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| By: Alexandria Rogers |
InteRDom Correspondent, Alexandria, has completed three years of her Bachelor's degree in Sports Administration and Spanish at the University of Miami,
Florida. She is participating in the 2013 10-week Caribbean Summer
Program. You can read more about Alexandria and her participation in the
Correspondent Program here.
With a little less than two weeks left in the country, I cannot believe my time here has gone by so quickly! While I am excited to see my friends and family again in the US, I cannot help but feel sad to have to leave the friends that I have met here, socially and at work, and this beautiful country that has been my home for the past 10 weeks. It feels like just yesterday I landed and was full of excitement on the way to my new apartment. Now, I am trying to take advantage of the time I have left and experience more.
This past weekend, two friends and I ventured to Cabarete and Imbert. We took Caribe Tours, the Dominican version of the US Megabus, which was a pretty relaxing long ride. Cabarete is a small ocean town on the north side of the country. The beach there is lined with restaurants and as you look out into the ocean you can see the many kite and wind surfers. We also stayed at a cute local hostel for only $20 (breakfast and dinner included). I will never forget Cabarete because it was the place where I took my first ride on a motoconcho*! Riding a motoconcho in “el campo” (definitely not in the city) was one of the last things on my to-do list, and I was so excited that I got to ride one! My friends were telling me that as they passed me by, all they saw was a big smile on my face. After staying the night in Cabarete, it was now time to go to Imbert.
Imbert is a mountain town in the north of the country. We traveled for about an hour in a guagua that was meant for 12 passengers but at one point, there were definitely 25 people inside! Once we arrived in Imbert, we then went to 27 charcos, which is an adventure tour that has 27 waterfalls and people are guided through them. After getting our life vests and helmets, my friends and I were introduced to our 17 year old tour guide. He guided us through the forest and after eating mangos and an hour of walking we arrived at our first waterfall. You could either slide down or jump off a pretty steep cliff, and even though I do not like heights, I decided to jump. I was so scared but I was so happy I did it. My friends and I completed the 12 waterfall tour and it was definitely an experience that other people should do! After our lunch buffet at 27 charcos, it was then time to head back to Imbert…which means…motoconcho time! I loved riding through the countryside!
As we arrived in Puerto Plata to return home, our weekend getaway came to an end.
*Neither the InteRDom program nor its parents institutions, GFDD and FUNGLODE, promote the use of motor-taxis or "motoconchos" as a form of transportation. Students are informed as to the risks of riding these vehicles both before departure and during their orientation to the program, and understand that in riding them they are doing so at their own risk.*
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| By: Kim Sanchez |
InteRDom Correspondent, Kim, has completed three years of her Bachelor's degree in Film and Video at the Visual Arts College at the University of Toledo in Ohio. She is participating in the 2013 10-week Caribbean Summer Program. You can read more about Kim and her participation in the Correspondent Program here.
Two weeks ago, Ikenna and I took a spur-of-the-moment excursion to Los Tres Ojos, a beautiful cave with three underground lakes. There, we practiced our photography skills and took some cool long exposures in the dark. Next, we bartered for some cool gifts for our families. Then, I called a taxi to bring us to our final destination, Agora Mall. After waiting some time without any sign of the cab, a man on a motorbike* offered us a ride. After some "serious contemplation" of the inherent risks of the situation, Ikenna and I shrugged our shoulders and excitedly mounted the bike. Zooming down the street was thrilling! We dodged traffic a little too close for comfort, especially for Ikenna and his long legs that were sticking out. To sum up my feelings about the experience, I am currently searching online for motorbikes to purchase in Toledo… I'm so glad our taxi never came!
On the 10th, I was lucky enough to enjoy my birthday in the DR. I'm sure others were annoyed that I invited Hurricane Chantal to my party, but I was ecstatic to finally have an excuse to stay in my pajamas and watch movies ALL DAY.
Later that week, our group had plans to watch a play. Although I wanted to go, I wasn't feeling well and at the last minute I decided to stay in. Next thing I know, Ines is calling me…
"Kim!! You need to come downstairs. Loriel needs to talk to us, I think we're in trouble."
And me, recollecting of all the mischief we have got into so far, anxiously entered the room.
To my sweet surprise, I found Loriel waiting with a cake to celebrate mine and Ikenna's birthdays! The InteRDom staff is so thoughtful. Who knew that cake was the perfect remedy and I could attend the play after all.
Last weekend was super crazy. We all went out to celebrate Ikenna's and we had a lot of fun, consequently, I could barely get myself out of bed early the next morning for our InteRDom excursion to Cuevas de las Maravillas, a super cool cave with preserved Taino drawings.
