6.29.2013

Color is always a good idea.

This week, I was officially given the nickname, "India Canela," by some of my Dominican coworkers. The literal translation to English, I suppose, is "Cinnamon Indian Girl." More specifically, however, this nickname refers to my skin tone along the Dominican spectrum. While in the United States it is common to identify with broad categories when referring to your racial background, such as Black, White and even Brown, things are a bit different in the DR. I've found that Dominicans use all sorts of interesting terms to describe their diversity of skin tones: from India clara/oscura, to morena, to rubia, and the list goes on.
 
The nickname I've been given is really no bother to me, though, and that's partly because I don't sense that it carries any stigma or heavy connotations. One of the things on my bucket list is to learn about and experience race relations in a different country than my own. I feel like this nickname is just a part of my education. So for now I accept the term. Just call me the "Cinnamon Indian Girl."

6.26.2013

MIDWEEK MUSIC 1.0


Way to make it past humpday! This is the start of my first post series, we'll call it Midweek Music...
 Just a few songs I've been jamming to lately
1. The Wheel- SOHN. I just came across this song this week. It's totally chill, which is exactly what I love about it.
2. The Fall- RHYE. Perhaps my summer anthem, both The Fall and Open have been playing nonstop on my ipod since May. I love the feel of this song, perhaps because it reminds me of La Ritournelle by Sebastien Tellier, another one of my favorites.


6.23.2013

House Parties + Juan Dolio


After getting through my first full work week in the DR, I was more than ready to relax over this past weekend. My coworker and I left the office on Friday and walked to a nearby vegetarian "Indian" restaurant. Let me tell you! I've never in my life had such delicious food for so cheap! I literally got three large sides, plus dessert for less than 200 pesos (or $5.00). They served maduros (sweet plantains), different cauliflower dishes, eggplant, habichuelas blancas, and so much more. The restaurant was supposedly an Indian cuisine, but aside from the outdoor sign and a few indoor decorations, nothing about the place screamed "Indian restaurant" to me. But that was no disappointment, the food was great, and I can’t wait to go back.

Later in the afternoon, my fellow intern and I decided to bake some sweets. We had gone grocery shopping earlier in the day, and decided to make several things from scratch. For the two dinner parties we planned to attend over the weekend, we made buckeyes (or peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate) and an apple pie.

Friday's gathering was my first time socializing with multiple coworkers outside of the office. Many people came and some even brought their family members too. We enjoyed the most incredible Mexican dinner, filled with gorditas, chimichangas, gelatin con mango (jello with mango), and a dessert called bon bon that contains lots of marshmallows. Everyone seemed to bring a bottle of wine to the party, so I was glad my friend and I were able to provide a little variety to the spread with the buckeyes we made.  

On Saturday, I went to the pool with coworkers for a bit, and in the evening we went to our second party. Our host grilled shrimp and chicken in her backyard (which btw is very rare to find in Santo Domingo), and we also munched on plantains, pesto pasta, cous cous, and salad. For dessert, everyone enjoyed our homemade apple pie and some of the leftover peanut butter balls from our Friday baking endeavors.

Sunday was then the perfect day to relax. No dinner parties, no major plans, just time to wind down before the start of another week. I woke up early to go for a run in the local park. The weather was just perfect (hot, but not humid, and with a little breeze), and so I was able to get in a solid 7 miles. After returning from my run, I went with my friend/fellow intern and another coworker to Juan Dolio beach. Juan Dolio is located about 45 minutes away from Santo Domingo, and it is one of the cleaner beaches in the area. The water is crystal blue and quite shallow by the shore. Since we arrived early, we were able to grab one of the last cabanas on the beach. We spent the day just taking in the sun, walking along the shore, and enjoying the waves on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately my face is pretty burnt from lying out for too long, but I had such a great day regardless! After coming back from the beach my coworkers and I watched Meet the Fockers. And although it is utterly irreverent and probably not the best movie to watch with such company, we still got in some good laughs!

Tomorrow begins another work week, and I'm looking forward to it. This will be the first full week that I have a computer to work off of, and I can’t wait to get started with my first few projects!

