Lost in Translation

Just this past Sunday, myself and my Dominican travel companions, J & A, were attempting to find a good place to eat that served native Dominican food. At the time, we did not realize that on the island, the food is called comida criolla. Dominicans believe Dominican food to be any restaurant here in the Dominican that serves food! So, all afternoon we were walking around in the hot Dominican sun, asking everyone we could were would be a good place to eat Dominican food. We kept getting responses like...McDonalds is down the street, and what about the Wendy's over there.

(Now, I do not know about you, but when I am in another country, the last thing I want to eat is some "down home" American food! Thanks! But NO THANKS! I've got enough of those around me back home to last me a life time! )

Anywho, the entire time we are trying to find some comida criolla that we subsequently calling Dominican food. (Shame...at our Americanness!!! ) We finally spoke to one of the drivers of the program that is sponsoring our internship here, and asked him if he would take us to a place that served authentic Dominican food. His Spanish was really fast and spoken with a deep food and a strong Dominican accent.  We thought we were understanding what the types of restaurants that he was suggesting. When we would ask us a question, we would respond..."Perfect! Sounds good!" (Our pride wouldn't let us admit that we were completely missing some important part of the conversation!)

The driver swerved in and out of the lanes throughout the downtown area and he stopped in front of a big building downtown. He asked us if the place was ok, and confidently we all said... "Sure! It'll be great!" We got out of the car and he told us to call him when we were finished... It was then we realize that we did not have any cell phones! (We were scheduled to purchase and activate them the next day with our sponsorship program, but we had yet to receive them.) He tried to give us his number, but none of us had anything to write with! We finally got his card and phone number, and as he left we turn around to realize.... He had left us at....

                   THE GROCERY STORE!!!!


Oh.... the irony. 


Although we eventually found something to eat... needless to say... we had quite an adventure!


Until later.......

Pre-Departure

IT HAS FINALLY ARRIVED!!!

The moment I have been waiting for! This most wonderful opportunity! And I am soooo EXCITED! My trip to the Dominican Republic is so close I can taste the mangu and smell the platanos cooking! As many of you may know, this summer I will be in the Dominican Republic completing my first legal internship. For those of you who do not know, you can read more about that trip to come.

I do have an update on this trip however. I will be interning with one of the top insurance companies in the country.  They pride themselves in being able to provide their clients with the best and most innovative insurances coverages.  They do this by means of a talented and highly committed personnel.

Anywho, while working for the insurance company, myself, J, and A (yes, that's right.... a new character to the story.... the plot thickens!) will be working with the legal department. A few of our responsibilities will include to compile the main Dominican laws associated with the insurance industry and to assist with preparing a dictionary of legal terms that are frequently utilized in the insurance sector.

But, do not fear.... while I will be working very hard this summer, I DO NOT intend to forget that I am in the Dominican Republic! In my free time I plan on travelling, tasting all of the amazing and fresh foods the island has to offer, taking a few cooking classes, and dance classes as well. All of this I plan on doing while taking as many pictures as possible and posting them to my blog!!!

I think I've bombarded you all with enough for now... but, I will leave you with something rather exciting! My new life-size suitcase! Not just any regular suitcase, this one expands up to three sizes of a regular suitcase. I fully plan on packing my ENTIRE life in for the summer.... hey... maybe I'll have enough space to fit one of you!

Well..... here's to hoping anyways!

Until later......

Summer to Come - DR BABY!!!

YES! That is correct! I will be in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic this coming summer. I will be interning with the House of Representatives, and you have no idea how EX-FREAKIN-CITED I am. Myself and 2 other ladies from my law school will be going, and from what we have learned... This is going to be an awesome experience.

My friend J (love to refer to her as Juicy!) found this awesome program called Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD). They offer students to ability to intern, research, and study in the Dominican Republic. This is a Foundation that was started by the current President of the DR, Dr. Leonel Fernandez. As per the website, GFDD promotes a better understanding and appreciation of the Dominican culture, values and heritage, as its richness and diversity, in the Dominican Republic, US and worldwide.

That is all fine and good, because I believe the educational and work experience of this trip is going to be invaluable... HOWEVER, I am going to the Dominican Republic!!!

Well I leave June 2nd and come back August 12th.... Counting down! 

If anyone has any suggestions on places to go and things to do while there... please feel free to make your suggestions!