Back to Life, Back to Reality II
Well, I got back from Dominican Republic and I must say that I had a great trip. I arrived into Santiago at 3 in the morning. Walking off the plane and taking your first breath of air is unbelievable. It’s a mix between morning fog, cow menuer, carbon monoxide, and a tropical breeze. I swear. It’s a smell unlike any other.
No one really knew I was there until I woke up and the little kids from the area were asking my 6 year old cousin who was sleeping in the room I was sleeping in… At 8 in the morning everyone knew I was there so I just rolled out of bed and made my rounds. Getting to see my family, old acquaintances and making new friends was special as always. By noon my day had been planned by the kids and my family. Mangu for breakfast, Sancocho for lunch, and a Bar-B-Q for diner. I was all set… You can’t ask for more…
Friday night I drove myself into Santo Domingo. On my way there I encoutered a truck that had turned over on the highway… I was two steps out the door as my conscience hit me and made me get back into the car and head to that Blogger Reunion. I honestly didn’t even know where it was, but I made it. Asking for directions only once I found out that I was only three blocks away… You Dominican Bloggers are quite a crowd. I must say that I rarely read blogs due to a lack of time but the few blogs that I do read from time to time and those that I select as Blog of the Week for the site are a pleasure to read. Everyone has their own personality and their own little nitch that is reflected on their blog. And I can’t forget to mention that there are quite a few good looking women on Blogs Dominicanos… Wow… eh… Got blog?
That night I drove around the city all night long. I danced at a club called Fanta, had a few drinks at a bar, and stopped to buy some grapes just to snack on… 
I also stopped to talk to the Hatians that sell the paintings on the famous avenue El Malecon which overlooks the sea. Did you know that they get paid RD$1,500 a week?!?! I was blown away. The rest of the night, I was site seeing in the dark and enjoying the EMPTY streets of St. Domingo. Perhaps a bit dangerous but I figured what the hell… Let me just drive around the entire night and see what the streets of DR are really like… After all, if I can drive around the worst neighborhoods of NY and NJ, how much different can it be in DR? So thats what I did.
Saturday morning I was at my aunts house where I had breakfast and lunch… At noon time I was supposed to meet with an editor from El Nacional… he never showed up… And if experience teaches humility, remember to never show up on time for the next meeting… I can’t stand people showing up late or not show up at all… Why set a time for an event that has been planned for days in advance and simply forget or reschedule with out advising the other person… That simply irritates me but whatever… Once I ate my Shrimp Mofongo and two glasses of freshly squeezed Lemonade, I headed back to Jarabacoa.
Yet another amazing drive through the country as you gazed up at the mountains and back onto the road where you would see the endless number of pit stops where you could stop and buy fresh fish or home made sweets. That afternoon I also visited my parents home where they will be retiring, took a few pictures and headed into the town to expirience the night life. All I have to say about that is… I wish they had the same prices here in NYC!
Sunday I went site seeing again throughout Jarabacoa and then headed into Santiago where more family awaited my visit. I got to visit a few places in Santiago… among them was El Monumento and a shopping center called La Sirena. 
They had an exhibition at El Monumento with images from across the world aside from Dominican Republic. The night life in Santiago appeared to be “happaning” and full of life. I’ll definately have to go back there and hang out…
Well, that basically sums up my trip to DR. I had a lot of fun and feel as if I made the most of my time while I was out there… After making it home on Monday morning, I checked my email and voicemail… Little did I know that I was supposed to be at work @ 8am for my first day of orientation… Reality struck and I didn’t hesitate going into work…
gracias por haber pasado por aqui….ojala…para la proxima tambien vengas….
Fue un placer pasar un rato con ustedes. Espero que se repita. 
Damn I wish i was there in the blog meeting. I miss my country soo much. Cuando es la reunion de NYC?