Adventures in Paradise (Parte Uno)

Since August 2017, I've spent a total of 2 months in the Dominican Republic. To say it's been an adventure is a gross understatement. It's been more like a grand awakening! There are so many incredible things about this island, it will definitely take me a few posts to get through all of my observations and experiences. 

Lesson #1 - leave your uptight American-ness at the door. Life here moves at a very different pace and you need to surrender to it if you're going to enjoy anything. Put your concepts of time, health codes, driving, and bathing suits somewhere for safe keeping - you won't need them here. As a self-diagnosed control freak, I know how difficult it is to take a flying leap out of your comfort zone. But I promise, it will pay off more than you'll ever expect. 

Ok, lets talk about 'time' in the DR. Whatever is shown on a clock, watch, or cell phone is merely a suggestion. If someone says "it will be just a few minutes", that can range from 5 minutes to an hour or two. And believe me, you are powerless to change it. So just sit back, relax, and have a beer (I recommend Presidente, clearly a popular choice in the seaside town of Macao!). 

A great example of something that takes forever? Grocery shopping. (Hang on, I need to make myself a drink to get through this one) 

I don't like to grocery shop, let alone leisurely - I make a list, I go in and get what I need, and I get out. Everything about that sentence is the polar opposite in the DR. People meander in every direction; they stop in the middle of the aisle to talk to an old friend (or a complete stranger) for 20 minutes; they make up their list as they go, inevitably having to back track several times (and are guaranteed to run into several someones they know along the way); they are on the phone yelling at their kid, oblivious to anything else; the cashiers are in ZERO hurry; and most people are trying to explain to the kid bagging their stuff that he needs to fit it all into two bags because they're on their motocicleta. 

I went to the store with my boyfriend the other night and he popped open a beer and started dancing to the muzak, ambling down each aisle. Being unfamiliar with a lot of the brands here, I needed to know which milk he wanted so I could grab it and get out of the way, but he was too busy jamming out and I about lost my shit. But to him, it was the least important thing in the world. And it was a great reminder that I need to chill, and remember that nothing is as critical as enjoying life.