We're coming up on our 4 year anniversary here in the DR and I thought I'd share a few observations:
1. I now think of the ultimate breakfast to consist of yucca and fried pork chops.
2. When I go back to the States I no longer feel that I'm home, that would be in Santiago where my three daughters are.
3. I look forward to going out in town as I might meet an acquaintance and have a nice conversation. On the contrary, if I see an acquaintance back in the States anymore if they don't run and hide first they seem too busy to talk.
4. I can't stand the cold and I get a cold every time I come back from the States. I don't mind being a little bit on the sweaty side anymore, even when I go to bed. I seem to sleep better.
5. In spite of my many faux pauxs, I'm learning the cultural do's and don't here and a lot of it finally understand (not all though).
6. Compared to many Dominicans my Spanish is mediocre but anymore people don't seem to have a problem with it. Best is the "Dominican eye squint" is only used at a minimum.
7. I used to think the Appalachian mountains were the prettiest area I've seen but I've become fond of the Dominican countryside with it's green pastures, plantain and large palm trees.
8. Driving is still an adventure but I think I've adapted as well as anybody can, incl Dominicans. At least I'm getting better at not being personally offended when somebody pulls right in front of me unexpectedly.
9. Dominican politics makes me nauseous, but then again I don't feel so good anymore about the politics back in the States.
10. I've become accustomed to thinking this will be our final stop and that my girls may live here when they are adults (if that is what they want.)
1. I now think of the ultimate breakfast to consist of yucca and fried pork chops.
2. When I go back to the States I no longer feel that I'm home, that would be in Santiago where my three daughters are.
3. I look forward to going out in town as I might meet an acquaintance and have a nice conversation. On the contrary, if I see an acquaintance back in the States anymore if they don't run and hide first they seem too busy to talk.
4. I can't stand the cold and I get a cold every time I come back from the States. I don't mind being a little bit on the sweaty side anymore, even when I go to bed. I seem to sleep better.
5. In spite of my many faux pauxs, I'm learning the cultural do's and don't here and a lot of it finally understand (not all though).
6. Compared to many Dominicans my Spanish is mediocre but anymore people don't seem to have a problem with it. Best is the "Dominican eye squint" is only used at a minimum.
7. I used to think the Appalachian mountains were the prettiest area I've seen but I've become fond of the Dominican countryside with it's green pastures, plantain and large palm trees.
8. Driving is still an adventure but I think I've adapted as well as anybody can, incl Dominicans. At least I'm getting better at not being personally offended when somebody pulls right in front of me unexpectedly.
9. Dominican politics makes me nauseous, but then again I don't feel so good anymore about the politics back in the States.
10. I've become accustomed to thinking this will be our final stop and that my girls may live here when they are adults (if that is what they want.)