Wow.

What a day!

As a GGL the days are non stop packed full of action, activities, meetings, discussions, and preparations but days like this make it all worth it. Today was Culture Day, where we were able to take a deep dive into culture if Jarabacoa and also of DR as a whole. We started off with a tour of a local coffee farm named Los Bohios , where we were able to take a look at the history of coffee AND the way of life in DR. We had the chance to taste hand made coffee and hot chocolate, as well as Casabe made from the root if the yuca plant. We had the chance to learn how to play dominoes, something I see everywhere in Washington Heights and Harlem but never knew how to play. Finally, our last activity was to practice our merengue, salsa, and bachata steps! Many of us were nervous but once the music started we all jumped in! Non stop smiles and laughter the whole time.

We are all on the trip of a lifetime. To learn how to play dominoes and dance styles of Latin dance born right here in DR is a very special experience. Theres something about doing it all here with the palm trees hanging over us, being surrounded by Spanish language, and eating the local food that make our learning experiences that much more rich.