Culture Chronicles

Hey guys! It’s Ashley and Malachi. Let’s talk about our wonderful day.

Ashley started her day out of fear, hoping she would wake up before her alarm clock because the sound was treacherous. While Malachi started his day by waking up 5 minutes before he was supposed to. Then we (Malachi and Ashley) met up and began to politely knock on people’s doors to wake them up. Once everyone was awake and ready to start their day, some of us played UNO while waiting for breakfast to be served (whole time, it was 7 am).

Breakfast was served, and we had scrambled eggs, fried eggs, toast with cheese, and fruit. Then we began to warm up our brains by understanding today’s goal and objective, which was learning about the Dominican culture and how history helps preserve the culture.

We then went to Bohios Campo Añil and learned about their history. We learned how they became entrepreneurs by selling coffee and chocolate in the old-fashioned way. We also learned what they do and how they live. We learned that since they are in a rural area, they have to make their food and drinks, such as coffee and chocolate, which they export to sustain themselves. We had hot chocolate with a hint of ginger, coffee, and cassava, which seemed to be a good combo. It was also our first time seeing Yuca, a root that is brown and hairy like a coconut, but it’s not a coconut. We walked around and saw a nice pink house, claimed by Tricia because she loves the color pink. Ashley decided to get on a baby swing, knowing she cannot fit (SMH), while Malachi walked around taking pictures and happened to stumble upon a rooster and its baby chicks (I wanted to take one 🙁 -Malachi).

Before lunch, we played Save Carl (a volleyball) and it was surprisingly fun even though Ms. Dani was cheating according to Ashley. For lunch, we had an amazing dish that consisted of white rice, red beans, rice and beans with bacon, chicken, pork, salad with avocados (chef kiss), arepitas de maíz (cornmeal fritters), and eggplant lasagna (which Malachi did not try because he does not like eggplant). We washed our food down with either agua or tamarind juice, which was very good. (They are feeding to make us fat -Ashley) (They are feeding us so we don’t pass out because it’s hot- Malachi). Then we got into the pool and we played Marco Polo and water volleyball. We were having so much fun, but then the scary clouds and lightning made us scared and we decided it was time to go.

Picture of Ashley having fun before we fled.

On our way back to the Rancho, it began to pour and sadly (actually, it was very fun) our bus had no windows and we all got wet. It was worth it. (Mr. Pedro says we indeed loved it and Malachi agrees). We got back to the rancho nice and dry (cof cof, we were soaked) and we wanted to go back out; the lightning stopped, but the rain never bothered us anyway- In Elsa’s voice. We went back out and had more fun!!! We were on a party bus and Malachi and Ashley felt truly Dominican. On the bus, we toured the city, took a group picture at the Jacabacoa sign, and drove by a natural heritage park called Confluencia, where two rivers meet.

We came back to the Rancho and it was time to feel the groove. We learned different Dominican dancing styles such as Bachata, Salsa, Merengue, and Dembow. It was a little hard, but we got the hang of it and we enjoyed ourselves.

Then we had free time and we played games with each other and bonded like a big Global Glimpse family. Then we had a wonderful dinner with Mac n Cheese and some chicken tenders, fruit, and white bread with orange juice or iced tea (Muy Bueno). After dinner, we had our nightly meeting and Malachi and Ashley had to pass the torch to the next leaders of the day. We enjoyed being the very first leaders of the day. Now it’s Bonding Time (9:00pm-10:00pm) but Malachi and Ashley are writing this wonderful blog and it is soon time for bed.

Buenas Noches!

Ashley and Malachi,

P.S. While writing this, a cat fell from the sky (Pedro says it is a tree) and our neighbors play good music no matter the time of day.

Note from GG staff:

Comments submitted on this blog are reviewed by the Global Glimpse team before appearing publicly. Approved comments will be visible on the website within 24 hours. Thank you for your patience and for supporting your student’s journey!

Los comentarios enviados en este blog son revisados por el equipo de Global Glimpse antes de ser publicados. Los comentarios aprobados serán visibles en el sitio web dentro de las 24 horas. ¡Gracias por su paciencia y por apoyar el viaje de su estudiante!