bueeeno...

I am leaving La República Dominicana in less than 24 hours. Having resigned myself to finishing my project report when I get home, because I will apparently be spending the entire day chit chatting and saying goodbye to people, I have decided to reflect on how I have changed as a result of my time here. I've acquired some new habits, and reinforced some old ones. Pa' que sepas, here we go... New habits - - mixing equal parts sugar and coffee - mixing equal parts coffee and water (to avoid heart palpitations from excessive caffeine) - only ever reaching for the cold water tap - showering twice a day - preferring beer so cold it has ice flakes in it - making lots of noise and turning on all the lights before entering the kitchen at night (to shoo away vermin) - being unable to sleep without a lullaby of colmado music, honking, car alarms and random people shouting - playing into the machismo - getting my nails done on a regular basis Back (or amplified) with a vengance - - talking with my hands - speaking in Spanglish - listening to (and singing along badly with) Spanish pop - not bothering to keep my temper in check - collecting large earrings - finding low necklines and tight pants completely appropriate for all occasions

And then when I get home, I will probably develop a keen sense of outrage at the price and quality of fruit. And the lack of Coca Cola Light. And the price of manicures/pedicures.