Hola Mi Gente!
My name is Gustavo Lopez and I am one of the Global Glimpse Leaders and was given the opportunity to be Leader of the Day for “Culture Day.” Today’s learning themes centered around the Dominican culture in the areas of art and music. The students and I were able to meet three incredible presenters Ciliosther Diaz, Angel Diaz, and Cristian Solis that shared with us their passion of creativity and rhythm.
We started off the morning with a special presentation from two award winning artist who support the yearly San Juan de la Maguana Carnival festival. Students were able to listen to the history of the traditional celebrations from the Dominican Republic. One key aspect of these celebrations is the unique mask that are made. Students were able to create and design their own carnival mask. They came out amazing. We have a very artistic group of Global Glimpse students!
The second part of our day experience was to delve into the musical history of the Domincan Republic and what better way to this than dancing!? Cristian Diaz has more than 30 years of experience running his own dance academy, “Escuela de Danza Braza” in San Juan de la Maguana. Students got a chance to see Cristian’s students perform traditional dances with a live band. They learned about merengue and bachata. What made it even better was that students were able to practice with Danza Braza students on the different and various forms of dance moves for bachata and merengue. This made us sweat so much, but it was worth it!
The highlight of the day for Global Glimpse students was reuniting with the Dominican Youth Ambassadors to plan their first lesson plan to teach English classes to the general community in San Juan de la Maguana. This will be something you will be reading about in the coming days.
At dinner we had a special surprise for one of the Global Glimpse students named Jonathan. The Global Glimpse Program Coordinators purchased him a cake to celebrate his birthday! We also created a birthday card that all of us on the trip signed wishing him the best on his special day.
We finished the day reflecting about all the activities we experienced today. One student said today, “I spend more in 20 minutes back home than someone makes in one month in the DR.” Students discussed some of the realities of people we met today and how they can take these new revelations back home with them. I heard many other strong student voices today. It has been an incredible journey so far and to see these students grow in such a small amount of time is amazing. I cant wait for what else is in store for the rest of our time here!
Amor Y Cultura,
Gustavo Lopez, GG Leader
The masks look amazing !
Hi Kaylyn!
Sounds like another fun filled day! Love seeing all the creative masks and since you like to dance, this should be right up your alley. Can’t wait for tomorrow’s blog. Don’t forget to take pictures of where you’re staying (hostel). Love Mom and Dad
So amazingly beautiful you guys-
“Culture is the thing that we can exchange among ourselves as human beings to knock aside our differences and build upon our similarities. Cultural exchange is the ultimate exchange.” -C.D
By breaking down stereotypes, in groups and out groups we become one people, and racism, discrimination, and violence would cease to be. Yesterday you all submersed yourself in culture and history–a huge step to overcoming this. Pass it along.
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Art, bachata and cake–great way to spend your birthday! Jonny is blessed to have met such a great group of people. Thank you. You truly warmed my heart when I read about your guys’s day. I hope you got your Korra collage and bday cards.
P.S. Korra met a new doggy friend-the cockapoo, Blake. He is British and just flew in from overseas! ha! We have to speak to him in an accent to make him feel comfortable. So you see- Korra is not far behind in acculturation! She has officially taken over your duties, and has began boarding in your room. =)
With Love- Carol and Korra
Love the group pictures and the blog!! Thank you for keeping us in the loop on your amazing experiences!
Hope you all are having a great time!
Sending lots of love and hugs,
Mom, Dad & Nana!
Awww so happy for everyone on the trip! The masks look great!
Hope you’re having an amazing time in the DR Benjamin! I miss you so much. Tomorrow’s going to be the first day playing tennis without you this summer, darn. Miss you lots. Tiffany does too trust me.
love, sovanny
Hi Sydney,
Love the photo! Are you wearing a red mask with a little yellow? I’m guessing you are in the last row, 4th from the left? We’re happy you are experiencing another culture and making new friends. Dad says, “I Got No Friends With Me.”
We miss and love you!!! Mom, Dad, Cole and Max
Viet-Hai and Amy :,) I’m so excited that you’re immersing yourself in another country. Enjoy it and absorb every moment! Stay hydrated, stay safe, and stay open-minded. Thinking of you guys every day
Sounds like lots of fun and creativity! Lucy, I hope you are taking pictures to show us of the masks.
Keep posting!
Frankie (mommy)
Hi Lovie!
What an amazing first couple of days you’ve had! Love all the masks… Creative!! Great news today ..We won!! ???
Woot woot??…. We miss you! Can’t wait to read about the next adventure?
Hugs!!! & a special big kiss from lil miss Nat Nat?
Viet-Hai –
Sounds like a lot of fun & meaningful activities. I hope you learned the dance steps well so you can teach me! BTW – are you in the white elephant mask? They all look great!!!
We miss you!
PS: Please take close-up pictures & send more pictures. We love to see them. VH – I’m hoping you are using your camera too.