grand adventures...

Here's to Grand Adventures

2006-06-22T23:56:00.000-04:00

Well more than likely this will be my last entry. I still have a week left here but I'm not sure if I will have internet access again. Tomorrow I leave for the coffee plantation, followed by a National Park where one of the most secluded beaches in the country is, possibly spend a few days up in the mountains and the beach, and having the town of Barahona as my home base. Tonight is my last night at Danny's place. Its all hotels and hostels from here on out. I have had the time of my life here...and its not quite over. I can't wait to see everyone again and hear how things have been. I'm sure we will all have alot of stories to tell. Until we meet again...

Adventure to the Alps

2006-06-21T18:19:00.000-04:00

Ryan and I have really been bonding with the maid, Milades, and it really has been helping our Spanish. At night after dinner we just sit in the kitchen while she is cleaning up and talk to her. Her life is so different from mine. She lives here at the house 6 days out of the week...and only on Saturday night does she go home to see her daughter. Her room here is next to the garage, has very little ventilation, and no A/C. And yet...she always has a smile on her face. It really makes me see how good I have it. My everyday problems are very small compared to hers. Im not saying her life is worse than mine...I just can't imagine not being able to see my kids (if i were to have some) except for once a week while they were growing up. Shes a really cool lady and I really look up to her for what she does.

Today, Ryan, Marcie, Cristina, and I went to the mountainous region known as the Dominican Alps. It was very pretty and actually cool. Their were clouds at the peaks of the mountains and on some of the roads we actually were in them. If I lived here I definitely would live in Jarabacoa. Even though it is far from the beach...the air feels very refreshing and is away from the hustle and bustle and HEAT of the big city.

We had one of our taxi friend take us up there for a pretty decent price. He had family there to visit anyways and didnt mind taking us. Went white water rafting for the first time in my life and I definitely would love to do that again. We shared our raft with two girls from Canada who are here on vacation...and our guide was from England. I really didn't think before I came here I would be meeting so many people from around the world. Its pretty rad! Not going to lie our American-Canadian team was pretty much the best out there on the river. Some British-German people actually flipped their raft in "The Toilet" one of the bigger currents on the river and one lady even got bonked on head by her own raft and had to be swam after. We were watching the whole time and just laughing...along with all of the other boats. We survived "The Mike Tyson" and "Mike Tyson Jr" and the "Graveyard". The guides were really fun and were from all over the world. I think that should have been my internship...maybe next year? After our adventure we met back up at camp and had a few beers and as usual rice and beans...cant get enough of them! Headed back to Santo Domingo...pretty exciting going DOWN the mountain in a taxi...and now I think Im just going to hang out around the house for the rest of the night. Tomorrow is the last full day here for about half of the group before we all start parting our ways. Can't believe I am coming down to my last week here.

Hasta luego.

The Girls are Flocking.

2006-06-20T17:38:00.000-04:00

So you know how I said I met that girl at the conference...

I gave her my email.

She wrote me...and also gave my email to her friend.

"hello como te va im so happy because i meet you nothing when you cant please sendme whatever you want" -noelia

"Hi there!Que tal estas? me llamo Cristina.... me contaron por ahi que estabas interesadoen el tema Chichorizo.... ehehehe just kiddind dud! is that truth?.... woa! youmust be truly dominican... coz the letters of this songs are our mean reason tolive.. i was wondering would u like to chat with me one day?Bueno.... gracias!Bye!" - Cristina (who I have never met in my life)

Also...Betty...the Christian girl who thinks dancing is a sin has called me ten times.

It must be my charming American accent.

Hope things are grand.

Get ya guns out.

2006-06-20T09:22:00.000-04:00

Today is my last day of work. I was late getting to the office today because there was an explosion at a mall near my house. No one got killed but a man did get burned badly. Traffic was backed up and there was a mass of people outside talking to reporters and police. There are talks of terrorism but it sounds more like just a gas leak. Danny said that terrorism really is non-existant here, but there definitely is violent crime. I am safe though. There are enough police-military guys roaming the streets with their semi-automatics. HAHA. Wow. Its something else. The other day we were in a taxi and the presidents police came passing by...in a Lexus SUV no doubt with guys in suits yielding their assault rifles at cars to stop. There really is a sense of machoism here. Guys on their motorcycles...some people in the group have said that some guys have flashed guns at them when they were riding in their taxis. Its not that its chaotic here...just not as much order as there is in the states. On the road its pretty much dog eat dog. You go when you think you wont get hit and if someone hesitates they just have to stay put. Traffic laws and signals are there but not enforced.

