Last Week in the DR (Part II)

On Monday, I was alone at work again, since Robert had decided to stay the extra night in Las Terrenas with Mari and her family and friends.  I was quite busy at work trying to get a project to a point in which it could be easily taken over by Robert and that Sr. S was happy with.  I had plans for lunch with Ozumy.  We decided to go to Super Pola, for old times sake.  It was there that I gave her one of my paintings, since she had told me how much she liked it when she first saw a picture of it.  I had a good RD$50 lunch of rice and coleslaw. 

After lunch, we went over to Sweet Bakery.  Ozumy gave me a going away gift, which I was so excited about: a Dominican cookbook!  I had actually been looking for one for quite a while so it was a lovely surprise that she had found one.  I had a bit of a laugh though when I was reading through some of the recipes and saw a word I didn’t understand.  Turns out it called for 1 ½ “little spoons” of salt.  I asked Ozumy – does that mean teaspoons?  She just laughed – it just means little spoons.  After I finished my coffee, I went to pay and then it was time to say goodbye to the Sweet Bakery girls.  I’m glad Ozumy was there to help me explain better in Spanish why I had to leave.  It was definitely sad, but I passed along my email address to them and said they could find me on facebook – so we’ll see if I end up hearing from them or not. 

After lunch, I quickly finished things up at work so that I would be ready to go by 5:00.  But as the time neared, L asked me what time I was leaving.  When I said 5, she asked me if I could stay a bit later.  I told her that I could stay a bit later and she assured me that it wouldn’t be longer than 15 min.  I sent Ozumy a message letting her know this, but unfortunately she was already on her way to meet me.  I soon found out that they had bought a cake for my goodbye.  So I packed everything up, gave Sr. S the other painting (which he seemed to like) and waited for the cake to arrive.  I gave JCL the dictionary I had bought her and made sure to get a picture with her too.  She told me how much she was going to miss me which was really sweet - I'm going to miss her a lot too.  I also got a picture of the consulting team!  Finally the cake came and we gathered in the back meeting room with all of the staff on the top floor.  It was nice and they all said sweet things about me – although since it was all in Spanish, I didn’t understand all of it.  More pictures were taken, lots of hugs, sad goodbyes and I continued to fight back the tears.

I didn’t actually leave the office until nearly 6:00.  Poor Ozumy had been outside for over an hour.  She understood though.  We called a taxi and off we went to Zona Colonial.  On our way over, we found out that Mariangeles and her sister, Marlon and Mabellina were in Zona Colonial already so we made plans to meet them when we arrived.  I was a bit disappointed since I was hoping to get there before a particular store closed at 6pm.  Luckily, when we arrived, I saw that the doors were still open.  We rushed over and I was able to get what I wanted.  Turns out they were actually open until 7 (the guidebook lied!). 

We met up with the others and wandered around the area.  It was really nice to be in my favorite area of the city again.  Soon it was time to head to the meeting place for my AIESEC goodbye party: Segafredo.  Ozumy and I had pizzas while we waited for others to show up.  Sasha and Urska were first to stop by, then Robert, Mari and Trond, followed by many others, including Rene, Karen, Felix, Adaica, Claudia, Maria, Lostania and Manuel.  Because there was so many of us, we ended up having to move inside for the rest of the evening.  It was a great night and I really enjoyed being around all of my wonderful friends I met in the Dominican.

On Tuesday, I tried to sleep in a bit, but wasn’t too successful.  I spent the day packing and cleaning.  I was surprised when I discovered that everything was going to fit in my bags without being “overpacked!”  At around 4:30, Manuel came by so that we could take some stuff over to the MC.  Since we arrived around 5, we called Robert and told him to come over to the MC so that he could catch a ride back with us.  I spent the rest of the evening doing the last minute packing and getting stuff together to give to Maria and to Robert.  At 8:30, I headed over to the old colmado.  Robert was waiting for me when I arrived, Manuel and Mari showed up shortly after and we woke Pavol up from a sleep and he came by too.  It was nice to enjoy some Presidente and a colmado sandwich on my last night in the Dominican.

