Tales From The Motherland, Part 3

Climbing up the mountain
to see Las Caritas

I went back to Santo Domingo again in March for another mini family vacation, and it was AMAZING. Last year our trip was so short and under the cloud of a death in the family, and while it was nice it was also very lacking. This time around we had a few extra days to lollygag all over the island, so we asked my Tia Iris to take us to La Descubierta. And let me tell you, it was the best decision ever made EVER.

Part of me doesn't want to tell you about this place so as to keep it safe from your touristy feet. I mean, look at what you've done to Brooklyn! However, I will tell you a few things to at least give you a taste of what an amazing time we had, and also why I've decided to retire out there instead of here in the States.

At one of the many
local swimming holes

First of all, the town is about five blocks long and quaint as fuck. No Starbucks, McDonald's, Saks Off Fifth--none of that bougie bullshit America supposedly cannot live without. You can't really get a huge variety of foods--that whole "avocados don't grow here anymore" nonsense had me ready to leave--but what you do get is still delicious. There is dancing in the streets. Clothing...what is clothing? There are more chocolatey people than vanillas. The swimming holes have some of the coldest, crispest mountain water flowing through them. Kids are kids. And even when the power goes out for days, you find yourself more comfortable and at peace with life than you've ever been.

After a while, you get used to
the cold water.

There's a beautiful lake. Iguanas that walk up to you and say "que lo que!" Remnants of our Taino ancestors. Mountains; GLORIOUS mountains. And more family than I know what to do with. Haiti, just 25 minutes away by car. Sexy baseball players a few towns over (more on that later!). FAMILY HISTORY.

The girls and I had a lot of fun. I feel so lucky to have been born into the family I have, and to have roots in that island. I read three books and wrote the beginnings of five stories while I was there. What better place is there for me?

*smooches...itching to go back*
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only thing I don't miss? monster-sized roaches!