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For all who are wondering, I survived....

8/23/2012

11 Comments

 
The night of the rat that is. I've only seen him twice and both times in the living room. Needless to say I'm keeping my bedroom door shut (not much of a deterrent since he can def fit under the crack) and my luggage zipped up. And when I'm in the living room, I just keep my feet off the floor while I'm sitting on the couch. I hauled all my stuff to another bedroom with a bunk bed so I could sleep up there, which had the added bonus of being farther from the rooster as well, although the mattress was less comfortable. But when all was said in done, I actually had a pretty sound night of sleep. 
I went for another stroll this morning; just trying to get my bearings on this place. If I had to describe it one word, it would be colorful: lush greenery and ruby red flowers sprout from every courtyard, patio, and sidewalk crack; the stores are swathed in shades of purple, pink, and yellow; fruit stands catch your eye at every corner; and the people seem to have a particular affinity for neon fashions. And let's not forget the other senses. Smells range from sweet and fruity, to spicy, to sweaty, to cat piss. And the city itself is pretty much a symphony of horns (although I have to mention that I found out that aside from being used as musical instruments, they are also a way of picking up passengers and letting passersby know that you have seats available), twittering birds, blaring bachata music, and piropos (catcalls).  So pretty much just stepping outside the doorway is sensory overload. And awesome. And terrifying. All at the same time. 
On a completely separate topic, yesterday I learned that there are some key differences in meaning between Dominican Spanish vocabulary, and the rest of the world's Spanish vocabulary. Example A: Bolsa, in the majority of the Spanish language, is regarded as a "purse, bag, or sack",  In the DR, it means "scrotum." Well that explains why the nice Dominican security guard at the airport who was helping me put my luggage on the conveyor belt to be x-rayed blinked twice when I asked him "mi bolsa también?" I had effectively asked him if I should put my scrotum on the conveyer belt to be x-rayed, instead of my purse. 
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Calle del Sol...the main shopping street in Santiago
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cocos on the corner.
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puppies anyone?!
11 Comments
Mallory
8/23/2012 03:32:46 am

i might come back with one of those puppies..... glad you survived your first night!!!!!!

Reply
Molly
8/23/2012 07:40:48 am

Those weren't even all of them. He had about five more all in the same little carrying cage. But I didn't want to push my luck with the picture taking. He probably wouldn't have minded, but I'm still a little timid about asking to take pictures.

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Maggy
8/23/2012 11:39:14 am

Love the Puppies! Hate the rat...how do you sleep....I don't think I could. Is there one rat or a whole rat family? Maybe you should get a puppy to eat the rat

Reply
Molly
8/23/2012 01:25:39 pm

The thought has crossed my mind lol. As far as I know there is only one. I saw him again today in the courtyard, and tried to snap a pic, but he's much too quick. Anyways, I don't plan on being here much longer than a week, so I'll survive.

Aislen
8/23/2012 03:49:07 am

HAHAHAHAHA so how do they say purse?

Also, maybe you should invest in a rat trap..... that way you dont have to play keep off the floor! =)

Glad you are writing a blog so that I can live through you!

Reply
Molly
8/23/2012 07:44:17 am

Funda is purse. And the couple who owns the hostel is setting out poison for him. They've already set up traps. Rats are apparently super intelligent though so they are having trouble catching him...or her...i guess. Glad you are enjoying the blog!

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Alison
8/23/2012 04:09:37 am

Hey Molly! So So glad you decided to write a blog! I can't wait to hear more stories and see more photos. I am living vicariously through you! :) Love you girl! Be safe and have fun.

Reply
Molly
8/23/2012 07:45:55 am

Thanks allie! I've got lots of time to write right now since school hasn't started, so I'm trying to take advantage of it. Un abrazo de Santiago!

Reply
Mary Gleason
8/23/2012 12:17:57 pm

You made me laugh. I am very proud of you. I look forward to seeing more posts. I would not trade places with you so I will enjoy learning through you.

Reply
Molly
8/23/2012 01:26:46 pm

Glad you are reading! I'll try my best to keep the posts coming. Un abrazo fuerte!

Reply
leanna
8/23/2012 04:08:20 pm

OMG the puppies are sooo cute!! i want one! bring one home!! :)

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    Hola! My name is Molly and I was recently hired through the travel abroad company CIEE as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher for the PUCMM, a university located in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Hopefully this blog will give future travelers an insight into teaching abroad, while also helping me log my adventures and stay in touch with friends back home. 

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