<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
<channel>
<title>Now - Recent Posts By Black Bloggers - Category: Travel</title>
<description>The Source For Aggregated African American Blog Feeds</description>
<link>http://www.Afronary.Net/feed/Travel</link>
<copyright>2009</copyright>
<item>
        <title>Afronary.Net</title>
        <description><![CDATA[  Afronary.Net is tracking a total of 117 Black Blogs.  There have been 94 total posts today.<br>
		There are 3 blogs in the category Travel.  There have been 0 posts in this category today.<br>The blogs are organized into 33 categories.  <a href="http://www.afronary.net/">Click here to view all the categories we track</a><br>]]></description>
        <link>http://www.afronary.net/feed/idcatVhw9FBUN8-mglK-DvlH-suxh-RtkoJI9oBRJl.php</link>
		<guid>http://www.afronary.net/feed/idcatVhw9FBUN8-mglK-DvlH-suxh-RtkoJI9oBRJl.php</guid>
        <pubDate> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:07:30 -0700</pubDate>
</item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[... thoughts from an almost-Dominican vagabond]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Here it is ... four months into my stay in the northern coastal region of Republica Dominicana and I'm looking for yet another place to live. There aren't enough webpages to talk about the experiences I've had with looking for "my place" here on this island. And, I use the phrase "my place" in both the literal and the figurative sense.

The first place was a hotel owned by an acquaintance who was kind enough to offer accommodations situated in the heart of El Batey, Sosua. Then, there was the home owned by an Americano and occupied by his Dominicana. Next came the experience with a Canadian woman who flipped out -- seriously -- and subsequently returned to her husband after a fling with a couple of Haitians. Flustered and frustrated, my acquaintance offered a place to lay my head until I found something permanent, but that ended poorly. Finally, I'm in a bungalow which I just discovered has no hot water and intermittent electricity. 

Maybe it's time to move on to another region of Rep]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/izrsImC_P3k/thoughts-from-almost-dominican-vagabond.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/izrsImC_P3k/thoughts-from-almost-dominican-vagabond.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[...wading in da' water ... Dominican style]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Why on Earth would you be at the club in knee-deep water?]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/Oj86M94j3p8/wading-in-da-water-dominican-style.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/Oj86M94j3p8/wading-in-da-water-dominican-style.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Dominicans versus Haitians: unresolved history, hatred, fear, jealousy ... what's the deal?]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb This post is not quite ready yet ... but it promises to be very interesting as I shed light on the apparent distrust that Dominicans have for Haitians. This would be the perfect place for Chris Rock's movie Good Hair. Not just a good place ... it should be shown here just so&nbsp; Dominicans can be aware ... More later ... promise ...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/03D0coLuhOU/haitians-and-dominicans-hatred-fear.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/03D0coLuhOU/haitians-and-dominicans-hatred-fear.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Dominicans versus Haitians: unresolved history, hatred, fear, jealousy ... what's the deal?]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb This post is not quite ready yet ... but it promises to be very interesting as I shed light on the apparent distrust that Dominicans have for Haitians. This would be the perfect place for Chris Rock's movie Good Hair. Not just a good place ... it should be shown here just so&nbsp; Dominicans can be aware ... More later ... promise ...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/10/haitians-and-dominicans-hatred-fear.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/10/haitians-and-dominicans-hatred-fear.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[slow Friday night and a lazy afternoon in Sosua ... the sexual playground]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb I'm posting this on Saturday afternoon as I sit at Bailey's using the computer at the bar while I have a wondeful margarita made with the freshest ingredients (because fruit is in abundance here), and I'm simply observing my surroundings.I was here Friday night and it seemed so slow ... no action compared to the other nights I've strolled up and down the streets of Sosua. Last night, I had a couple of drinks at Bailey's (I would compare it to Houston's in Kansas City) where&nbsp;I see a few of the regulars. We acknowledge each other and there is one person in particular to whom I give a special "hello" and flash my smile as I tell him " ... it' good to see you too, dear." As some of you already know about me, I'm all about making contacts and I firmly believe in the practice "it's not what you know .. it's who you know." Well this guy is a semi-permanent fixture at Bailey's and he's very, very handsome. A little lighter complexion than what I'm used to, but nonetheless, handsome and ap]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/10/slow-friday-night-and-lazy-afternoon-in.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/10/slow-friday-night-and-lazy-afternoon-in.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[slow Friday night and a lazy afternoon in Sosua ... the sexual playground]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb I'm posting this on Saturday afternoon as I sit at Bailey's using the computer at the bar while I have a wondeful margarita made with the freshest ingredients (because fruit is in abundance here), and I'm simply observing my surroundings.I was here Friday night and it seemed so slow ... no action compared to the other nights I've strolled up and down the streets of Sosua. Last night, I had a couple of drinks at Bailey's (I would compare it to Houston's in Kansas City) where&nbsp;I see a few of the regulars. We acknowledge each other and there is one person in particular to whom I give a special "hello" and flash my smile as I tell him " ... it' good to see you too, dear." As some of you already know about me, I'm all about making contacts and I firmly believe in the practice "it's not what you know .. it's who you know." Well this guy is a semi-permanent fixture at Bailey's and he's fairly handsome. A little lighter complexion than what I'd prefer, but nonetheless, handsome and outward]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/JKRygCPxt24/slow-friday-night-and-lazy-afternoon-in.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/JKRygCPxt24/slow-friday-night-and-lazy-afternoon-in.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[a twisted and complex identity ... no, not me!]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Today is the second full day in my new place. I have a roommate … a very nice and very young woman half my age. I answered an online ad for “roommate wanted” introducing myself as a student (albeit, a non-traditional age student) who is studying Dominican culture and working part-time. The price was right for me, so I was very willing to describe my lifestyle hoping this would be a great arrangement. Other than enjoying having a few beers and drinks in a bar, I don’t do much else here besides study, read and teach English … I explained to my prospective landlord that I don’t engage in loose relationships and I don’t have one-night stands. I included that in my introduction because I’ve learned that part of the screening criteria for apartments, condos and some hotels includes questions about lifestyle, romantic partners, etc. I wanted to address this right from the beginning because I understand why so many places frown upon men and women who have a revolving door of, p]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/10/today-is-second-full-day-in-my-new.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/10/today-is-second-full-day-in-my-new.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[a twisted and complex identity ... no, not me!]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Today is the second full day in my new place. I have a roommate … a very nice and very young woman half my age. I answered an online ad for “roommate wanted” introducing myself as a student (albeit, a non-traditional age student) who is studying Dominican culture and working part-time. The price was right for me, so I was very willing to describe my lifestyle hoping this would be a great arrangement. Other than enjoying having a few beers and drinks in a bar, I don’t do much else here besides study, read and teach English … I explained to my prospective landlord that I don’t engage in loose relationships and I don’t have one-night stands. I included that in my introduction because I’ve learned that part of the screening criteria for apartments, condos and some hotels includes questions about lifestyle, romantic partners, etc. I wanted to address this right from the beginning because I understand why so many places frown upon men and women who have a revolving door of, p]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/xPFMxkcL4g0/today-is-second-full-day-in-my-new.