna live in the moment

to understand the fate

I'm gonna listen in silence

to find the way

If it hurts bad, forget it

And why suffer, for what?

If it hurts bad, forget it

I'm gonna laugh, I'm gonna dance

live my life, la, la, la, la

I'm gonna laugh, I'm gonna enjoy

live my life, la, la, la, la

My people!

I'm gonna laugh, I'm gonna dance

Why mourn? Why suffer?

Start dreaming, laughing

I'm gonna laugh, I'm gonna dance

Feel and dance and enjoy,

you only live once

I'm gonna laugh, I'm gonna dance

Live, always keep moving forward

Don't look back

My people, you only live once
I'm gonna laugh, I'm gonna dance
live my life, la, la, la, la
I'm gonna laugh, I'm gonna enjoy
live my life, la, la, la, la

Momentos Locos

Katie (my host mom)

Joan, Maria and I

Pao and Dionny

Katie

Me and a friend

Maria, Joan and I

Dulce and Sonya

ChiChi, Eduardo, and Candy

Eduardo

Hasta Un Dia: Until One Day

Yesterday (7/19) was my last full day in the Dominican Republic. I spent the morning at Accion Callejera’s (AC) Juvenile Center.  What I like about volunteering here is that not every day is the same; sometimes they have school work, sometimes they are free to play on the cancha (court), and sometimes they have special events. Yesterday, los Joe’s (two AC volunteers both named Joe) led an English lesson for some of the boys. Los Joe’s teach at other AC centers and while the Juvenile Center does have a classroom, English isn't one of the lessons. The English lesson los Joe's were teaching was open to any of the boys at the center who wanted to learn. If enough of the boys were interested, they were thinking about making it a weekly lesson. At first only about four boys were there, but by the end of the lesson there were at least twelve. They learned some basic greeting questions and responses such as 'How are you?', 'I am fine', 'What is your name?'. I was surprised by how quickly the kids picked up everything. It probably helps to have a lot of English-speaking volunteers walk through the doors of AC. 

This whole week, many of the boys asked when I was leaving and it was definitely hard to say this Saturday. Saying goodbye to the kids is always the hardest. However, with the possibility of coming back with my university in March, I didn’t feel like it was goodbye. I have enjoyed this week playing, laughing, and learning from the children at Centro Juvenil. I am truly at my happiest when I am working with these children. Over the past two years, I have seen many of them grow up and in turn, they have seen me grow up. I went from a girl who had dreams of traveling the world to a girl who was making those dreams a reality. While being in the Dominican Republic, I didn't know what was going to happen, the friendship that would be created, the places I would go, and the new goals I would set for myself. However, I took a chance and stayed for a month. What a great month it has been!

Elena and I

Coming back to the centro communitario, the goodbyes didn't stop. Elena--one of the sweetest AC workers--invited Maria, Joan, Ariel (AC volunteer), and I over to her house the day before. We had juice from sour oranges (all the sugar that was added helped mask the sourness) and a delicious cake that tasted similar to pumpkin pie (although no pumpkins were used in the making of this cake). Although Elena is taking her vacation time, she stopped by the centro yesterday to wish us a safe trip back home. We promised each other to keep in touch and I know we will. It is amazing how quickly we can make meaningful connections with people. And at times, you can't predict who those connections will be with. One of the other workers who (at first) I thought didn't like me and was quite intimidating to speak Spanish with--by the end of the trip--was one of the people I became the closest with. Of the many experiences I have had while being here in the Dominican Republic, my experiences at this community center definitely hold a special place in my heart.  

At lunch time (almuerzo), I came back to the centro communitario for what was my ‘last supper’ meal. The meal consisted of rice, habichuela (beans), chicken, and aguacate (avocado); the same delicious dishes we had about every day, but this time it tasted…different. It was just Maria, Pao, Dionny, Joan, and I. Five out of the usual twelve that we share the table with. It seemed quiet and slightly empty without everyone there. *While writing these emotional parts, it doesn't help (or does it?) that “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” just started playing from my iTunes Library. 

