The internet is down at the house, so Liz and I are sitting at Krispy Kreme (no, that is not a typo) using their wi-fi...located directly next door to the Burger King.
With the group gone, I now have much more time on my hands. I've been doing a lot of reading and playing with little Michael. Yesterday I watched the British version of "The Office," which was pretty hilarious, with Kristin. With the internet down, there is even more time to kill. I suppose I spend most of my time scratching my numerous mosquito bites and applying Calamine lotion. They wake me up in the middle of the night. Just thinking about it now is making me itch!
The kitten in the house, la gatita, is my new friend. She is just thrilled to get the attention. And the dog, Luna, has a horny boyfriend who hangs around all the time. We had an incident when the group was here where they were getting busy in the middle of the night (through the fence) and making a lot of noise. Apparently, Terri Jo tried to pull them apart, but it took Fernellis throwing a bucket of water on them to end the love-making. Perros en amor. It makes me sad how skinny el novio de Luna is, though.
Hopefully we can get the internet back up soon.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Fotografías
Here are some photos (hopefully, this link works...?):
http://picasaweb.google.com/107031682907817075033/RepublicaDominicana2010
or my general page:
http://picasaweb.google.com/107031682907817075033
http://picasaweb.google.com/107031682907817075033/RepublicaDominicana2010
or my general page:
http://picasaweb.google.co
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Wednesday: October 27 (Republica Dominicana)
Had a good day working with the children. I had one little girl, Lisi, attached to my side all day long.
After a nice, cold shower we all went out to a nice dinner on the water. I had a very good Dominican dish called Mofango. It was fried/smashed plantains with some pork and sausage. Delicioso. The group treated us to dinner, so that was very nice of them.
I am wiped out, so I am going to head off to bed.
After a nice, cold shower we all went out to a nice dinner on the water. I had a very good Dominican dish called Mofango. It was fried/smashed plantains with some pork and sausage. Delicioso. The group treated us to dinner, so that was very nice of them.
I am wiped out, so I am going to head off to bed.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tuesday: October 26 (Republica Dominicana)
Last night we received conformation that the DR closed off all borders with Haiti due to the Cholera outbreak. This is really devastating for Haitians that need to cross the border to get food, etc. and supplies needing to get into the country. It seems the DR government had plenty of time to prepare for this as water contamination was known to be inevitable with the Haitian conditions. Hopefully a better solution will be figured out quickly.
We went back to the church today. We had a bigger room and Bobby, a translator, to keep the kids in check. He basically did our job for us and it was awesome. I caught him, though, when one of the group leaders said "this is the hard part" and he translated it as "this is the good part." When I called him out, he said he didn't want to mess with their minds and keep them focused. The noise level here (everywhere here) is insane though. It was fun though.
In the afternoon, a few of us worked on decorating one of the kids' classroom instead of blowing out our eardrums downstairs again. We made animales, meses, colores, y formas out of construction paper and wrote the names down in Spanish. After, the entire group took a tour around the community there (Los Alcarrizos.) I will try to post some photos soon.
We had a delicious dinner of pork, rice, vegetables, and fried sweet potatoes. We watched a little soccer (though they thought it was boring and complained about it being 0-0 at 90 minutes) and baseball. You probably know that baseball is HUGE in the Dominican Republic (a lot of MLB players come from here.)
Tonight we walked to get some ice cream (I'm sure my mother's jaw is dropping reading this. Maybe with jealousy?) Coconut and Dulce de Leche if you're wondering. Yum.
That's all for now folks. Buenos noches.
We went back to the church today. We had a bigger room and Bobby, a translator, to keep the kids in check. He basically did our job for us and it was awesome. I caught him, though, when one of the group leaders said "this is the hard part" and he translated it as "this is the good part." When I called him out, he said he didn't want to mess with their minds and keep them focused. The noise level here (everywhere here) is insane though. It was fun though.
In the afternoon, a few of us worked on decorating one of the kids' classroom instead of blowing out our eardrums downstairs again. We made animales, meses, colores, y formas out of construction paper and wrote the names down in Spanish. After, the entire group took a tour around the community there (Los Alcarrizos.) I will try to post some photos soon.
