Some fun before starting classes...

This is the entrance to my university here, Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre Y Maestra (PUCMM). It is affectionately referred to as the Pucamyma. It is apparently the Harvard of the Dominican Republic. I don't know how it compares to schools in the US, though. All I know is that my classes are engaging and my teachers are eccentric.













This is a photo of 4 out of the 6 Vandy students on this trip. From left, Lauren, Grant, Dan, and me (looking horrible). We're at El Fogon, a bar near the campus unwinding after a long day of doing nothing (it was still before classes started!!). El Fogon is a really popular student hang out since it's so close to campus - also because they have huge TVs, play lots of American music, and have open bar with $3 cover on Saturday nights.

I had heard that Dominicans drink alot but I don't think I was prepared for how much they actually drink. It was way more than I imagined. Some people drink the national beer Presidente like its water. Others drink rum and cokes the same way (if they even add the coke...) There are no rules against drinking and driving and kids can legally drink at 18 - that rule is not very strictly enforced, though. If you can stand, you can drink. And you will never be carded by the bar tender or refused.




Not only does the city of Santiago have taxis, they have what are called "conchos." They're extremely cheap (only 13 pesos or about $.33 USD) for a ride, but they only follow certain routes through the city so you may have to go from concho to concho. One particularly special thing about conchos is that the drivers will put an additional 6 passengers in each car. So here we are, during a scavenger hunt through the city, all squished into the back of a concho. They're a spectacular way to get to know you're neighbor and have a good laugh. From left, Dan, Moira, me, and Grant.


This is a photo from the Cultural Museum in Santiago, one of the pit stops on our scavenger hunt. We were lucky enough to have a man take our picture who didn't try to steal the camera. He did, however, ask us for forty US dollars.









We won the scavenger hunt!! We decided to celebrate our victory with ice cream at an awesome chain here called "Bon." Everything comes in some sort of cone and nothing cost more than $2.50. (I love the exchange rate). Their Dulce de Leche is absolutely fabulous. If the boys aren't in the mood for a beer, we usually come to the ice cream shop for a frozen treat. It can really help on the hot and humid days (which are all of them...).