After leaving the quiteness of the centro, I was excited for Maria and I's ‘hasta luego fiesta’. We invited some of the friends we had made during this trip over for karaoke, dancing, and tacos! Having my favorite people around me was just how I wanted to spend my last night. I am so thankful to have crossed paths with them. It's hard to think about never seeing them again. Therefore, instead of saying goodbye, I am saying 'nos vemos' (we'll see each other). 

Today, Maria and I went to the centro communitario for the last time. Walking through la Yaguita along the same path I had taken for the last month, it felt different. This place has been a great home for me. I am forever grateful to Joan and Katie (our host parents) for a roof over my head, their love, friendship, and support. Gracias por todos (thank you for everything). However, I feel like I am in this limbo state because although I do not want to leave, I think I am ready to come home. I have a lot to look forward to back in the States...plus I'm sort of down to my last pesos.

"Este no es adiós, estoy diciendo 'hasta un día' porque yo se que nos vemos."

Mis Amigos!

Maria and I

Christopher, Me, Frank Jr, Los Joe's and Maria

Joe and I

Alberto, Titilola and Robinson

Titilola and Maria

Ariel

Take Me Out To The Ball Game!

In one of my earlier posts, I mentioned how baseball is the most popular sport in the Dominican Republic. While that is still true, I have come to realize that Dominicans can get into about almost any sport. After volunteering at Centro Juvenil, my friend Joe (another Accion volunteer) invited me to one of his soccer practices. A couple of the kids from the center were also on his team so we rode over to the fields together.  The team was made up of both Haitians and Dominicans--some of the boys I even recognized from the center. At first, I was just watching them practice as the rest of the team was arriving. However, soccer is in my blood and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to play. As the only girl on a team of 14 guys, it can be intimidating. However, ask any of the guys on that field and they will tell you that I held my own. I managed to assist in a goal and had a couple good shot attempts myself.

Wednesday night (7/17) Maria and I were invited out to a Santiago Metros basketball game. Of course I said yes to the opportunity. Not only was it awesome to see a basketball game, but it was inexpensive too. It took two concho (taxi) rides to get over to the arena (and two to get back) which in total is about 80 pesos or $2. However, the concho rides cost more than the ticket which was only 50 pesos ($1.25). The Metros were playing another team from the Dominican Republic: Caneros de la Romana. At first, the score wasn't close with the Metros leading by 15+ for the first three quarters. However, it got pretty intense at the end with a close Metros win of only four points! The ending score was 90-86. Interestingly enough, during the basketball game, they kept playing baseball cheers! (The influence is strong). Afterwards we stayed to meet the players. Two of the boys from Accion Callejera Centro Juvenil also came with us to watch the game; they were so excited to meet their favorite players! It was interesting to find out that of the starting five players for the Metros, three of them were American: Michael Glover, Julien Mills, and Maurice Carter. Maurice (below) was really nice and stayed to talk with Maria and I. We found out he is from Indianapolis!

I wanted to post this for my brother who (for only 16 years old) is already an amazing basketball player. Love you bro! 

Some Timely Advice

This week marks my last week in the Dominican Republic. While planning this trip, I wasn't sure about the time length of one month. What if after 2 weeks I wanted to come back? Or worse, what if after a month, I wasn't ready to leave? This has been on my mind a lot lately. Honestly, I thought about extending my stay an extra week. I even reached out my mom who looked up the travel fees to change flights; it ended up being that the extra financial costs were too expensive to stay for an extra week. However, what really convinced me to rethink my reasons for staying was the advice I got from my mom. She told me that although I am having a wonderful experience, all good things do come to an end; I must enjoy the time that I have and not waste a single minute thinking about staying because all those efforts are taking away from the present. This was exactly what I needed to hear (thanks mom!). And that's why as I get closer to my departure date, my heart has become full with more happiness than sadness. I look forward to everything I am about to experience this week. 

