Off on an Adventure - October 10

I am counting down the hours, writing hundreds of lists, and scanning my tour books one last time. The excitement is nearly killing me. Tomorrow, Kayla and I are heading off on a weekend adventure in the capital. We decided that after a little over 7 weeks, it is time to treat ourselves to a little break. We can definitely use the sleep, change of scenery, and freedom we are hoping for in the next four days. A bit of leisure, shopping, beach, and sightseeing. I am sure we both have our own lists of what we hope to do while in Santo Domingo, but no matter what I actually get to see, it will be nice just to have a change of pace. I am ready to experience some of the culture outside of the gate. I know our street backwards and forwards. Outside my door and to the right is the dairy. Across the street sits house number 4. And then to the left extends the street that ends at the gate to the outside world. In between sits the church, school, and a variety of other homes holding the sweet children I have the pleasure of teaching every day. There are 12 potholes, 2 signs, and 3 side roads. (I don’t have an obsession with counting everything :)). It would be unfair of me to explain only the neighborhood inside the gate, because there is one other location that I have the ability of visiting when need be. That would be “la tienda.” We call it “the” store because that is exactly what it is. The one store situated outside within walking distance. However, after much thought of how to explain it, I am at a lack of words. The store is actually the first level of a person’s home. Something like a garage without the doors. A foot into the store is the counter at which you place your order. On the counter sits the bakery section – a package of rolls, half a package of cookies, and a few containers of random candies. To the right is the produce which right now consists of only plantains and maybe an apple or two. The left is my favorite. The drinks. They have Red pop, three types of juice, and some other options I haven’t yet explored. Hanging from the ceiling are random knick knacks – a baseball hat, dog chew toy, and more. I have been told they have flour and eggs if you ask. Add the smell of something unidentifiable, a fan squeaking over your head, a tv featuring the news in Spanish, and an overall dark appearance. Welcome to “la tienda.” Anyways, as much as I love visiting this hot spot, I am ready to expand my horizons, so tomorrow it is. After two hours of buses, taxis, and walking, I should be in the capital. Keep me in your prayers as I put my Spanish to the test. :) I can’t wait!