First week in Jarabacoa!

Sorry about the gap in between updates, my life here has been super busy!  So, the 15th of June we had our program orientation, in which we talked about all the health and safety things that we need to abide by while here.  For example, we cannot drink any form of tap water, and we have to be sure to avoid ice cubes and produce that is difficult to wash like lettuce.  We also cannot ride on the back of the motorcycle taxis at night or without a helmet, which is totally understandable, considering how crazy people drive here (more on this later).  Wednesday night we went out for a nice dinner at a restaurant in Santo Domingo, and on the way back we saw an outdoor concert and dance show.  I tried my first Presidente, the Dominican beer of choice!  It was quite good, if I do say so myself. 


The next day we went on a tour of the colonial district of the city in the morning.  It was very long and full of information, but it was difficult to absorb much because it was all dates and people.  I did get a few photos, which I will post later when I remember to grab my phone cable.  After a short siesta following lunch, we all piled in the gua-gua to head off to Jarabacoa!! Yay!!  It was a 2-3 hour bus ride through dense traffic and winding roads, but finally we did arrive in Jarabacoa.  The place that we arrived at was called La Poza.  It's a school-house/recreation area by the river and it is a mosquito haven!!  My mother, Daisy, was not there to pick me up herself, but she sent one of her neighbors who was hosting another one of the students to get me in their pick up truck.  After a short drive they dropped me off at my house and my mom was there to greet me!  The first thing she did was show me my room, which is awesome!  It has a giant bed, dresser, fan and its own bathroom!  I proceeded to unpack all my stuff and my mom brought me some orange drink.  Afterwards my mom and I talked about what I like to eat, what I don't like to eat, etc.  We then went to visit her cousin who happens to be hosting another girl in our group.  Everyone is super-nice and friendly here.  Later that night I played cards with my mom and a guy that lives somewhere in the neighborhood, but I don't remember his name.  It was an easy variation of poker. 

After sleeping like a log, I woke up the next  morning and had a cheese and ham sandwich with an oatmeal/cinnamon type beverage.  It was delicious!  I was then driven to La Poza, where we had our first class.  We talked about our night, did an ice breaker, and I got COVERED in mosquito bites on my legs (because I'm stupid and forgot to bring bug spray in my backpack).  We then were assessed according to our Spanish abilities, and got to walk back home for lunch, which is quite the long walk, especially in the sweltering heat here.  I had Spanish class in the afternoon, where we learned about some Domincan-specific greetings and goodbyes.  The accent here is very difficult to understand at first.  They drop nearly all the endings of their words and almost all s's.  I need to creepily stare at people while they're talking to me in order to understand them well. 

As far as the insane driving that goes on here:  There are hardly any traffic lights or signs, and the ones that exist are generally not obeyed.  People just honk their horn as they approach the intersection in order to warn others of their presence.  Also, most people drive motorcycles or mopeds and dont wear helmets, and they drive very fast if they can. 

The rest of Friday was very nice.  I talked with a bunch of random people and family members, and got to know a lot of people.

Saturday I slept in and went to the pool in the afternoon.  At night me and a bunch of other girls went to Emily's house so her sisters could teach us how to dance.  We can't.  But we did drink a lot of Presidente and various rum concoctions! 

Sunday I slept in again and spent the day trying to avoid conversation with my 6-8 year old neighbors who are madly in love with me.  They are ALWAYS staring at me, and it is somewhat disconcerting after a while.  I got to know my mom's brother and sister, and we talked a lot.  They are all very nice and welcoming.


Yesterday we began classes seriously, and I am in the most advanced group.  We talk all the time in Spanish, but it is not a challenge to understand.  My computer is about to die.  Shall update more later!! Bye fore now!