Yesterday was a long day of traveling...luckily for me I did NOT toss my cookies on the plane like I thought I was going to! On my first leg of the trip from RDU to Fort Lauderdale I sat beside a little girl named Bella who did all but talk my ear completely off...but she was SO sweet and cute and her mom didn't seem to mind that I was keeping her occupied. Poor woman with esa platicadora, her other young daughter, and a 9 month old in her arms she was probably all but completely stressed out. Come to find out they were all on their way to Santo Domingo as well and I saw them numerous other times throughout the trip. After arriving safely at the airport I made my way to the hostel in the colonial district of town. It is a beautiful place with an odd admixture of Spanish, Portuguese, and African cultures, as well as other cultural influences. The architecture and the overall vibe of the place makes me feel as if I were in a Mexican town, but the climate and the scenery makes me reminisce of my short time spent in Jamaica. The best of both worlds harmoniously overlapping one another. I wasn't long for the world last night since I was completely pooped after my long day of traveling so I went to bed pretty early at around 8:30 after venturing to the roof-top restaurant for some Lebanese food?? Yes!! It was delicious! I had a Falafel wrap and enjoyed some conversation with one of the workers named Vergílio (think I spelled that right). Everyone here has been so welcoming and friendly so far with huge smiles and outstretched arms! I have met some truly wonderful people so far...including the owner's 4 year old son who informed me last night that we are to be married today. Haha! Ladies' man! He now calls me his "preciosa"! A true cutie pie!
This morning I had my first "Dominican" breakfast which wasn't that extravagant...but nonetheless delicioso! Fresh papaya, mango, plátano, some super strong (but amazing) coffee, and toast with some type of pineapple jelly that I swear could have been made in heaven...so sweet! So far so good! I have been out exploring the "centro" and have seen La Catedral Primada de América (the first church to be built in the "new world"), a few statues, one being of Christopher Columbus, and a few other old structures such as the ruins of the oldest hospital built in the "new world". Other than the often pesky tour operators that don't want to accept the fact that some visitors just want to roam the streets and explore the area by themselves, the people and the atmosphere are very inviting. I am now cooling off in the room from the hellish humidity outside and getting ready to go out for a second round of adventure. I think this time I will explore the oldest military fort built in the "new world" and then find somewhere cheap to do what I do best...EAT! ¡Hasta pronto!
Follow me in learning the new Dominican dialect!!!
my newest world: "vaina" = nuisance
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