On Monday (7/11), Maria and I helped the community center organize a bunch of school supplies that were given to them. They had tons of backpacks (mochilas), pencils (lapices), and notebooks (cuadernos). School supplies are expensive in the Dominican Republic (DR), so a few of the Accion Callejera centers were selling what they had to those in the community at reasonable prices. The money goes back to the main juvenile center to allocate. This was not only my last Monday in the DR, but also the last day that all the teachers, workers, and volunteers would all be together. Since the school year and most of the camps are over, some of the teachers are going on vacation. When you are a volunteer at a place that sees a lot of volunteers come and go, it is hard to know whether you will be missed. However, at the end of the day, I knew the answer was yes. I am so grateful for all the staff at the community center. At the end of my month here, I can honestly say I feel a part of this crazy family. Some gave me advice, some made me laugh, some challenged me, and some were like mothers to me. Gracias por todos! 

The next day (7/16), I completely lived in the moment (something I learned from my mom) and decided to spend the morning at one of my favorite places: the Accion Callejera Juvenile Center. It was just me as I took a concho from La Yaguita to the city. When I arrived at 8:30am, there were only a few boys sitting around. I didn't recognize any of them, so I broke the ice with my secret weapon: playing cards. As soon as I sat down next to one of the boys, 3 more came over to play. That's what I love about this place; it is so easy and natural to connect with the boys here. Meanwhile more boys started showing up to check in and get their breakfast ticket. This is when I started recognizing faces: Corlins, Eddy, Frank Jr, Alejandro, Peterson, and more! I had seen some of them 2 weeks ago at the community center's pool, but others I hadn't seen for over a year. The reactions to my arrival varied; some acted calm and composed, others laughed and gave me a big hug, but the best were the ones who were completely surprised. One of the boys--Jason--stepped back with his hand slightly over his mouth when he first saw me. They were a little confused why I was on my own; they were used to seeing me in a group with 14 other students from my university. I explained that the university group comes every March, but that I wanted to come back to volunteer over the summer as well. 

This was such a great day to come to the Juvenile center because there were a lot of activities to do with the children. We got into groups of about five and had four challenges to complete together. My group's first challenge was with one of those circular rainbow parachutes. We had to all hold a portion of the parachute and work together to get a ball to make 10 rotations without falling through the hole in the middle. It took a couple minutes till we got the hang of it, but when we did, it was smooth sailing from there. However, there was a second part of the challenge. We now had to get 2 balls to make 5 rotations. We got this on the first try! We quickly ran to the next station which was located outside. For good reason because it had the potential to get messy real quick. Each person on the team had to go bobbing for candy. However, the candy wasn't in a big bowl of water, it was in a big bowl of flour! All the kids just went for it and stuck their whole heads into bowl. I on the other hand was trying to avoid getting flour all over myself. 

The following station began with a riddle that we had to solve. Once we figured it out, it led us to the second floor of the center where we had to search for a word written on construction paper. We did not leave any stone unturned. We looked under chairs, keyboards, books, plants, everything! We still couldn't find it! I began to question if it was even here. I went to go pick up this wooden basket, peeked underneath, and read COMPARTIR (to share). I showed the word to my teammates and we all began jumping up and down "sharing" in this moment of victory. Not much time passed until we were off to the next and final challenge. This one involved team work, participation, and a whole lot of balance. We had to balance wooden shapes on a board game that was balancing on ball which was balancing on a small wooden totem. Hence the need for patience, team work, and a whole lot of balance. After the challenges, everyone went to the cancha (court) for some pelota (literally 'ball' but in this context translates to 'baseball'). However, since they didn't have an actual field, there were some rule changed; there were only 3 bases, we pitched to ourselves, and used our hands as the bat. As for my performance, let's just say I did better than I would have if I had played actual baseball. Luckily, my team was good enough to win the first game! Although, we got crushed in the second game, it was still fun!  