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/xPFMxkcL4g0/today-is-second-full-day-in-my-new.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[how lazy am I, really?]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb To my readers: Please don't think I'm negligent in maintaining my blog. It's just that I have so many experiences hre in the Dominican Republic to tell you about, I don't know where to start! It's a fascinating place, and my understanding of the culture grows every day ... my confusion also mounts daily. It's difficult to explain because of all the dynamics I encounter every day. I need to somehow organize my thoughts and put them into some form of a journal for you to see just what happens here on a daily basis.There are more and more new faces here each day, which means, of course, the tourist season is inching closer day by day which will be a good time for the businesses here in spite of the recession worldwide, although some say the recession is lifting in countries outside the U.S. Here is just a list of things on my mind ... I promise to write more about them. I don't want to fill the blog with some of the esoteric meanderings that I have, so you might see a link to another writ]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/10/how-lazy-am-i-really.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/10/how-lazy-am-i-really.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[how lazy am I, really?]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb To my readers: Please don't think I'm negligent in maintaining my blog. It's just that I have so many experiences hre in the Dominican Republic to tell you about, I don't know where to start! It's a fascinating place, and my understanding of the culture grows every day ... my confusion also mounts daily. It's difficult to explain because of all the dynamics I encounter every day. I need to somehow organize my thoughts and put them into some form of a journal for you to see just what happens here on a daily basis.There are more and more new faces here each day, which means, of course, the tourist season is inching closer day by day which will be a good time for the businesses here in spite of the recession worldwide, although some say the recession is lifting in countries outside the U.S. Here is just a list of things on my mind ... I promise to write more about them. I don't want to fill the blog with some of the esoteric meanderings that I have, so you might see a link to another writ]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/EdV07zuZPtQ/how-lazy-am-i-really.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/EdV07zuZPtQ/how-lazy-am-i-really.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[an unusual Saturday night]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Well ... I've been in since early evening, and I think I'll just relax tonight. This afternoon, I'd planned to have lunch with a couple of friends after their 11am dive. I didn't hear from them, so decided to just take a walk about Sosua. This time, I ventured a little farther out into an area I'd not seen before. I feel perfectly safe walking alone, and even though some men make flirtatious remarks, it's all fun and games. They're not serious, and neither am I when I smile, wink and respond with hola, senor. Men are the same all over the world. They see a pretty girl and just have to say something ... anything ... especially if there's a group of them! I actually think it's funny because there's&nbsp;something rather coquettish about a woman who smiles rather than a woman who rudely ignores someone who's simply paying her a compliment.I was talking to someone about that the other day ... he said black women in the U.S. have gotten to the point where we are so independent that we are c]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/10/unusual-saturday-night.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/10/unusual-saturday-night.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[an unusual Saturday night]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Well ... I've been in since early evening, and I think I'll just relax tonight. This afternoon, I'd planned to have lunch with a couple of friends after their 11am dive. I didn't hear from them, so decided to just take a walk about Sosua. This time, I ventured a little farther out into an area I'd not seen before. I feel perfectly safe walking alone, and even though some men make flirtatious remarks, it's all fun and games. They're not serious, and neither am I when I smile, wink and respond with hola, senor. Men are the same all over the world. They see a pretty girl and just have to say something ... anything ... especially if there's a group of them! I actually think it's funny because there's&nbsp;something rather coquettish about a woman who smiles rather than a woman who rudely ignores someone who's simply paying her a compliment.I was talking to someone about that the other day ... he said black women in the U.S. have gotten to the point where we are so independent that we are c]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/V8-JBD_9LTI/unusual-saturday-night.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/V8-JBD_9LTI/unusual-saturday-night.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Lobo ... rum punch ... and Playa de Sosua]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb I know, I've been negligent in posting lately but I've been busy looking for another place to live and on "Dominican time" that takes a while, as I'm sure those of you who have been to the DR know.At any rate, I decided to take off today from a day of errands, reading, writing and interviewing to spend the afternoon at Playa de Sosua, also known as Sosua Beach. It's beautiful ... the pictures don't do it justice. You have to see it to believe the calm waters, the boats cruising back and forth carrying passengers who want a glimpse of the underwater life, and the countless vendors who are walking back and forth from beachcomber to beachcomber. There are even guitarists who will serenade you ... I'm not into that, so I brought along my down-home blues on my iPod and had a great time!The owner of the hotel where I'm staying offered to drive me to the beach, and once he discovered I was interested in more than just perusing the amazing shopping venues, he took me by my hand to introduce me]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/10/lobo-rum-punch-and-playa-de-sosua.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/10/lobo-rum-punch-and-playa-de-sosua.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Lobo ... rum punch ... and Playa de Sosua]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb I know, I've been negligent in posting lately but I've been busy looking for another place to live and on "Dominican time" that takes a while, as I'm sure those of you who have been to the DR know.At any rate, I decided to take off today from a day of errands, reading, writing and interviewing to spend the afternoon at Playa de Sosua, also known as Sosua Beach. It's beautiful ... the pictures don't do it justice. You have to see it to believe the calm waters, the boats cruising back and forth carrying passengers who want a glimpse of the underwater life, and the countless vendors who are walking back and forth from beachcomber to beachcomber. There are even guitarists who will serenade you ... I'm not into that, so I brought along my down-home blues on my iPod and had a great time!The owner of the hotel where I'm staying offered to drive me to the beach, and once he discovered I was interested in more than just perusing the amazing shopping venues, he took me by my hand to introduce me]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/_qNfMvPmTTU/lobo-rum-punch-and-playa-de-sosua.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/_qNfMvPmTTU/lobo-rum-punch-and-playa-de-sosua.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[desperately awaiting Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Fall is here and so are the season premiers. I've been waiting for Desperate Housewives and Brothers &amp; Sisters for months now, and tonight's the night. A brand new season, and my Sunday night plans are solid until at least December or January when they go on hiatus. I've often wondered why my taste in television programs ranges from the cerebral (e.g., Washington Journal, BookTV, etc.) to "soapy" (e.g., The Young and The Restless), and the favorite two above.Maybe I like the soapy variety because they're peering into the lives of dysfunctional families. Have all families become dysfunctional, or is this a new diagnosis just like every other kid today who acts out typical childlike behavior is labeled, being either ADD or ADHD? When I was growing up, I would never have described my homelife as dysfunctional because I don't even think the word was in style back then.But, again, my childhood was relatively normal ... no real problems, well nothing really out of the ordinary unless you]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/desperately-awaiting-desperate.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/desperately-awaiting-desperate.