It looks like most of the Christmas decorations are still up. On Saturday, walking along the Malecon, I noticed that many businesses and the avenue itself are still adorned with the signs of the season. This probably has a lot to do with the extended celebration of Christmas in the Dominican Republic and most of the rest of Latin America. Saturday, the 6th, was El Dia de los Reyes, commemorating the three Magi who brought gifts, according to Christian tradition, to the new-born Jesus. Thus, this is the day of gift-giving, rather than Dec. 25th in the U.S.
On Sunday, the celebration continued, with many families and their children, sporting new bikes, skateboards or rollerblades, out enjoying the temperate weather. Every day recently, however, Santo Domingo has been getting very predictable afternoon showers, some of them heavy enough to tax the drainage system, leading to areas where the streets are somewhat flooded. I’ve learned to walk as far away from the traffic as possible to avoid getting drenched by passing cars scudding through the 2-4 inches of water. (Unlike in Benin, Africa, where I was soaked on my bicycle by a large, heavy truck splashing through brick-red, muddy water–a real laugher, looking back on it.) Sunday afternoon brought another heavy torrent, but I was able to race to D’Luis Restaurant, where I usually have a late lunch, before the clouds opened. I did get a little wet, but the shoeshine boys who hang out there managed to stay dry.
Afterwards, walking back along the avenue, I was caught up in the dancing, chanting and horn playing that you see in the photo below. Some of the guys here were playing what looked like didgeridoos, but the sound was more like that of a foghorn. I assume this had something to do with El Dia de los Reyes, since three of the guys were bedecked in various colorful costumes, representing the three kings maybe. Very interesting.
The sunset was also quite interesting and beautiful.
Also on Sunday, there were several instances of police escorting big black SUVs. The first thing you notice when this happens is the presence of police at all the intersections, blocking and holding up any approaching traffic. You hear the sirens and then the escort comes into view, several motorcycle cops and the speeding SUVs. Probably some kind of government poobahs. I saw four of these escorts on my way to the Malecon; there’s usually only one.
My workshops in Santiago last week proved very productive and I think the teachers enjoyed it, though only three attended–the entire English faculty of the Agriculture Institute. The campus there is very beautiful, with well manicured lawns, dense jungle-like vegetation in places, and very large, old trees–oak and mango, among others, I think. If I were to work in the DR, this would be the place. It’s higher up than SD, so it’s usually a bit cooler and less humid. (Of course, if I could find a campus on a beautiful beach . . .!) More later.
Were you aware than on Sunday THE MAN, David Big Papi Ortiz was in Santo Domingo (his home town) visiting a pediatric cardiac care unit at a (the??) hospital. This is his principal charity and he spent all of last year raising money for it. The news reports here in Boston indicated that everywhere he went the streets were literally jammed with fans and friends. One notable person was quoted as saying, ‘if Papi wanted to be Mayor of the City, all he would have to do is ask ! We love him that much !’
Still no snow here in NE so the Patriots will have to travel to the Colts … it’s just not right to march to the Super Bowl unless you have to plow the gridiron along the way !
33 days till pitchers and catchers report !! yahooooooooooo!