Hotel Voramar Sosua

... 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.<br><br>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 ...

... can't wait to see them.  My little Ellie Grace has<br>grown at least one inch, is beginning to give up her bottle, and is saying new<br>words.  She grew up some while I have been gone--I'm going to eat it all<br>up when I get back!<br>I haven't been able to reflect on this experience.  I've heard that<br>reflection comes in bits and pieces, interwoven during normal daily routines--a<br>thought here, an image there.  What I do know, is that this ...

... imagine what it smells like, and what a health risk it is to live there.<br>I saw a little boy today.  He is 4 years old.  He lives with his parents and 4 siblings in a one-room "house" built out of rusted tin and tires.  Upon meeting him, I could tell that this child was gravely ill.  He contracted Dengue Fever over a week ago, was hospitalized, but released home.  I'm not sure ...

... up the street, so I flagged them down. The side door was open, and there was a guy, hanging half out waving me to come in. I just handed him the 20 peso note and climbed in, no problem. The van was pretty crowded, and they kept stopping to pick up additional people on the road. The side door guy knocked on the roof of the van to signal the driver when to stop to pick up/drop off people. They guaguas cram as many people ...

... snorkelling (which I wanted to do), but then decided that I might actually want to try scuba diving! (despite my fear of dark, murky waters and dark, shadowy sea creatures brushing up against, which is all kind of negated here due to the crystal clear water and tropical, pretty fish) He said that the snorkelling trip that they offer is $20 per person, and the scuba trip (which includes a lesson first and then excursion further down the beach to where the fish are ...

... sell their products to the passers by, and that is something I am agreeable to. However, such was not the case when I approached the area. One guy immediately asked me to come look at his table. He was speaking to me in French and it appeared that he didn't know any English (I asked him what languages he spoke and he said "français et espagnol") so the communication between us was solely in French. I took a look at his jewellery and there was a nice ...

... Volunteers are teaching the local women to make candles, jewelry, bags, and the like in order to sell to us "tourists/volunteers". So, I bought a lot. Good stuff. Then in the afternoon, we took a dip in the pool, and watched "Big Sugar" an amazing documentary on what really is going on with Dominican Republic sugar cane plantations. I'm hoping to get a copy of that from Jana and Bob to show to you all. It's horrific, and completely ...

... you get from doing things with the ones you love and care for. Just the simple act of a smile or catching up on things can put you in a state of bliss for the time being. This year I will be spending the holidays here in the Dominican Republic. I am not the only volunteer and therefore feel better about this. Also, things are a little different this year. I love my community and I know that they care very deeply for me as well. So I will definitely be ...

... this to my face. I find it out through gossip in the community. I just laugh about the whole thing and tell people the truth, but people are always going to talk and try to come up with something to pass the day by. However, I do think that the guy is in love with me and refuses to say this to my face. Oh well, what can I do about it. There are just some things that you should just brush off and not worry about. It was funny I was in the capital this past weekend and ...