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[desperately awaiting Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Fall is here and so are the season premiers. I've been waiting for Desperate Housewives and Brothers &amp; Sisters for months now, and tonight's the night. A brand new season, and my Sunday night plans are solid until at least December or January when they go on hiatus. I've often wondered why my taste in television programs ranges from the cerebral (e.g., Washington Journal, BookTV, etc.) to "soapy" (e.g., The Young and The Restless), and the favorite two above.Maybe I like the soapy variety because they're peering into the lives of dysfunctional families. Have all families become dysfunctional, or is this a new diagnosis just like every other kid today who acts out typical childlike behavior is labeled, being either ADD or ADHD? When I was growing up, I would never have described my homelife as dysfunctional because I don't even think the word was in style back then.But, again, my childhood was relatively normal ... no real problems, well nothing really out of the ordinary unless you]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/7cVbO5TskDY/desperately-awaiting-desperate.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/7cVbO5TskDY/desperately-awaiting-desperate.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[got milk?]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb My last night out was something out of this world … well … out of the U.S. but not completely unexpected since there seem to be more tourists arriving in this town each and every day. Since I’ve been here, I have come to see familiar faces every day. There’s the guy who owns the coffee shop where I go for breakfast some mornings (don’t eat the omelettes here because they’re like bricks made from eggs), the waitresses at the local watering hole, the 19 year-old boy at the laundry (who says he can’t ever forget me because I am his first love and I wonder if it’s simply because he’s seen my panties … in the wash, that is), and the cashier at the supermercado, who knows me by name already.Anyway, I’ll spare you details because the real story is much more interesting than the minute details of the beginning of this comedy. After having dinner with a friend, I decided to take an evening walk and I happened to walk into the pub owned by a very nice Canadian couple. It wa]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/oreo-cookies-anyone.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/oreo-cookies-anyone.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[got milk?]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb My last night out was something out of this world … well … out of the U.S. but not completely unexpected since there seem to be more tourists arriving in this town each and every day. Since I’ve been here, I have come to see familiar faces every day. There’s the guy who owns the coffee shop where I go for breakfast some mornings (don’t eat the omelettes here because they’re like bricks made from eggs), the waitresses at the local watering hole, the 19 year-old boy at the laundry (who says he can’t ever forget me because I am his first love and I wonder if it’s simply because he’s seen my panties … in the wash, that is), and the cashier at the supermercado, who knows me by name already.Anyway, I’ll spare you details because the real story is much more interesting than the minute details of the beginning of this comedy. After having dinner with a friend, I decided to take an evening walk and I happened to walk into the pub owned by a very nice Canadian couple. It wa]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/o2X81bYSkSU/oreo-cookies-anyone.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/o2X81bYSkSU/oreo-cookies-anyone.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[gringo, gringa, nigger ... is there a difference?]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb In my opinion, no there isn't. You can even exchange an "e" for the "o" and "a", rearrange some letters and come up with the derogatory word of choice.Personally, I feel the term "gringo/a" is offensive, and over the years, it's even been adapted to be gender-specific! My feelings about this way to describe Americans couldn't have been more pronounced than they were this afternoon. I've since calmed down, but I still have a need to vent.In Sosua today, I found a salon (and, I use that word loosely) to give me a pedicure and re-braid my hair. The pedicure was fine, and in fact, I took a walk on the wild side and got my toenails polished in verde with hand-perfected nail art in white and silver.I then told the salon owner and operator that I needed braiding hair in a certain color. The colors of hair and extensions are universally referred to as numbers, as in No. 2, which is dark brown and the perfect match for my hair. I have been wearing braids for years, and although I could just as]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/gringo-gringa-nigger-is-there.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/gringo-gringa-nigger-is-there.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[gringo, gringa, nigger ... is there a difference?]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb In my opinion, no there isn't. You can even exchange an "e" for the "o" and "a", rearrange some letters and come up with the derogatory word of choice.Personally, I feel the term "gringo/a" is offensive, and over the years, it's even been adapted to be gender-specific! My feelings about this way to describe Americans couldn't have been more pronounced than they were this afternoon. I've since calmed down, but I still have a need to vent.In Sosua today, I found a salon (and, I use that word loosely) to give me a pedicure and re-braid my hair. The pedicure was fine, and in fact, I took a walk on the wild side and got my toenails polished in verde with hand-perfected nail art in white and silver.I then told the salon owner and operator that I needed braiding hair in a certain color. The colors of hair and extensions are universally referred to as numbers, as in No. 2, which is dark brown and the perfect match for my hair. I have been wearing braids for years, and although I could just as]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/Ibem6RozPdM/gringo-gringa-nigger-is-there.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/Ibem6RozPdM/gringo-gringa-nigger-is-there.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[sex, sex and more sex ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb I mentioned in an earlier post that I'm reading a book titled Sex Tourism in Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Now that I've read through all the acknowledgements and preface, I'm finally getting to the good part where the author examines through her own ethnographic research what underlies sex tourism logistics, if you will.She makes some excellent points in explaining that increased tourism creates ancillary profits -- whether it's a resort employee who takes a group of hotel guests on an oceanside tour on his or her day off, or the shops and eateries where business picks up during the peak season. Naturally, legitimate businesses experience profitable months when tourists descend upon places like Sosua ... that's no surprise. But, even the number of young boys hustling candies and treats unique to the island multiplies. Men and women hawking everything from t-shirts to CDs ensure they have plenty of stock once peak season arrives. There's even a man who sells bootleg copies of Rosett]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/sex-sex-and-more-sex.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/sex-sex-and-more-sex.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[sex, sex and more sex ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb I mentioned in an earlier post that I'm reading a book titled Sex Tourism in Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Now that I've read through all the acknowledgements and preface, I'm finally getting to the good part where the author examines through her own ethnographic research what underlies sex tourism logistics, if you will.She makes some excellent points in explaining that increased tourism creates ancillary profits -- whether it's a resort employee who takes a group of hotel guests on an oceanside tour on his or her day off, or the shops and eateries where business picks up during the peak season. Naturally, legitimate businesses experience profitable months when tourists descend upon places like Sosua ... that's no surprise. But, even the number of young boys hustling candies and treats unique to the island multiplies. Men and women hawking everything from t-shirts to CDs ensure they have plenty of stock once peak season arrives. There's even a man who sells bootleg copies of Rosett]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/TUK3Hz9hQbk/sex-sex-and-more-sex.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/TUK3Hz9hQbk/sex-sex-and-more-sex.