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
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