In other news...Jim Reynolds, the former director of the MSC came by my office yesterday and visited with my boss. My boss really talked up my job and how I have been such an asset to the company. I wouldn´t go that far...but I did appreciate it.

Well my independent excursions start tomorrow...some people in the group are leaving Friday...the next week and a half I have white water rafting, the coffee plantation, a few days at the beach, and a few trips to the marketplace in store.

Hope things are good.

Bar Fights and the Discoteque!

2006-06-18T18:04:00.000-04:00

Let's just say that I am having the time of my life here! This weekend was pretty much amazing...once again. The group headed to Bavarro for an all-inclusive stay at a very nice hotel for 4 days. All you can eat, drink, and lots of fun in the sun. Just sitting there on the beach, surrounded by palms and blue water...it doesn't get any better...AND I didn't step on a sea-urchin this time. We went to a club near our hotel called Mangu two nights in a row and I have to say that it was probably the most fun I have had dancing ever. I'm talking Reggaton, Electronica, Merengue, Hip Hop, Pop...two levels...with people from all over the world...Dominicans, Germans, Americans, etc etc...And definitely not a typical American club...a few transvestites here, people dancing from the ceilings, guys on roller blades in their underwear, girls dancing Coyote Ugly style on the bar...we didnt leave both nights till 3 in the morning, but Eduardo stayed till 5....and said there were still people dancing. It was something else. Almost got into a bar fight with a Canadian at the hotel. That was interesting. Jennifer and I walked up to the bar...waited..and then the bartender looked at us...so I ordered. The guy next to me was like..."Do I look like a statue to you? Do I look like a statue to you?" Jennifer and I weren't really comprehending what he was trying to say because he kept repeating it and then finally it clicked. I told the guy that he can go ahead and order but he just kept repeating the statue thing. Finally Eduardo came up and told the guy to shut up...followed by the canadian telling him to mind his own business...a few choice words here...blah ti blah...the bartender finally serves our canadian friend his drink, he walks away with his wife apologizing, we get our drinks and go about our night. It was funny though. I mean for crying out loud...we are on vacation in the Caribbean...chill out dude. I can wait. haha.

Well the beach was great. The transmission on our bus blew out on the way back though so we had to wait an hour for another one. But overall...another grand adventure.

Happy Fathers Day!

Adventures with Mama Margarita!

2006-06-14T09:12:00.000-04:00

Yesterday during lunch Margarita (the lady that danced with me the first day) asked if she could take me and Francisca out on the town after work. It sounded like fun...getting an insiders view of the city and all but I also knew it was going to be a challenge since she doesnt speak english at all. We left the office at 6 and drove to the Malecon. I tried Mofongo for the first time...it kind of reminded me of a cheese ball...with out the cheese...lots of bread or cracker with nuts and some animal that I wasn´t able to comprehend. haha. But it was very good. The restaurant was right on the Carribbean Sea and had some really amazing views. After that she took me and Fran to the Zona Colonial. We went to an old fort and then to Plaza Colon. Here we had a few drinks and ventured out to the port. There definitely was a ship docked from Japan and I definitely got a group of Japanese sailors to do ¨GIGEM¨ with me and the ladies. It was really funny. And I only spoke Spanish to them to really confuse them. It started to rain and for some reason Margarita didnt want to get wet so we huddled under a doorway of the fort with lots of other dominicans. It only rains for a few minutes so I guess everyone is cool waiting it out. Everyone was laughing though because we were all squashed together huddled under this ledge. After driving around for a bit through the Zona Colonial...which is quite a cool place to be at night...few lights on streets that are winding...and being with Margarita who isnt familiar with the streets...hahaha. Makes for a grand adventure. We then went to a traditional dominican restaurant and watched some traditional dominican dancing. I even got to try a few steps with Margarita and Francisca...but my Gringoness definitely came out. One of the dancers there was able to spin on a bottle of rum. How she did this...I have no way to explain but it was quite a cool thing to see. And the music! WOW. I really enjoyed myself. After the restaurant Margarita took us to her home where I met her niece. Margarita doesnt have a husband or kids and lives in an apartment above her sisters house. She really enjoyed taking me out and now i am her ¨hijo¨ and she is my ¨dominicana mama¨...since my mom at the house Im staying at doesnt seem to want to have anything to do with me. I´ll tell yall more about that when I am in the states. HAHA. Took a taxi home and actually could carry on an entire conversation with the driver....how we both have family in New York, learning languages, and what is great about Santo Domingo. I guess I have learned a little since I have been here. I got home and some people from the group were watching the Mavs game...and extremely jealous that I had a night on the town with latinas...