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[sanky panky season ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Sanky [sank-ee], a Latin American or Caribbean colloquialism for a man who romances unsuspecting women who are recovering from a broken heart, vacationing on an exotic island, or just plain horny and will do anything for some&nbsp; ... well, you know.I think the sankies are coming out of hiding, and I must admit it's pretty hard to tell who's who even though I think I have a keen eye for bullshit. This afternoon, I returned to Sosua&nbsp;from Cabrera where I toured a private school and visited with the school administrators about the possibility of volunteering during the remainder of the semester and perhaps until the end of the academic year in 2010.When I returned to Sosua, I needed to go to the grocery store and while in the checkout lane, I noticed a man who pulled off his shades, winked and said "hola!" I wasn't so presumptuous to think he could be winking at me, so I just slightly smiled so as not to appear unfriendly. Fifteen minutes later ... guess who's tooting the horn on hi]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/sanky-panky-season.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/sanky-panky-season.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[sanky panky season ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Sanky [sank-ee], a Latin American or Caribbean colloquialism for a man who romances unsuspecting women who are recovering from a broken heart, vacationing on an exotic island, or just plain horny and will do anything for some&nbsp; ... well, you know.I think the sankies are coming out of hiding, and I must admit it's pretty hard to tell who's who even though I think I have a keen eye for bullshit. This afternoon, I returned to Sosua&nbsp;from Cabrera where I toured a private school and visited with the school administrators about the possibility of volunteering during the remainder of the semester and perhaps until the end of the academic year in 2010.When I returned to Sosua, I needed to go to the grocery store and while in the checkout lane, I noticed a man who pulled off his shades, winked and said "hola!" I wasn't so presumptuous to think he could be winking at me, so I just slightly smiled so as not to appear unfriendly. Fifteen minutes later ... guess who's tooting the horn on hi]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/4UGQvfxlZgY/sanky-panky-season.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/4UGQvfxlZgY/sanky-panky-season.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[there are no rules ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb That's what I keep hearing every time I ask a question like I did this afternoon before leaving Sosua for Cabrera. I wanted to know if I could stop by the supermercado and buy a bottle of beer for the drive to Cabrera, which turned out to be an hour east of Sosua. The answer: "There are no rules."So, I went to the supermercado, and picked up not one, but two bottles of Stella Artois and a bottle opener. I then walked with my overnight bag to the taxi stand, and a driver approached me to ask about my destination. Once we agreed upon a price, we were on our way and I motioned to the driver if he would mind if I drank my beer. He obviously thought I was asking if he wanted a beer, so I'm thinking to myself it's a good thing I bought two bottles. Off we go to Cabrera, the taxi driver drinking a beer and I've got one, too.There are no rules.Once we're on the road, the beer goes down really cold and too fast. We stop off the highway (actually, it's a somewhat unmarked paved road where people]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/there-are-no-rules.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/there-are-no-rules.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[there are no rules ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb That's what I keep hearing every time I ask a question like I did this afternoon before leaving Sosua for Cabrera. I wanted to know if I could stop by the supermercado and buy a bottle of beer for the drive to Cabrera, which turned out to be an hour east of Sosua. The answer: "There are no rules."So, I went to the supermercado, and picked up not one, but two bottles of Stella Artois and a bottle opener. I then walked with my overnight bag to the taxi stand, and a driver approached me to ask about my destination. Once we agreed upon a price, we were on our way and I motioned to the driver if he would mind if I drank my beer. He obviously thought I was asking if he wanted a beer, so I'm thinking to myself it's a good thing I bought two bottles. Off we go to Cabrera, the taxi driver drinking a beer and I've got one, too.There are no rules.Once we're on the road, the beer goes down really cold and too fast. We stop off the highway (actually, it's a somewhat unmarked paved road where people]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/LCvPvEfu4cY/there-are-no-rules.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/LCvPvEfu4cY/there-are-no-rules.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[just commenting on the fight and football ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb This is short because I'm just getting in from watching the fight which I just happened upon by walking down the "ho stroll" in Sosua ... Mayweather by unanimous decision, but I only won a piece of what I wagered because I'd called the fight in the 11th round. Oh well ... I still won, that's the most important thing.And, I'm actually glad the fight went all 12 rounds. When Marquez got knocked down in the second round, that would ruined the evening for me because I really get into the fight and would have been bummed out or felt cheated if it lasted less than ten minutes or so. After nearly two years in "retirement" the Pretty Boy is back, and I couldn't be happier. He's smooth, charismatic and damn good at what he does best. Plus, I'm glad he and his dad have mended their relationship!Adios, amigos!Later Sunday night ...Okay, I don't usually talk about sports, and besides, my favorites sports are boxing and bullriding. Real bullriding ... not the mechanical bulls you see at country and]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/zKgsoFMNa8o/money-mayweather-aka-pretty-boy-floyd.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/zKgsoFMNa8o/money-mayweather-aka-pretty-boy-floyd.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Money Mayweather ... a/k/a Pretty Boy Floyd]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb This is short because I'm just getting in from watching the fight which I just happened upon by walking down the "ho stroll" in Sosua ... Mayweather by unanimous decision, but I only won a piece of what I wagered because I'd called the fight in the 11th round. Oh well ... I still won, that's the most important thing.After nearly two years in "retirement" my Pretty Boy is back, and I couldn't be happier. He's smooth, charismatic and damn good at what he does best. Plus, I'm glad he and his dad have mended their relationship!Adios, amigos!]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/money-mayweather-aka-pretty-boy-floyd.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/money-mayweather-aka-pretty-boy-floyd.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[finding the Mayweather-Marquez bout is like the needle in a haystack ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb ... meaning, I'm having a hell of a time finding a place where I can watch the fight tonight! You'd think with all the men who come here seeking fun times, there would be a sports bar around to cater to those of us (women included) who want to see Mayweather add one more TKO to his record. I'm betting on it.Today has been one of the most relaxing days of my life ... I think. Sleeping in, and finally putting on my swimsuit, grabbing a book and a bottle of Clarins tanning accelerator, I am on the only one at the pool at my hotel. Should have brought my iPod, though. Anyway, after sunning for a bit ... swimming a few laps ... sunning a little bit more while reading about travels to Brazil, I so enjoyed the sun warming my body, deepening my skintone minute by minute. This is the life ... if I had my druthers, I'd start each day with a relaxing dip in the pool, or the sea, and then just bask in the warmth of the brightest, most sunny hours of the day.I'm taking my time getting ready for din]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/finding-mayweather-marquez-bout-is-like.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/finding-mayweather-marquez-bout-is-like.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[finding the Mayweather-Marquez bout is like the needle in a haystack ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb ... meaning, I'm having a hell of a time finding a place where I can watch the fight tonight! You'd think with all the men who come here seeking fun times, there would be a sports bar around to cater to those of us (women included) who want to see Mayweather add one more TKO to his record. I'm betting on it.Today has been one of the most relaxing days of my life ... I think. Sleeping in, and finally putting on my swimsuit, grabbing a book and a bottle of Clarins tanning accelerator, I am on the only one at the pool at my hotel. Should have brought my iPod, though. Anyway, after sunning for a bit ... swimming a few laps ... sunning a little bit more while reading about travels to Brazil, I so enjoyed the sun warming my body, deepening my skintone minute by minute. This is the life ... if I had my druthers, I'd start each day with a relaxing dip in the pool, or the sea, and then just bask in the warmth of the brightest, most sunny hours of the day.I'm taking my time getting ready for din]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/q0EFs2yJ4_k/finding-mayweather-marquez-bout-is-like.