I found out that the children at the center will be participating in a talent show at the end of this week. It reminded me of my first year coming to the Dominican Republic with my university group; we helped the kids prepare for a talent show as well. I began to reflect on that time while helping paint a banner for the event. It read, "Yo Tengo Talento" (I Have Talent). However, while I was reflecting, I accidentally knocked over a tray of paint and got blue all over my shoes and the floor. I wiped some up with my hands and went to the bathroom  to wash it off. However, the more I tried to wash it off, the more the blue paint spread all over my hands. I quickly realized this was no ordinary paint. My fellow painters failed to mention that it was oil-based and if I know anything about science, it's that oil and water don't mix. Although my hands might have been blue the rest of the day, I certainly wasn't. I had a great time with those kids and am excited to come back again tomorrow. 

*Photos courtesy of Joseph Jerome

Somos Accion Days 3-5

Today's (7/10) campamento (camp) began as any other. All 75 children were outside on the cancha (court); standing in lines as they sang the national anthem and rose the flag. Afterwards, was a series of short--but very fun--activities. One of those activities was led by Maria, Sonya, and I...the Macarena! We had just spent that morning trying to teach the dance to Sonya. For a dedicated church-going woman, she's got moves! However, when it came time to teach the kids, they seemed to enjoy watching us dance a little more than participating in the dance, but it was still fun!

Since it was Wednesday, my group was in the sports area called Campeones de Diversion (Champions of Fun). The kids got into two teams and participated in a relay race that included the egg and spoon race, three-legged race, sac race, and some other race than involved standing on buckets (not really sure how to explain that further). It was so funny seeing the kids attempt all the races; some of them clearly take it more seriously than others. Four of the neighborhood boys (14, 14, 17, and 22 yrs old) that regularly volunteer at the community center helped facilitate the games. Time flew by fast, but luckily, we were able to squeeze in a little dance practice before the campamento ended for the day.

What made today so different from the rest was the camp in the afternoon. Today was the start of the mother's camp which is Wednesday through Friday of this week from 2:30-4:30pm. This brand new camp offered to the women in the community had about 15 mothers ranging from the ages of 23 to 60 years. The campamento started off with some of the same games and activities we did with the children that day which made it even more silly and fun. However, soon after we got to the serious stuff.  The same neighborhood  volunteers from the children's camp were also here for the mother's camp. They led a short lecture followed by an open discussion on HIV/AIDS statistics and prevention. The women shared what they knew on the topic which was a welcomed perspective that complimented the hard facts. Then, we were all handed condoms and told the do's and do not's on how to use them properly. At this point, it was hard not to laugh when one of the mothers attempted to put the condom on a wooden penis. The women were a combination of wisdom, sass, and inappropriate jokes. For the community center's first day of their first ever mother's campamento, I would say it was a huge success. It will be fun to participate in the other activities the center has planned for this week.

The next day (Thursday 7/11), my group for the children's campamento was in the creativity area called Soy Capaz de Crear (I Am Able to Create). The kids were making muñecas (dolls), mariposas (butterflies), and abejas (bees) out of toilet paper rolls. I love the center's use of everyday items for the kids to create crafts with. It is both creative and environmentally friendly! After the children's campamento ended at 12, we had a couple hours before the mother's camp at 2:30pm. The activity for the day was a lot less serious than the day before, but none the less useful. We were learning how to sew a bow to clip in hair. The mother's picked out their ribbon materials and Belkis--one of the center's workers--led the workshop. For a girl who always chose playing outside with a soccer ball over playing inside with dolls, I was totally out of my element. My bow came out horrendous. However, one of the center's workers--Carmen--saw my struggles and made me a new one! Que chulo!

Friday was the last day of summer camp for both the children and mothers. Today both campamentos had a special surprise: the pool! At the children's campamento, all three of the groups presented their song and dance. I was excited to see the Zumba routine that my kids had been preparing for all week.

Afterwards, all 75 kids went for a quiet, tranquil dip in the pool. Sike! It was madness! There were kids all over the place; jumping into the pool; splashing all about. It looked like so much fun that I just had to join them!