Quite the night in Santo Domingo. Its really a different experience seeing everything in the eyes of a person that lives here instead of just other tourist/tourist guides. Well I must be getting back to work...tomorrow is Corpus Christi...everyone takes off of work...the group is heading to Bavaro for the all inclusive resort. Shall be a great weekend!

Hope things are good.

Smiling.

Its all about the Comida!

2006-06-12T18:46:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Danny had family over for a BBQ. The food was great but the conversations were awkward. Ryan and I just kinda sat there for awhile sweltering in the heat. It was pretty obvious we werent from around these parts...as everyone else seemed to be cool...not even sweating.

Social settings are definitely different here than in the states. During dinner time before eating everyone wishes each other a "Buen tiempo" which basically means its a good time to get together. The food is served in separate dishes that are laid out across the table and everyone shares the food. Even at work when everyone orders separate meals it is customary to share with everyone else. It is rude to say no. Lets just say I get a little bit of everything...arroz y habichuelas, mangu, papas, y carne...At work they don't understand how I only eat sandwiches. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day. Dinner is very light. They stare at me everyday and my two ham and cheese sandwiches and try to beef me up with whatever food they have. They tell me that Americans are fat because we eat a big dinner instead of a big lunch...that we eat and then go to sleep...whereas they eat and go back to "work". Its reasonable I guess...but I dont think Im going to be changing my eating habits. At the end of the meal everyone wishes each other "Buen provecho" which basically means I hope the food satisfied and nourishes you. If someone is still eating it is polite to stick around and talk with them so that they are not left alone. Independence/being alone is looked down on here. They are a very family oriented people.

Well theres a little cultural lesson for you. Hope it didnt bore you too much. Things are good...a little hot...but I am definitely surviving.

Ryan and I can only turn on the AC in our room at night. Lets just say that sleepy time is grand time.

Hola Latina Barbie! Yo soy Ken!

2006-06-10T18:31:00.000-04:00

Today Ryan, Marcie, Cristina, Meg, and I went to the Zona Colonial and walked around El Conde, a marketstreet with lots of vendors and stores. There was a political rally today so some of the stores were closed and there wasn't too many people around. It's a really cool street though and a great place to see the locals. After a drink in the Museo de Jamon, a restaurant that has legs of ham hanging from the ceiling we ventured to the Malecon. The Malecon is the street that runs perpendicular with the Caribbean Sea. There are lots of hotels and casinos and some very pretty views of the city. Alot of families come here to cool off in the evenings and take a stroll. There have been alot of brownouts in the city recently. Last night I had my third night without air conditioning. Really makes me see how fortunate I am to have AC in the states...and how I never really think twice about it back at home.

Just a relaxing weekend I guess. No beach. Trying to get over a minor cold though so it probably is the best for me. I was supposed to go out last night with my friends from work but had to cancel because I wasn't feeling well. A girl I met while I was working the conference called too. Oh the joys of chopped up Spanglish on the telephone! So a little side note about this girl...her name is Betty...she is "christiano" so doesn't dance and is 23. Her mom wants me to take her out and says that I am Ken doll and she is Latina Barbie. I also gave out my email address to a girl working at the hotel and got a chopped up message in English the next day...something about how she hoped I will remember her? Hahaa. The Latinas are falling for me. What can I say?

My last week here I might be working on a coffee plantation...and by working I mean sitting with the owner of the plantation and drinking coffee. Well thats the plan at least. The guy is one of Danny's relatives and was here for the weekend and wants me, Marcie, and Jessica (the other two that are staying here longer) to come out and see his farm. I think it sounds pretty exciting.

Well I hope all things are grand in whatever you are up to!

A Little Corporate, but More Bohemia!

