Tuesday - Travel Home and Our Final Thoughts

Tuesday was the end of our week in the Dominican Republic.  We were all sad to leave our new friends, but anxious to tell our family and friends at home about our Dominican adventures.  While we were waiting to board our plane, we had time to complete our evaluations of this 4-H program.  

Here are some answers to a few of the evaluation questions.

The best parts of the trip for me were:

    -The Day Camp and getting to know the campers.  I enjoyed seeing how happy they were and how they made the best out of the little things.

    - The service work because I liked helping the community.

    -The relationships and bonding between us Americans and the Dominicans.

    -Spending time with the kids, trying new food and learning more Spanish.

    -I really enjoyed learning about the culture at the Dominican Republic.  I loved being able to make new friends and memories that will last a lifetime in only just a week.

The most important thing I learned this week about myself:

    -Is that people will accept you for who you are.  I can openly be myself without feeling shame.

    -How lucky I am.

    -There is always something good in difficult situations.

    -I can make new friends even with a language barrier.

    -That I need to stop taking everything for granted.

    -That I am more capable than I expected in a new country and I can find friends where I least expect.

    -Is to appreciate what I have and that I don't need much to be happy.

    -Is that I am very privileged. 

The most important things I learned this week about Dominican culture:  

    -Is that they like to dance.

    -They are one big family and very nice people.

    -Happiness doesn't come from objects, and sometimes you just need to stop and dance.

    -It is much different from the US, but we need to respect it.

    -Merengue, Bachata, plantains, Spanish and KINDNESS.

    -That they have an amazing culture.  I learned to embrace their culture to fully allow myself to understand and enjoy their country.

The most important things I learned this week about speaking Spanish:  

    -It's ok to say something wrong and learn new things.

    -Try your best.  Even though it is hard, try.

    -Most people here are understanding when it comes to speaking.

    -Is that I knew more than I thought.

    -They speak fast.  It is hard to keep up sometimes.

    -I need to practice more, especially phrases that are used alot.

    

    

Monday - Snorkeling and Free Time

So, today, Monday, was basically our free day. We had the delicious breakfast that they offer at The Westin. I had Chocolate Caliente, (Hot Chocolate) and it was amazing. It was so rich and creamy and not too sweet, which is how I like mine. We left at 8 to go snorkeling. I saw so many cool fish and coral reefs! We also stopped in shallow water, and we found a lot of shells underwater. The captain of the boat and the “crew” of the boat taught us Dominican line dances ON A BOAT, and that was so much fun as well! We had the afternoon to rest and relax, and I definitely took advantage of that. 

We went to dinner at 6, at a place called Vale Valentina, in the Punta Cana Village, and got to have one last meal with the Dominican Teens, who we have really bonded with during this week. I had a really fun time today and this week! I have strengthened my Spanish skills a lot and learned so much more about Dominican culture. I am so appreciative that I was able to go, and I hope to come back sometime in the future!!

 Cash Chambers, Highland County

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Today we all went snorkeling.  I can say for the sake of the group that we had a great time.  Our challenges for today were swallowing ocean water, sunburn, and other minor stuff.  However, the positives massively outweigh the negatives.  Some of us found old bottle caps and shells in the ocean.  Others just enjoyed the company of friends.  There was a guy on our boat who showed us a dance.  It was so fun.  In conclusion, today was a good day.

Nolan Rosales, Alleghany County

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Today we went snorkeling with the Blue Marine company and learned Dominican dances and showed some American dances to the boat staff.  We saw many different types of fish and rays and most of us got pretty burnt.  We got our own chances to haggle at some smaller shops near the boat company.  We got a little lost on the way back to the hotel and then had to pack quickly.  We then went out with some Dominican teens to a restaurant called Vale Valentina and had a family style meal, all coordinated by our Dominican friend, Paul.

Cora Hodges, Alleghany County

Sunday - Higuey

Today we had the great opportunity to go visit the farmers market and the shops. We had the chance to go outside of our comfort zones and see how they get their fresh meat along with other things. As for the shops we got to see how bartering looks in real life. We also had a very tasty meal in the countryside just outside of Higuey at the home of Wellinton's brother and their father. The family was very welcoming to us and even gave us a tour of their garden along with letting us try multiple fresh fruits they grew, including mangoes.  

Chloe Keplinger, Augusta County

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Today we had the experience of seeing the markets in the DR. It was very cool to see how the markets are run and what they do! We also went to the Basilica, Our Lady of Altagracia, and it was beautiful from the outside and the inside! The best part of today was getting to see all the shops and get to buy things we could take home as memories! The lunch was amazing and getting to see the DR culture combine with the USA culture and learn the Dominican dances of Merengue and Bachata together! it was so cool to see how they do things here through out the week and it has been one of the best weeks ever! 

Reagan Gwaltney, Augusta County