Each year, the children receive a memento that encompasses their experience at the camp. Unfortunately, this year the community center was not allocated enough funds to cover the cost. However, Maria, Joan, and I weren't going to let this year be any different. After calculating pesos into dollars, we realized that 1500 pesos could be split between the three of us pretty reasonably. I was so happy we did because when we handed the memento to the kids, they just lit up trying to find themselves. You might have guessed it already because this year's memento was a picture of each camp group with the teachers and volunteers. A picture (of my picture) is soon to come! They were so fun to work with.

In the afternoon, all the mothers came for their special pool day. I had changed into my dry clothes after swimming with the kids, so I had already decided that I wasn't going to swim again in the afternoon. Luckily for me, I didn't have a choice. The neighborhood volunteers along with Joan picked me up and threw me into the pool (will my clothes still on!). The music was blaring, the mothers were dancing, and the water felt so cool in the hot sun. I was secretly glad I got thrown in. However, my incident began a long line of similar attempts. One of the volunteers chased a worker onto the roof, another worker attempted to lock herself in a room, and a third--Pao--surrendered and walked herself over to the pool after realizing that fighting back wasn't worth the effort. Honestly, I had so much more fun than I was expecting to have this day. It has also made me appreciate some of the things I take for granted. For instance, in Florida, I have access to pools and beaches whenever I feel like it. Even so, I don't go that often. However, seeing how excited the mothers were, I realized that this wasn't something they got to do very often. This really was a special treat for them and I was glad to be a part of it.

*Photos courtesy of Joseph Jerome

Somos Accion Days 1 & 2

Today (7/8) starts the week-long summer campamento (camp) at the community center for children 6-10 years of age. The camp was advertised to the community through the posting of signs in local colmados (convenience stores which are located everywhere). The camp was 25 pesos (a little more than 50 cents). The staff at the community center spent the week before planning for this camp. After much deliberation, we came up with the camp name Junots y Juntas Somos Accion y Diversion which translates to Together We Are Action and Fun. The kids are separated by age into three groups: the 6 year olds, the 7 & 8 year olds, and lastly the 9 & 10 year olds. Each age grouping is made up of 25 kids. However, the first day, all 75 kids were together. Maria and I were responsible for teaching the kids a dance. We decided to go with the easy and ever-so-catchy Cupid Shuffle. We described it as a popular dance in the United States. To be honest, I was intimated speaking Spanish to a group of that many children, but as soon as the music started, I was in my element. Luckily, the kids picked it up pretty quick and seemed to really get into it. It was the most fun when they added their own moves. Here's the original video on Youtube if you want to learn for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h24_zoqu4_Q

The campamento is only from 9-11:45am, but in that short time, we plan to squeeze in a bunch of fun activities. Each day, one of the groups will be in one of the three activity areas: a sports area called Campeones de Diversion (Champions of Fun), a creativity area called Soy Capaz de Crear (I Am Able to Create) and a reflection area called Creciendo Juntos/Juntas (Growing Together). Maria and I helped a lot in preparing for the last area by making animal-themed pencil holders, creating the bulletin board (above) as well as drawing the sign for the door of the classroom. Check out my artistic skills!

Tuesday 7/9 was the start of the first rotation. I will be helping two of the Accion Callejera teachers with the 7-8 year olds for the rest of the week. Our first area was Creciendo Juntos/Juntas. In the reflection area, the kids watch a 10 minute animated video about gift giving and friendships. Then, the teachers lead a discussion on what was just watched. The kids are then given time to draw their interpretation and expression of friendship. However, no one is supposed to put their names on the drawings; it's completely anonymous. When they are finished drawing, the kids get in a circle and place their creations in the middle. One by one, the teacher hands out a drawing to a different child at random; almost as if they are receiving a Secret Santa gift. Then the kids got to open up their drawings/gifts. All the kids were very creative. There were flowers, houses, animals, etc; just about anything and everything was drawn. And just about any and every color was used.

