Escort Required

I've been in Santo Domingo for only two days and yet, in that short time, I've managed to get lost, regain much of the Dominican Spanish I had lost, meet more people than I can count (or remember the names of), catch a ride/carpool like it's nobody's business, and only spend about $250 RD ($6.00 USD). We'll see how long this cheap lifestyle will last. I think I've out done myself.

Only moments after I arrived in the Aeropuerto de las Americas and claimed my baggage, I was picked up and taken to my internship site. One of my greatest concerns was arriving in the DR (like last time) in the midst of the intense heat, but thankfully, the weather is "cooler" this week, and sweltering sun will make an appearance later this summer. Forecasts show that we should all expect to be a deep brown shade come August. It's getting hot!

My internship has been fascinating so far. Because I arrived in the middle of the week, I haven't been granted an access badge (they process these only on Mondays). Also I haven't had a chance to get access to a computer for work (they process these requests only on Wednesdays). Due to the fact that I don't have an access badge yet, I've been relying on other staff members to escort me through the building. It's been a bit of a challenge to navigate, especially since my worksite is so strict on security. I'm pretty sure that all the guards are tired of me waiting for an escort at 6:45AM every morning. And although I don't think of myself as a threat whatsoever, they are inclined to be over cautious in circumstances with visitors. I can appreciate that.

So far, my work duties have been extremely light, and so I've had the opportunity to get to know some of my co-workers in the meantime. One of my favorite things to do is meet one-on-one with some of the staff, and get an idea of how different people got into their current careers. It's incredible to hear about where many of them have been, and where they plan to go next. The people I'm working with are just so international, it's definitely my kind of environment.

The adjustment process has been a little different for me this time around. Instead of adapting to a new culture or language, this time I am pushed to adjust to a new work environment. I determined that the first few days at a new job are the equivalent of stepping into the cafeteria at a new school when you're young (my exact HS experience). Meeting new people can be very scary.

The initial introductions are almost always pleasant. On the first day I arrived, I walked around the offices on a rapid tour, shook hands, smiled, briefly greeted people, and made some small talk. It was kind of a breeze. And I found that I'm actually pretty good at this part. However, the bigger challenge came on the day after, when I had to sit around the office without a specific task or observe staff members doing their jobs. In these situations, I became anxious about socializing and fearful of putting myself out there. I wasn't my normal curious self, asking questions about everything. I hope that this is just a "first week" thing, and that I soon work up the courage and confidence to be bold and more sociable in this new environment.

It's ironic that my internship has been so much more of an adjustment than the city I am in. Although I've been to the DR before this, Santiago, the city where I spent the majority of my time, is quite different from Santo Domingo. There is no ceasing to the sound of car horns, men and women still jaywalk on the busiest of roads, and the aguacates (avocadoes) sold by street vendors still tempt me every time. It's still the place that I love, just a more busy, crowded, and noisier part of it.

This weekend I have planned to go to Cayo Arena, with my wonderful host. I took a trip there in September of last year, so it will be such a treat to return. The ride there will be a bit long, but I cannot wait to be in the warm blue waves once again!