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/q0EFs2yJ4_k/finding-mayweather-marquez-bout-is-like.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[change in plans ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Well, I had a change in plans ... I thought I'd relax a while before hitting the streets of Sosua to dance the bachata. The first part of the plan worked just great. After taking a cold shower (more about those later), and stretching across the fresh bedding for a short nap&nbsp;it turns out the heat of the day must have wiped me out. What a nice, long and restful four hours ... and, now, I've abandoned the idea of dancing. My justification is that tonight isn't going to be the last Friday night. And, who knows ... if I ever get around to practicing, by next Friday night I should be pretty good at it.When making a hotel reservation, do you ever check to be sure the hotel has hot water? I doubt it. When I was looking for hotels in Sosua, I noticed many of the "amenities" listed for properties listed "hot water" which, at the time, seemed ridiculous. How does&nbsp;a simple expectation become an amenity? Of course, it's nice to have hot water because we're probably conditioned to believe]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/change-in-plans.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/change-in-plans.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[change in plans ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Well, I had a change in plans ... I thought I'd relax a while before hitting the streets of Sosua to dance the bachata. The first part of the plan worked just great. After taking a cold shower (more about those later), and stretching across the fresh bedding for a short nap&nbsp;it turns out the heat of the day must have wiped me out. What a nice, long and restful four hours ... and, now, I've abandoned the idea of dancing. My justification is that tonight isn't going to be the last Friday night. And, who knows ... if I ever get around to practicing, by next Friday night I should be pretty good at it.When making a hotel reservation, do you ever check to be sure the hotel has hot water? I doubt it. When I was looking for hotels in Sosua, I noticed many of the "amenities" listed for properties listed "hot water" which, at the time, seemed ridiculous. How does&nbsp;a simple expectation become an amenity? Of course, it's nice to have hot water because we're probably conditioned to believe]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/QsKXGNPd_Sk/change-in-plans.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/QsKXGNPd_Sk/change-in-plans.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[happy Friday to all ... some serious stuff, but light commentary coming ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Dear friends, Those close to me know I really enjoy languishing in bed in the early mornings, but since I went to sleep at a decent time last night (well … 3am is reasonable for me), I awakened early, looking forward to a cup of coffee and my favorite vice – a cigarette. That’s what makes me feel “at home” when I can relax with the strongest caffeine and gather my thoughts, while planning the day ahead and chronicling my experiences, without regard to whether they are extraordinary or pedestrian and mundane. So this is my home for a while … until I decide to move on to another Dominican locale.It’s another beautiful day here in Sosua, the bluest skies I’ve seen form a perfect backdrop for palm trees gently blowing with each breeze. There are school children walking through the square in nearly perfect formation and they are adorable. Once the after begins to wind down, surely the nightlife will begin to heat up, and that’s when I intend to emerge from my hotel room ag]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/happy-friday-to-all-some-serious-stuff.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/happy-friday-to-all-some-serious-stuff.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[happy Friday to all ... some serious stuff, but light commentary coming ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Dear friends, Those close to me know I really enjoy languishing in bed in the early mornings, but since I went to sleep at a decent time last night (well … 3am is reasonable for me), I awakened early, looking forward to a cup of coffee and my favorite vice – a cigarette. That’s what makes me feel “at home” when I can relax with the strongest caffeine and gather my thoughts, while planning the day ahead and chronicling my experiences, without regard to whether they are extraordinary or pedestrian and mundane. So this is my home for a while … until I decide to move on to another Dominican locale.It’s another beautiful day here in Sosua, the bluest skies I’ve seen form a perfect backdrop for palm trees gently blowing with each breeze. There are school children walking through the square in nearly perfect formation and they are adorable. Once the after begins to wind down, surely the nightlife will begin to heat up, and that’s when I intend to emerge from my hotel room ag]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/odEsI36Gt4I/happy-friday-to-all-some-serious-stuff.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/odEsI36Gt4I/happy-friday-to-all-some-serious-stuff.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[until now ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Since I've begun blogging, I've posted several commentaries on my observations of the Dominican Republic, blended mostly with my personal interactions with both Dominicans and non-Dominicans. In all of my posts, I've tried very hard to refrain from making disparaging or unkind remarks about Americans, not just because I'm an American, but because it's been often said that the U.S. and its citizens are among the most arrogant in the world. There are as many interpretations of arrogance as there are people who use the word to describe a country, or its people, but on some accounts, I'd have to agree that some of the observations I've made involving Americans in the Dominican Republic would definitely qualify as arrogant behavior.While running errands this afternoon before teaching my English classes this evening, I walked around Sosua doing various things ... dropping off laundry, getting a manicure, doing some grocery shopping, and finally, to cool off from the heat, I stopped in my fav]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/until-now.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/until-now.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[until now ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Since I've begun blogging, I've posted several commentaries on my observations of the Dominican Republic, blended mostly with my personal interactions with both Dominicans and non-Dominicans. In all of my posts, I've tried very hard to refrain from making disparaging or unkind remarks about Americans, not just because I'm an American, but because it's been often said that the U.S. and its citizens are among the most arrogant in the world. There are as many interpretations of arrogance as there are people who use the word to describe a country, or its people, but on some accounts, I'd have to agree that some of the observations I've made involving Americans in the Dominican Republic would definitely qualify as arrogant behavior.While running errands this afternoon before teaching my English classes this evening, I walked around Sosua doing various things ... dropping off laundry, getting a manicure, doing some grocery shopping, and finally, to cool off from the heat, I stopped in my fav]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/VytUKBzWQxA/until-now.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/VytUKBzWQxA/until-now.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[enterprising and resourceful sounds a whole lot better than hustling]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Before I arrived in the Dominican Republic, an American acquaintance tried to explain the culture here. Well, we all know that you have to experience a culture, rather than learn it from another's point of view. At any rate, he described Dominicans as people who will do anything to minimize the amount of work they do, preferring instead to sit in the shade and visit with friends, drink Presidente after Presidente in hopes of finding that one non-Dominican who will promise him/her the world and help find an escape from the poverty on this island.First of all, making sweeping generalizations isn't something I endorse because there are always exceptions, often many exceptions to statements made to characterize an entire population. In the U.S., we would certainly take issue with categorizing folks of one culture, although it does happen more frequently that I care to admit. If I don't make generalizations about a certain group of people in the U.S., why would I travel to another country t]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/enterprising-and-resourceful-sounds.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/enterprising-and-resourceful-sounds.