Hello, dear reader! Seeing as my time in the Dominican Republic is drawing to a close (I've got less than 2 months to go), I thought I'd reflect a little bit on things I will and will not miss. Without further ado...
5 Things I'll Miss the Most:
1.
The people. Warm, outgoing, and refreshingly sincere, the Dominicans I have met have, without exception, wiggled (or, to be more culturally appropriate),
bachata-ed their way into my heart. I will forever remember and be grateful for the two families that not only housed and fed me, but offered their compassion in times of need and lent an understanding ear on days I needed to vent.
2. The comforting digestive regularity of a plateful of
rice and beans. You'd think that eating the same thing every day for lunch would get tiresome, but I find myself craving the uniquely-seasoned national dish after 4 hours of teaching each morning.
3. The convenience of
walking to work. Of walking everywhere, really.
4.
Being conversant in Spanish. I rarely get my "language fix" in the States, so leaving this behind will be a real bummer.
5.
Teaching. In spite of the many frustrations that come along with the job, the ability to impart life lessons along with the curriculum, to be invited over to dinner at my students' houses, and the fact that I have created such close bonds with students will all be things that I miss. Of course, I could make teaching into a career path, which is something I have seriously considered. Only time will tell...
5 Things I'll Miss the Least:
1.
Washing my underwear in the sink. 'Nuff said.
2.
Having to throw toilet paper in the garbage rather than flushing it.
3. "
Pitos" and "
piropos" (hisses, whistles and catcalls). I'm over it all.
4.
Not having the keys to my own house. In the States, we place a premium on freedom. Here, on the other hand, the premium is placed on security or having everyone arrive home at around the same time. Because the locks are not your standard American affair (the doors are secured with padlocks) it has happened that I have been locked both IN and OUT of the house on several occasions. Usually this has to do with a miscommunication or the fact that I'm a sneaky little mouse :-)
5.
Machismo in general. (See #3)
5 Things I Can't Wait to Come Home To:
1.
My family (and new puppy!) Even though I have been lovingly adopted, it's not the same...
2.
Fresh berries. Considering the fact that I live on a tropical island, fresh fruit is rarely served at mealtime. Instead it is blended together with condensed milk or whole milk powder to make a
batido or smoothie. Tasty, but not the healthiest thing in the world.
3.
My car. While my "hometown" of Neyba is small enough not to warrant having a vehicle, I do miss the simple freedom of being able to go out of town. I was too scared to invest in a motorcycle during my time here, so my travels have been quite limited.
4.
Peanut butter. I read an excellent opinion piece (okay, confession: it was a picture post on Facebook) that said "If someone ever tells you you're putting too much peanut butter on your bread, stop talking to them: you don't need that kind of negativity in your life." Word.
5.
Libraries and nature. I have definitely been deprived of both during my stay here. Books and the outdoors are things that I took for granted back "home" and the absence of both has really thrown into relief what kind of person I am (duh! Bookworm!) and the type of place I need to live in (one with ample green space and opportunities for peaceful outdoor recreation and reflection).
Well there you have it, folks! My very own listicle. I hope this is cause for you to reflect on your own lives and priorities as well. It is easier to do from another culture, but I believe that we all need to step back every once in a while and take stock of our lives, appreciating the good and reconciling with the less pleasant aspects. So...happy reflecting. And I can't wait to see all of you in T-minus 57 days!
