D.R. [Tres] : Hiney-co and the end

We made our way to Santiago, another large urban area in the D.R. to meet up with Jean, another volunteer and good friend of Lindsey's.  We ate at a place called Square One that they love for its abundance of American food.  I had pancakes...and they were delicious.  I also had orange juice.  I could write a book of love sonnets about the orange juice in the DR.  It is so good and fresh and perfect, and I don't even like juice that much.  It was fun getting to know Jean and listening to some of their crazy stories.  After a nice, leisurely lunch, we picked up a few groceries and loaded into a gua-gua to Janico (which in my head only is pronounced Hiney-co) where Jean lives.  We climbed a couple large hills while we were there, played with Jean's dog Wally, listened to Patty Griffin and Glee, ate guacamole and brownies for dinner, and watched the premiere of The Bachelor.  It was great!  Everything I love doing but with an exotic backdrop.

Here are a few views from one of the hills in Janico, so lovely.

Jean and Lindsey

Then Lindsey and I set out for Santo Domingo once more for the last couple days of hanging out and sightseeing.  We spent most of Friday afternoon traveling, so by the time we arrived at our lodging, we were ready for dinner and sleep.  We took advantage of cable in our room to watch episodes of Law and Order.  Some things are fun no matter what country you're in!  The next day we had a nice brunch and then headed over to the colonial zone.  We walked the same area that Columbus walked back in the day.  Enough jibber jabber...

A really old church that we couldn't go into because I was wearing shorts...scandal

A fort that I don't remember much about now

Just because this happened on my birthday

Hanging out in a fort...no big deal

We also walked through a museum detailing the colonization of the island of Hispanola.  Everything was in Spanish, so I was more impressed with the windows and gates.

Random peacocks strolling around

I was nervous this was about to turn into an episode of "when flightless birds attack"

Not going to lie, by mid-afternoon of this day I was exhausted.  It was such an action-packed trip, which I loved, but boy was I tired.  We walked back to our hotel and only left again that day to get this, my last meal in the DR...

Fried chicken and plantains...yum!

The next morning I was up at 5:30 to say sad goodbyes to my buddy and make my way to the airport.  I had so much fun and learned a lot about the DR and development there.  It was so good to see Lindsey in her element...she is such a strong, brave person, and I know her road in the DR hasn't been totally smooth.  I'm so proud of her!  It was also awesome to see the community she's found, both with other volunteers and with locals in her pueblo.  I know that she is well-loved and taken care of, and that makes me rest easy. Linds, thanks for an incredible, fun week!  You are a great hostess, and I felt so taken care of all week.  See you in May!

Alas, we've reached the end of my DR recap.  I hope you enjoyed reading about it even because I sure enjoyed living it.  I am so grateful for the opportunities to travel that I've gotten, and it just gives me the travel bug even more!  This one will definitely go in the books as one of my favorite trips ever.