We had a delicious dinner of pork, rice, vegetables, and fried sweet potatoes. We watched a little soccer (though they thought it was boring and complained about it being 0-0 at 90 minutes) and baseball. You probably know that baseball is HUGE in the Dominican Republic (a lot of MLB players come from here.)
Tonight we walked to get some ice cream (I'm sure my mother's jaw is dropping reading this. Maybe with jealousy?) Coconut and Dulce de Leche if you're wondering. Yum.
That's all for now folks. Buenos noches.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday: October 25 (Republica Dominicana)
The music was loud last night, but the earplugs (courtesy of Jet Blue) did their job. I had to sleep on my stomach so that no parts of my body were touching each other and exacerbating the heat. My stubbed toe throbbed throughout the night, but it'll pull through.
This morning I met the group of 8 from Florida that came down to help install a water system in one of the churches here. They are all very nice and we had a delicious breakfast of eggs, papaya, pineapple, and bread. Around 8:40 we headed out and onto the roads packed with Dominican drivers (meaning wild!) The designated lanes don't seem to have any meaning...nor do red lights and other various traffic signs and courtesies.
At the church, a few went to work on installation, a few teaching, and a few (including myself) playing with the kids. It is hard, of course, with the language barrier. Some of my Spanish is coming back to me, but basically I'm just a poser. Conjugation is out the window. Bare bones Espanol. We did some arts and crafts, singing, animal noises, etc. I had to confiscate one kids backpack because I was informed that he had a gun. I opened it up to find that the accusation was correct and, though I didn't think it was real, handed it off (it was a fake after all.) There was also a fight we had to break up and incredible amounts of screaming. My ears are still ringing. Very cute kids, though. Lunch was delicious: rice, beans, chicken, carrots, and some fried thing. I will not go hungry.The children came back around 1:30 and they were put into small groups to make a paper craft about the creation story. They were also taught about clean water.
Oh, and I found it hilarious that a kid pointed at my nose ring and gave me a nod and air fist pump. Yup, total badass is right!
When we got back to the house, I spent some time on the balcony with some of the team members, lounging in a hammock, and bonding with Luna the dog before it started raining. There is a black and white cat too, who is nameless, but we haven't had that same bonding experience yet. Now that I found that hammock, I'll probably be out there all the time. Although the mosquito bites have started. I'm still exhausted and will need to catch up on my sleep from these last couple nights. For now, I will head to dinner.
Day one=Success
This morning I met the group of 8 from Florida that came down to help install a water system in one of the churches here. They are all very nice and we had a delicious breakfast of eggs, papaya, pineapple, and bread. Around 8:40 we headed out and onto the roads packed with Dominican drivers (meaning wild!) The designated lanes don't seem to have any meaning...nor do red lights and other various traffic signs and courtesies.
At the church, a few went to work on installation, a few teaching, and a few (including myself) playing with the kids. It is hard, of course, with the language barrier. Some of my Spanish is coming back to me, but basically I'm just a poser. Conjugation is out the window. Bare bones Espanol. We did some arts and crafts, singing, animal noises, etc. I had to confiscate one kids backpack because I was informed that he had a gun. I opened it up to find that the accusation was correct and, though I didn't think it was real, handed it off (it was a fake after all.) There was also a fight we had to break up and incredible amounts of screaming. My ears are still ringing. Very cute kids, though. Lunch was delicious: rice, beans, chicken, carrots, and some fried thing. I will not go hungry.The children came back around 1:30 and they were put into small groups to make a paper craft about the creation story. They were also taught about clean water.
Oh, and I found it hilarious that a kid pointed at my nose ring and gave me a nod and air fist pump. Yup, total badass is right!
When we got back to the house, I spent some time on the balcony with some of the team members, lounging in a hammock, and bonding with Luna the dog before it started raining. There is a black and white cat too, who is nameless, but we haven't had that same bonding experience yet. Now that I found that hammock, I'll probably be out there all the time. Although the mosquito bites have started. I'm still exhausted and will need to catch up on my sleep from these last couple nights. For now, I will head to dinner.
