I had the honor of living with a Dominican Republic family for three months while in college to learn Spanish and to gain some life experience. Having grown up loving Spanish, I expected to love any culture that spoke the language. And I do have many good memories from that time. I also had many moments of culture shock.
The below list is one that I formed after being in the Dominican Republic for a month or so. These are the items that I wished I had packed for such a non-tourist experience.
1. A fly swatter
Simply because there was no end to the flies. They were like an ever-present black cloud that hung over and on your food.
2. Colorful bead bracelets
Gift giving is smiled upon and a bracelet brought from the States and given by an American would be like gold.
3. Movies
My Dominican Republic family watched a lot of television and would probably have loved to see my movies. Also, it would have been nice to have an American movie.
4. Cute Clothing
People dress up to go to the grocery store, and there I am in my cut-offs and t-shirt. Awesome.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide
Bacteria trolls the water so I cleaning any wound with soap and water results in mild infection. Good, right?
6. Aloe Vera
No one gets burnt here. Only the gringos. You can expect to pick up a bottle of this stuff at the local roadside stand.
7. My own Personal Translator
Oh, wait. That does defeat the purpose of trying to learn another language.
8. Hot Water
Bucket baths with cold water gets old quickly.
9. Thousands of Rooster Muzzles
Ever try to sleep while the confused roosters “cockle doodle doodle” at random points throughout the night. I’m pretty sure that the Dominican Republic is populated by a very confused bunch of roosters. Unfortunately, I’ve found out this time confusion is normal.
10. An extendable arm w/ boxing glove
For all those men who drive by and slow down to stare longer. For all those men that find wicked joy in driving their motorcycle as close to a walking girl as possible and then continuing to drive by while watching you over their shoulder. For all those men who won’t stop their “Pssssst Pssssst” when you’re walking to the store.
11. Earplugs
For when I’m tired of listening to my Dominican neighbor’s music or television, I can just tuck those little guys into my ears.
What About You?
Do you have other things that you think would have been useful in the Dominican Republic? Or for another trip you’ve taken?
Leave a Reply