Hostal Jimesson Puerto Plata

... to make our way from the beach to where the reception was being held - which was at the groom's family's house...and we had no idea where it was or how to get there. We ended up following a motor bike from the beach, back from where we came, then we took a right, and went for about 25 minutes down this narrow local dirt road, up and down hills and around turns, with many potholes...but lovely scenery. We were being led into the heart of the mountains, and it ...

... gives me the fortitude to be a good mother and role model for my<br>daughter.  Someday I'll share stories about these people, and I hope that<br>by doing so, my daughter will grow up to be sensitive and caring, and<br>hopefully, will have the same opportunity to offer her time and expertise to<br>those less fortunate than her.<br>I'm certain that I will be staying home for a while.  Only two semesters left<br>until graduation, so I have a long haul ...

Hi everyone,<br>Just when I thought I had seen what living in destitution represented, I walked into a neighborhood this morning that redefined the word "poor" for me.  It seems that this redefinition is a consistent happening here.<br>This community lives in squalor, not only in ramshackle "buildings" but in filth.  In fact, their homes are literally built upon a dump. So, you ...

... aren't spoiled by anybody,<br>Who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep,<br>Who live and move, but have no being.<br>We pray for children who want to be carried,<br>And for those who must,<br>For those we never give up on<br>And for those who don't get a second chance.<br>For those we smother,<br>And for those who will grab the hand of anybody kind enough to offer it.<br> -----by Marian Wright Edelman 

Hola Todos-<br>Have you ever thought of how fortunate you are, just because you were born in a certain geographic location?  We went to a Haitian Batey today.  The Bateys in the DR are kind of like a no-man's land, not recognized by the DR, or by Haiti.  Consequently, the people who live in them are literally without a country.  These people live very poorly, and are rarely allowed out of ...

... to be aware of it so that this disgusting exploitative behavior can stop. In other news, there have been a slow string of younger people staying here so I have been able to meet some new people and go on little adventures with them. So, I've explored Puerto Plata a bit more with them. Also, I went out to Sosua by my self to hang out on Sunday. I like being able to feel safe enough to catch a gwa-gwa (aka crammed cheap transportation) and take off and be at ...

... inhabitants are the 158 rock iguanas, who are protected. There are also goats and wild pigs and therefore an official hunting season to keep these numbers in control as they are not indigenous. Not many people get to come to this beautifully isolated island with its steep cliffs and lovely beaches. We only stayed a few nights and had a nice dive with Derek and Alison (from Kalida) and Mike (from Altair). Then it was off to the mainland of Puerto Rico for official check-in.

... anticipated. Leanna and our dad were going to Lynette's house in Delta to spend New Year's eve and then driving to the airport, where I would meet them, at 3am. Getting there for 3am though proved to be an impossible challenge - never again will I try to get a taxi on New Year's eve - it was crazy to even get an open taxi phone line and I nearly didn't make it!! I got there an hour late, but fortunately with still lots of time to wait around and go through security ...

... even took us through the mangrove swamps and gave us a little ecology lesson. The food is really great. We are surprised that no one else tips for the service, especially because the staff is really friendly. Later I learned that the tip was "included" in the package price, but I still would have done it anyway. There is good mix of spring breakers, families, and couples and the resort has a great laid-back and friendly atmosphere.

... I let go my<br>fears and anything that would keep me from fully embracing this culture.<br><br> It is quite nice to meet other PCV's. There is an instant connection. However, I passed on the climb to the bat cave. I was not confident in my ability to climb and Teva's are not exactly climbing shoes. There was also the fact that I might fall and crack my skull. I am up for another trip in a year or so. I do not have to try everything all at ...