Following the activity was merienda (snack) and then back to our groups as we practiced our dance routine for Friday--the last day of campamento. On that day, the kids will be performing their group routines followed by a swim in the pool. My group was dancing to Don Omar's song 'Zumba'. I could see how important music and dancing is to Dominican culture just by observing these children. No one really hesitated at the thought of dancing. Most of them had crazy good rhythm and picked up the routine rather quickly.  Many already knew the song and were singing along. It will be exciting to see what the other groups are preparing for Friday. But for now, I am dusting off my synchronized dancing skills because tomorrow Maria, Sonya (AC worker), and I will be teaching the kids the Macarena. Ay!

Birthday Weekend in the Dominican PART 2

For my birthday, everyone kept asking the big question, "What would you like to do today?" However, this July 6th was unlike any I have ever experienced in my now 20 years of life. My gift was coming to the Dominican Republic, so as far as I was concerned, just being here was enough. However, taking advantage of the fact that the community center still had the inflatable pool from yesterday, I decided to go for a swim. I was accompanied by Maria and Joe (another Accion Callejera volunteer). The sun was shining extra bright today as I enjoyed the cool water. We were out there for much of the day; so much so that  I began to feel like a baked potato. I was floating in a pool, on a bright and sunny day, in the Dominican Republic. I couldn't complain. I especially couldn't complain when I saw the view from the roof of the community center. Joe led the way as we climbed up the intimidating, but not-so-treacherous path. Less than10 seconds later, I was in awe. With over 3,000 people living here, la Yaguita is a big community. I have been living in la Yaguita for a few weeks now, but I felt like I was seeing it for the first time. I could see as far as the monument at the center of Santiago; I could see the white cross that stood tall at the top of the hill; I could see the intricate maze that is la Yaguita and the many places each path leads to. It is true that some paths will lead you down dark streets, unfamiliar areas, and dangerous neighborhoods, but there are just as many paths that will lead you to good friends, new opportunities, and some will even lead you back home. My home was in the barrio with Joan and Katie: the best host parents I could have ever asked for. They have opened up their home and hearts to both Maria and I. I love them both very much and was happy that I could be with them for my birthday!

[Left to right] Paola (host Aunt), Joan, Me, Katie, Maria

You can have your cake (all over your face) and eat it too!

The next day (Sunday), one of my birthday wishes came true! I have been to the Dominican Republic twice before, but never left Santiago. There is so much to see and experience in this country; I did not want to leave again without attempting to broaden my travels. My birthday weekend was the perfect chance to explore because 1) we had free time and 2) I had final decision over the plans. Maria and I left our casa at 9am in order to get to the Metro bus station early. Afterall, we had a 2 and a half hour bus ride to Santo Domingo. The taxi dropped us off at Parque Colon (left).  The plaza features a statue of Christopher Columbus who Dominicans refer to as Cristobal Colon. Upon arriving, I could immediately tell that we were in a tourist destination spot. There were so many foreigners everywhere that people just assumed I was Dominican--which I took advantage of while we avoided the tour guides. We had 5 hours before the last bus of the day was leaving for Santiago. Luckily, Maria read up on the travel guidebook because we knew which streets to walk down to avoid all the tourists. We first walked by the Santa Maria la Menor Cathedral (below). Completed in 1540, this was the first cathedral built in the Americas. And if that wasn't already impressive, Christopher Columbus's bones were once kept at this location.

After seeing the more touristy sites, Maria and I decided to walk off the beaten path. We came across a market of artwork and jewelry. There were about 10 stands selling everything from mirrors framed with stained glass to jewelry made from semillas (seeds). Everything was so beautiful. All the artists were very friendly; one even lived in Florida at one point and knew where we were from in Fort Myers! We continued on in search of food. The guide book told of a place with good food that was relatively barato (cheap): El Taquito. However, when we got there it was closed. Lucky for us, the owner lived literally across the street, so he opened up the restaurant 3 hours early just for Maria and I! The food was delicioso; I ordered combo numero dos which was a chicken burrito, french fries and jugo de chinola (passioin fruit juice).

