Welcome to our second full day here in Bonao, Dominican Republic!! Today was culture day we and went to visit some very interesting people and organizations that are mainstays here in the vibrant artistic and educational community here in Bonao.
First, we traveled to the Juan Bosch Library, named after the Dominican Republic’s first democratically elected president. We first received a brief history of the facility by the staff and then were treated to a monologue performance on the material choices some individuals make when choosing a life partner, and the consequences those choices have for those who chose material gains over true love.
Next we walked over to the Plaza de La Cultura, where we took Bachata and Merengue dance classes. Despite the fact that some of us had never danced to Dominican music before, everyone in the group dove right in and had a great time learning new dance moves that we are sure to bring back to the states.
Next we headed to the town square, where we had lunch while taking in the sights, sounds and the vibrancy of Bonao. We then headed to Mihda, a local supermarket to do some shopping and then to the ice cream shop. Shopping was interesting as we all had to figure out how much our newly exchanged a Dominican Pesos could buy us. Everyone found pretty much everything they needed and left happy with a bags of familiar U.S. snacks as well as some cool Dominican ones.
We then as a group walked to the workshop of renown craftsman Piro Espinal, who is famous throughout Latin America for his carnival costumes and masks. We were treated to a performance by one of Piro’s comparsas or carnival groups. Together they danced in politically and culturally themed costumes to Dominican Gaga music, which is played during the annual carnival. Piro then explained to us the history of Carnival in the Dominican Republic and the role that he plays in creating costumes that Carnival participants use for political dissent and discourse around current events. Some of our fellow students got to try on some costumes and dance to Gaga music. Overall, the visit to the workshop was not only informative but inspiring, as Piro is an example of someone who puts his skill into political action, using his talent to give a voice to citizens who use Carnival to speak their minds about current political events.
Afterward we headed back to The Fundacion where everyone got to teach their first English classes where they quickly found out that teaching is not so easy. It was great meeting the students for the first time and our student teachers were inspired by how determined each of the students are to learn English despite having very little exposure to the language outside of the classes they take.
Finally, tonight the torch of Leader of the Day was passed to our first duo of fellow students, Rene and Nicole who were pretty organized for people who never led a Global Glimpse group before. They have to get to sleep ASAP because we have a long and great day planned for tomorrow. Stay tuned for our next adventure!!
9 Comments
Ying Jiang
on June 28, 2017 at 6:01 am
Wow, what a day! Just wish the picture be more focused.
Wow you did so much in one day!! Thanks for the great blog post, Orlando! Amazing to see so many pics of those smiling faces. Looking forward to reading more 🙂
Great Blog post Orlando, thanks for keeping us informed! Sounds like everyone is getting immersed in the DR culture. Can’t wait for Nicole to show us the new dance moves and hear all about your adventures. I’m confident that Nicole and Rene will make terrific Leaders of the Day, ENJOY!
Wow, what a day! Just wish the picture be more focused.
Wow you did so much in one day!! Thanks for the great blog post, Orlando! Amazing to see so many pics of those smiling faces. Looking forward to reading more 🙂
Hope your enjoying your stay over there Gaby! We all miss you. Have fun
Amazing job team Bonoa! Learn, grow, share and absorb the people and their culture. Have a great trip and special hello to my GEM ? Gabriella Mejias.
So wonderful! Gaby, I hoped you can teach me some dance moves when you get back!
Sounds like an amazing day! Can’t wait to see those dance moves when you get home Maya!!
Great Blog post Orlando, thanks for keeping us informed! Sounds like everyone is getting immersed in the DR culture. Can’t wait for Nicole to show us the new dance moves and hear all about your adventures. I’m confident that Nicole and Rene will make terrific Leaders of the Day, ENJOY!
Hi Mahogany
Love from mom and family
Sounds amazing. What a great opportunity. Stay safe. Lots of love! Hi Rene