When it was time to head home, Maria and her friend Orlando showed up and picked me up.  We went over to my apartment so that Maria could pick up the stuff I was passing along to her.  Saying goodbye to her was difficult.  I tried hard to not cry, but I did.  After doing a few more things around the house and chatting to Bart for a bit, I went to bed.

This morning came early.  I was up at 6 to ensure I’d have plenty of time to finish up the last minute things and get ready.  I was sure to tell the roosters that I wasn’t going to miss them, same thing to the ants and a spider I found in the sink.  Around 8:20, Delaine showed up to get the keys and to pack up a bit more of her stuff.  Robert showed up right after to grab the last minute things I wasn’t taking with me and at that same moment, we noticed that Don Pedro was waiting in the adjacent lot.  I went out and waved Don Pedro over, so that he could drive into our parking lot to load up the stuff.  The watchiman even helped us bring the bags down.  Another hard goodbye was completed with Robert and then Don Pedro and I were off to the airport.  He also told me that he was going to miss me and we chatted a bit about why I had to leave and I was sure to tell him that I would come back to visit for vacation.  He was pleased to hear this and told me that he looks forward to me calling him to tell him that I need a ride from the airport!  I was also sure to get a picture of the two of us before I went into the airport.

I was extremely surprised when my heavy bag weighed only 50.8 pounds, so they let that through without a charge.  Then we put on my lighter bag and it weighed 58 pounds.  I have no idea how that happened.  Anyway, the guy at the counter was super nice and let me take out 5 lbs of stuff to put in my carryon and let the extra 3 pounds slide.  I was really happy.  I still had to pay the $45 charge for a second bag, but I didn’t care.  I figured my bags would be over the 70 pound mark and thus I had mentally prepared myself to drop $200 just on baggage fees.  However, my carryon was suddenly really heavy since I had moved the books over.  But then I realized that once I got to Philadelphia, I could throw the books back into the luggage!  I also made a stop at Duty Free and picked up some Oliver and Oliver rum.  Pavol had told me the night before that I may not be able to get all the brands since they were in a bit of a dispute with the sort of Rum Overseeing Board.  Happily, I picked up a bottle of Optimus and Atlantico, and then threw in a bottle of mamajuana for good measure. 

The flight to Philadelphia was good.  I managed to sleep a few hours but was still quite tired.  When I arrived, I had to get a special pass to go through security without a boarding pass so that I could walk through the airport to the United/Air Canada check in.  Once I got the boarding passes, I headed back through security and plopped myself down at Vino Volo for a glass of 2007 Jade Mountain Merlot and a penne with a cheese sauce and truffle oil.  I figured I deserved a little bit of spoiling.  I sat and people watched and listened to American businessmen on their phones sounding really stupid and fake.  Then it was off to get some more food (I was still hungry!) and to have a rest before my next flight to Toronto.  While waiting for my food, I looked outside and saw my two suitcases sitting ready to be put on the next flight.

The flight to Toronto was good.  Had a few issues when I got on since there was no room for my bag.  The flight attendant ended up asking a man to put it under the seat that was beside him (not occupied).  The plane was mostly businessmen and they kept bugging me about my large bag.  I watched a movie called "Unstoppable," which I had never heard of.  I mean it was a typical normal day, something goes wrong, it all looks like disaster until right at the end when they save the day, even though you know the entire movie how it will end.  Regardless, it was entertaining, and the shortest film - thus I could watch it during the 1.5 hr flight.  And Chris Pine was in it, which at least made it easy on the eyes.  

Now, I am sitting in Toronto, sipping a Caramel Macchiato, waiting for the next flight.  I'm sort of in a daze.  Realizing I'm back home, but at the same time, I'm pretty sure I still think I'm just on vacation and will be heading back soon.  When the reality hits, I'm sure it will be hard.  In the mean time, I am looking forward to watching RED on the next flight!

EDMONTON!