With food in our bellies we decided to ditch our guide book and go with our intuition. We came across an monastery called the Monasterio de San Francisco (left). It was built around 1508 with the arrival of the Franciscan fathers. However, the pigeons called it something else: home. There were hundreds of them hiding out in the crevices of the wall. To give them their space, we decided to continue walking and found local kids practicing baseball. We sat down to watch them as the formed teams to play a game. It was nice being able to see how the local Dominicans spent their Sunday. 

Afterwards, we continued on allowing our intuition to lead the way. We came across so many historic structures and buildings. One of them was Alcazar de Colon (below). It was built by Cristobal Colon's son between 1510 and 1514. This was one of the first structures built in Santiago which is the oldest remaining European city in the Americas. 

However, one of my favorite buildings was the National Pantheon. This 18th century Jesuit church is the resting place for many of the greatest Dominican heroes. The beautiful mural on the ceiling  (above) reminded me of Michelangelo's--my favorite artist's--mural on the Sistine Chapel; however, not nearly as intricate. The large chandelier (right) was made up of miniature human figurines each holding a candle. I have never seen a chandelier constructed like that; I wondered how many people noticed that as well. 

Before ending our trip, I just had to stop and pose with one of the many canons we passed (below). Afterwards, we took the Metro back to Santiago and arrived at about 8:30pm. I was exhausted when I got back, but it was only testament to how fun of a day it was. Hands down, this was one of the best birthdays I have ever had!

  

Birthday Weekend in the Dominican PART 1

This week, we have been super busy at the community center with campamentos (camps) for both children and mothers in the community. I will try to update everyone as much as possible about all that has happened since my last post. 

Upon planning this trip, I knew that I would not be home for my birthday. At first, I was a little sad that I would not be with family and friends back in the States. However, I lucked out by having my host family and new friends in the Dominican to celebrate with. My birthday weekend started July 5th  when 30 of the boys from the Accion Callejera (AC) Juvenile Center came to the community center for a day of fun. They were playing in the pool, shooting hoops, kicking the soccer ball around, and dominating in dominoes. I saw so many of my old friends from the times I volunteered at AC during spring break. I considered it one of the best presents I could have received. I assumed the kids saw so many volunteers come and go that they would not remember me, but they did! Many called my name from across the cancha (court) wanting me to watch them flip into the pool or shoot a basket. It was such a fun day; many of the boys asked if I was going to visit them at the Juvenile Center and I said I would try. I have been in the Dominican Republic for over three weeks and most of my time is spent at the AC community center in la Yaguita. I would like to see the boys at the Juvenile Center at least one more time before my stay in the DR comes to a close. After all, if it were not for them, I would not be back in the DR today. 

That same night, a bunch of AC volunteers went out dancing. We danced the night away to bachata, reggaeton, and merengue. One of the new friends I made was heading back to the States after being here for 10 months! She has been with a couple different organizations in the DR teaching English as well as dance to children. Earlier that day, she was saying her goodbyes to everyone at the community center. People joked and kept saying, "No llore" (don't cry) and she stayed strong and didn't. However, there was a moment when she walked into the office as I was sitting down at the computer and I saw some tears in her eyes. I could only imagine how she was feeling; knowing that all the things that are important to her right now (AC, the children she teaches, her Dominican friends, host family) are about to undergo a drastic change. By the end of my trip, I will have only been here a month and I can already imagine that I will react in a similar way. It is amazing how the places you go, the people you meet, and the memories you make stay with you as much as they do. I am getting to the point in this trip where I am reflecting a lot about my time here and how I will be better for it. However, that Friday night while we were all dancing, I didn't think about any of this; I was just in the moment. I almost forgot what day it was as the "Happy Birthday" song blared across the speakers. I remember saying, "What? How did they know?" and thinking "This really is a magical place".

**Later, I found out one of my friends requested the song for me. However, it was nevertheless magical :)

Happy July 4th Dominican Style!

Happy 4^th of July! Sorry for the late entry, but I am on Caribbean time. Yesterday Maria and I were definitely thinking of home. Everyone at Accion Callejera asked how people back in the States usually celebrated Independence. We told them. parades, fireworks, and barbeques! 

