Week 5

After returning from our Pedernales field trip, we explored a bit of different kind of beauty right here in Santo Domingo by visiting the Jardin Botanico (Botanical Garden). A large expanse with a variety of flora, it was at times hard to believe that one was still within the city limits. A stop at the Japanese garden is always a highlight (left).

On Tuesday we visited the US Embassy here in Santo Domingo for an American perspective on US-DR relations. Security at the Embassy was tight, perhaps especially more so since September 11. Dave Foran from the Political and Economic section gave us a well-balanced view of American interests and concerns.

Our next stop was the Dominican headquarters of Peace Corps. Peace Corps has a very active program here in the DR with more than 130 volunteers throughout the country. Goshen students have partnered with Peace Corps workers for their service assignments in the past, and this semester Andrew will be doing his service assignment with a Peace Corp health sector worker.

Wednesday at Casa Goshen we celebrated Columbus' Day, which also just happens to be Amanda's birthday!

Thursday we listened to a very interesting lecture on the dictator Trujillo, who held power from 1930 until his assassination in 1961. Understanding this difficult period in Dominican history is a very important part of understanding the larger DR context of today.

Friday and Saturday students went on "Village Study,": A group of 3-4 are given the name of a small town a few hours outside of the capital and must find out where the town is, how to get there, and once there, must find lodging, food, and information about the town. Afterwards, the groups reported (with sock puppets if necessary!) on their weekend experiences. While somewhat apprehensive at first, everyone agreed that the experience was a good one and a great confidence builder before leaving for service assignments in one week.