This past weekend was one of the few I got to actually rest a little. A new American has been placed here in Hato Mayor and it has been my job to take her around and make sure she knows how to carry herself. I was relieved to have another intern here, since it's not that fun to go out on my own alone. I brought to a pizza place Friday night. It was quite the experience.
I don't really stick out that much here in the DR, especially after having gotten some sun these past few months. I can walk around and people usually go about their daily business. Walking around with the new intern, I realized how intense it can be for a white american. The Dominican culture is very abrasive and aggressive, they are not afraid to say what is on their mind. It is common to hear "piropos" or cat calls, being shouted at beautiful women. ESPECIALLY American women. I had no idea how difficult it is here for a white American woman!!! For example, when I walked in the pizza place with my new intern friend (which I've done plenty of times without trouble), it was perhaps one of the most awkward situations I've been in. You know how in movies, when somebody who walks into a place where they clearly don't belong, the music makes that scratching sound, stops, and everybody turns around? Yaaaa, it was just like that. All eyes were on this poor young American girl, burning holes right through her. It was harmless though, as Dominicans love Americans. They just can't help but glare at a foreigner as if they were a movie star. Nevertheless, I thought it was hilarious and just soaked up the moment.
Saturday night, I hate to say, was the first night I went Merengue dancing. I wish it was the first thing I did when I got here!!!!! It was an absolute blast!!! Now, I had been on the Merengue dance team in college, and wasn't too sure how I would compare to the Dominicans. I'm proud to say that I was able to keep up with them. One girl I danced with said I was really good. Guess all those late night dance practices were worth it!!! It was sooooooo hot though!!! I was sweating so much, I thought I fell in a pool. The Dominicans, however, weren't sweating at all. They're pros I guess. I hope i get to go again soon.