I slept the entire way, the type of sleep that feels like time traveling. But I was wide awake as soon as I discovered how magnificent the cave was. It felt holy, like a great cathedral. Next stop was Altos de Chavon, the most beautiful campus I have ever seen. I took tons of photos and I think I will try and take a course there some day. We enjoyed a lovely lunch at La Cantina. I ordered a chicken crepe - a dish I loved so much, I went home and recreated it.
Immediately after returning from our day trip, Ines and I quickly changed and headed to Estadio Olímpico for the Telemicro Concert featuring Daddy Yankee, the love of my life. I was in the right place at the right time and scored free VIP passes at work - which I was super stoked about. We had some trouble at the gate bringing our purses in. So we threw them into a tree and then joined the giant mass of dancing people. It was crazy, I had the best time. Fortunately, our purses remained untouched in the tree.
Ines and I returned from the concert at 4am. We had heard that a tour group was on their way to Bahia de las Aguilas at 5am. So we had just enough time to shower, eat, and meet up with them. Since we had not slept in two days, we passed out hard on the bus… more "time traveler’s sleep". It was cute, Ines and I took turns waking one another after falling asleep in a super uncomfortable position on the bus. I had no idea that we would be so close to Haiti. We stopped by the border, and I purchased some Barbancourt rum! Finally, we arrived at the restaurant, enjoyed a lovely buffet, and then hopped on a boat ride to the beach. The water felt wonderful, and it was SO WORTH the exhaustion of two days without sleep!
I've had so many adventures in such a short amount of time. My favorite part is that most of those experiences were impromptu, and required me to just go with the flow and see where it took me. If I have learned anything about traveling abroad, it is that you have to have an open mind. The best experiences happen when you least expect it, so take every opportunity to encounter something new.
*Neither the
InteRDom program nor its parent institutions, GFDD and FUNGLODE, promote
the use of motor-taxis or "motoconchos" as a form of transportation.
Students are informed as to the risks of riding these vehicles both
before departure and during their orientation to the program, and
understand that in riding them they are doing so at their own risk.*
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| By: Ikenna Okoro |
InteRDom Correspondent, Ikenna, has recently completed his undergraduate studies in Biology at the University of Miami, Florida and is participating in the 2013 10-week Graduate and Gap Year Program. You can read more about Ikenna and his participation in the Correspondent Program here.
Outside of work there are many opportunities for enjoying oneself and self growth. For example...
Learning how to cook...
(I gave some to our security guards of the apartment and they were not impressed. If you don't know how to cook, trust me its fine, your roommates can teach you. Oh and FYI, this was my first time cooking rice, I'm a little bit better now.)
Learning how to ride animals...
(I met him on an InteRDom excursion to the beautiful Altos de Chavon.)
Learning how to hold balloons...
(One of the interesting sights at the closest beach, Boca Chica)
The DR has it all.
InteRDom Correspondent, Carlos, has completed three years of his Bachelor's degree in
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| By: Carlos Gonzalez |
Political Science at St. Peter's University in New Jersey. He is participating in the 2013 10-week Caribbean Summer Program. You can read more about Carlos and his participation in the Correspondent Program here.
All the sunny days, beautiful weather, and delicious food have almost come to an end. I can only wish for more time, but my home calls me. This experience has taught me plenty about living, studying and working abroad. All I can say is; I cannot wait to do it again. As it is my first time living abroad on my own, I have learned more than just basic living skills. I have broadened my knowledge of Spanish, grew accustomed to Dominican culture, and have developed a stronger work ethic. Through my internship at INTEC, I have expanded my knowledge on environmental issues and policy.
I was able to follow and be mentored by my boss, Dr. Yolanda Leon. She has taught me a great deal about environmental studies as well as her passion for conservation. Dr. Leon’s work is well-known throughout the Dominican Republic, as she has fought to maintain the forests for its rich biodiversity that contributes to Hispaniola. She has also taught me the importance of the government’s role in fostering environmental awareness in the community.
Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh once wrote “...forests are our lungs outside our bodies.” This powerful quote highlights nature’s vital role in sustaining human life. We cannot live without our biosphere because we are interconnected. Just as Dr. Leon fights for this right, it is important for the rest of us to become aware of this reality and fight for our planet as well.
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| By: Giselle Deñó |
InteRDom Correspondent, Giselle, has completed the first year of her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science at Sciences Po, Reims, France. She is participating in the 2013 10-week Dominican International Student Program. You can read more about Giselle and her participation in the Correspondent Program here.
It is the age of questioning and preoccupation for the future, the age of contestation of authority. We breathe politics through media and technology, and news travel in the twinkling of an eye, faster than we can digest all the information. Our generation is destined to reinvent positions, to be cynical of traditional political orders; but worry not, it is not a crisis of democracy I’m describing, but on the contrary, we are witnesses of the perfect context in which democracy can thrive through the voices of the youth who participate more and more through unconventional ways. Governments are obliged to open the door to the public and ready or not, here we come. My internship in the House of Representatives is exactly that. I was given the opportunity to participate in, rather observe and listen carefully, ardent political debates and other processes that conform the life of legislation in my country.