Day one=Success
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Sunday: October 24th (Republica Dominicana)
I have arrived in the Dominican Republic.
After an interesting experience last night, I got a row to myself and about 3 hours of sleep. I awoke in Boston and ran into the embrace of my love, Marlie! We got a workout lugging my bags all around the city, but I was able to see her apartment, enjoy the views of the city, and best of all, spend time with my best friend before I had to leave.
This second flight was an improvement in that I was able to remain in my seat, but I was sat next to a mother with two shrieking children. Cute doesn't always get you off the hook babies. The airport in Santo Domingo was much nicer than the image I had in my mind. I guess I pictured something just slightly improved from Port-au-Prince chaos, but it was very orderly, modern, and air-conditioned! I am ashamed that my Spanish has all but disappeared. Three years just didn't seem to do the job. Oh, and where do I live? That's right...San Diego! No Spanish speakers there, eh? I think I speak more Creole now than I remember Spanish.
Liz and JJ picked me up from the airport. The driving is crazy here, too, but at least there are designated lanes and fully paved roads. The ocean is gorgeous, the palm trees majestic, and the music more than lively.
There is a group of 8 here until Friday doing some sort of water system, so it is a little crammed in my room, but then it'll free up. I get top bunk. The music is so loud that sleep is questionable, but by the current drooping of my eyelids as I type, far from out of the question.
It is very hot/humid...as was to be expected. It is the Caribbean after all. Like Haiti, I took a shower and dried off to feel like another was just about necessary. And then I stubbed my toe moving my luggage around and had blood dripping all over. Hopefully that nail hangs on. Nice. You'll be happy to know that a little gauze and tape seemed to get the bleeding under control. (Is the the sort of thing I'm supposed to write about in my blog? Apparently this is the uncut edition that you signed on to.)
That's it for now. The rest of the group is still out at Church, so I should be meeting them shortly.
Love you all.
After an interesting experience last night, I got a row to myself and about 3 hours of sleep. I awoke in Boston and ran into the embrace of my love, Marlie! We got a workout lugging my bags all around the city, but I was able to see her apartment, enjoy the views of the city, and best of all, spend time with my best friend before I had to leave.
This second flight was an improvement in that I was able to remain in my seat, but I was sat next to a mother with two shrieking children. Cute doesn't always get you off the hook babies. The airport in Santo Domingo was much nicer than the image I had in my mind. I guess I pictured something just slightly improved from Port-au-Prince chaos, but it was very orderly, modern, and air-conditioned! I am ashamed that my Spanish has all but disappeared. Three years just didn't seem to do the job. Oh, and where do I live? That's right...San Diego! No Spanish speakers there, eh? I think I speak more Creole now than I remember Spanish.
Liz and JJ picked me up from the airport. The driving is crazy here, too, but at least there are designated lanes and fully paved roads. The ocean is gorgeous, the palm trees majestic, and the music more than lively.
There is a group of 8 here until Friday doing some sort of water system, so it is a little crammed in my room, but then it'll free up. I get top bunk. The music is so loud that sleep is questionable, but by the current drooping of my eyelids as I type, far from out of the question.
It is very hot/humid...as was to be expected. It is the Caribbean after all. Like Haiti, I took a shower and dried off to feel like another was just about necessary. And then I stubbed my toe moving my luggage around and had blood dripping all over. Hopefully that nail hangs on. Nice. You'll be happy to know that a little gauze and tape seemed to get the bleeding under control. (Is the the sort of thing I'm supposed to write about in my blog? Apparently this is the uncut edition that you signed on to.)
That's it for now. The rest of the group is still out at Church, so I should be meeting them shortly.
Love you all.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Ayewopo fun!
And the adventures begin!
