I've been home for a few weeks, and now I'm actually moved into my dorm room at college. Looking back on my trip, all I want to do is return to Sunny Sosua. I had such an amazing time with all the people I met. I loved that the program had people of all ages. I learned so much from the Europeans and fellow Americans who were older than me. Everyone seemed to have great advise about life and college. The Dominicans were nothing but welcoming of North Americans and always seemed to have a great sense of humor. Dominicans are known for their love of cracking jokes, and I found myself laughing all the time at little things that someone would say.
I’ve been on many trips in my life, but I have never felt so sad to leave a country, as I have with the Dominican Republic. The beaches are incredible, there’s a wide variety of food, and the people are fun-loving. I actually found myself in a funk when I came home. Thursday and Saturday nights I think about how I should be at Ojos, dancing to Bachata and Merengue, or to techno music upstairs. I think about how easy it was to get on a Motoconcho (motorcycle taxi) to cross town, and the silly songs that the drivers would sing. I walk past boys in the United States, and I don’t hear “oye mami que bonita.” I almost expect it now, because every boy no matter what age would say that. It’s kind of a confidence booster, and I almost miss it (almost is the key word).
My spanish grammar has improved drastically. I now am more confident with the differences between preterite and imperfect, and subjunctive and indicative. I am better at ser and estar, and por and para. I understand better he little things that I learned a lot of years ago (but still mix up).
I miss my friends from around the world, and still keep in contact with them. Every time we connect over Facebook I find myself cracking up. I suggest to anyone who is interested in learning Spanish and immersing themselves into Dominican Culture to do this program. I will always remember this summer as my favorite summer, and plan on returning next year.