The trip to Edmonton was fairly uneventful - which was good.  I made it alright to the bus station in Santo Domingo although I forgot my bottle of water in the fridge at the apartment.  That sucked, but considering the bus didn't have a washroom anyway, it wasn't that big of a deal.  When I got off at the airport stop, I ended up overhearing this older lady mention that she was Canadian.  I quickly jumped on this and we ended up sharing a taxi to the airport - which turned out to be much cheaper than expected!  Turns out she also lives in the Dominican but is also from Edmonton.  She does missionary work though and has been there for nearly 2 years.  She wasn't very chatty though - kind of stuck up, which is weird for an Edmontonian.  The check in counter didn't open until 12:00, and I arrived at 11.  I was the first one in line though so I was able to get the coveted emergency exit row window seat.  I had some issues going through Dominican immigration.  Turns out my visa is only good for getting into the country without paying, but I'm still only allowed to stay a month before paying taxes.  This doesn't make sense to me.  I have a student visa, which student who has to prove that they are coming to the country for "study" purposes is only going to stay a month.  Regardless, this is not what the Embassy in Ottawa told me.  But as much as I argued with immigration (probably not super smart on my part) they insisted that I pay them extra money.  Luckily I had brought some US$ with me, as they needed $30.  Also very glad that Paula was able to take a call from me and do some translating.  Following that, I did some more chilling at the Punta Cana airport until the flight left.  The place was filled with tourists!  Kind of annoying actually - since so much  cheesy Dominican culture was on display which made me sad.

The flight to Toronto was good.  I slept a bit off and on.  In Toronto, I was a bit disappointed when the Customs Agent didn't welcome me home.  Nothing feels as good as a cheerful customs agent who says, "welcome home."  Seriously.  I made it through customs easily but the luggage took forever to come out and the security line was long so I didn't have a chance to grab supper prior to the flight to Edmonton.  On the next flight, I had another emergency exit row window seat, except on this plane (which I have never seen before) there was no seat in front of mine, so I didn't have a tray table and had to put my luggage under the seat which was the equivalent of two ahead.  Sort of annoying, but AMPLE leg room.  The highlight of the flight was when the pilot came on the speakers and said, for those of you on the right hand side of the plane, there is a great Northern Lights display happening right now.  I was so happy to be on the right hand side of the plane.  It was so beautiful and was my first real welcome home.

Northern Lights from the Plane

As we began the descent, the pilot mentioned that it was 8 degrees in Edmonton.  I had a minor freak-out about this.  I was already freezing on the plane and wasn't looking forwards to being in 8 degree weather.  When we arrived, Bart was no where that I could see.  I stood and waited for my luggage, hoping that he was just in the wrong area and that nothing had happened on his way to the airport.  After I had my luggage and had plunked myself down on a bench to wait, he arrived looking really apologetic.  He had been waiting at the other domestic arrivals area.  He was such a dear and gave me his jacket to wear and also bought me a sandwich from Tim Hortons.

On Tuesday, we got up early since Bart had to work and I had an appointment for an oil change for my car at 8.  Unfortunately, my car battery had died again and Bart didn't have the cables to boost it since he was driving his parent's car.  So I had to call AMA to get them to come and boost it, which they did, but it made me a bit late for my appointment and thus even later for my coffee date with Leslie.  I had yet to find my cell phone yet at this point so I couldn't even call her to tell her what was happening.  However, when I arrived at Starbucks she was happily reading the newspaper while waiting.  It was so great to see her!  We had a nice chat and enjoyed some free food samples that the staff were bringing around.  It felt just like it used to.  I was so surprised at how quickly I remembered everything.  Driving was so simple and wonderful feeling and being able to trust the "walk" signal while crossing the street was like second nature.  I did keep wanting to give people the cheek kiss though - but I caught myself and refrained.  The morning was quite chilly but so refreshing.

After coffee with Leslie, I walked over to Churchill Square to meet Karen at 3 Bananas.  On the way I stopped in to see my Uncle quickly too.  He seemed a bit surprised to see me walk through the door!  Coffee/Tea with Karen was lovely - it was so great to catch up with her and just have a wonderful chat.  When she had to go back to work, I stayed at the cafe and did a bit of work on my laptop before heading over to the Art Gallery of Alberta for lunch with Bart at Zinc.  I adore that building so much.  I also love their food.  We were given a small appetizer which was an avocado and goat cheese mousse.

Avocado and goat cheese mousse.

I ordered a glass of wine (malbec) and their fish and chips.  Bart had their steak sandwich.

Bart jealous that he couldn't have wine.