2006-06-09T08:52:00.000-04:00

Rubbing shoulders with the Big Boys...the Presidents and CEO's of Latin America's largest energy and natural gas companies. Translating for the managers from Trinidad and Tobago. Okay...don't let me get too big headed, but I guess you can say I feel good from actually doing work. The conference was a really good experience for me. It forced me to speak Spanish to very intiminating business men but also allowed me to get to know people I work with better. For the most part I was in charge of the translating devices, making sure they were working and signing them off to the people that needed them. I met the translators...both from Texas...one has been here in the Dominican for 36 years. Ex-Patriots is what you call them? Their Spanish was amazing and I really look up to them for being able to translate so fast and clear. The President of the DR didnt show though. His chair did though, along with the chairs body guards. Ya. Don't ask me. My co-workers basically told me that he is the president and does what he wants. Overall though, both days...bueno, bueno, bueno.

Last night Ryan, Marcie, Cristina, and I met up with my friend from work Francisca at a cafe called Casa de Teatro. It reminded me alot of the bohemian coffee shops I go to in Houston, but this one definitely beats them all. It has a theater where we heard a father and son duo from Cuba play the piano, an open air area where a Jazz band played, a bar, a lounge, an art gallery, and a reading room...basically an arsty persons paradise...Micah...you would have never wanted to leave. The atmosphere there was something else. Everyone was extremely friendly and didn't mind us practicing our spanish with them. I felt "home" for the first time...if you can even call it that. A little oasis in this latino urban sprawl.

Well some people in the group are coming over tonight to watch the basketball game.

Keep it real.

El Supervisor of the Translation Equipment and Technical Devices

2006-06-06T08:51:00.000-04:00

Sounds impressive, eh?

Tomorrow and Thursday I will be working a Press Conference for the energy companies here in the Dominican Republic. A few companies are holding the conference and flying in people from around the world. MG Public Relations is basically the event planner of the conference and makes sure everything goes as it is supposed to. I went to a meeting yesterday with some of the clients...and MG (Miguel Guererro) himself was there. It was kind of awkward since the clients didn´t really understand why I was there but they can deal. My job is to be in charge of the translating devices...headphones, speakers, etc...tough work I know...but its something different. And I´ll be able to speak English to people that are from America. I have to take a taxi to the hotel that the conference is taking place at both days so hopefully I won´t get lost again. Well its about time for me to start clipping and pasting articles!!! WEEE!!! Hahaha. As lame as my job is here...its definitely a good experience. As Danny told me...theres not much I can do to help the company in the short time that I am here and with the little Spanish that I do know. Basically its a good way for me to see how a company works, what public relations are all about, and a great way to practice speaking my spanish...because if i didnt have this job Im sure I wouldn´t speak as much as I have.

Hope things are good.

Did you just see that woman's "tetas"? Yup.

2006-06-04T18:52:00.000-04:00

Well 8 of us went to Cabarete on the north side of the island for the weekend. It was our first adventure out of Santo Domingo without Danny or our other Dominican friends. We drove through Santiago, the second largest city and it was a whole lot cleaner than where I live. Maybe later in the month I might venture back there and see what is around there. Cabarete is something else. It is known worldwide for its kite-boarding and wind surfing. I met people from France, Germany, Holland, and even Rochester, New York. Talking to the Americans was very comforting...and both knowing where Penn Yan is even better. Europeans definitely dont mind showing skin. Too many men in speedos this weekend...and as it always goes...its usually the guys that shouldnt even consider wearing them...and then...walking down the beach...a lady had her "tetas" hanging out. To be topless is one thing...no tan lines...makes sense. But this lady definitely still had her top on just pulled it around so all could be exposed. Once again...its always the people that shouldnt be. The eight of us got 2 rooms at an all inclusive resort...basically you could eat or drink whatever whenever...which was alot of fun but a really easy way of getting into trouble. I promise I wasn't too bad. At the resort you really don't feel like youre in the DR anymore. Its very touristy and everything is catered to you. I spent most of the time on the beach and around the pool. I didn't try any wind surfing, but that might be something I try later on this month when I go for my last of the month trip. Oh...and once again I decided to go on an adventure down the beach and stepped once again on a sea urchin/what we refer to as "spike bombs". I got one splinter underneath my fingernail too...as I slipped landing on a bed of them. You would think I would learn the first time but hey...I'm an Aggie aren't I? Its all good though. The bus ride home was something else though. Met some other students from the states who are living in Santiago. Didn't talk too much to them but it was nice knowing there are other people having experiences like us. On the bus they showed a Jackie Chan movie dubbed in Spanish and blasted it through the speakers...lets say I didnt get much sleep. And even worse...Ryan definitely got throw up on his leg from a girl who couldnt deal with the motion sickness and the arroz and habichuelas she ate earlier. It sucked for him and the girls mom didnt even apologize...just left the throw up on the floor...took probably 15 minutes for a guy who worked at one of the stations to clean up the mess. It was funny though, me and this Dominican lady...and then everyone around us couldnt help laughing. Poor guy Ryan.