The House of Representatives of the Dominican Republic is an undecipherable maze I was put in, a bureaucratic organism full of departments and busy schedules. I have gotten lost not once or twice, but innumerable times. The first week of my internship I was given a tour around this huge building and I stood amazed by the magnitude of the paintings of ex-presidents and important political legislators that hanged on the walls. My first day was spectacular. I shook hands and presented myself as the new intern while others explained to me their career trajectories as deputies or lawyers. I was sure it was the beginning of a good and endurable experience in my life.
Day two, I’m put in the Legislative Audit Department where they already have an office prepared for me, Dominican Republic’s Constitution, the House of Representative’s Regulation, notepad, pen and pencil. I believe the fear and intimidation could be easily perceived as coming out of every pore in my body but I tried by best to keep my composure and pretend like I knew what I was doing. But whom am I fooling? First thing it occurred to my boss was to give me, a complete law amateur, a bill of law that had just passed in Congress and ask me to verify the whole record as to identify any type of anomalies or disjunctions with the Constitution, and if the due process and rules were followed. All I can say is that that day I left at 7p.m when I was actually supposed to leave at 4p.m.
The fact that I’m able to see zoomed in the way laws are being made each day in my country means that transparency is definitely taking place. Even though the international community is sure that Latin America is a cradle for corruption and deficient governmental powers, as an intern of one of the most important institutions in my country I can say that we’re advancing at a steady pace towards a good place. Everyday I come to work happy because I know that this famous “rule of law” does exist and no one is above it; we’re mandated to be meticulous and rigorous about our reports corresponding every resolution or bill that passes our hands. I’m able to read about what will be implemented in my country, how this will affect the population and be already prepared mentally and informed about it. Knowledge is the key to a transparent democracy and it can only be gathered if we look for it in the right places.
InteRDom Correspondent, Alexandria, has completed three years of her Bachelor's degree
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| By: Alexandria Rogers |
in Sports Administration and Spanish at the University of Miami, Florida. She is participating in the 2013 10-week Caribbean Summer Program. You can read more about Alexandria and her participation in the Correspondent Program here.
These past 2 weeks since my last blog post have definitely been busy, both at work and socially. I am continuing to enjoy my time here and cannot wait for more that is to come!
Last Monday, the San Diego Padres hosted a community event in Najayo, Dominican Republic. With the help of the community department of the MLB office in Santo Domingo, with whom I am interning, and the Real American Foundation, based out of Miami, Florida, 100 families were given clothes, shoes and other helpful supplies. Najayo is a small, poorer community in the mountains very close to the coast of the island about an hour west of Santo Domingo. I previously visited the same area to tour the San Diego Padres academy and have a meeting with community leaders but this was my first time interacting with the people of the small town. Now let's go back to the event which was perfect! The Padres academy is beautiful and even though it was hot, the nice ocean breeze seemed to cool things off. There was a multitude of people who received items and it was great to see the smiles on their faces and how eager or terrified the children were to take a picture with Boli, the MLB Education mascot. Some of the Padres players even took time after their game to help distribute items and take pictures with the families. For me, it was probably the largest community event that I have helped out with. At least 500 or more people were in attendance and after the day was done I definitely felt happy that I was able to work this event and give back to the people of Najayo.
This past week, in terms of weather, has definitely been...how do I say...weird! First, there was Tropical Storm Chantal. Since most of the year I live in Miami, this was definitely not a concern for me. Instead of the storm I was actually worried more about 1) if I had to go to work, and 2) if I did, how was I going to get there especially since taxis in the rain are impossible to get and swimming through the flooded streets of Santo Domingo to get a carro publico was definitely not an option for me. Luckily, I did not have to go to work so I stayed home and...slept, watched the rain, ate, watched a movie and more rain, and by the end of the day I was so bored and feeling trapped in my apartment without the option of leaving. Besides giving me a cold, Chantal calmly passed through and I thought weather and natural disaster worries were over until...Monday, when a 5.1 earthquake hit a northern part of the island and remnants were definitely felt in the capital. Sitting in my desk and hearing someone say, "we are shaking", did not really phase me and I definitely did not think earthquake. Well, it was, and after turning on the news we were all stunned at what just happened. I have never been in an earthquake and never thought DR was the place to experience one. I mean, who gets a tropical storm and an earthquake within 5 days?! Dominican Republic.
InteRDom Correspondent, Ikenna, has recently completed his undergraduate studies in
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| By: Ikenna Okoro |
Biology at the University of Miami, Florida and is participating in the 2013 10-week Graduate and Gap Year Program. You can read more about Ikenna and his participation in the Correspondent Program here.