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[enterprising and resourceful = hustling]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Before I arrived in the Dominican Republic, an American acquaintance tried to explain the culture here. Well, we all know that you have to experience a culture, rather than learn it from another's point of view. At any rate, he described Dominicans as people who will do anything to minimize the amount of work they do, preferring instead to sit in the shade and visit with friends, drink Presidente after Presidente in hopes of finding that one non-Dominican who will promise him/her the world and help find an escape from the poverty on this island.First of all, making sweeping generalizations isn't something I endorse because there are always exceptions, often many exceptions to statements made to characterize an entire population. In the U.S., we would certainly take issue with categorizing folks of one culture, although it does happen more frequently that I care to admit. If I don't make generalizations about a certain group of people in the U.S., why would I travel to another country t]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/rwuOMQWDWGU/enterprising-and-resourceful-sounds.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/rwuOMQWDWGU/enterprising-and-resourceful-sounds.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[the back-handed compliment ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb I had a conversation with a man whose purpose for visiting the Sosua is still unclear to me. In one breath, he claims he traveled to the Dominican Republic to see the mountains, hear the waterfalls and experience nature. By contrast, he told me his days here consist of a fairly regular routine where we wakes up early, works out at a nearby gym, returns to his hotel room for a long shower, and takes a nap to escape the heat and humidity. Then, when the sun starts to set, he contemplates his evening plans.To give you some background, in our previous conversation, he described the various kinds of beautiful black women he's encountered, including those who are often referred to a "redbones" to the "dark women" he claims populate most African countries. Interesting. In his descriptions of beauty, I noticed the absence of traits that aren't readily seen; in other words, his definition of beauty appeared to be that which is outwardly projected. Beauty, in my opinion and that of many others,]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/back-handed-compliment.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/back-handed-compliment.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[adults say the damndest things ... like backhanded compliments]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb I had a conversation with a man whose purpose for visiting the Sosua is still unclear to me. In one breath, he claims he traveled to the Dominican Republic to see the mountains, hear the waterfalls and experience nature. By contrast, he told me his days here consist of a fairly regular routine where we wakes up early, works out at a nearby gym, returns to his hotel room for a long shower, and takes a nap to escape the heat and humidity. Then, when the sun starts to set, he contemplates his evening plans.To give you some background, in our previous conversation, he described the various kinds of beautiful black women he's encountered, including those who are often referred to a "redbones" to the "dark women" he claims populate most African countries. Interesting. In his descriptions of beauty, I noticed the absence of traits that aren't readily seen; in other words, his definition of beauty appeared to be that which is outwardly projected. Beauty, in my opinion and that of many others,]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/f0tbawXeRy4/back-handed-compliment.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/f0tbawXeRy4/back-handed-compliment.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[a breeze ... at last]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb This afternoon, I'm at an outdoor cafe in Sosua where I can just sit and observe people as I update my blog. Before walking to the cafe, however, I stopped at the bank. Unlike every other place I've visited, they most certainly do have rules in the bank. First, a guard opens the door for you ... and, only one person at a time. There's also a guard standing at attention just outside the door and close to the ATM ... he's armed with an assault rifle. Now, that'll keep any bank robbers at bay. It sure made me feel safe. The Dominican Republic is just about as Westernized as any other place in the Hemisphere, so I&nbsp;cringe when I hear people describe it as a "third world" country. Maybe a "developing country" is a more appropriate way to describe the Dominican Republic because when I think of "third world" it brings to mind images of millions of people suffering, starving, barely surviving, dependent on volunteers and assistance from other countries with greater resources. The Dominican]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/breeze-at-last.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/breeze-at-last.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[a breeze ... at last]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb This afternoon, I'm at an outdoor cafe in Sosua where I can just sit and observe people as I update my blog. Before walking to the cafe, however, I stopped at the bank. Unlike every other place I've visited, they most certainly do have rules in the bank. First, a guard opens the door for you ... and, only one person at a time. There's also a guard standing at attention just outside the door and close to the ATM ... he's armed with an assault rifle. Now, that'll keep any bank robbers at bay. It sure made me feel safe. The Dominican Republic is just about as Westernized as any other place in the Hemisphere, so I&nbsp;cringe when I hear people describe it as a "third world" country. Maybe a "developing country" is a more appropriate way to describe the Dominican Republic because when I think of "third world" it brings to mind images of millions of people suffering, starving, barely surviving, dependent on volunteers and assistance from other countries with greater resources. The Dominican]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/KB0IaLIL6j8/breeze-at-last.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/KB0IaLIL6j8/breeze-at-last.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[dinner at PetSmart .... errrr ... Bailey's on Sunday night]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Tonight, I had dinner at a&nbsp;restaurant called Bailey's. My "mojito partner connoisseur" (and, you know who you are!) would have been envious of the wonderful cocktail I discovered. I had&nbsp;a Cahpariña ... similar to a Mojito, but even better!Anyway, I had a great dinner and conversation with a guy taking some time off from his job in the BVI.The restaurant had a pretty brisk dinner crowd, but what I saw next just surprised the hell out of me! In the Dominican Republic, there are all kinds of hustles going on. Last night, I saw a woman selling stuffed animals, a guy selling ethnic art carvings, and a young Haitian boy selling small bags of potato chips. Tonight, however, I saw a guy selling Chihuahua puppies to restaurant patrons! People were admiring and petting those dogs, and the only thing I could think was "ugggh" ... think of all the unsanitary hands! I just had to ask him if I could take a picture and, of course, he kindly obliged. This is just another of my "firsts" in t]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/dinner-at-petsmart-errrr-baileys.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/dinner-at-petsmart-errrr-baileys.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[dinner at PetSmart .... errrr ... Bailey's on Sunday night]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Tonight, I had dinner at a&nbsp;restaurant called Bailey's. My "mojito partner connoisseur" (and, you know who you are!) would have been envious of the wonderful cocktail I discovered. I had&nbsp;a Cahpariña ... similar to a Mojito, but even better!Anyway, I had a great dinner and conversation with a guy taking some time off from his job in the BVI.The restaurant had a pretty brisk dinner crowd, but what I saw next just surprised the hell out of me! In the Dominican Republic, there are all kinds of hustles going on. Last night, I saw a woman selling stuffed animals, a guy selling ethnic art carvings, and a young Haitian boy selling small bags of potato chips. Tonight, however, I saw a guy selling Chihuahua puppies to restaurant patrons! People were admiring and petting those dogs, and the only thing I could think was "ugggh" ... think of all the unsanitary hands! I just had to ask him if I could take a picture and, of course, he kindly obliged. This is just another of my "firsts" in t]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/BSXrPX46A5A/dinner-at-petsmart-errrr-baileys.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/BSXrPX46A5A/dinner-at-petsmart-errrr-baileys.