MMM Wine

Fish and Chips

Steak Sandwich

After lunch, I walked Bart back to his office and then took a couple shots near City Hall before heading back to the AGA to meet Tiarra.

Pool at City Hall

City Hall

Churchill Square

Art Gallery of Alberta

I enjoyed several of the exhibits, especially the The Art of Warner Bros. Cartoons, M.C. Escher - the Mathemagician and Piranesi's Prisons.  Reframing a Nation seemed very typical to me, although I did enjoy seeing a few 19th century Canadian landscapes that I hadn't seen before, and Celestial Bodies and Timeland were cool.  But most of all, I enjoyed hanging out with Tiarra again!

Me and Tiarra

After the Art Gallery Tiarra walked with me on my way to pick up my car.  We parted ways about a block before I reached my destination - it was sad to say goodbye again.  I was happy that the guys at Fountain Tire said my car was in excellent shape and that the battery was all charged up and ready to go!    I headed home for about an hour and did some updates on my computer.  I was so excited to have super high speed internet again!  I was also able to finally find my cell phone too!

When Bart was done work he came by and picked me up for dinner.  We headed to Famoso (my favorite pizza place) and enjoyed another tasty meal!

Bart's pizza.

My pizza.

After Famoso, we made a quick stop at my condo to grab a few things and I also got to give Bart his early birthday present - a Nikon Coolpix S3000 camera.  He really liked it!  We then made a stop at Vi's for Pies to grab some dessert (Peanut Butter Mousse Pie!!!) before going to see his parents.  When we arrived at their house, I was greeted with lots of big hugs!  It was so wonderful to see them again and they were so happy to see me too.  The A/C on the bus and the plane has left me with a bit of a cough/croaky voice so Mrs. Szopiak was quick to bring me inside and make me tea with lemon and honey.  We had a nice chat with them before heading over to Bart's condo for the evening.

Selection at Vi's for Pies

I am currently enjoying my usual morning coffee from Starbucks and getting a bit of work done.  I have lunch plans with some of my coworkers from the City at Hundred.  Can't wait!  And then coffee with Lara this afternoon.

Overall, being home has made me incredibly happy.  It's like I get to be myself again for a little while.  Everything seems so beautiful and wonderful and the smallest things, like walking on carpet barefoot or the familiar smells of my house, make me oddly happy.  

Sipping Starbucks in Seattle

As the title indicates, I am currently in Seattle!  The city looked gorgeous as the sun had just gone down - and I am quite happy that I got to see the Space Needle from the plane - I mean, at least I got to experience a little bit of Seattle - right?

Well, let's back up.  Today so far has been stressful.  Having to say goodbye to Bart was painful, trying to finish packing sucked since I ran out of room, and now don't have everything I wanted to have.  I nearly finished my cleaning, but not as much as I had hoped (sorry family).  But, as promised, Leslie was at my door at 2:30, ready to take me to the airport.  With Jonathan's help, we struggled to get the luggage into the car, but it all fit, and off we went.  I ended up having to wait in the check-in line for about an hour, as they didn't have anyone at the desk.  That sucked - my back is quite sore now.  Then I finally got in, both of my bags were over the 50lbs limit (surprise, surprise) so with the regular checked baggage fee plus my heavy fees, I ended up paying $100 for my baggage to get on the plane.  However, I was happy to learn that this would cover my entire chain of flights.

Then came security... it went well until the border agent, who tried to trick me into saying I was going for business.  But I held firm and went with the I'm a student doing a work abroad internships thing.  Then at security, they tested all my bags for whatever they test for, and then I had the option of getting a pat-down or going into the fancy full body scan machine.  A part of me was like - do the machine.  But then I was like, the machine is kind of scary - I'd prefer a traditional pat-down - thanks!

The flight here had only 18 people on.  It felt odd.  Especially because I was stuck at the back with one other guy.  I slept through most of the flight, and woke up just before we landed.  Success!  Had dinner at Sbarro, (it was not as good as in Canada), discovered there was free wifi (got really excited) and then grabbed myself a Starbucks.  And now we're caught up.  Have just over two hours until my next flight boards.  This is the long one - nearly 5 hours.  I hope more sleeping is in store - and by that I mean, I hope they give me a pillow and blanket so that I can sleep comfortably...