My second internship is with Aprendiendo a Vivir (AAV), an organization dedicated to teaching kids with diabetes how to manage their condition. In order to achieve this goal, AAV leads camps for these children with the help of an organization called Ayuda. Ayuda is composed of students from the United States and Canada and has the same goals as AAV.
During two weekends we conducted classes and activities for the kids. I worked with the teenage group of kids. It was fun working with the students of Ayuda to plan events. We incorporated nutrition, exercise, how to use insulin, and other advice into all of our activities. I have never worked with kids like this before and I had an amazing time. Not only did I get an opportunity to practice working with patients, but I also believe the kids learned lessons and had fun experiences that they will never forget.
Saying bye to the kids at the end of each weekend was difficult because I will have to wait a year before I could possibly see them again. Despite this difficulty, the experience was powerful for me because I witnessed all of these strong children managing their condition with a smile. It shows me that I have to be proud of the opportunities and difficulties that I have, and that with a positive attitude, no problem is too difficult to overcome.
InteRDom Correspondent, Kim, has completed three years of her Bachelor's degree in Film
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| By: Kim Sanchez |
and Video at the Visual Arts College at the University of Toledo in Ohio. She is participating in the 2013 10-week Caribbean Summer Program. You can read more about Kim and her participation in the Correspondent Program here.
We went to Constanza on Sunday for a three mile hike and it was the best time! I had so much fun. I love hiking and being outdoors, but I made sure to shower myself with mosquito repellent first. I love mountains. I never see them back home. Some day I will climb taller mountains, but this was a nice day trip.
I've been filming lately. Last Friday I accompanied Krysta to an fundraising event for her internship with TECHO. Then Monday I accompanied Alex to her internship with MLB for another charity event. It was a pleasure to watch these girls in action, taking initiative, and doing their part to make a difference. It was not difficult to collect a lot of footage from these events. I'm glad that our internships are mobilizing us and allowing us to interact with so many interesting people.
Work is keeping me busy. No matter where I go, or how hard I try I always adopt a bad habit I like to call "editor's sleep". It's when I get so immersed in my video projects that I stay up all night editing and take short naps while footage is rendering. I thought that working a 9 to 5 internship would correct my insomnia, but no luck. It's not very healthy, but I do it because I love doing it. Making videos take a lot out of me, but it's only to satisfy this intense urge to create something. And how could I resist when there are so many opportunities to capture beauty in this country?
Please enjoy these photos from our hiking trip!
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| By: Carlos Gonzalez |
InteRDom Correspondent, Carlos, has completed three years of his Bachelor's degree in Political Science at St. Peter's University in New Jersey. He is participating in the 2013 10-week Caribbean Summer Program. You can read more about Carlos and his participation in the Correspondent Program here.
Santo Domingo has offered me a wide range of fun experiences. I am amazed by the city’s lively nightlife, great restaurants and an unlimited option of malls on all corners of the city. There is definitely something to be said about the economic flow occurring in Santo Domingo. But as I am witnessing the perks of Santo Domingo residents, I am also witnessing the contrast with the Dominican Republic’s “el Sur” (which is what Dominicans call the southwest of the country).
On my trip to Independencia and Bahoruco Provinces to do research for my internship, I saw many small rural communities near the border that are drastically different from the capital. Some of these communities have been self-sufficient in providing themselves with proper nutrition, health, harvesting their own food and cattle, and building their own houses,while other communities surrounding Lake Enriquillo lack all of the above, especially those communities that have suffered the most from the lake’s growth.
Houses in some of these communities are made out of branches and corrugated metal. As I drove by with the team I’m working with, I noticed the sadness in some of these residents’ faces. I could see that they have needs with which they need help in meeting, but they have not received aide. Despite their sadness, I admired their positivity and optimism when I spoke to them. They seemed to be happy with their lives, even if they lack some of the basic commodities that developed nations enjoy.
As one who has been living in the US his whole life, I have never seen the reality of the developing world. This is a phenomenon that I have only seen in the Internet or in movies. Although my country has its own struggles, I must say that at least a large population of the US has access clean water, a basic necessity for human existence.
From my research, I have found that the quantity of people living in these conditions is in the thousands, in the southwestern provinces alone. Although there has been international aid, government projects and NGOs working for these communities, many challenges remain. Additionally, if these communities are facing these struggles, I can only imagine what’s happening on the other side of the border, where even fewer resources are afforded to the Haitian populations.
These past few weeks have given me a great deal of knowledge in terms of what it’s like to live in the Dominican Republic. Those who live on the top of the social and economic platform have lifestyles similar to those in the US or Europe, while those living outside urban areas sometimes lack basic resources. As a foreign student I can only show what I am seeing immediately, but I can also show the world that there is still much work to be done.
