Week 1 of 52

It has been a busy week here in Puntacana! I am starting to settle in fairly well here. The pace of life is actually something I can become accustomed to. The Dominicans take their time with everything! No need hurrying. I like that. Besides, it's too hot to rush here! This week I have been kept busy arranging my apartment and doing things with human resources for the resort. They checked my blood; made me an ID card; I signed some papers; and I opened a bank account, too! Today, however, was my first real carefree no hassle day. We spent the entire day at the hotel lying out at the pool and treking along the beach. The 'we' that I'll often refer to is my group of girls here: Kyle from DC who is teaching 1st grade, and Cindy from LA who is teaching elementary music. There is a fresh water lagoon that we also visited this afternoon. It was so beautiful there!! The bottom was slimy shelves of rocks of varying shades of green and brown. There a fist sized tropical fish that live there and a momma and baby turtle, too! I'd post up some pictures here, but I didn't bring my camera as I was swimming in the lagoon!! We spent some time hanging out in hammocks and tanning at the pool. I however burned. Not quiet Kentucky fried, but I'd say I'm pretty well toasted.

I am right now at a little French cafe in the plaza across the street from my apartment building. They have free internet and nice, cheap, red wine. The first night we came out here we spent a lot of time talking to some of the locals, but then we ended up talking to the owner. Wow... my advice to you: Always talk to attractive French men who own businesses :). He ended up brining us a Chocolate Fondue with a banana-ish bread for free! It was amazing. Who would thought I'd be relaxing in a french cafe in the Dominican Republic? Not I... not I.

We start work on August 1st, but school doesn't start until September 3rd. Crazy, huh? I think so. We apparently spend the entire month of August planning and coordinating. I suppose it will be a nice way to get my bearings and such.

Also, a free offer: if anyone would like to come and visit, you are welcome to stay in my place. May I suggest that you bring an air bed in your other bed though. And you'll have to wait to do anything until I get done with work, but you are welcome to stay in my apartment, which is quite cute. Cozy and cute

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