For the first time traveling internationally completely by myself, all went smoothly. Carlos, husband of Monica, the hotel manager, waited for me outside of customs to bring me to the hotel, set right inside the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo, the first city of the New World. Cristopher Columbus' mansion is within sight of the balcony. This is the same place I had stayed when I arrived in the country for the first time two summers ago, to start my study abroad program, and the memories came flooding back. A lot has changed, especially with the restoration and construction project going on, but so much has remained as it was two years ago.
After resting in the capital, I got on the gaugua (bus) to Jarabacoa. We stopped in La Vega to switch buses, since ours had automatic transmission, which would never make it up the mountain to Jarabacoa. It was such a comforting feeling recognizing the way, the buildings, and, especially, being able to navigate for my taxi driver from the bus stop to my host family's home across the city. I didn't know their address, but I at least remembered my way from landmarks.
My host sister, father, little brothers (six and almost three years old), with other relatives, were there to welcome me back home. Estaban esperándome con brazos abiertos. Su hijo ha vuelto. (They were waiting for me with open arms. Their son had returned.) They had made me a poster, hung over my bed and decorated with balloons, welcoming me back: "Bienvenido tu hogar, Ryan. De Marcos, Carlos, Carmen, Victor y Landy." That really meant so much to me. It was great being able to see them once again, with Marcos having counted down the days until my arrival and Carlos running around with his fire truck, and sharing café (coffee) de Santo Domingo with my host aunt and uncle.
The food was as rich I remember ... rice, beans, tostones, fried sweet plantains, beef, mangu, eggs and salami. Mi papá had climbed the corrugated metal rooftop to collect the cherries that mi hermana made juice from for dinner. I gifted the boys some various candies, gum, toys, and some science-related treats and presents ... astronaut ice cream, a slime-making kit, magic towels, and space sand. I'm looking forward to teaching them how to play the Uno game I brought for them and wait unti mi mamá returns from visiting her daughter and grandson in the capital to do the slime kit and space sand. Marcos and Carlos are excited to wear their new matching Michigan shirts with me, too! I brought a little of the UP with me - Keweenaw Peninsula blueberry jam, maple syrup, and my favorite orange honey.
It's good to be back. Estoy en mi hogar. Hasta la próxima.
After resting in the capital, I got on the gaugua (bus) to Jarabacoa. We stopped in La Vega to switch buses, since ours had automatic transmission, which would never make it up the mountain to Jarabacoa. It was such a comforting feeling recognizing the way, the buildings, and, especially, being able to navigate for my taxi driver from the bus stop to my host family's home across the city. I didn't know their address, but I at least remembered my way from landmarks.
My host sister, father, little brothers (six and almost three years old), with other relatives, were there to welcome me back home. Estaban esperándome con brazos abiertos. Su hijo ha vuelto. (They were waiting for me with open arms. Their son had returned.) They had made me a poster, hung over my bed and decorated with balloons, welcoming me back: "Bienvenido tu hogar, Ryan. De Marcos, Carlos, Carmen, Victor y Landy." That really meant so much to me. It was great being able to see them once again, with Marcos having counted down the days until my arrival and Carlos running around with his fire truck, and sharing café (coffee) de Santo Domingo with my host aunt and uncle.
The food was as rich I remember ... rice, beans, tostones, fried sweet plantains, beef, mangu, eggs and salami. Mi papá had climbed the corrugated metal rooftop to collect the cherries that mi hermana made juice from for dinner. I gifted the boys some various candies, gum, toys, and some science-related treats and presents ... astronaut ice cream, a slime-making kit, magic towels, and space sand. I'm looking forward to teaching them how to play the Uno game I brought for them and wait unti mi mamá returns from visiting her daughter and grandson in the capital to do the slime kit and space sand. Marcos and Carlos are excited to wear their new matching Michigan shirts with me, too! I brought a little of the UP with me - Keweenaw Peninsula blueberry jam, maple syrup, and my favorite orange honey.
It's good to be back. Estoy en mi hogar. Hasta la próxima.