Monchi's Pizza Place

Along with our host parents--Joan and Katie--Maria, Titilola, Ariel, and I (basically, all the Americanas volunteering at Accion Callejera) gathered to celebrate our Independence together. We spent our 4^th of July eating Monchi’s pizza for dinner, walking down Independencia Ln, watching light up Frisbees in the park (I pretended they were fireworks), and putting barbeque sauce on platanos. But of course, our celebration would not be complete without a little Dominican flare. Bachata and Reggaeton music in the background (and foreground), climbing the monument overlooking the city with all the lights at night, and the craziest concho (taxi) ride I have ever been on. Our concho ran out of gas so we literally had another car pushing us. It was like playing bumper cars all the way to the gas station. It was definitely a night to remember. Excited for my birthday on July 6th!

View from the Monument

Cultural Note! The Dominican Republic won their independence February 27,1844. However, their Carnival is celebrated the entire month of February. Each town or barrio will have their own unique customs but they usually always consist of parades, competitions, costumes, music, masks, and more!  To me, one of the most interesting aspects of Carnival are the vejigas. Vejigas are balls traditionally made of either cow or pig bladders and filled with air (nowadays, they can be made of rubber). These become weapons as they are used by those in masks and costumes to hit people that happen to get in the way. It is said that getting hit brings good luck...and a whole lotta pain. 

Living in the Barrio

While living in the barrio, one of the things that Maria and I experienced early on is that agua y luz (water and light) is not guaranteed everyday. There are certain preparations families take when these two things aren't available and we are no exception. We have a barrel of water in the kitchen and the bathroom and a couple flashlights on hand. For some, it may be uncomfortable living without what many consider necessities. However, when the lights go out before dinner, we are still able to use the gas stove and cook up plantanos. When the running water is off, we can still use the bucket of water to clean ourselves. Everyday upon returning from Accion Callejera, those are the first two things we check. And if there happens to be luz, agua, or both, it truly feels like a gift. High fives are everywhere and smiles are all around. I realize that I am the fortunate one because I have learned to see the true value of these things. A couple nights ago we experienced the lack of light and all I could think about was...

                            The irony of needing a flashlight to translate the word flashlight (it's linterna)

**By the way, the thing on my head is a tubee. It is often worn by Dominican women to keep their hair from frizzing...I like to immerse myself in the culture as much as I can :)

There are other things I have experienced while living in Yaguita de Pastor: life. Doors are open wide; women skin vegetables on the patio; motor scooters and conchos drive by; men play dominoes; homeless dogs lay on the grass; reggaeton music blares; roosters cock-a-doodle-do; couples sit outside the colmados; and children play baseball in the streets. The barrio is never empty. There is always so much going on; so much life. The other night, Maria and I saw another side to the barrio. We attended a Catholic-Chirstian church service with one of the workers at Accion Callejera. Of course, we stopped for a quick picture on our way out.

The service was unlike those I have attended back in the States. When we walked through the doors of the church, the Dominican influence was all around.as people were clapping, dancing, and singing with hands held high.  The service wasn't led by one single person. Both men and women stood in front of the congregation to chant and sing into a microphone. They encouraged others to sing and clap with mas fuerte (louder and powerful). At one point, two young girls (around 14) walked front and center and were encircled by four individuals who lightly touched the girls' heads and backs while repeating a chant into their ears. Everyone else in the congregation stood with their right hand raised towards the girls. I certainly did not understand every word, but I certainly could feel the energy from the singing and drumming. We were later told that the Monday service we attended is less formal than the one held on Sundays. During that service, no one dances or even claps! It will be interesting to also attend the Sunday service to see the contrast. 

 I am lucky to have a travel buddy who is as interested in immersing herself in the local culture as I am. We plan on visiting the regional campus of the Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo located 10 minutes walking to see our college student counterparts in the DR. 

Vivo para aprender "I live to learn"