My ILP Adventure DAY #1

I'm only 2 full days into this adventure and it's already been so amazing. The first day was a little stressful and very nerve-racking at times. Let me tell you though, that was the smoothest Airport experience I have ever had, customs and all. We traveled as a group from salt lake to New York and then finally down to Puerto plata. As we began our decent to the island the runway and most of the island were hidden from view. It looked as though we were heading straight for the ocean. All of the sudden the plane landed on one of the smallest landing strips I have seen. Everyone clapped once we landed thanking the pilots for getting us here in safety. As we walked off the plane we were welcomed by a musical group who played brilliantly every time a person came by. Next we had to go through customs and immigration, something I have heard horror stories about. The people helping us were so nice though and it took no time at all. Right outside the Airport we found Amaryllis, our local coordinator. She had busses ready for us. The busses are really just glorified fifteen passenger vans. We had to load our stuff in a hurry because the moment we got outside it started to rain. Now I'm not talking about a little bit drizzle, it was really raining. By the time we all climbed in the bus we were soaked. 

Our house is a pretty good drive from the Airport which meant we got a tour through the the city. One thing we noticed right off the bat is that Dominicans are crazy drivers.. Who knew you could fit three or four vehicles across a one lane roadway. Then there are the motorbikes. They go where ever they want, swerving in and out between the other vehicles. It's crazy! I am extremely greatful I don't have to drive. The drive to the house was awesome. It is crazy to go past all the big really his resorts and then see the shack houses not even a mile away. The people are all out on the streets all the time. As we got closer to our apartment the streets and the houses became smaller and smaller. The children were out by the street watching us. Our big bus seemed to stand out more and more as we kept driving. Our apartment is the biggest and nicest building around. To the people it is considered a mansion. We have running water (most of the time) and power for about 12 hours a day. We still haven't figured out when those 12 hours are because it seems to change everyday. Anyways, we moved in and then just about everyone took a nap. Traveling wiped us out! 

Once the rest of the group arrived we decided to explore the neighborhood a little bit. Just about everyone and their chickens came out to greet us. 31 American girls walking down a Dominican street draws quite the crowd. Nevertheless, we made friends and met some adorable children. We had dinner back at our apartment, which Tamara cooked for us. It was amazing! The rest of the evening we spent going over some rules and stuff and then we finally went to bed, or tried to. With the humidity and heat combined it was really had to get to sleep. There is day one!! Phew..