Teaching in the Dominican Republic

We are ? The beauty of the United States of America is in our salad 🥗!  That is our 'Salad Bowl'. The U.S. comprises of many different cultures yet each culture maintains its own wonderful individuality.  We have the Asian, Black, Latino, Native, and White communities; each making our country what it is today.  I am ? When you think of yourself, how would you describe yourself?  Which community do you belong to?  Was your first thought, Black, Native, Asian or Latino? Or was it American?  Here in the D.R. they would identify themselves first as Dominican then by 'racial group'.  Yet in the United States we think of ourselves first by 'racial group' then by nationality.   This idea of nationality first, 'race' second  has affected me in two ways: 1. Friendships AND 2. My Children I am ? I have found that I connect best with people that are from the United States or have lived in the United States most of their lives, no ma

WOW! Really! You mean no one in your family is Dominican!  You don't look Black! 😠   What does looking Black even mean?  Other comments I hear are (please remember I am translating this): 1. Don't you want to straighten your 💇hair?  2. You should bring your daughter to the salon💈. 3. Don't go in the sun🌞, your skin is getting darker. 4. Bring your umbrella☂, the sun is damaging. 5. Your daughter is playing in the rain🌧, hurry tell her to come inside. She will mess up her hair. When people first meet me for the first time they ask me if I'm Dominican.  If you know me and you are reading this, you know that I proudly say, "No, I am Black." Then they are really confused. How can I be Black yet look exactly like them.  My acknowledgment of my Blackness seems to make Dominicans uncomfortable even the 'educated traveled' Dominicans. Why, is this? Someone please tell me! After they ask me if I am Dominican and I say no, there is an awkward

My New Favorite Drink The Cafeteria here is amazing!😆 The food is delicious and there is a variety of things you can order. It is a mini restaurant.   The menu posted on the wall does not encompass the variety of food that they prepare.  It is also made to order so it is fresh🍎 and made from scratch. They do have the typical  lunch items such as hamburgers, hot dogs🌭 and pizza. But they also have tacos, Cesar salads, quesadillas, Cuban sandwich,empanadas, and Quipe. They also have the Dominican classics: fried cheese🧀, mash plantains, fried plantains, and salami.  Bandera Dominicana After 12 noon they have chicke n, rice, beans,and salad. This traditional meal is otherwis e known as  "La Bandera"⚑ (the flag).   Although the food is delicious😋, it is a bit pricey💰. My favorite drink, Aloe is 80 pesos which is $1.75. To American standards that doesn't seem like a lot, right? On the other hand, a bottle of coca cola is $.75 cents. The healthy🌴 options ar

My Building When you are a foreign hired teacher for a private school there are certain benefits that you receive such as free housing.  ****See my post: Benefits of teaching in the Dominican Republic.   Usually they will give you an apartment in a middle class area. Some schools require you to share an apartment with other teachers.  Living Room WARNING :  Make all of your requests before you sign your contract such as independent living or air conditioning.  Once you are here it is unlikely your requests will be honored. Kitchen/Dining Room Here is a picture of my apartment.  I am so lucky and fortunate that it really has everything I need or could ever want.  It is as 'American' as it comes. (I would like to share my gratitude👊.) For example, I have hot water, air conditioning, and an American washing machine. I know other teachers that just have fans🌬 or no hot water.  If hot🔥 Laundry Area water is a deal breaker let the school know that ahead of