The Parents Are Coming, The Parents Are Coming!

Monday October 11, 2010

Day 37

Today started off as a regular day at the office but then it got a lot more fun.  A couple of the people at the office planned a surprise party for Teresa's birthday.  They secretly brought in in a cake, snacks, drinks, a few employees from the clinic, decorations and some gifts.  Teresa was busy in her office and didn't even notice.  It was my job to get her to come in to the room where they were having the party.  I told her that I was having a problem with my computer (I usually work in the room where they were having the party) and I needed her to come help me.  She got very nervous because I never ask her for help but she walked in and "SURPRISE!" It was really fun but Teresa has this thing about smearing frosting on faces so that was messy. 

For lunch we ate at McDonalds with the kids. Yes, Jaclyn ate at McDonalds.  After our gastronomic adventure we went back to the house and I packed and did some work.  My parents are coming tomorrow!

 

Tuesday October 12, 2010

Day 38

Today I didn't go to work because my parents were coming to visit. I got to sleep late but I only ended up sleeping until 8ish because I wanted to finish packing and I was also really excited.  I also had to go pick up the dessert for after dinner. I went to the ice cream place right around the corner to get an ice cream cake and that was my first solo adventure to a store. Yes, that meant asking for everything in Spanish and paying close attention not to get ripped off. It was successful! 

 

Teresa and I went to go pick up my parents but we ended up being very late because there was all of this traffic because a bridge was opening for a boat.  In the 14 years that Teresa has lived in Santo Domingo that was the first time she ever saw the bridge open.  My dad later explained that it was more of a barge than a bridge but I didn't know the word for barge in Spanish so I kept calling it a bridge. We met my parents and a TON of luggage at the airport and we drove back to the Dominican Fiesta Hotel where my parents were staying.  They had so much luggage because they brought gifts for the kids at the clinic, gifts for Teresa and her family, and a few things that I requested from home. 

 

Later in the evening we went to Teresa's for dinner.  Nanita prepared sancocho which is a traditional Dominican dish.  It had potatoes, corn, and a bunch of meat in it and it was delicious.  After dinner we gave everyone their presents and I think the favorite was the Nintendo Wii we got for the kids.  Juan Carlos set it up in about 5 minutes so clearly he had some experience with that game system.  We are hoping that Teresa isn't mad about that present! After dinner we went back to the hotel.  Tomorrow we will tour the Colonial Zone and then head to a beach resort in Boca Chica in the afternoon. I can't wait!

 

Fun Facts

1. I can't figure out how to type a colon on this silly keyboard

2. When I went to the ice cream store they thought I only wanted a little piece of cake and tried to sell me that. I had to explain that yes, I actually wanted the ENTIRE cake. Yes, I enjoy food.

3. Ordering food at McDonalds was harder than I thought it would be. Teresa was helping me but they had so many questions and options.  The grilled chicken salad wasn't the best but the small french fries were delicious.

4. I finally got my Kindle and I am loving it (thanks again Aunt Julie)!

5. My parents are surprised that I can actually speak and understand Spanish. Yay, I think that was the goal.

 

Peace,

Jaclyn