Vida en la Republica Dominica

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

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