Halloween Weekend?

Saturday October 30, 2010

Day 57

Today was another relaxing weekend day in Santo Domingo.  We were planning to go to play basketball and use the gym at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel but at almost the exact same time in the afternoon, both of the kids got sick. It was so strange but definitely could have been a case study in epidemiology.  As quick as the kids got sick, they got better too.  When they were better we went to the movies.  We saw “Eat, Pray, Love” in English (Spanish subtitles) which was pretty good.  I read the book the first week I was here so I was glad we got to see the movie.  The last time we were at the movies there were only a few other people in the theater so I wasn’t able to get the real experience.  Well the real experience here is quite interesting.  People laugh at the most inappropriate times and people chat during the whole movie.   No one yells at anyone or tells them to be quiet.

Sunday October 31, 2010

Day 58

I kept forgetting today was Halloween.  I love Halloween but without the candy, costumes and trick or treaters it can easily fly by as just another day.  The only reminders during the day were the constant Facebook picture uploads that kept popping up on my screen.  Everyone needs to show off their costume pictures of course.  Actually when we were at the mall to see the movie on Saturday I saw a few people dressed up in costume and the theater was decorated with orange and black balloons.

In the afternoon, we all helped Teresa make ceviche for lunch.  Her ceviche is a lot different than any other ceviche that I have tried.  This type is made with tomatoes and when it is finished looks more like gazpacho.  She also cooks her fish before she makes it which isn’t how it is traditionally prepared.  The finished product was delicious!

After lunch the kids and I watched Coraline.  I am not really a fan of animated movies but this one wasn’t too bad.  I also enjoyed it because it was a little scary (well I mean for kids it would probably be scarier) so it was fitting for Halloween.

Fun Facts:

1.       They have an “As Seen on TV” store in the mall.

2.       You can buy beer at the movie theater.

3.       The security guards in the mall parking lots have a whole scheme set up to make money off “good parking spots”. They put a cone or something in the spot and when they see you, they move it away and let you park in it.  They know you’ll appreciate their kindness and give them a tip when you leave. So smart yet so wrong. 

4.       You can get just about anything delivered to your door here.  The other day I saw someone get cereal delivered.  Now that is a dream come true for me!

Peace,

Jaclyn