Interesting conversation today. Basically all of us on this trip have been having unusual bowel movements and we bonded talking about it today. Most of us have either had severe constipation...aka nothing for days...or others having diarrea. Just thought I would share. My stomach has surprisingly been doign ok though...definitely a few days where I ask myself where all the food is going. But...I guess this is getting too personal.

A five day work week is ahead. No beach this weekend. Lets just say its probably going to be a long week.

Thanks and gig'em.

Oil, Dallas Cowboys, and Bush

2006-06-01T18:46:00.000-04:00

Work kinda sucked today. I didn't have much to do, but I did have an interesting conversation with Anibal. I asked him what came to mind when he heard the word Texas. He listed first off...Petroleum, cowboy hats in the country, the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders, and President Bush. I told him for the most part he had it right...but that Texas was more than just that. Its cool getting other people's perspectives on home. My ideas of the Dominican Republic were definitely different.

Well tonight Danny is having the group over for dinner and tomorrow morning 8 of us are going to Cabarete on the North Coast for 2 nights at an all-inclusive resort. I'm very excited and am ready to get away from the office. (The whole four days that I had to work this week).

I added some more pictures on the other site. Hope things are good.

Just another day in the DR

2006-05-30T15:10:00.000-04:00

At work once again. Roger, Anibal, and I finished up earlier than expected so now we are kinda just hanging out. I´m not complaining though. They are really cool guys. Last night Ryan and I went to Cristina´s and Marci´s to put together a puzzle. Its our project for the week to get our minds off of work. And its a way to relax and get away from the hectic streets below. It was definitely hard waking up Monday at 6am to go to work after spending time in Paradise. Ryan and I have made friends with a taxi driver...Samuel...and he has been our private chauffer for a pretty good price. Unfortunately he didn´t answer his phone last night when we needed to leave the girls house so we had to call another cab. The driver kinda scared Ryan and I...he didnt speak much english at all and was acting kind of drunk. Thats another thing here...drinking and driving is not illegal. There are definitely drive through beer stops...where the beer comes opened for you already. And at night...no one follows the red lights. Weve been told that its safe to go when its red and to stop when its green...some people dont stop at all. Ryan and I did make it safely home though. The driver scared us for a bit when he started yelling and stopped the car. Something about he didnt like the guy behind us tailing him. It would be nice to have some other mode of transportation here...Danny doesnt want us taking the busses or motocoches...because they are dangerous but i havent really had that great experiences with taxis other than Samuel. Other than that things are going good. Can´t wait till Friday...another trip to the beach I hope. During the week Ryan and I are supposed to go venture around the Colonial Zone again. Our neighbor told us that there is a cool cafe called Casa de Teatro that has great art and jazz. That would be nice...something a little more familiar to me. But we shall see.

Buenas tarde.

Picture Link

2006-05-28T16:17:00.000-04:00

On the right side of the page under links I have a link to my pictures. I haven't had time to make them pretty/describe what they are but bare with me...when I get a chance I will fix them. Until now...

A Vacation Away from Vacation...

