Aparthotel Residencia Del Paseo Las Terrenas

... ed to Laguna Dudu, an unfortunately named but really magical spot. It's a natural pool set at the bottom of 30-40 foot cliffs, with vines and plants hanging down the cliff walls all the way to the water. We were again impressed with the level of investment in tourism infrastructure. One side of the pool has a concrete platform with a ladder going down to the water, and there are several rope swings. When we arrived there were about a dozen locals ...

... for the guy to come the next day, and we walked over to Playa Preciosa, where the waves are usually a little better. It was still pretty bad - he caught a few waves on Thursday, but overall it was a bust.

We got back to the hotel right in time to have a drink on the terrace and watch the sun set over the ocean. Perfect! We went out for dinner and finally found food that wasn't of animal provenance. I ...

Despues, fui en el autobus a el Parque Nacional los Haitses. Fui a mirar los aves y las flores y la vida de marina. Fui a acampar en el parque. Fui a comer la comida de tradicionales en el restaurante en el parque. Fui a comer champola, cual fue leche con guanábana. Me recomiendo que saca muchos fotos porque el bosque es muy bonito.

... be a little slower than normal just because of the holidays, but, in general, my projects are doing well. My current projects consister of: 1) Teaching English classes to adults and those classes are very fun two nights a week. 2) The Escojo group, a health/family planning group for youth, is moving along. I am interested in seeing what kinds of projects we get into next. The students ...

... tons of Italian & French restaurants and boutiques. And every menu is in: Spanish, French, Italian and English. Thankfully, the skies started to clear some on Saturday morning for our drive to Samaná to go whale-watching. I totally felt the favor of God over us that whole day. The taxi was way more than we expected to pay, but it was so worth it because our driver, Eddy, was really cool and ...

... it as a way to save money. With the price of natural gas increasing, they cannot afford to cook on their more costly cook stoves. Finally, my last project is with a group of youth committed to improving the environment. My work with them is currently focused on gardening and composting as a way to help improve the soil quality and increase the quantity of organic fruits and vegetables. Of course, these are tried and true ...

... his assassination. The entire PCDR staff is committed, attentive and responsive. To me, it's super cool to meet government officials who are achieving such positive work paid for by the U.S. people. On graduation day, our Country Director closed his speech with this challenge to us new volunteers, "Being a Peace Corps Volunteer is more than you representing your country, and more than you representing yourself. You are representing your fellow ...

... everything from identity and psychology to morality and spirituality. Obviously, I am now feeling some inner compunction after gaining a better understanding of the conditions here in the Dominican Republic, though I in no way accept the vulnerability many people have assumed I possess due to my appearance, nor do I submit to serving as a pushover with an endless amount or pesos. It is truly frustrating to see Dominicans purchase the same food, drink, taxi ride ...

... PCVs in the Dominican Republic got free access into Santo Domingo's biggest club...which is 150 feet underground in a cave! So for about 6 hours we merengue-ed, bachata-ed, and shook those stalagtites. The next morning, after having relished in American food and cave dancing over a two day span, we finally departed to our sites.... Upon arriving at my site I decided that a good way to meet some people right off the bat, and earn some respect and trust within the community would be ...

... and knows she is doing it. Oh well, "vamos a ver" (let's see) was she will be like in a while. I must say having her has been a joy. Just to go home and have someone waiting for you who is happy to see you is the most wonderful gift. To know that your love is being returned. Family is also important here. I am not saying that it is not in the states, but families wind up staying together for a very long time, even when their children are married. They make room. In the states ...