Thanks for checking up on us everyone! It was a glorious moment in the early morning of Sunday, June 12 local time when we made it to our Bed & Breakfast in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. We quickly got our room assignments, checked in everyone’s phones and money, and headed off to sleep (and some much needed showers). By the time we had arrived in the B&B, we had been traveling for over 12 hours. We were pooped. We were sweaty, but we were ready.
We had a 5 AM wake-up call this morning with Nicaury as our fearless Líder del Día. We boarded our little bus with Cristian at the wheel and drove for 3 hours to San Juan de la Maguana.
Our hotel is awesome. We have the 3rd floor of the hostel for our delegation. There are about 2-4 people per room and each room has a bathroom :O. Some of us definitely have been making use of the cold showers. Jackie and Nicaury got us started with some ground rules, expectations, and culture norms for the Dominican Republic and San Juan de la Maguana. We also had an opportunity to finally meet everyone officially through an energizer.
After the orientation, we grabbed our first real meal in the Dominican Republic! Sheila’s has amazing vegetarian and meat options and the meal was much needed after our long day.
After lunch, we headed back to the hotel to energize and have our first academic seminar: History. Erik and I led this short segment to review the importance of history and the impact that history has on the present. We also provided a crash course of Dominican history since it is often under-emphasized in our own education system. Following the academic seminar, Jackie and a few enthusiastic and helpful youth ambassadors supported us in giving us a tour of the city. We started with the statue of Caonabo.
Caonabo was a Taíno (indigenous) chieftain of the Maguana region during the arrival of Christopher Columbus. He was known for his fighting skills and his ferocity. He refused to surrender to Columbus during this time. For that reason, Columbus sent him as a prisoner back to Spain. Before he was able to arrive in Spain, a hurricane took his life; thus, he died in chains. The statue that stands in the middle of the city, however, shows Caonabo with broken chains–emphasizing his resolve in fighting for the freedom of his people and his refusal to surrender to outside forces.
After a powerful tour of the city, our delegation will be heading to bed in preparation for an exciting Culture Day ahead!
This was a great update and peek into where you are and what is happening. What an amazing first day! -Kerri, Lance, Matthew and Mighty
Wow!! Thank you so much for the update! So happy to see all is good. Busy busy busy! How you guys have the energy and already hitting the pavement is impressive!
-Cathy & Xaven
Green to hear everybody is all right and your all enjoying every bit of your time and learning so much!
Keep us here updated!
Inga
Its great to see you all and to know that everything is good. I will be waiting each day for the updates… Have a good one you all.
Arely.
Fantastic update! Excited to hear more. Keep those posts and pictures coming enjoying every bit of it. I’ll keep you posted on the Warriors and the Giant’s I promise! Latest update: Draymond has been suspended for Game 5. Yes, you guess it… he did it again 🙁
BTW Noah, Ruby is already wondering where you are.
Maria
Fantastic Update! Keep those post coming and pictures lots of pictures!! Promise to keep you updated on the Warriors and Giants! Latest on the Warriors Draymnond has been Suspended for Game 5:(.
BTW Noah, Ruby is already wondering where you are.
We love all the updates & pics and we do check regularly 🙂 We also can’t wait to hear more about the upcoming adventures you are about to engage in.
Thinking of you guys-Victor, Nancy, Jennyfer and Natalie.
Sending our love to all,
The Coronado’s
Looks like the Impact students are sitting together! I challenge you to SPLIT UP!! I see you –
~denise
What an experience of a life time. You will all be changed forever. You are living history in the making. Embrace and journal.
Love from Mungie