Culture Day!!!

Hello everyone!!! Today was the first day we had Glimpsers as Lider Del Dia (leaders of the day). The leaders (us) were Liam and Judea! Today we took a trip to Bohios Campo Anil. This place is ran by Alba Iris and her family, and her father was the founder of their business. Their business is coffee and cacao. At this business, they grow cacao and use a grinding process to make coffee grounds! Luckily for us, we were able to taste a sample of their homemade coffee and (simply) hot chocolate, all made with their homegrown cacao beans, precious time, and love. From this process, we were able to extract the valuable lessons of the cacao refinery, patience, and dedication, all shown to us by the Bohios Campo Anil family.

After studying the process of the cacao refinery, we were given an opportunity to swim in the pool owned by Alba Iris & her family. We were introduced to the highly competitive game of dominos. We played pool by the pool (no pun intended) and we swam with our peers, played soccer, and got to know each other on a more personal level. We also had the opportunity to go shopping and spend our previously exchanged U.S. Dollars for Pesos. All of us Glimpsers had a wonderful experience shopping in a Dominican market, buying snacks and other items for each other to share and enjoy. Exploring the communities of the Dominican Republic gave us an insightful and well rounded experience, while also allowing us to have fun with each other.

Shortly after returning to the villa (and having fun during our free time), all of us glimpsers took an hour-long dance class, during which we learned the Dominican and Hispanic dance styles of Bachata, Salsa, and Merengue. Throughout the dance class, we learned how to one-two step, step pivot, and improve our footwork in duos. We were introduced to the history of all three dance styles, and were given a chance to share out our commentary and say what we learned. Overall, Liam and I had a wonderful time leading our fellow Glimpsers throughout the day. Though we had our ups and downs, we are incredibly grateful for the overall experience of being the first set of student liders del dia– with unity and love being our two motivating factors.