IDENTYLESS

Someone asked me at work today “where is home to you” and to my surprise I said Santo Domingo.  I was surprised because for a very long time I considered myself identyless which I know is not a word but it’s exactly how I felt.  Only after maybe ten years did I really start connecting deeply with both my country and the people but when I was finally setting my roots I got pulled back out and moved away AGAIN. 

Las Terrenas

The Truth is we Dominicans aren’t encouraged enough to learn and celebrate our culture and traditions, internal tourism is not on most people’s to do lists unless you are financially  privileged and backpacking around the country during times like these isn’t really recommended.  I take full responsibility however as an adult for not embracing my culture fully.

The moment I set foot on the island in 95’ I became part of a big bubble, the American pop culture lifestyle and I wasn’t the only one.  It's like a little Miami on Presidente and Katy Perry "Birthday" song with a nice merengue beat.  I'm kidding, no I'm not.  Obviously I can’t generalize this is not everyone of course but we are far too many. 

Things changed when I entered the National School of Dramatic Arts (Bellas Artes) what I saw here blew my mind, these people were different and really embraced our culture, traditions, I was completely refreshed.  But I know you’re asking yourself, did she fit in and how?  Things took an interesting turn for me at this time but I’ll tell you on my next post because it’s late and this Dominicana has to work tomorrow.

Sleep tight friends.

My peers in the National School of Dramatic Arts