One month later...Dominican-style

So, one month in the Dominican Republic, and I'm still alive! That's something, right? And one month later, I'm finally tackling my first blog. Let's just say I have no internet in my house and that's a slight adjustment from my usual compulsive e-mail checking and facebooking. Right now, as I begin this blog I am actually sitting in my Spanish course here in the FLACSO building. It's ok-we're taking a break. No worries- I haven't completely adopted the Dominican attitude of lax scheduling and non-existent punctuality. To give you an idea of just how unorganized some things can be here, I still haven't started two of my classes yet because the university adopted a new system which has caused mayhem in the registration and scheduling process. Can you imagine Wofford starting 3 weeks late because of a new scheduling process? Frustrating overall, but in the meantime, I've been enjoying a little extra leisure time! Always nice, right?

In order to avoid rambling too much, I'll break the past month down into sections for you, places I've been, frustrations I've encountered. So sorry that there are no pictures now, but I'm having slight technical difficulties and will try to get you a visual very soon!

Psst...Gringa, Rubia, Sweetheart!
When you're a white woman living in a machismo country, you quickly become aware of yourself and your surroundings. Walking around the city, the "piropos," or cat calls, can be endless and sometimes, all you want is to not be noticed. Gringo is the spanish word for any North American, rubia means blonde or white and mixed in with the bits and pieces of English that the men on the streets know, you've got yourself a wide vocabulary to construct piropos. The machismo culture is so deeply ingrained here that even twelve year olds will call out at you. Which is more funny than anything else. Until you think of that 12 year old in about 5 years. Then you just get frustrated with the culture. But that's the thing, it is just the culture and all you can do is try to understand it and live with it. Walking down the streets, I just try to not make too much eye contact (which is hard when you come from place like Wofford where you just smile and wave to everybody) and look like I know where I'm going (which is also hard when you have my horrible sense of direction).

A la playa!
I have to say, my favorite thing about the Dominican so far is the beaches! Where else can you pay less than $2 to hop on a bus to a beautiful Caribbean beach only 20 minutes away? With their white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and Europeans in speedos, there's no better place to relax. But be warned, the sun is fierce. On a weekend trip to Las Terrenas in Samana, I have already learned firsthand. Take the 45 sunscreen and apply liberally..and then reapply!
Playa Boca Chica is the closest, but also the most crowded. But for good reason- it's one of the most gorgeous beaches I have ever seen. Unfortunately it is also known for its booming sex tourism industry. A shame, but the Dominican still has lots of problems to work out and this is just one of them.

Orientation
Remember back to the beginning of freshman year when you were thrown into a whirl-wind of orientation activities? I have to say I never anticipated another orientation so intense. Here they oriented us and took us on trips all over the city to try to help us find our way around and ease us into the city. There's really no easy or quick way to ease a Wofford girl used to her slow southern pace into the craziness of Santo Domingo, but the staff here did a pretty good job and really took care of us that first week. So to anybody considering studying abroad, don't worry too much-there will be well trained people waiting for you at the other end of your flight.

Well, if you've made it this far, thanks for reading and I'll get back to you with some pictures soon! Now it's time for me to head off for home before the sun starts to go down. (No walking around by yourself after dark here! Calling a taxi is necessary, which gets muy caro.) So for now I'm off. If you have no Spring Break plans yet and would like a place with lots of sun and beaches, spring for the DR. You won't regret it!

Adios mis amigos,
Emily

Comments

[Camille Bethea]

Emily,

Sounds like you're making some interesting observations! Having studied abroad in the DR as a student at Wofford, I can relate to most of what you have described in your initial impressions. As far as your frustrations go, my advice would be to be careful not to judge; take some time to really think about how and why their culture is different from ours, and you’ll probably find your experience even more enriching. I remember that as I adjusted to my stay there I found that the Dominican way of doing things had a way of growing on me (I even went back several times). I hope that the same happens with you. Relax and enjoy!

Dr. Bethea

[L Barbas Rhoden]

Glad you've survived orientation and that you've enjoyed your first month there. How are you connecting with the community? Recuerda lo que ya sabes -- es bueno vivir con los ojos abiertos. Enjoy the change of pace!

[Sarah Harste]

I'm so excited to read what's going on in your life! We miss you mucho, but I'm glad that you're getting to experience all of these things -- even if some of them sound a bit uncomfortable! I know it's hard for you to slow down -- you're always a step ahead of me! -- but I hope you're really enjoying this time to yourself and you're finding out things about you that you never knew. Miss you, dearie!