26 September 2005

Stepping Out

This week we all got to visit current Volunteers scattered throughout the DR. I was super lucky and got to visit one up in the mountains! Everyone in the capital kept telling me it was cold up there, and indeed it was cooler! (Although, definitely not COLD by our standards - merely nice out!)
The trip up was very easy. Carribe Tours runs bus lines to various parts of the DR, and the buses are caoch buses with AC. The trip took a couple hours, and when I got here, we went to lunch - 2 volunteers and 3 "Aspirantes" (Trainees). We ate lunch at this very conspicuous place that the local volunteers call "Starbucks" simply because it doesn´t fit in here. In any case, we had a nice break from Dominican food! Shortly after that, I got my first "motoconcho" ride! I was glad the volunteer was there to get me one, etc and I didn´t have to negotiate it myself! So, I got to use my helmet and lo and behold... I did it! :o) (Still not a huge fan though!)

There´s too many stories to recount here, but here´s a brief overview of the week: I got a tour and explanation of the coffee factory and how it´s produced; Thrus we went to a junta in Santiago for the coffee growers; Friday we went to visit some coffee fincas where I got totally eaten by bugs!; and Sat we went to a little known waterfall which was absolutely beautiful. Of course, then we had to come back to the hot, sticky capital. I didn´t realize quite how LOUD the capital is until I got back!
It´s been a busy week! But one quick guagua story before I go...
We were riding in a guagua (bus) back from Santiago, and naturally it was packed full. There were 3 people in the front seat (plus the driver!), and someone mentioned the front door was open. Without warning, the cobrador (the man who collects the money, etc) swung around and opened the front door while we were moving! The lady up front was super surprised! When she got off 15 mins later, she poked her umbrella at him! Wow, gotta watch out for those crazy cobradors!

Hope you´re all well & not encountering any crazy cobradors of your own!

15 September 2005

Saludos!

Saludos de la Republica Dominicana!
I have survived my first week here in the DR. We've had lots of firsts (many of which have been repeated, such as shots!): first day (HOT!), first bucket shower, first day on public transportation, first malaria pill (so far so good!), first nite under a mosquito net (yes, they're required)... and many more!
My host family is great, although frequently a zoo! I live with the Dona and her 30 yr-old son. But she has 7 grown children, and 13 grandchildren! Of course, at least 2/3rds are over here every nite, and since her daughter from Nueva York is here with her twins, we now have four 2-yr-olds! It's definitely been a learning experience!
Yesterday we took class trips to the centro of Santo Domingo. We squished onto the guagua (bus). I think at least 40 of us fit! We went to the Peace Corps office - a beautiful building near the old part of town! We got to see the old city ruins, the gate where the revolution started, and the cathedral. We didn't quite make it to Cristobal Colon's house, but I'm sure I'll see it before I leave!
Next week, we get to take a 4-day trip to visit another volunteer in the interior. I get to go up in the mountains to visit a volunteer working with coffee growers. It will be a great part of orientation!
Dios les bendiga! ...Until the next adventure!