Montame
This little phrase has a double meaning down here. It's either a greeting between good friends or it's well... you can figure the other one out.
19.01.2007
I've been here in the DR for two weeks now. Each day this country suprises me more. The hospitality of people is simply amazing. It's not an inconvience for people to stop what they are doing and just chat, or perhaps give you a ride, etc. Don't worry, I'm not getting into cars with creepers.
When I explored the city last Friday I had my first casino experience. I sat at a blackjack table with two other students (the Laird brothers). For my first time at the tables, I didn't fare too badly. Even though I had no clue what was going on, etc., I ended up winning 700 pesos (which is about $22 American dollars).
Classes started on Monday. I survived the first week. However, the school experience is going to be drastically different here. I have a lot of reading to do (mucho, mucho) and service is required for one of our classes. I am doing service at a nursing home called Hospicio. It's a place where people with no family or money come to die with dignity. It's going to challenge me because death is not one of my favorite topics. However, the people there are so excited to see us. I have slowly come to recognize the importance of touch. Even though we may not be able to communicate in the spoken word, we can still share our presence, which in and of itself may be enough.
I can tell that I am improving slowly in my speaking abilities because I am frequently slaughtering English. Great... I can't speak in either language now. I am really enjoying the life here. The community is great. I do miss home every now and then. I know I'm missing out on things back home and at Creighton. I hope you all are enjoying your second semester. I'm sending good wishes your way.
"If you wish to know God, give yourself away." Himes
Peace.
P.S. - I have posted pictures. Just click on my name in the right hand column. You can see a preview of the DR there.
Kate
Posted by kam85913 14:15 Archived in Dominican Republic
Macan Bacon! Hey I'm so glad to hear that you're having a good time down there. I've worked in a nursing home before too and I definately understnad their excitement at new friendly faces and you are definately a fun friendly person to have around. Good luck retaining your enlgish skills, my sister spent a year in Germany and still messes the two languages up, lol. We're going to order new crew shirts soon, would you like me to get you one? I hope that you do really well in school and enjoy the time you have there, eat a taco or something ethnic for me :-) Keep that smile on your face, you rock!
Susan
21.01.2007 by sds78553