Tropical Beach Club Cabarete

... rum and playing in the water (not so sure about that combination, but...) The water was cool but not cold, perfectly clear, and a beautiful blue-green color. We were told that Scuba divers had been unable to find the bottom of the pool. It's not that wide across, but apparently it's just a straight shot down to who-knows-where.<br><br>Some of the locals were jumping from the high cliffs, and that is something that Shen just can't resist. One of ...

... were shocked - shocked! - that the terrace-level rooms were $15 for the two of us. The rooms are basic and the terrace isn't well-maintained, but we walked out of our room to a wide expanse of ocean and a little beach off to the side. Really, the hotel made my week.<br><br>As soon as we checked in we headed back out for Playa Grande, supposedly one of the prettiest beaches in the area. It's hard to know how ...

... 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 ...

... he said, "I don't have the money or the time."  It was maddening.  I truly believe in my heart that this child will not survive this illness, just because of his living situation.  It was difficult to walk away-<br>Please offer your positive thoughts, good karma, prayers, or wishful thinking to this little one tonight.  Maybe they will help.<br>Missing all of you,<br>Love,<br>Lani

We pray for children<br>Who sneak popsicles before supper,<br>Who erase holes in math workbooks,<br>Who can never find their shoes.<br>And we pray for those<br>Who stare at photographers from behind barbed wire,<br>Who can't bound down the street in a new pair of sneakers,<br>Who are born in places we wouldn't be caught dead.<br>We pray for those who never go to the circus,<br>Who live in an X-rated world,<br ...

... pass us by around Thursday afternoon, thanks in advance, Bill.  It rained all night last night, and looks like Thursday will be a wet day as well.  <br>I'm attaching a very recent pic of my little one, taken last week.  I think she's learning to play the piano in my absence, and definitely growing up too fast while mommy is away.<br>Take care.  Hope you are all well-<br>Love,<br>Lani<br> 

... in broken Spanish, I was met with distance and and more of a cold behavior. In the end the people were still nice, just not as pleasant as before. I often felt it was more of an odd curiosity than contempt or fear. Julissa, my teacher, started to explain that on the surface I was able to blend in as Dominican by wearing similar clothes and getting rid of the touristy items but when I spoke the other person immediately knew I wasn't Dominican. Julissa told me in a mix of ...

... in some cities, including Santiago. (They don't hit spectators, except in San Pedro.) This weekend I think we're going to a friend's house in Salsero, which I think might be near Cabarete. I want to go to La Vega on Sunday though... dunno if that'll happen now. Independence Day is coming up Wednesday. It's a huge deal. It's like a big party all over the country. Anyway, I gotta run, I'll try to write again soon!

... an equal emphasis on fun and safety. Students are encouraged to sign up for three to four two hour lessons. The studies begin in the sand, where time is spent learning how to control and fly the wind beaten kite. From here its into the water and, finally onto a board. "I've taught people anywhere from six to seventy years old, so there's no excuse for not trying ...

... away, eating boiled bananas and dreaming about the food you have in front of you. So on that note I am going to end this. I have a new Verizon phone but it is old (it belongeed to a former volunteer) and the antenna doesn't go up so I can't pick up what little Verizon signal there is in my site. The next time I go to the capital I will change it again for another one, so stay tuned for my third new phone number! Take care of yourselves. I miss you! Love, Margaret