Magnificence with Tenderness

Hey habibis! How is everything? All is great for me. I have a beautiful tan now (even thought I was born with one!) and a more humble and grateful heart. The Dominican Republic was very kind to me, perhaps I romanced them but they surely romanced me! I will admit, the night before departing, all my fear set in but I couldn't back out. I was going alone and I had to follow through with my bravery. I am so grateful I did because I discovered a new shade of the color green in Panama. The trees and grass were so beautiful, I thanked God for my eyes and for the earth. Then, I saw with my own eyes, the beautiful blues of the Dominican beaches. Seeing them in pictures is one thing but seeing it in person was so wonderful. The water was so calm, so tender, so pure. I wanted to cry but I was too happy. I also realized what humidity was!

 The first day, I got lost in Santo Domingo (no iPhone or GPS!) but instead of being afraid, I turned it into an adventure! I ended up meeting cool people who helped me out with directions and I even rode the "wawa" (little mini buses with a lot of people in them!) and then I got on a "motoconcho", a dirt bike where you don't where a helmet and you beat the traffic! I did sweat a lot tho, it was so hot--even if it was raining a bit! But still beautiful either way.

I spent many days walking to historical places, going to bars and restaurants, and then went on an Express Bus to Boca Chica--the beach! It was magnificent! I have never been to a beach where the water was so clear and warm! I had a good time (I went with a new friend who I had met in Santo Domingo, she was became my local tour guide!) And after I had gotten in the water and then out again, I noticed a group of tourists from South America because they were staring and pointing at me. I thought, "Is there something wrong with my swim suit or something?" but there wasn't. The group of what turned out to be Bolivians asked to take pictures with me, not just one but all of them! How funny. I had to remind them that I wasn't famous but they didn't care. I also met a lot of cute little hardworking kids. I wanted to adopt them all, but I have to be realistic, I can't support all of them.

I tried Dominican Brugal and platanos! The papaya was so delicious and the mangoes were even better. I fell  in love with everything--except the mosquito bites. Oh and everyone thought I was from Peru, hahaha how funny.

All is well my habibis. I learned another country's way of life and I appreciated it. I cannot wait to travel to other places and be inspired and maybe inspire them as well. Stay sane and humble.