Week Two: Higuey Shmiguey

The second week down here was very different than the first. First of all, we began a different class with a different teacher which was well received because we all wanted a change in pace. During the second week, we began medical geography which examines the geographic distribution of disease and provision of health services. This area of study is definitely important to the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean because of all the different tropical diseases that affect the different countries in the Caribbean. Stacey Boyer, a health professional with the commonwealth of Virginia, was our professor of this class. She was fantastic. Each class was basically an open discussion of what we were learning. She really wanted us to think critically into why the Dominican Republic and its fellow Caribbean countries are facing so many development and health problems.

Our big trip this week was to Higuey, a small city in the eastern part of the Dominican Republic. Higuey, along with most other Dominican cities, is held together by a few forms of industry that keep the city and its townspeople alive. Since we were visiting the city for class purposes, I had to keep a watchful eye, examining the city from a health perspective instead of a tourist perspective. With this in mind, I was not able to fully appreciate Higuey for what it was so I was kind of let down. But I still enjoyed my time in Higuey because it was definitely a bustling city with a fascinating culture.

The most fascinating experience in Higuey was their market. The market was a full of curvy streets, people, vendors, and shops. It had the stench of rotting food and polluted water. Whenever I looked down I saw a stream like formation of blood and water, rolling down the street. Trash was everywhere to be seen and right next to the trash was food. I passed butcher shops with dead chickens hanging from the ceilings. It was great. Whenever I travel, I like to make sure that I fit in somehow and am not just some American. However, during this market experience, I was an American taking in every smell and every sight.

Higuey is mostly famous for its Basilica de Nuestra Senora de la Altagracia. The Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Altagracia was built in the seventies to replace the old decrepit church in Higuey and also so that the Dominicans could have something grand to dedicate to the Virgin Mary. When we arrived in Higuey, one could see the arches of the Basilica, which like praying hands, come into view from a very far distance. We were surrounded by buildings but we could see the looming arches above us. I felt as if I was in the presence of something great, something truly Dominican.

There was not much inside the Basilica, except for a painting of the Virgin Mary and some pews for worship. After visiting the Basilica we went to a local fast food restaurant because no other place in Higuey was up to code. Lunch was good but nothing too special. We began our trip back to Punta Cana with full stomachs but still with the mental image of blood and dead chickens branded into our minds. This trip helped us see the true Dominican Republic, from outside our comfort zone, in the heart of a city, with the people. The rest of the week consisted of class and random adventures.

I feel that I am learning a lot since I've been down here. My Spanish is slowly getting better, and I'm getting hands on experience in my area of study. I'm having a great time and have made many new friends. I have no complaints because the food is great and we have HOT WATER!!!! Next week looks promising....