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[it's a small, small world ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb This afternoon, I had the pleasure of meeting someone from Kansas City, Kansas who's on vacation here in Sosua. Really nice guy ... I immediately felt very comfortable with him, as we talked and laughed. He heard about the purpose of my visit from another hotel guest so, naturally, our conversation touched a bit on the&nbsp;topic of gender in Dominican/non-Dominican relationships. He has such an interesting perspective that I actually wanted to jot down some things while we were were talking, but that would've been too much like an interview, don't you agree?As I wrote last night, the Dominican Republic is a place where it's rumored "there are no rules." And, when you think about it, that's probably true to some degree. The conservative expectations to which I'm accustomed in the Midwest U.S. aren't so obvious here. For example, it's quite common to see a man in his 60s or older with a woman who might not even be 21 yet. In the U.S., there would likely be whispering, or strange looks o]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/its-small-small-world.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/its-small-small-world.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[it's a small, small world ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb This afternoon, I had the pleasure of meeting someone from Kansas City, Kansas who's on vacation here in Sosua. Really nice guy ... I immediately felt very comfortable with him, as we talked and laughed. He heard about the purpose of my visit from another hotel guest so, naturally, our conversation touched a bit on the&nbsp;topic of gender in Dominican/non-Dominican relationships. He has such an interesting perspective that I actually wanted to jot down some things while we were were talking, but that would've been too much like an interview, don't you agree?As I wrote last night, the Dominican Republic is a place where it's rumored "there are no rules." And, when you think about it, that's probably true to some degree. The conservative expectations to which I'm accustomed in the Midwest U.S. aren't so obvious here. For example, it's quite common to see a man in his 60s or older with a woman who might not even be 21 yet. In the U.S., there would likely be whispering, or strange looks o]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/S8w6IDrytig/its-small-small-world.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/S8w6IDrytig/its-small-small-world.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[always carry a big purse ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb I was going to stay in tonight and do some reading; however, I felt an urge to experience a Saturday night in Sosua. It wasn't what I expected!It's about 10pm our time, and I've been back in my hotel room for about an hour. On my walk back to the hotel, nearly every place was closed! I figured Saturday night was a "happening" night just because of the weekend, but perhaps Friday night is when all the action happens. I went back to the pub I found ... and, I finally looked at the marquee - it's called the Jolly Roger. The people are very friendly and they make it a point to introduce themselves and get to know their patrons. Anyway, while sitting there at the bar (yes ... again), I just observe what's going on around me. Someone told me "there are no rules in the DR" and perhaps that's partly true.First, I saw a very young black boy ... he looked to be about 10 years old. He was alone, and he may have been Haitian. One of the regulars bought him a soda pop, and after finishing his treat]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/always-carry-big-purse.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/always-carry-big-purse.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[always carry a big purse ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb I was going to stay in tonight and do some reading; however, I felt an urge to experience a Saturday night in Sosua. It wasn't what I expected!It's about 10pm our time, and I've been back in my hotel room for about an hour. On my walk back to the hotel, nearly every place was closed! I figured Saturday night was a "happening" night just because of the weekend, but perhaps Friday night is when all the action happens. I went back to the pub I found ... and, I finally looked at the marquee - it's called the Jolly Roger. The people are very friendly and they make it a point to introduce themselves and get to know their patrons. Anyway, while sitting there at the bar (yes ... again), I just observe what's going on around me. Someone told me "there are no rules in the DR" and perhaps that's partly true.First, I saw a very young black boy ... he looked to be about 10 years old. He was alone, and he may have been Haitian. One of the regulars bought him a soda pop, and after finishing his treat]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/m1zfhFTWZOo/always-carry-big-purse.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/m1zfhFTWZOo/always-carry-big-purse.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[firsts in the DR]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Today has been a lazy day for me ... mostly reading about sex tourism in Cuba and the Dominican Republic. When I think of Cuba (which I'd like to visit one day soon), the idea of sex tourism doesn't immediately come to mind. Cuba brings to mind images of Hemingway writing, mojitos and dancing, which of course, is an unfair generalizaton because I know the country has much, much more than just that. This afternoon, I heard a small airplane overhead for the first time. Sosua is a lively town, but I just realized that I don't hear the noise of traffic, horns blowing, mufflers charging, airplanes and helicopters. Where I live in Kansas City is a relatively quiet neighborhood, bordered by a fairly busy thoroughfare. Throughout the day and night, I hear noises like sirens and such ... none of that is here in Sosua. There is, however, a condominium structure being built close to my hotel, so I can hear construction, but it's actually not terribly disturbing. What's interesting is that I can c]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/firsts-in-dr.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/firsts-in-dr.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[firsts in the DR]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Today has been a lazy day for me ... mostly reading about sex tourism in Cuba and the Dominican Republic. When I think of Cuba (which I'd like to visit one day soon), the idea of sex tourism doesn't immediately come to mind. Cuba brings to mind images of Hemingway writing, mojitos and dancing, which of course, is an unfair generalizaton because I know the country has much, much more than just that. This afternoon, I heard a small airplane overhead for the first time. Sosua is a lively town, but I just realized that I don't hear the noise of traffic, horns blowing, mufflers charging, airplanes and helicopters. Where I live in Kansas City is a relatively quiet neighborhood, bordered by a fairly busy thoroughfare. Throughout the day and night, I hear noises like sirens and such ... none of that is here in Sosua. There is, however, a condominium structure being built close to my hotel, so I can hear construction, but it's actually not terribly disturbing. What's interesting is that I can c]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/z0CrGSWmC8Q/firsts-in-dr.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/z0CrGSWmC8Q/firsts-in-dr.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[the first picture of Sosua, Dominican Republic ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb This beach was so inviting, I wanted to skip down the steps, tear off my clothes,&nbsp;run across the&nbsp;sand and dive into the water! At 94 degrees with the humidity at 100 percent, it sounded like a great idea, but I don't know what the consequences would have been for public nudity ...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/first-pictures-of-sosua.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/first-pictures-of-sosua.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[finally ... I'm in the Dominican Republic]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb I arrived in Santiago, Dominican Republic around 8pm Wednesday, September 9th. After completing two legs of the flight (MCI-TPA, TPA-MIA), I'm finally ready to begin my trek to the Caribbean. There's no turning back, and I'm pretty excited.Before I planned to leave the U.S., someone who lives in the Dominican Republic was doubtful that I'd be able to survive life here. He kept cautioning me to lower my expectations, he said Dominicans do things in their own time, in their own way and there's nothing that can be done to change things here. My first experience with this was the flight from Miami to Santiago.Think about when you've boarded a plane, buckled your seatbelt, and paid attention to the flight safety speech. Well ... this flight wasn't anything close to the organization and timeliness of U.S. domestic flights.The flight attendants had to repeatedly remind people to sit down in order to leave on time ... those flight attendants were wasting their time and energy. Travelers weren']]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/finally-im-in-dominican-republic.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/finally-im-in-dominican-republic.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[finally ... I'm in the Dominican Republic]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb I arrived in Santiago, Dominican Republic around 8pm Wednesday, September 9th. After completing two legs of the flight (MCI-TPA, TPA-MIA), I'm finally ready to begin my trek to the Caribbean. There's no turning back, and I'm pretty excited.

