Day 1 in the Dominican Republic

Our day started bright and early...well it was 3 a.m. so it was actually very dark. After lots of goodbyes and hugs to family and friends that came to see us off, we headed through security (stopped only for a very suspicious gallon sized ziploc bag filled with fruit snacks) and boarded our 5 a.m. flight. It took half a days worth of travelling but we landed in the beautiful Dominican Republic safe and sound. “I feel very anxious to get the trip started” Stella said as we waited in the customs line. Once we were on the ground, there was lots to see. The island is very green and lush, little colorful towns pop up everywhere between the towering mountains and the soft sanded beaches. Some of the girls described their first impressions of the island as “exotic” and “absolutely gorgeous”. Poverty is apparent as you look at the crumbling and colorful buildings in every town. Transportation by motorcycle is extremely popular on the island. We saw entire families squeezing onto single motorcycles, tough looking men giving girls rides to work and young boys practicing wheelies in the streets. After a long day filled with airports, waiting in lines and long bus rides, most of us were ready to pass out as soon as we got to the hotel. Little did we know, the next day would be just as exhausting and rewarding as the first.