YOOOOOOOOO What is up, everyone! This is Romir and Addelyn, the first LDDs of not just this delegation but the entire Global Glimpse program of Summer 2026 wooooo. We are super excited to present the first student-written blog of the year!
Today was Day 3 of our Dominican Republic Global Glimpse trip, in which we immersed into the culture of Jarabacoa. We started with our daily routine–a 7 am wake-up with a cold shower, a breakfast of a ham and cheese sandwich, and a morning meeting of a Daily Quote and Daily Question–before embarking on a journey to Campo de Bohios Anil. At the women-founded ecolodge, we explored the art of creating coffee and casabe without modern tools; we also got to indulge in fresh hot chocolate, bittersweet coffee, and even the fruit of the indigenous cacao bean. Alba Iris left us with a single quote, encapsulating her experience as an entrepreneur: “With hard work comes sacrifice, but to get different results, one must be different.” A little bit after, we sat down to enjoy a fantastico lunch: pork chops, stewed chicken, potato salad, Pastolon, and two kinds of rice–plain white and a fried version with bacon and vegetables. The best part, however, was the absolutely delicious and fresh jugo de chinoloa (passion fruit juice); everyone had at least two glasses. Some of us then dove (but not headfirst) into the swimming pool of the area while others played billiards or dominoes.
On the rainy bus ride back, we made a stop at the supermarket. We purchased items ranging from coconut ice cream to fresh mangos to coffee grounds (that originated from Campo de Bohios Anil) to spicy Dominican corn chips. We continued our return to the Villa, but due to unforeseen circumstances (traffic), we hopped out of the bus and began walking home. Coincidentally, and quite luckily, we saw Feria de las Flores, a colorful manifestation of the culture of Jarabacoa.
Shortly after our return, we were met by Andelson Tiburcio, a dance instructor. The group learned how to Merengue, Bachata, and Salsa, shortly followed by a spontaneous Mexican line-dance, led by Valeria, Natalia, and Ari. Students then enjoyed two hours of relaxing free time (volleyball, cards, showers, naps, etc.).
Dinner was a decadent mashed potato, seasoned salami, gooey fried cheese, and steamed vegetables/sweet fruits. The Nightly Meeting followed, in which Addelyn and I led a discussion about our quote (“When you learn something from someone, take it as a gift, and it’s your lifelong commitment to preserve and build on it”) and question (“What role do art and dance play in preserving local customs and traditions”). We then had our Plus and Wish section, in which we shared and received feedback from both the group and our leaders. Before passing the torch to tomorrow’s LDDs, we surprised the cohort with chocolate candies that we bought during our time at the supermarket.
Being the first LDDs felt like an honor, and we hope we set the bar high. It was super enjoyable, and we discovered new leadership skills.
And now, finally, here we are writing to you, hoping you get to experience our day vicariously, as if you were here with us (although you are not :(((( ).
P.S We just finished this blog at 11:15 p.m. We hope you enjoyed! WOOOOOOOOOOO
