Hi GG Families and Friends!
It’s Richey here – one of the Bay Area Leaders for the San Juan Delegation. We’re just wrapping up our first FULL day in the Dominican Republic and it’s been a full day indeed. This morning we started our day with hearing from Profesora Ogando about the culture and history of the DR. Profesora Ogando helped us learn understand the Spanish, Taino, and African influences present in the country. After learning more about the country we are staying, we were taught how to make chichiguas (Domincan Kites) by our cultural ambassadors. Our ambassadors are mostly students here in San Juan who have volunteered to show us around and today they shared their tips and tricks for making kites like they did when they were younger. We made kites in small groups and I was walking around to take pictures I was reminded of how great the group of students we have is! Everyone was participating, asking questions, and VERY focused on making the best, most stable chichigua J. For lunch we experienced the Bandera Dominicana (Dominican Flag) of food. We enjoyed an amazing meal of chicken, rice and beans which, although simple sounding, could not have better prepared or enjoyed.
However, the clear highlight of the day came in the afternoon when we had our dance lesson. Everyone was challenged to jump SUPER far outside of each of our comfort zones as we did our best to replicate the Bachata and Merengue moves taught to us by a local dance group. We danced solo, with each other, and even with locals! No one quite knew what to do at first but after a couple of dances we are all coming home with a few new moves up our sleeves. Throughout all of the activities today, everyone in our group showed compassion in making sure others were comfortable and had a buddy. All of our students tried something (or many things!) brand new and so far we are nothing but excited for the adventures ahead of us. I’m sure it will include becoming better friends, more new experiences and more Bachata Dance parties at the Hostel!
Thanks letting me share this experience with each of your students! Stay tuned tomorrow to read our FIRST student blog and see some more photos as we learn about Aid + Development in the region.
-Richey
Sounds like you had an awesome day! Looking forward to hearing more about your adventures and seeing pictures!
Robert
Nice…great job on the kites. The food sounds delicious. Can’t wait to see you dance Marenga
Love mom
This sounds like such a wonderful opportunity to learn so much and have such fun at the same time. Ari, we miss you but at the same time are do proud of you! Big hugs, and much love from all of us here!
Hopefully gonna be coming back to summit with the new dance battles 2k16/17
Seung-Se, teach us that dance when you come back. Looks fun!
Hi Kyla,
Grandmother, your Dad and everyone says hi, and have a good time learning. You have to show me some of the new moves you learned?
Hey Ari: This is Luli, I miss you. I am so sad you are gone. I hope you have a very very good time.
This is Amani: Hi Ari, have a great time. we will see you soon. We miss you very, very much.
The pictures look awesome! we can’t wait to hear all the stories and memories you will bring with you. Savor every second!
This is a great post and model blog that you gave to the student ELDDs. Love the pics as well, thanks for posting so many with subheaders. Hope the trip only gets better and better!
Ari,
Looks rad! I’m expecting complete dance lessons from you once you get back. The food also sounds a bit better than sugar cookies or cucumbers — way to get out of your comfort zone, loser.
Love & miss you!
I miss your gorgeous smile, Marisa! Sounds like you’re having a great time! Maybe you can teach me some merengue moves when you get home? :). Enjoy your time and learn as much as possible. Love you to the moon mija!! ?
Kyla,
I am looking forward to you showing me some Bachata!
Lamont
Zara, good to see your smile in the photo! Email me!
I see you Fernando lol
Miss you! I bet Roberto does too x) Hopefully you’re having a really good time!
Amanda , I see you are having a wonderful time during this fantastic trip!! Enjoy all the sites and scenes, but most of all, enjoy the new friends you are making. These memories will last you a lifetime. Be safe and continue to be a friend to everyone you are traveling with and acquire as many new friends as possible. That should be easy for you, just be yourself. Love and kisses from your momo and popo and all your TEXAS family.
Sounds like you’re all having a great time, great pics! We miss you Marisa Perez! Enjoy your time there and be sure to learn a lot. Looking forward to hearing about your experience and to hearing about any new DR toggle coats you may have picked up on your trip! Love you! <3
Hi Robert
How are you doing? I know we miss you much. Hopefully on your free time you had opportunity to have some fun.
DR is supposed to be very beautiful and green. How is the food? Any good deserts?
Here the weather has been great. Jason, aunty Michelle and I came out to San Diego for work visit. Brandon, aunty MaryJean and uncle Steve send their love.
I gave them the email to post on the blog.
Look for their podts.
Will post again soon.