Hello!
It’s been a while since I have written anything about my stay in the Dominican Republic (DR) so far so and I figured it was time.
I got here and was picked up by the director of the program at the Santiago, DR airport. I had no problem getting through Dominican customs nor getting my ‘visitors pass’ lol.
Coming out of the airport, I was surprised to see a big crowd of Dominicans behind a gate waiting for relatives to arrive. I felt all the looks and quivered at their stares. Once we met with all the CIEE (study abroad program) students and the program director, I sensed the looks from Dominicans, the group of all women, mostly light skin and blonde, attracted attention. I even heard a comment from some Dominican muchachos (young men) who said “dales la bienvenida” (give them the welcome).
Next we were taken to the university where our host families were waiting for us. Arriving at the university parking lot, I was warmly received by Mercedes M., a super sweet, intelligent and charismatic Dominican muchacha (young woman) who studied at Oxy during the 2008-2009 school year. I often contemplate on how life works in unexpected ways. Who would have thought that one day I would be studying abroad in her city and country just like she did in my native city of Los Angeles. God works in mysterious and amazing ways! Everyday that passes by I think of how blessed I have and continue to be.
My host mom is amiable, caring, talkative, outgoing and very understanding. I have to say that I am definitely grateful and blessed to have been randomly assigned to be her host daughter. She lives with her husband, and nephew. In the house we have three dogs, two of which are adorable, the other is not so friendly.
The house is elegant, very well organized and thoughtfully decorated. It is located in one of the nicest neighborhoods of the city. There is a balcony, 3 or 4 bedrooms, several living rooms, several dining areas, kitchen, an outdoor pool surrounded by a lemon, orange and coco tree. I have my own bedroom in the first floor of the house. The bedroom is well furnished full size (or maybe queen) size bed and my own bathroom, a small desk, a small t.v. and a huge closet. I have a night lamp and a very cute dresser. As you can tell I am very in love with my family, house and room.
I spend a lot of time talking and interacting with my host mom and her nephew. She is everything I wanted and more! I am very excited to spend more time with her and her family for the rest of the semester.