Before I planned to leave the U.S., someone who lives in the Dominican Republic was doubtful that I'd be able to survive life here. He kept cautioning me to lower my expectations, he said Dominicans do things in their own time, in their own way and there's nothing that can be done to change things here. My first experience with this was the flight from Miami to Santiago.

Think about when you've boarded a plane, buckled your seatbelt, and paid attention to the flight safety speech. Well ... this flight wasn't anything close to the organization and timeliness of U.S. domestic flights.

The flight attendants had to repeatedly remind people to sit down in order to leave on time ... those flight attendants were wasting their time and energy. Travelers]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/SQcGIUwwMns/finally-im-in-dominican-republic.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/SQcGIUwwMns/finally-im-in-dominican-republic.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[the first picture of Sosua, Dominican Republic ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb This beach was so inviting, I wanted to skip down the steps, tear off my clothes,&nbsp;run across the&nbsp;sand and dive into the water! At 94 degrees with the humidity at 100 percent, it sounded like a great idea, but I don't know what the consequences would have been for public nudity ...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/Aa9r1RoWfp4/first-pictures-of-sosua.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WorldOfDeb/~3/Aa9r1RoWfp4/first-pictures-of-sosua.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[I was going to write about Ambition today, but instead I'll mention my thoughts about President Obama's school speech ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb First, how many people have accessed the yet-to-be-delivered "school speech" to which it seems so many Americans are opposed? Of all the people who've made negative posts online about the President's intended comments, my guess is that the majority of the negative posts are merely speculative and based, in large part, on political bias ... not one's actual views about the importance of education. Well, for those of you who didn't take the time to read his comments, here's a link to the "school speech". Second, if you really believe in our country's greatness, wouldn't you be in favor of a U.S. president who talks the talk, and walks the walk? President Obama doesn't proclaim to be the product of an upper-class childhood that afforded him a straight and easy path to his own academic achievements. He can speak from personal experience about the sacrifices and hard work in getting the best education possible. Naturally, I have my own ideas of why this speech is anticipated with such littl]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/i-was-going-to-write-about-ambition.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/i-was-going-to-write-about-ambition.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[procrastination is normal?]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb I've got just two full days until I leave the U.S. and I have in mind what I'm taking with me, but I haven't even pulled out my suitcases. I'll get it together before 4am Wednesday morning, though. I have to.This afternoon, a friend asked me why I'm blogging. The short answer was "it gives me something to do." He laughed. I wondered what the fascination is with these non-specific blogs. It's almost like reading a soap opera, peering into someone's life. Of course, mine will be different once I actually begin my journey.Perhaps the journey has already started ... when I made the decision to explore another country as a possible home. They (whoever "they" are) say more people are considering life outside the U.S. because there are some countries where it's rumored you can live cheaper than in the U.S. Especially during this economy. The obstacle to seeking a home outside the U.S. is the quality of life. What kinds of conveniences in the U.S. are virtually unheard of in, say, LaCeiba, Hon]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/procrastination-is-normal.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/procrastination-is-normal.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[we dream every night, but]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb ... did you know that "... to dream that you are urinating, symbolizes a cleansing and release of negative or repressed emotions. Depending on your dream context, urination is symbolic of having or lacking basic control of your life"? See, Dream Moods A-Z.It makes perfect sense to me! Purging your body of the past, maybe unclean and negative, oppressive baggage that keeps us from experiencing life and all that's in store for us.I keep a small notebook on my night table, so when I awaken from a dream I can jot down the elements of that dream so I can do a self-interpretation of my subconscious. I've awakened some nights and been too sleepy to turn on the light to write, so I just write down what I think will be legible. The next day, I'm often surprised at how good I am at writing in complete darkness.]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/we-dream-every-night-but.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/we-dream-every-night-but.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[the accommodating nature of Dominican citizens and residents]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb I'm overwhelmed by the responsiveness and generosity of people in the Dominican Republic. And, this is before I even get to the island! Over the past several weeks, I've participated on message boards and forums by either posting comments, questions or simply reading others' posts. I've also written directly to individuals, school administrators, real estate investors, and regular vacationers. I can honestly say that all of my messages and quetions have not only been simply well-received, but the people I've encountered in my contacts thus far have been exceptionally kind and pleasant. Perhaps I'm at a stage in my life where I appreciate this so much more than before, or maybe it's because I see the contrast between interactions between Americans and Dominicans. Most of the books I've read describe Dominicans as some of the nicest people in the world. In the expat forums I belong to, people generally give very helpful advice ... whether or not it's asked. As an HR professional for so m]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/accommodating-nature-of-dominican.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/accommodating-nature-of-dominican.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[six days and a "wakeup"]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb I leave for the Dominican Republic one week from today. (My mom would have said I have six days and a "wake-up" ... LOL). This time next week, I will be en route to Miami where I'll fly non-stop to Santiago, Dominican Republic.I was worried that the weather would be a little cool in the DR because this is the rainy season. So, imagine my surprise when I learned the current temperature is 78 degrees, and the "feels like" temperature is 102 degrees! I love hot weather, humid or dry. And, since my hair is braided, I don't have to worry about having a bad hair day while I'm enjoying the intense sun and heat.Yesterday, I stopped at a popular Kansas City store that sells essential oils, candles, crystals, etc. Aside from stocking up on essential oils that provide aromatherapeutic relief, I also made sure to get things that generate positive energy, spiritual healing, and general well-being. So, I'm prepared with at least the necessities to make my travels fruitful and safe. Now, I just have]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/six-days-and-wakeup.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/09/six-days-and-wakeup.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
     <item>
        <title><![CDATA[the announcement ...]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[From: World of Deb Last night, I composed a short message to many of my friends to tell them I'm leaving the U.S. and unsure when I'm returning. Most were excited and supportive, and I didn't realize how final it seemed until I got responses from people I know. One friend even offered to tell me about his contacts in the Dominican Republic -- I've been networking from here, but as you know, it's very difficult to network when you contact a complete stranger, across such a long distance just to say, "hello ... I'm coming to the DR and I want to meet you." My motto is "you never know unless you ask" which I think is a variation of an African proverb "a closed mouth doesn't get fed." At any rate, I've made a number of contacts through writing, sending unsolicited resumes and making phone calls to schools, community-based organizations and other businesses to tell them I'll be there soon. The response has been remarkable ... what they say about it's who you know, and not necessarily what you know is absolute]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.afronary.net/feed/redirector.php?url=http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/08/announcement.html]]></link>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.worldofdeb.com/2009/08/announcement.html]]></guid>
        <pubDate> <![CDATA[Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700]]></pubDate>

     </item>  
</channel>
</rss>
