This blog has been in the making for a few months, so it is really exciting to finally be able to sit down and write our first post! A few weeks ago Renzo and I spent a week in Dominican Republic scouting possible options for our new digs in DR. (For more info on our project click here.)
Samba stayed behind in the capable hands of cousin Gary, who was impressively enthusiastic about having the doggie-sitting gig despite major allergies to his charge. Lol, Gary you are simply AWESOME, thank you.
Pretty soon after we arrived in DR we took a ride over to the campo where much of Renzo’s family lives. Lots of family were in town that week for a wedding so we spent a lot of time hopping from casita to casita saying hi to countless cousins, aunts, and uncles. It was really fun. We were excited to take a closer look at Papa’s house (which has been empty since his passing) to assess the amount of work that it might need. It’s where we imagined we’d stay, but we were keeping our options open…
Here are some pics:
Papa’s casita is really cute and was in better shape than I think either of us were expecting. Tio Victor pointed out it would need some work like a kitchen (however I’m told that when people move in DR they take their stoves and fridges with them), a coat of paint & removal of some type of fungus(?) from the walls, bars on the windows (suggested by Renzo’s mom), window screens (my suggestion…so many mosquitos!) new doors, new gate and a few more minor jobs.
Pros: Cute house, surrounded by family, investment in a family home, right next to Papa’s land Cons: Really noisy (especially at night), lack of security/privacy
Here is a pic of Papa’s land (just down the path from the house) that we will be cultivating:
As you can see, the land and soil is filled with rocks and dried grasses that will need to be cleared. We definitely have our work cut out for us! We are hoping to persuade some of Renzo’s little cousins into helping us. We would love to get them excited about the project…the more people who want to be involved the better! We are really excited about the existing trees as well: coconut, mango, limoncillo (quinepa), guava, and plantain (which is not technically a tree though) and pomarosa. Mmmmmmmm.
Los Niñitos
dominicanroots 
Renzo and Anne
I am so excited for you. As I have been living in a tent for two months and meditating etal here at Omega, my mind can can take in and “get” your adventure even more. I made new friends in Costa Rica if you take off from DR and visit there. I will be reading your posts avidly. Yeah for you!!!!!
Kristi
So nice to hear from you Kristi 🙂 Sounds like you’re doing great and having your own adventures this summer. I’ve thought about you and your tent several times and was hoping you’d experience some beautiful summer night starry skies. Hope all is well & I look forward to hearing more about your travels!