6.19.2013

Jarabacoa + Cayo Arena

 
My Weekend in Photos
1. Highlights: Delicious Sopa de Queso, "Catchup" bottles at a random grocery store in Jarabacoa, Me at work (that's the escort required badge I've been rockin for the past few days), the guagua I took to Playa Rucia on Sunday, and Cayo Arena on a stormy day
2/3. Lovely Birds of Paradise flowers at the General's Jarabacoa home
4/5. Making homemade Mexican tacos
6. Rolling the harina de maiz for gordita shells
7. The General's mansion

This past weekend was an adventure, de verdad (truly). I barely slept in the midst of traveling with coworkers and my host to different parts of the country. On Saturday, we woke up early to drive to Jarabacoa, a small town in the mountains of the Cibao, with lots of outdoor activities to offer. We spent the day at the mansion (*cough* weekend home) of an esteemed Dominican military general. It was entirely impressive. Their beautiful home overlooks much of Jarabacoa and is without a doubt the largest house in the area. During the day we passed our time in the kitchen cooking authentic Mexican food with my coworker's Mother, Rosa Maria, who was visiting from Mexico. After a total of six hours in the kitchen, the meal was finally complete, and we all sat down in the grand dining room to enjoy the meal. The menu consisted of gorditas, tacos, frijoles, sopa de queso (cheese soup), and three types of desserts. I've never enjoyed such rich food in my life! This was a meal that I will certainly dream of in years to come.

On Sunday, I woke up extra early to go on a trip to Cayo Arena with my host. This was the true adventure of my weekend. The day even started off pretty rough, but little did we know, we would soon face much greater obstacles. At 6AM, we waited for over 30 minutes to park the car at a metro station. The guagua (bus) we were supposed to take was set to leave at 6, but because we couldn’t park our car until the lock-man came to open the parking lot gate, we ended up leaving at 6:30AM. When the lock-man arrived to open the gate, several minutes past 6AM and obviously in no rush/running on Dominican time, we quickly left the car, ran to the bus, and set off on our trip to Cayo Arena.

The drive up to Punta Rucia was quite peaceful. I enjoyed staring out the window as always, and was pleasantly surprised to drive by my old stomping grounds in Santiago (where I studied abroad in 2012). We finally arrived at the beach around midday and spent a few hours snorkeling in the gorgeous blue waters around Cayo Arena. This was my second time snorkeling, and it just happened to be at Cayo Arena both times. I’ve been told that it is comparable to the Great Barrier Reef and parts of Hawaii, so I’m glad my first few experiences have been there.

After snorkeling, our tour group gathered on the cay for a bit. In just a few moments the weather changed dramatically. The wind picked up, the clouds above became dark and ominous, and the waves grew higher and higher. We couldn't leave the cay just yet, because our boat had not yet arrived to take us back to Playa Rucia. So for two hours, we endured drizzling rain and stinging sand (from the powerful wind) as we waited to leave. The wind was quite intense. Three people were pulled out of the water after being carried too far by the rapid currents, and one of them was unresponsive and had to be evacuated back to land to get to the hospital. When we got into the boat to return to the beach, the wind and added rain created a combination that amounted to the feeling of small pellets being shot at my skin. It was unpleasant to say the least, but also extremely painful. The ride back took twice as long because the waves made it difficult to return the way we initially came. After an arduous boat ride, we finally arrived back at the beach. Our group gathered in a local restaurant where we dried off and ate a late lunch. When the rain had subsided a bit, we loaded into the guagua to return back to Santo Domingo.

No one could have known what we were up for next. The heavy rains we all experienced on the way back to the beach had caused a local bridge to flood. So for the next four hours, after driving about 5 minutes away from the restaurant where we ate lunch, we would sit in a long line of traffic trying to leave the beach. It was absolutely insane. If it had been Americans in that situation, let’s just say there would have been a revolt. Thankfully I am in a country where the people are generally of good humor in times of trouble. They adapt to difficult situations and don't stress out like most Americans, and especially not over situations that they have no control over. As we were surrounded by guaguas, some buses began to play bachata music and others to drink rum. People seemed to just accept the situation for what it was and find reason to celebrate (I’m not sure what exactly) in the midst of our inconvenience.   

Eventually the water on the bridge receded, and we began our journey back to the capital. It was a weekend full of surprises and setbacks, but I enjoyed it none the less, and now I can add these two trips to my list of adventures in la Republica Dominicana.

6.14.2013

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!

