Vadricka Etienne

Year in School: Senior
Major: Communication
Current City: Dominican Republic

 

Entry No. 2 | Sept. 30, 2010

My experience thus far has been nothing short of frustrating. While I'm enjoying being in another place and meeting new people, not speaking the language puts an unwanted strain of constantly being out of loop and always asking some one (after every sentence, in a not so low whisper ) “What did they say?” As annoying as that is, I'm glad I started my basic Spanish class though it's taught in Spanish (I'm still unsure how that works). I'm the only American in the class, with a Russian girl and two other Haitian students who moved to Santo Domingo after the earthquake hit Port-Au-Prince, Haiti on Jan. 12.

So far, I've encountered Caribbean colorism resulting in a man (who was the same color as me) to say “Oh and her name must be Shantiqua” and say that I must be related to another student because we were both dark(er); seen children begging for money on the side of the street (it's heartbreaking); tried the infamous Dominican salons (I like the results but so much heat!); dealt with absolute frustration over my lack of communication ability (I have none...); missed home like crazy; spent hours at the local mall to enjoy the free wi-fi and AC (both of which I do not have at home); walked about 40 minutes (to and from) to get to school; realized that the traffic lights are RARELY followed; ridden in a public taxi and a bus called a guagua (in which I almost fell out); taken cold showers; witnessed a friend have her chain snatched in broad daylight and no one helped; went dancing (no R&B jams here...); felt under dressed compared to the Dominican women (students included) who dress up to go EVERYWHERE; taken a nap EVERY day because I'm always tired (maybe it's the sun); met a man who was a die-hard U.S. fan because all his American friends are rich (he could not be persuaded that credit cards are borrowed money or that there were black people in the States);  been called Morena (basically brown-skinned girl) more times then I can count; slowly eaten alive by mosquitoes;  tanned (unintentionally) to the point that I am now 3 different colors; constantly identified as American (they can just tell...); lost my sense of personal space (this concept doesn't seem to exist here---at least not in the American sense); and have yet to find a water fountain...ANYWHERE.

Despite my negative encounters (the things listed above are not all negative many are just different), I'm really enjoying here, and I'm looking forward to more adventures!

Until Next Time,
Vadricka

Entry No. 1 | Sept. 29, 2010

I think it's quite possible that I was bitten by the travel bug a few years back; desiring to go everywhere that my mind could think of and my pocket could afford. The majority of my destinations (especially the U.S. spots) had logical reasons for going. The international ones--not so much. Italy was to satisfy a girlish dream while Canada, French and Belgium were opportunities I couldn't pass up.

As I boarded the plane for Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, however, I couldn't remember why I decided to leave once again to embark on a new adventure. Perhaps it was nerves, but I didn't understand why I couldn't be normal and just study Spanish in school like other students. As I buckled my seat belt, I also realized that I had never been out of the country for longer than two months...and as the flight attendants began speaking in rapid and self-assured Spanish...I couldn't understand how I had gotten myself into this situation.

Obviously, at this point, with the plane ready to go, I couldn't back out of my commitment so I toughed it out, only to be surprised at every turn. When I got to Santa Domingo, I was bombarded with Spanish. I never realized how egotistical I was to think that everyone would know at least some English to help me get by. So I've become an expert mime in order to survive. The miming won't work forever but until I know a few words, I'll be pantomiming away.

I'm living with an older woman who lives by herself. My host mom doesn't speak any English. AT ALL. The day I met her, she said “You'll be speaking Spanish before you know it.” I wonder if the program purposely set me up with her to have the full immersion experience. The first few days were the hardest, but now I feel like I have an understanding of (most) what she says. Besides the no Spanish part, she is the sweetest person and a great cook. Every day, she insists that I eat enough for two people...

Aside from not speaking Spanish, I enjoying the time that I've been here. I'm excited to learn (slowly but surely) Spanish and to meet Dominicans!

Until Next Time,
Vadricka