2006-05-28T15:19:00.000-04:00

The group took a trip to the Samana Peninsula on the North Coast of the island. Thursday morning we got on a bus early in the morning and drove through the country side of the DR. Life is definitely different outside of the big city of Santo Domingo. Most of the people outside of the city are poor...live in small houses and from what I could see don't have much to do. After a four hour trip through farmland and mountains covered with palms we made it to our hotel in Samana. The town is less hectic than Santo Domingo and much more relaxed (if you could even get more relaxed...it was). The group dropped off our luggage and took two vans to what seemed like the end of the earth. Definitely went 2-5 mph down a rocky dirt road for half an hour plus the rest of the trip on roads through little villages. The drive was definitely worth it though...we ended up on an extremely secluded beach known as Playa Rincon. Its full of palm trees and mountains that dip into the bluest water I have ever seen. The view there was incredible! After a while on the beach we went back to the hotel, had dinner, went to a club...which wasnt really happening and went to sleep. Friday rolled around and we found ourselves hiking through a forest that ended up at a 150 foot waterfall. Pictures/words won't be able to describe it. Its one of those places that you just have to see. Later that afternoon we ventured to Playa Bonita...had pizza at a shop owned by a guy from London and his German wife who he met in DR and played on the beach. Its interesting how many Europeans are here. I guess Americans go to other islands in the Carribbean...we don't hear much about the DR...but as our friend Eduardo was telling us, the DR markets to Europe...especially Germany and Spain more. That night we hung out with the locals at the outside bars and watched the Suns/Mavericks game. More Presidente. Lets just say it was a fun night. Saturday we took a boat out to an island off the coast of Samana. Once again...palm trees and blue water...white sand. I wanted to go on a little adventure around the island and ended up stepping and then falling on a bed of sea urchins. WEEEEE! Ya not so fun. I still have a few "splinters" in my foot from it that I just can't manage to get out. I'm not in pain though and hopefully in time they will just fall out. Today is Dia de las Madres in the DR. Ryan and I got our "mom" some flowers. I'm back at Danny's house and totally forgot about the city being away just a few days. The social classes are definitely becoming more and more apparent to me. I'm not sure how I feel about it either. Basically the darker your skin the lower class you are. So as a white skin blond hair boy...I stick out...and basically walk around with a sign that says "HEY! I have money!". Its annoying and at times kinda scary...like when I had to wait for Danny to pick me up from work. Here I am standing on the side of a very busy street full of cars and people...and EVERYONE is looking at me. I wish I could just go out and explore by myself...but as of right now I think I'm going to stick to the group.

Well I have to go to work tomorrow. I honestly don't do much there, and I'm not really sure if anyone at work does much at all either. The work ethic here is definitely different. Lunchtime is a 2 hour ordeal and after lunch...I guess you could say people work at their leisure. I wish my job was more challenging...right now all I really do is cut and paste newspaper articles. Supposedly they are going to move me to different departments to see what each one is like but overall Im not sure how much Im learning "Public Relations/Businees" wise. It is quite the experience though...and I do get to practice my spanish. Its just a whole lot different than I expected.

Well I miss everyone...I've been here over a week now and I really see how great I have it over in the US. Currently missing our Dance Parties on Friday nights in CS. hhaha. Love yall.

PS: I saw the "Codigo DaVinchi"...DaVinchi Code...it was in English with Spanish subtitles...but the parts where they spoke French and Latin...not too sure what was going on.

So they like to dance here...

2006-05-23T21:29:00.000-04:00

So at work the other day I definitely danced the salsa and merengue with a 40 year old woman in the lounge where we eat lunch. Imagine...40 year old experience domincan dancer...and el gringo (white boy).

Aye aye aye!

A mi trabajo...

2006-05-23T14:33:00.000-04:00

I´m at work right now and got a chance to use the computer. Things are going great...I´m learning tons of new things everyday! The other night the group went to La Luna, a club in the Colonial District of Santo Domingo. It was alot of fun...got to dance merengue, salsa, and electonica. I had my first Presidente beer...which I have to say is better than Corona. After dancing for a few hours we all decided to go home. Since Meg and I live on a different side of the city the friends we met here weren´t able to take us back like everyone else in the group...so...we had to take a taxi. We got one of our friends, Ludwig....yes...like Beethoven...to call a cab service that Danny wanted us to use. The taxi came and Ludwig told him where to take us. So we are driving around and Meg and I start to get the feeling that the driver has no idea where he is going....which eventually we find out is the case. So here we are...in a taxi...in a large city...with a driver who is speaking extremely fast. Meg speaks more Spanish than me, so that helped some...but neither of us knew streets other than the ones we lived on...which to our luck the driver had no idea. We could tell the driver was getting really anxious...his gas was almost empty and we were just circling around the city. I finally call our friend Eduardo, give the phone to the taxi driver and get us in the location of Dannys house...which we finally find. It was 2 am by then...and wehad to wake up Danny...which we felt terrible about...to get Meg home. He said he understood...that it was bound to happen since it was our first night out in the city. It was quite a scary adventure though...Im glad I survived to tell it. HAHHA. Im sure my parents arelaughing though.

The next day the group and some of Eduardos and Ludwigs friends took us to the beach. Supposedly the beach is the worst in the country....but all of us were amazed by it. The water was blue...palm trees everywhere...great beer...so Im pretty sure when we go to Samana...supposedly the best beach in the country we are going to be in a state of shock.

