Vida en la Republica Dominica

Hola todos.

After a small hang up in Miami, I arrived to the DR on January 8th. My flight was delayed in Chicago and I missed the connection flight from Miami. The Dominican Republic is truly a beautiful country. The colors are very vibrant and there are palm trees everywhere. The DR is of course a third world country, however it is developing quite rapidly. I am slowly getting oriented to the city of Santiago and with the natives. Here people with very pale skin are called "gringos," and since myself and the 15 other students usually travel together I imagine we are quite a sight to behold. The people are quite friendly and for the post part are very patient as a struggle to communicate with them. Understanding the spanish comes much easier to me than actually speaking the language. Public transportation is the way to get around in Santiago, so we are expected to become pretty independent... eventually. I'm a little nervous about getting lost, but I am sure that in time I will learn the city well. The streets in the DR are always busy and it seems to me that most rules that govern driving as we Americans know it are optional. Drivers are constantly cutting other drivers off and it is normal to smash seven or eight people into a tiny Toyota car. "Guaguas" are also a common way to get around in Santiago. Guaguas are small toyota vans that take people in and out of the city. A guagua might have 20 or 25 people smashed inside. The rides are quite entertaining although.
It feels as though I have been here for several weeks, when in reality it has only been several days. However, I'm still a little uneasy and definately feeling the culture shock. Sometimes the experiences are overwhelming, not to mention I am learning another language. Although, everything will come together in time. I am going to try and enjoy my company now and maybe even hit up a discoteca tonight. Tomorrow we're going to spend the day at the beach.

Hasta luego mis amigos!
Muchos besos (many kisses)
Kate