Santo Domingo

Mom and I arrived in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic today around 3 pm. I was looking out the window as our plane was descending, holding my mouth as I couldn't believe what I was seeing below. If anything I am embarrassed by what I write next, as my American roots and virgin eyes are going to very clearly show.

I have never seen such poverty first hand. The homes have roofs patched together with miscellaneous building material, most buildings looked abandoned without roofs at all, and most streets were not paved. I thought I was coming to a tropical paradise. I was culture shocked before our plane had even landed. We waited about 45 minutes for our bags. As we walked out of the airport, to hopefully find a man holding a sign with our last name, it was like being on the red carpet. You came through the doors and walked down a carpeted path, lined with rails on either side, where people stood packed side by side looking for their loved ones. Phew, man waiting for us and we were off.

Apparently, driving in the Dominican Republic is a free-for-all. By the time we had left the airport parking lot our driver had used his horn enough to wear the dang device out. But it wasn't, and he proceeded to use it 100 more times before we arrived at our final destination. The drive was about 25 minutes and the most eye opening 25 minutes of my life. There wasn't a single street or apartment I saw in which I would have felt safe. People everywhere.. standing around, lots walking the street, and most sitting in chairs around a car repair shop. Lots of car repair shops. Trash blew rampantly throughout the streets and bags cluttered the side walks. Underneath bridges were full of trash and remnants of peoples night stay. Many people own motorcycles and they weave like mad men through traffic. Our drive kept saying "crazy people" as he too weaved and ran lights and stop signs nearly wrecking the car. The only nice buildings in the city were guarded by men with massive machine guns slung around their bodies. Every once in a while I would see a rose bush that wound up the side of a stone wall. Beauty in the midst of what appeared to be chaos. I think I was most amazed at how many people were walking, sitting, or standing around. In the US we don't see that much. Were in our air conditioned office, fenced in back yard, or lounging in the comfort of our home- at least that has been my reality up to this point. There was a young boy sitting on the back of a pickup, cab full of bananas, a little girl about 5 years old riding a bike with her small 3 year old sister clung to her waist standing on the back pegs, boys playing basketball on a street court and little girls playing hackie sack. I can't even recall a memory of mine close to an experience like this. Naturally, I was afraid but excited and stunned at the same time. It's new and so different and not at all what I was expecting.

The unknown and that which you cannot identify with seems to always create discomfort. My hope is that after a little getting used to and adaption, I become more accepting and understanding. The people here are so kind and genuine. I keep asking the question, "Do you like it here in Santo Domingo?" and they keep saying "Yes!". So either they find comfort in what I see as distress.. or they cant understand my spoken english. Either way, first night here and I'm a bit shocked but nonetheless very happy. Cheers to new beginnings and amazing experiences!

I'll write after the New Year! Hope it's a safe and joyful celebration for all.

xo,
L

3 Weeks Away... Hardly prepared.

Finals ended last week and I have finally had time to begin preparing for my trip abroad. I've been waiting months for this time to come. However, I feel stuck in my efforts to prepare. Well, maybe it's just that I don't feel mentally prepared for what is ahead. Since school has ended and I have actually had time on my hands to think about something other than class, anxiety about the trip has been on the rise. And the more I realize I don't know, the more anxious I get. It is hard not to let my mind get away from me. I keep conjuring up these crazy situations I just know will happen to me when I get there.

So I am flying into Copenhagen and have to catch a bus or train to Jonkoping. From there the University will pick me up. Make sure you don't book your plane tickets until you know when the school wants you there. Jonkoping only has pick up service Jan 6-8 and you HAVE to be there by the 9th for mandatory orientation. I had to schedule my ticket leaving AR on the 7th to get there early in the morning on the 8th, catch a bus/train and arrive in time for my 4 o' clock pick up. At this time I will finally be able to see where I'll be living for 6 months. Yea.. they don't tell you until you arrive. I think the majority of my apprehension is wound up in how that first day will unfold. My fear is that I'll arrive in Copenhagen at 7:45 am, not be able to get a ticket for the bus or train, and be wandering around without anyone to help, the school is closed by the time I finally make it, and I'm out on the streets for the night. I'm sure (cross my fingers) it will be smooth and easy. 3 weeks from today I'll be able to tell you how that day pans out. 

I'm putting together a box of clothes, shoes, etc and shipping it to Jonkoping prior to my arrival so I don't have to lug 3 suit cases. As the time gets closer I have also called the Swedish Embassy in DC to check on the status of my passport/student visa. I've called BofA to let them know I'll be traveling out of the country so they'll put notice on my account avoiding my purchases getting blocked and accounts frozen. I added skype to my computer as well as family members accounts so we can keep in touch while I'm gone. I still need to learn the basics about Swedish money and maybe a few words in Swedish just in case. 

Other than that, just keeping an open heart and open mind. I know stressing and anticipating don't help. I can feel that this trip is going to influence my future path profoundly. Of course big change is intimidating, but avoiding it is even scarier to me. I can't wait! :)

-L