Las Galeras!

This photo is of a playa in Las Galeras, at the tip of the beautiful Samana Peninsula. My only difficulty in writing this post is choosing which of many beautiful beach photos to post.

Wednesday night was our Graduation event at Peace Corps. The event was qute lovely, really. We  heard speeches by dignitaries up front (not my favorite part) at tables decorated with flowers and patriotic colors. We sang national anthems of the Dominican Republic and the United States (better, as I liked the singing words to the Dominican anthem and neither song was too long).

There was an opportunity for Peace Corps Volunteers to speak for a moment and introduce themselves and name the locations in which they will serve. Then appetizers and cake was served. We had time to socialize and take photos.

A party was held afterward at the Zona Colonial, but I left early, not being one for a lot of loud, loud music and so on. I liked meeting the Peace Corps Volunteers who have been in the Dominican Republic longer, though.

After two months of incarceration as a Peace Corps Trainee I was ready to bolt.  By 6 am Thursday morning I was already headed out the door to catch a guagua to Las Galeras, and at noon I arrived at the B & B at which I had reserved quarters. What an enjoyable trip! Free, free at last to see the sights of the beautiful country in which I've been residing these past few months. I found the towns of Sanchez and Samana particularly scenic, and of course the beach views were stunning.

Especially moving for me was the participation of my host mom, Juanita ("Negrita") Dominguez at the Graduation event. She appears here with Rosemary, Peace Corps Staff in charge of all host family relations. I have been very fortunate to stay with a sparkling woman of even temperament who is hands off in terms of her demands on my time. She has graciously provided meals, clean clothes and a clean room for a month of my training. What a luxury it is to have that kind of care provided.

Here I am with my host "mom," Negrita, and her beautiful nieta (grandchild) Tiare, with whom I spent many hours blowing up balloons and  making animals. Tiare has been a talented student, and quickly mastered the skill of making rabbits, parrots, dogs, giraffes and snails.

This photo is taken on the road to the Casa Dorado, a Bed and Breakfast I researched for friends planning a trip to the Dominican Republic in March. I recently decided to try it out for myself. The town of Las Galeras is relatively tourist free and undeveloped. I plan to return!

This is Casa Dorado, a home built by a former Peace Corps Volunteer, Catherine, and her husband, Roberto, a Dominican national.

 Here I am in front of Casa Dorado.

And this is Gabrielle Bashist, aka "Gabby," the 3rd year Peace Corps Volunteer who turned me on to the town of Las Galeras, in which she has been serving as a Business Volunteer.  Gabby is quite a trooper, and her shepherd helps provide a margin of safety in Las Galeras. However, she has earned the respect she has in the community through her work and diligence. I admire Gabby very much!

Gabby is excited about working on a Chicas Brilliantes conference to take place in January. This 3 day conference will offer specific opportunities for young women to learn about professional careers. Gabby is the First Peace Corps Volunteer to be assigned in Las Galeras.  She has worked hard to build a Community Center for young people in Las Galeras.

This town is very undeveloped, and that is part of its appeal. Yet the downside is that there has just not been any work done to support young people who want to become active in sports or other activities.   Gabby was able to obtain property through her efforts, but thus far a way to start building that will serve as a Community Center for youth and families is not clear.

Gabby appears here with her host Grandfather and Grandmother and other host family members, people with whom it is evident she has become very close.

 This is Gabby with her Host Grandmother, and her Host Father.

The tree growing behind the house of Gabby's Host Dad is full of avocados. And I will close for now, as it is quite late and I am having difficulty uploading photos. Bye for now!