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!