6.10.2013

Travel Essentials 1.0

This morning I booked a flight, and in just a few days I'll be leaving the country for my summer internship. I've finished my packing for the most part, so now I have a little down time to relax before my trip. It's become almost a personal tradition to travel during the summer (as I've done it for the past six years), but my packing list is still evolving. Of course, some things are bound to change based upon the weather, socio/cultural norms, and/or my overall purpose for traveling, but this here is my list of trip essentials: the items that must accompany all my adventures.

1. DSLR camera+ case: To protect my camera of course, and to carry various camera accessories
2. Film camera: For all my daytrips, I bring my Minolta to capture extra-special moments
3. Wallet: Where I store my cash flow. Haha, and also where I keep small business cards (i.e. taxis)
4. Leather crossbody bag: A small purse with multiple closures, so no one can easily pickpocket
5. Scrunchies/Hair ties: Always more than one, because big hair just don't care
6. Flash drive: Emergency item, just in case I need to grab music, photos, or other files in a rush
7. DSLR battery charger: So my picture taker can stay alive
8. Glasses: Sunnies and scripts, always
9. Additional camera lenses: 50mm for the DSLR, and a zoom lens for my Minolta film camera
10. Mini-notebook: My lil moleskin I use to record thoughts, numbers, any short term memories :)
11. Guidebooks: Not essential for everyone, but I love reading the suggested places to visit
12. Cell phone: I don't typically bring my phone to make calls, but it does make a nifty alarm clock
13. Lipstick/chapstick: For some tint and moisture, because nobody likes pale chapped lips, right?
14. Journal: Where I record all the day's adventures, reflections, and expectations for my trip
15. Comfortable walking shoes: Ain't nobody got time for blisters. I found these lovelies at Anthro

Can you guess where I'm going next? 

6.03.2013

This is 21

I’m at the cusp of a bright(er) future. I am approaching the pinnacle of personal enlightenment, evolution, and, some might say, experience. I am sure to face days of heartbreak, hilarity, and happiness.

I am twenty plus one and best described by the term “Young Adult,” a befitting paradox that encapsulates an inner conflict of age vs. expectation.

To many, I’ve much to be proud of; most notably, that I survived my teenage years without event. In this moment, however, I cannot be content with such conceit. I have always known that life brings much more to conquer than a single decade can divulge.

Perhaps, others know of something I don’t, something I can’t/won’t wrap my head around at age 21. “Reality,” they might call it. After a certain point, we become less and less enthusiastic about birthdays, marriages, reunions, and anything else that makes us conscious of passing time. I wonder, though, will now be the only time I am grateful for age… glad to mature?

At age 21, I’ve grown significantly as a person, but perhaps not any more than I did at age 5, 11, or 18. At age 21, things feel different, and I feel different. It is a sentiment that cannot be confined to brief description.  Perhaps the shift occurred during my four months in the Caribbean, was the result of my first kiss in December, happened in the midst of my photo exhibit in February, transpired at the start of my first relationship in March, or followed my university graduation and first heartbreak in May. Maybe 21 was just a preview of the future; a bittersweet, convoluted, inspired existence.  

 © 06.2013 Alexandra Hall

Why My Senior Year Was So Great: Part Two

MARCH
ASB. The first week in march I participated in an Alternative Spring Break service trip to Washington, D.C. My group's site, Help!, focused on the issue of homelessness. We had the opportunity to learn about the topic, serve the homeless community a bit, and participate in a two-day "urban plunge." For the first few nights of our spring break trip, we stayed at the Father McKenna Center, an organization which serves homeless men, women, and families in the downtown Washington,  D.C. area. Later in the trip, we would work with the National Coalition for the Homeless. This last organization facilitated our "urban plunge," during which we were out on the streets of DC for 48 hours without money, food, or shelter. Our group of twelve was split into six groups of two, mostly girl + guy pairs. We were given few instructions besides staying in character (that meant wearing grungy clothing, not taking a shower, which we hadn't done for six days, and keeping our cover stories). Provided only a small map and a list of soup kitchens/shelters, we set out to learn as much as we could in just two days. My experience in that short amount of time truly changed my perspective on the issue of homelessness. I suddenly became aware of my inescapable social status. As I struggled to panhandle for money, find food to eat, and even apply to jobs, I realized all too many things that I take for granted daily. In the simple act of sleeping, I was interrupted by police or security guards, depending on where I was. But the part that really upset me was the fact that I was all to often ignored. Parents shielded their children from me on the street. I could walk around for hours without a single person making eye contact with me. How are you supposed to feel human in this situation? That was the question I grappled with and still do. So many interactions caused me to doubt my faith in humanity. But conversations with the homeless, random acts of kindness, and the generous individuals I encountered along the way helped to renew that faith. In short, my Alternative Spring Break trip altered my perception about a huge issue in our country and around the world. It challenged me on many levels, and I hope that I never lose touch with that experience. .

