On the street...

I thought I would provide a glimpse of what goes on the ground every day in the DR.  Here are a few of the all things Dominican.

First is the automobile and traffic congestion.  It is just part of life. Delay and idling are just what you do. AND one way streets--every where! Every car is dented, scratched and damaged.  Three cars sharing two lanes is just what you do inching and creeping along.

Life behind the wheel is not all slow and dismal.  While waiting, at what seems every intersection, you have an opportunity to be productive and actually save time.  You can purchase an array of products and services right at your window.  Yes, no need to go to the store.  The local sales reps. come right to you!

Wow, who would have thought--fruit, veggies, baseball caps, gold fish in little fish bowls, juice, water, window washing services, wiper blade replacement, back rests, sunglasses, potato chips, etc. right at your finger tips--what ever you need!  You can double your product inventory by carrying it on your head (potato chips are light weight).


Most of our students and thousands ride the "public cars" or in the U.S, we call them taxis.  They are everywhere but you cannot spot them by their traditional yellow color.  Multi-colors.

How about this public car with the sun visor broken. Just borrow a card board box and hang it on your window. Takes care of your sun problem quickly. Necessity is truly the mother of invention!

If the public car doesn't work for you, take the autobus.  They are also very convenient and welcoming--the doors are always open with an invitation to climb on board.  Can't beat the price--20 pesos (50 cents) to go anywhere. Watch where you sit.  It could be people under you or some new food design you add to your pants or skirt.  It might not get you a date but it will get you want to go.

And once in awhile they have a little mechanical problem.  No problem.  They fix 'em right there and they are back in business.

The most convenient public convenience is the motor bike or "motocicleta" or "moto" for short.

If you are bold, daring, and well skilled at weaving in, around, through to the front of a congested intersection, turning left from the far right lane (or right from the far left lane) and not waiting your turn, this is for you. Like flies at a picnic, again, they are everywhere.

Versatility is their advantage.  Jumping the cement island to make a U-turn, traveling head on against traffic to save time, and avoiding sitting behind long lines of cars by using the by-pass lane--the sidewalk-- makes the moto particularly popular.

Moving slowly from the back of a line of traffic between cars to the head of the intersection to beat the traffic when the light turns green (or if the light is red and no cross traffic is moving, you can continue)  is another common skill.  It's great!

(sorry it is raining)  Motos waiting for the green light

Gotta love 'em.  Need one.  The available time to do missionary work could double--triple! with a moto.

One of my fond "on the street" memories includes a popular fast food stop 100 yards from the front gate of the Institute.  Hundreds of college students stop for a little snack each day.  It is called "D'Juans on the Corner." It is home to the Dominican hamburger--

The Chimi (pronounced Chim-ee).  Arihanny, our office specialist says, "Elder Park, why do you eat at D'Juan's, it is death on a bun?  Dominicans won't eat there..." She drew me a picture of my near death experience which made me a little nervous but yet smile!  I have eaten a Chimi at D'Juan's twice and am still vertical.  Peggy has at least tried it once (and she is still vertical).

The Dominican Chimi

Yum, yum.  I feel like I'm now a step closer to being a real Dominicano.
Randy