Bags checked, security cleared, boarding accomplished. I sat in my back row window seat on my 8:47pm flight to NY JFK watching GolTV and waited for the plane to take off. All the bags were loaded and passengers seated. That was when the lady in the yellow "if you don't see me now you're blind" vest came up to me and the woman in the same row and asked for proof that we were returning to the US. Of course no one told me this was necessary when I booked my one-way flight to Santo Domingo. The woman next to me was able to prove residence at her destination, but I was escorted off the plane, trying to ignore the heads turning and eyes glaring at the girl who delayed take-off. After a little time to pull myself together and wrap my mind around the whole thing, and a good amount of time leaning up against the ticket counter, we were able to switch my flight to a 10:15 to Boston. I just had to book a flight from Haiti to Florida to have proof that I'll be coming back, even if it is likely I'll have to cancel it and lose a chunk of cash (0f course, the wifi connection timed out on me right when I hit the "reserve flight" button the first time...but a location change and another attempt did the trick.) The 6 hour layover in Boston will allow me to see my best friend, Marlie...YAY!
And that is where I am right now. Pulled off my plane, sitting on the awkward gate chair, hoping I can get a hold of someone at Foundation for Peace in the morning about my ride in Santo Domingo, and longing for a whole row to myself to stretch out and catch a few z's.
What a way to start off the trip, right? Never a dull moment here!
Bags checked, security cleared, boarding accomplished. I sat in my back row window seat on my 8:47pm flight to NY JFK watching GolTV and waited for the plane to take off. All the bags were loaded and passengers seated. That was when the lady in the yellow "if you don't see me now you're blind" vest came up to me and the woman in the same row and asked for proof that we were returning to the US. Of course no one told me this was necessary when I booked my one-way flight to Santo Domingo. The woman next to me was able to prove residence at her destination, but I was escorted off the plane, trying to ignore the heads turning and eyes glaring at the girl who delayed take-off. After a little time to pull myself together and wrap my mind around the whole thing, and a good amount of time leaning up against the ticket counter, we were able to switch my flight to a 10:15 to Boston. I just had to book a flight from Haiti to Florida to have proof that I'll be coming back, even if it is likely I'll have to cancel it and lose a chunk of cash (0f course, the wifi connection timed out on me right when I hit the "reserve flight" button the first time...but a location change and another attempt did the trick.) The 6 hour layover in Boston will allow me to see my best friend, Marlie...YAY!
And that is where I am right now. Pulled off my plane, sitting on the awkward gate chair, hoping I can get a hold of someone at Foundation for Peace in the morning about my ride in Santo Domingo, and longing for a whole row to myself to stretch out and catch a few z's.
What a way to start off the trip, right? Never a dull moment here!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Leaving Saturday!
Hi everyone!
I just found out that I will be leaving for the Dominican Republic this Saturday! It was short notice, but I am very excited! Keep checking this page to see what I'm up to.
I will miss you all! <3
I just found out that I will be leaving for the Dominican Republic this Saturday! It was short notice, but I am very excited! Keep checking this page to see what I'm up to.
I will miss you all! <3
Friday, October 1, 2010
New Blog
Hey all!
I am jumping the gun a little on creating this new blog. I won't be leaving for a couple weeks. When the adventures start rolling, I will make sure to keep you all in the loop!
Andrea <3
If you haven't had the chance to already, check out the blogs from my past two trips in July and September:
http://haitijuly2010.blogspot.com/
http://haitiseptember2010.blogspot.com/
And my photos:
http://picasaweb.google.com/107031682907817075033/HaitiSeptember2010?authkey=Gv1sRgCKSCuOOs08ak8QE#
http://picasaweb.google.com/117901094771866752297/HaitiJuly2010#
I am jumping the gun a little on creating this new blog. I won't be leaving for a couple weeks. When the adventures start rolling, I will make sure to keep you all in the loop!
Andrea <3
If you haven't had the chance to already, check out the blogs from my past two trips in July and September:
http://haitijuly2010.blogspot.com/
http://haitiseptember2010.blogspot.com/
And my photos:
http://picasaweb.google.com/107031682907817075033/HaitiSeptember2010?authkey=Gv1sRgCKSCuOOs08ak8QE#
http://picasaweb.google.com/117901094771866752297/HaitiJuly2010#
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