SLG. In addition to putting on events for the campus community, my sorority took in six new members this semester (Eta line). Although we are a smaller organization, we are also a very close-knit one. I was blessed to enjoy another memorable semester with SLG, and organization I've been a part of for the past three years. It's such a beautiful thing to call these young women my Sisters for Life/Hermanas por vida.

CAFE. In mid-March I performed in a Latin-dance showcase hosted annually on campus. Café con Leche, features dance styles from all throughout Latin America. Every year students from all different grade levels and majors sign-up to be a part of the show. I was placed in the Merengue dance, and I couldn't have asked for a better group. Our choreographer had, like me, studied abroad in the DR, and learned the typical Merengue dance style or Merengue tipico while she was there. When the show finally came around, we did an incredible job, and in that moment, I could not have been more proud of my group.
My Alternative Spring Break Group in Washington, D.C.
Above: The DistinGuisheD Gamma Delta Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. Below: Eta Line practicing a step and a group shot of the sorority at the spring coming out show
Me + My dance partner, Aaron, in the Café Con Leche Dance Showcase this March

 APRIL-MAY
My final month of the semester was spent preparing for finals, graduation, and move-out. But in the midst of all those things, I still found time to enjoy a few more adventures at Vanderbilt.

MY 1st PHOTOSHOOT. My best friend and sorority sister, Sarah, has her own shop page on Etsy. She crafts unique, custom high-waisted denim shorts and sells them online. You can check them out and even order some of her designs at her store, the Little Sparrow Shop. In March, she asked me if I could help photograph some of her shorts for the site. I immediately agreed, and on a Friday afternoon we went out to an abandoned warehouse in Nashville to shoot. I had a great time working with my friends as I set up shots and took photos. I can't wait for another opportunity like this!

RITES OF SPRING. This semester was only my second time (in four years) attending our annual on-campus music festival.While the lineup this year (Juvenile, Miguel, Matt Kearney) was not really my cup of tea, the weekend still managed to be an truly unforgettable one.

HOLI. The Festival of Colors. I could never work up the courage to face a frenzied crowd with handfuls of powder in all different neon colors, that was until this semester. Despite staining some clothes and skin, it was altogether awesome. I hope I can participate in this festival in years to come!

SENIOR BEACH WEEK. Every May, during the week between the end of finals and graduation, many seniors take off for the weekend and head to a vacation spot to chill for a few days. This year's destination was Panama City Beach. While PCB doesn't hold the greatest connotations in my mind, I went anyways to enjoy some sun and beach with a few of my closest friends. The weather turned out to be perfect for the majority of our stay, and before leaving I took my friends to Rosemary Beach, one of my favorite spots in Florida, where we enjoyed a peaceful, though windy, exploring the unique little seaside town.

GRADUATION. Whirlwind. That's the only way to describe it. It involved a lot of people, pictures, and stress, but there were some special moments captured along the way. In addition to Commencement, I participated in the Black Graduates' Recognition Ceremony. My Mom, Dad, Sister, and Sister's Boyfriend all came up to support. The ceremonies and receptions were wonderful, and it was wonderful to share it all with amazing family and friends. The day afterwards, I packed up my room, bid farewell to a few dear friends and said goodbye to my four-year home. It was a bittersweet moment, but I know it's only a matter of time until I return to the place that has given me so much. #anchordown

Photo-shoot for the my friend's store, the Little Sparrow Shop
Rites of Spring 2013
Capturing some of the colorful craziness at the Holi Festival
Vandy Beach Week 2013. Above: Sorority sisters together at PCB. Below: A beautiful day at Rosemary Beach.
A priceless moment from Vanderbilt Commencement 2013. I finally spotted my family in the audience of thousands!

