Global business day started with breakfast, which is always amazing. Breakfast was then followed by a academic seminar on the dynamics of Constanza’s economy. Most of Constanza’s business comes from exporting agricultural goods to other countries. In order to truly understand how local farmers are affected by in this situation we headed to a small farm owned by Juan Suriel. Juan explained to us the process of farming and what methods he uses in order to export his products. He first took us to see potatoes, celery and chayote. Chayote was a fruit that I have never seen before so it was cool discovering a new food that was key to the Latin American culture. We then went to a greenhouse to see little seedlings. There, Juan told us the process of how he grows and tends for his crops. Towards the end of the tour we took a picture with Juan and he told us how thankful he was for our group to see and understand how local farmers in Constanza have a love for what they do.
After the farm tour with Juan, we went to the Multiuso building in Constanza to have lunch with the Bonao delegation since they were visiting Constanza’s dump for their Poverty day. It was fun getting to interact with new people and also learn some Chicago slang. Once we were all full with Dilenia’s amazing paella we traveled to World Agro Marketing where we got to see the processing of many mini Persian cucumbers. Luis, manager of World Agro Marketing and our tour guide, showed us the process of how the cucumbers are processed. Luis also explained how their factory ships and supplies cucumbers to their headquarters in the US. On the tour we also learned how different seasons affected the workers hours and wages. In the winter, they typically produce 20 thousand boxes of mini cucumbers per week but during the summer, the factory only processes 7 thousand boxes per week. This can have an affect on the local worker´s wages.
Before dinner, we started our first English tutoring lesson at a school right around the corner from our hotel. Almost everyone said it was the highlight of their day. It was both challenging and rewarding to teach students a new language. Challenging in the sense that everyone felt under prepared but rewarding because we enjoyed getting to know our students.
P.S. Yajaira would like to wish her parents a happy wedding anniversary!
Thanks for sharing…global business day. We are waiting and looking forward to your next day of sharing. I wonder if there will be a new found appreciation for Persian cucumbers now. ☺
Every night we get together to read what’s happening and every day we got surprised about your day! We miss you a ton, I’m sure you guys enjoyed that paella . We love you Andy.
How exciting … Great work .
Hey C1B families, I am just passing along the message that the students’ upcoming free day is MONDAY instead of Sunday so you are more likely (although not for sure) to get a phone call on Monday. I believe Sunday was the original date given to you. Thanks and looks like the delegation is off to an awesome start!
Thanks for the heads up!
Hola Cassie!
It sounds like your group is off to a great start. It’s really interesting to read about what you have been doing the first few days and how it compares and contrasts to Morgan’s trip. You are always such a bright and positive presence and I know you are making the most of this opportunity. Stay adventurous — and healthy! Looking forward to hearing how it all goes for you.
Always looking forward to read your experiences…
Ps.. Thanks to my baby Yajaira for the good wishes on our 21st year anniversary
Hi Andrea! I found the blog! I you are having a swell time down in the D.R! Blog back so I can hear what’s going on! <3
Hi Andrea!! What an amazing adventure you are on. I saw your parents and brother the other day so they told me where we could seND you a note. You are going to learn so much and we can’t wait to hear all about it when you get home. Enjoy every minute! Love from Beth and Greg and the boys
Hey Yajaira looks like you having a good time over there lookin good and great job helpin the locals lol write a post keep me updated lol -Ferny
awww Square I miss you alot! keep commenting on the blogs, I love hearing from you. Ill be leader in the next couple of days so stay tuned!
Hey Square i miss you alot! keep writing on the blogs, I love hearing from you. ill be leader of the day soon so keep reading the blogs!
Hi Favian. Hope youre enjoying your trip and learning new things! We miss you.
Hi Cassandra!
I hope you are learning new things and enjoying your time in the Dominican Republic. Can’t wait for you to tell more things about your trip, you are a very loving cousin, miss you!
Hi Naomi….miss you…wish I could come spend the day. Love Nana
Elijah!!!
Sounds like you are having an amazing time on your trip! (San Juan is better though). Glad we’re on the same island at least. Jessica and I miss you and are loving our time in SJ but can’t stop sweating…Can’t wait to see your ELDD post. Stay safe and make me a proud mentor (JK. you already do!!)
HI FAVIAN!!!!
Hope you are making a ton of new friends in Constanza! I can’t wait to hear about everything from you both. Looking forward to your blog post!! We’ll keep track of your blog now that we’ve found it! Make good choices and we hope you are making the most of your time in DR.
Constanza is so lucky to have you both there!
Love!
Jess + Em