Barcelo Capella Beach Resort - All Inclusive Juan Dolio

... that there were sure to be a few hiccups along the way to being settled, the first being the lack of furniture. I did have a bed and kitchen table, as well as a small table set for my balcony. However, that was all there was at first - oh, and a dresser. I did make some calls and visits and inquiries, and I was assured that more furniture would be delivered "tomorrow" (mañana). And of course, we ALL know what "mañana" really means ...

Fui a ir en el autobus a la Romana. Fui a ver los edificios de viejo. Fui a comprar en la comercial de la Romana. Fui a comer en los restaurantes bien. Fui a comer chuleta al carbon. Fue muy bien. Fui a quidar en Hotel Casa del Mar. Fui a sacar muchos fotos por el ciudad.

... and I and a few of the students went out to the highway to wait for the bus. When it arrived, the students were all chasing it, and the high school students got off and gathered around to listen to the teacher's welcome and information about the batey. These high school students had never seen a batey before, as they come from a rather rich city far from the sugar cane fields. They were polite and gracious, and were very interested to see the ...

... She feels that it was just an unfortunate series of events that led to this guy thinking she wasn't going to pay him, and her showing up at the wrong time in the wrong place. Everyone in the community knows her - rich or poor - and they all have the utmost respect for her. So, because of this incident, she had many many medical bills and expenses...and now has no money left of her previous fortune. So, between her and her husband, they each have a ...

... the Dominican equivalent of Wal-Mart. I was interested to see what this would be like, and it was sort of like Wal-Mart, just very down-scaled. I wanted to get some picture frames, blank CDs, and print off a few pictures to give to my family. This was the mission... I decided to start with the pictures, and I was happy to discover that there was an instant digital print kiosk, but it did not appear to be working. The guy behind the desk said something ...

... and positive these students are, and I wish more than anything that all students at home could see how these children live, so that they would realize how lucky they all are in comparison, and be thankful for all that they have. Even the poorest that we can think of at home are rich compared to these people. I have much admiration and respect for these students, as they are faced with more adversity than one ca imagine, and yet they come to ...

... and lounge here, just make sure to order some drinks and food. They brought our "Ron Ponch," a delicious tropical fruit punch mixed with Dominican rum, and fish ceviche to our swings out on the beach! Juan and I lounged on comfy sunbeds that were actually big swinging beds that day. I enjoyed sitting in the shallow water relaxing and Juan went for a horseback ride along the beach. It was heaven!

... then dried off and ate some lunch. A few other Peace Corps Volunteers met me at the beach so I ditched the Dominicans and kicked it with my American chronies for the remainder of the day, oblivious to everyone else's situation. At dusk people slowly started making their way back to busses and we started the long drive home. Here's where the story really starts rolling.... There were two busses. The first bus was full of families and younger kids. I went on this one. The ...

... if they have one. They bath and clean the horse and put their best saddles on so that they can ride them through the town with the hour has come to do so. I went with some people from my community and met up with a couple of other volunteers. There were so many people and so many horses. I have never seen such a display. There was dancing, food, and of course drinking. When the people start riding and mounting the horse, if you know someone who has a horse you ...

... and then split and so one with the next person. It is nice because everyone seems to try and be on the same level. It is also interesting that when the lights go out during the night conversations do not stop until there is a break and then someone get a candle and then the conversation continues. Well, I have two weeks left in CBT, but then we go back to the capital and get ready to swear the day before thanksgiving. I have to go, but by for now. P.S. Thanks for the letters so far (Bammel)