6.02.2013

Why My Senior Year Was So Great: Part One

Shall we start from the beginning?
JANUARY 2013
My semester started off slow as I readjusted to college in the U.S. once more. I had just experienced the most incredible semester abroad in the Dominican Republic and upon returning to Vandy I spent my first month playing catch-up on the four months I'd been gone; reconnecting with old friends, studying for classes, and reacquainting myself with the college life I once knew. To put it simply, it was a tough period. I had suddenly gone from having 18 best friends to just a handful of close ones. When I wasn't looking at old pictures or listening to Dominican music in my free time, I was Skyping with my friends from there or daydreaming of the DR. Some sort of nostalgia, saudade, or whatever you might call it. I don't think I've ever missed a place so much. But I knew the transition would be a difficult one, and with time things became familiar once more. Soon enough, my reverse culture shock subsided.

FRIENDS+FAM. A few weeks into January, my sister and her boyfriend came up to visit me in Nashville. It was his first time in Music City, so I showed them some of the tourist sites, and, of course, treated them to my favorite food spots in the city. While they were in town, we hung out with one of my great friends, Milly. Back in 2011, she and I travelled to Sri Lanka together, and there we quickly became close. We remained close after the trip, but our friendship really grew this semester. When I moved back to campus in January, she not only helped me to adjust to life in my new dormitory, but through numerous late night chats and study sessions, she helped me to stay focused (academically, emotionally, and spiritually), and most importantly, she provided the exact amount of Dominican-ness that I needed to get through that first month back. I don't know what I would have done without her.
Above: My Sister & her Boyfriend came to visit me in Nashville.
Below: My dear friend, Milly, and I.

FEBRUARY 2013
PPR. This year was my second time attending the Posse Plus Retreat (PPR) with several of my friends. The retreat happens off campus (deep the woods of Middle Tennessee) in early February, and it is a weekend for students to engage in dialogue about a relevant, though often taboo, topic. This year's theme was Class, Privilege, and Power, and we explored these topics through workshops, modules, small/large group discussions and my personal favorite, "warm & fuzzies." For this last one, everyone on the retreat is encouraged to write short notes of gratitude, praise, or encouragement... just anything positive to share with someone else on the retreat. By the end of the weekend we had an entire wall filled with colorful post-it-note-warm-&-fuzzies. When I got back to campus, I got settled in my room and began to read the (mostly anonymous) notes that people wrote to me. Each one was a unique treasure I'll be sure to keep.

1st PHOTO EXHIBIT. Feel free to read my past blogs (1 and 2) about my February exhibit. I had such a wonderful time sharing my work with friends and co-workers at the university.
CONCERTS. Towards the middle of the month, my best friend from home, Neha, came to visit me. It was her first time in Nashville, and also the first time either of us had visited the other in college. I blogged about some of our adventures here. That was my first concert experience in Nashville. Believe it or not, I had never been to one in music city during my 3.5 years there. Later on in the semester, I went to another concert. This time it was to see my favorite artist, Lianne La Havas, who played at 3rd & Lindsley downtown. I'm so glad I was able to experience them both before leaving.
ENTER SOMEONE SWELL. Back when I was 19, and came up with my 21 before 21 list, I was sure to write down (no. 21) "meet someone swell." Though I didn't necessarily achieve this goal prior to turning 21, it did occur while I was age 21, so that still counts (in my mind). It all began one mid-February evening. I was attending one of the finer, more cultured evening gatherings that colleges have to offer during the weekends... Okay, well, it was a party, but a Caribbean party (let us make that distinction). There, I ended up dancing with a young man who was my acquaintance for a few years. We danced well together. As the DJ transitioned from one bachata to the next, we didn't skip a beat! For this Caribbean girl, it couldn't have been more perfect. That evening, I gave him my number. Two days later we would go on our first date. And three months down the road, after countless adventures together, we would both graduate from Vanderbilt. I'm so grateful to have come to know such a gifted, inspiring, and fun-loving person.
Left: Students engaging in discussions about class & privilege at the 2013 PPR retreat.
Right: A few of the "Warm & Fuzzies" that covered an entire wall.
Discussing one of my favorite shots with friends at the reception for my photo exhibit 
Above: Lianne la Havas in Concert at 3rd & Lindsley
Below: Johnnyswim in concert at the Basement in Nashville
Me + My Senior Year Adventure Partner
(caught in an awkward mid-laugh, but I still love this shot)