Work is different. My boss is not allowing ANYONE to speak english to me...so its a challenge for all of us...but hopefully it will help me alot with my Spanish. At work I am working in the Monitoring Dept. where we read newspaper articles about the company´s clients and make records and files for them. Its interesting but I definitely dont have the system down...since I only get instructions in spanish. Well I have to run....

Only one more day of work...and we are going to Samana at an all inclusive resort by the beach. Wow...life is hard.

Love yall. Miss yall.

Cave diving, horse back riding, discoteque? Si Si!

2006-05-20T20:23:00.000-04:00

Wow. The DR is very exciting! Even though I really wasn't too sure what to expect this summer, its definitely different than what I thought. My spanish is very elementary and I have been having somewhat of a difficult time following what everyone is saying to me. In the DR people talk in a way that is shorthand...they don't say the entire word...so someone like me who depends on slow pronunciations of words has a little harder time. BUT...its great practice and keeps me on my toes. Danny's house is very beautiful. It is two stories and has an open air roof over part of the first floor that lets rain in to water the plants that are inside the house...sounds weird...but it is actually really cool. They keep the windows open during the day to let in a breeze and only at night we turn on our A/C units in our rooms. The first night I didnt know how to work my AC so...lets just say I didnt get much sleep. It is hot here...and very humid...more so than Houston. There is a maid here and she is very fun to talk to. I am very comfortable practicing my spanish with her because she doesnt know any english at all...so we kinda just go back in forth with her fast dominican spanish and my chopped up american spanglish. She laughs at me alot...and always says "Oye, oye..." shaking her head and sometimes just walking away. HAHHA. I laugh and say "lo siento lo siento" (im sorry). She said i dont bother her though and we even bonded a little when i sang her "Suavemente" by elvis crespo. (Thanks Jayvee). Yesterday we spent most of the time in the historic part of the city...saw where Christopher Columbus lived and where supposedly his head is buried. The DR govt wont let anyone do an autopsy though....so it kinda makes you wonder. Later in the afternoon we went to the Botanical Gardens and after to Ephraem's house...one of our leaders...graduated from A&M many years ago and had dinner and cerveza. Today we went to "FUN FUN Caves", rode horses through hills filled with palm trees and ate some great domincan food. Tonight the group is going dancing for the first time...should be exciting...and taking a taxi home? AHHH...should be interesting. OH...I'm getting a roomate tomorrow. Ryan, from A&M who will be a senior is here with another program and is having problems with his host family so Danny wants him to stay here. He doesn't know alot of Spanish at all so Danny made me promise that I will only speak to him in Spanish. We'll see how that goes too. Ryan is a cool guy...as are all the other people that are here from A&M. I was scared I was going to be the only guy here and have the responisibility of looking after the girls...especially since domincan men on the streets dont mind showing their attraction to them...ie puckering lips, whistling, and saying BONITA BONITA!...but Ryan and Jack (also from the other program) are going to be around alot...so it is all good...and now I have some drinking buddies. Tomorrow...the beach. Monday...the internship starts.

I miss home but know there is alot in store for me here. Its crazy how we take so much for granted in the states...a/c everywhere we go, traffic laws that are enforced, safe drinking water, a large middle class...Im not saying this to talk down about the Dominican...its just very eye opening to see what others deal with in their every day life that is hard for Americans to understand. Seeing it on TV doesnt do it justice...being here...its crazy.

en la isla

2006-05-19T21:38:00.000-04:00

I made it to Santo Domingo. Things are crazy...will write more soon!

Four Days and Counting

2006-05-14T20:45:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe that in just four days I will be starting my grand adventure in the Dominican Republic. I am very excited, but at the same time somewhat apprehensive. For the first time in my life I will be out of the country without my family or close friends by my side in a place where I don't speak the language fluently. But I need this and more importantly, I want this. I want to step out of my comfort zone and open my eyes to a different culture. To see what it is like to live in a country other than America and to hear what others have to say. The language barrier is going to be a challenge (I do know a little though), but as my spanish teacher told me early in the semester at A&M, I will never learn the language unless I fully immerse myself in it.

I will be living with Danny Mendez and his family in the capital city of Santo Domingo and working as an intern for MG Public Relations. I am going to do my best to keep this journal updated so everyone back in the states knows what I am up to. I love you and will miss you all!

I leave you with this quote...it pretty much sums up this adventure for me...

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain