Wow, I’ve been here for 4 weeks now. And I’m finally getting the hang of it. Just think, this is the point at which you get used to the language, culture, country, and lifestyle, and this is when I left
It’s been an emotional rollercoaster despite the fact I usually just put up funny stories here. But my previous experiences have prepared me for it, or else I wouldn't be here. Knowing that helps me deal with the crazy Dominicans that whistle and call at me in the streets. Which by the way, depending on my mood, I usually laugh or smile at them now instead of giving them death stares.
So, yes, I’m loving it. I’ve got the Annie song in my head, “I think I’m gonna like it here.” I love the heat, the public car adventure everyday, the lizards all over the place, the music, everything. It’s so much fun. This weekend I went out dancing two nights and had a great time. My classes are going well, and the score in McGonagal/Umbridge’s class is her-20, me-2. At least I’ve got two!! I’m not scared of her, and I won’t let her get to me!!
A few funny anecdotes:
-Although I do laugh when I get called at in the street, I still ignore them. So one day I was walking with a friend and a man said this (in perfect English):
“Hey, hey, are you from
Yayadada…he kept going and we laughed. My friend Amy actually had someone say in English, why are you ignoring me? She couldn’t believe it!
-We took a taxi one night in which the driver could have battled with Robin Williams for funniness. He was great, I told him he should be an actor and he said he was. Well, that solved that mystery!
-One day I took a public car with a friend and the driver tried to charge her extra and she really didn’t understand that well and I pretended that I didn’t, so she didn’t get charged extra. Then she got out and I kept riding to my house. He turned around and asked me if I understood Spanish really well, to which I said yes. (ps-unless I write otherwise, all of my stories are in Spanish). Ok, so he paused as if he was thinking how to ask a question.
Then he said, “You’re not from around here are you?” (That’s the nicest way I’ve had it put, usually everyone just assumes I’m American.)
“No.”
“Where are you from?”
“
-pause-
“Could you tell me why is it that foreigners always slam the door of my car?”
-I had to pause to laugh because I had indeed slammed the door when my friend got out.-
“Well, to tell you the truth, your car is pretty new compared to all of the other ones we take daily. You have to slam the other doors to get them to shut.”
“ohhh, yes, I was thinking that, but thanks for clearing that one up.”
-Another routine adventure for me is a public bus ride. Imagine Papito’s bus, but sooooo much worse. He’s is amazing compared to most that I’ve seen. So you get on, and try to find a seat (they shove you in like there’s no tomorrow). One day the bus was completely full and someone yelled, “Let the gringa sit down.” And I got a seat! People here are really nice. So then you pass up your money, and watch for your stop. When you see it coming you have to scream, “Let me off!!” And for the most part, your cry goes unheard. But there’s usually someone around you who then screams, “Let her off!!!!” And then the bus stops and you’re on your way to your next big adventure of the day!
I’m sure there are so many other funny things that happened, but the most important thing is that I’m happy now. I’ve found my heart song as Chris says. So thank you for all of your prayers and love, because I can’t and couldn’t have done it without you.
Ps-If anyone wants to talk for free online, real voices, download “Skype.” I just got it, and my name is “odderbrooke.” It seems really cool, go check it out!
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