Thursday, July 25, 2019

Snorkeling, free time, Dominican Party


We began the day with an early morning snorkeling trip.  The weather was perfect and we snorkeled near a coral reef.  We were able to see many different kinds of colorful fish and also different corals.  Francoise, the barracuda, was waiting for us in the deeper water.  Nearby, we saw a whole school of baby barracudas.  Our guide took us to see the Ecological Foundation's coral reforestation project, where they are growing coral to transplant to other areas.  This was the first time snorkeling for most of our group.

Carol Nansel, 4-H Extension Agent, Shenandoah County


Today was one of the best days of the trip. It was our free day and so I hung out with my friends at the pool.  At night, we went to the Guidicelli family’s home for a night of Dominican food, friends, and dancing.  It was really fun learning the different types of Dominican dances, like the merengue, salsa and bachata, and trying them.  It was a great evening until the sadness of leaving the country and people we have met hit me. It was a very surreal but wonderful trip. I’m glad I went on this trip, experienced it, and met the people I did.

Allison Douglas, Alleghany County












Higüey: Farmers Market, Basilica, Small Farm, Shopping



The trip to Higüey was something special. I am glad that I got to go back and see the Farmers Market again because it makes me more grateful every time I do. My sister was behind me the whole time gaging which made it a much better experience for me. But in all seriousness, the trip to Higüey gives all of us a much better appreciation for the Farmers Markets we have at home and everything we have at home for that matter. The lunch that we ate at Welintons parents home was amazing and I’m so glad that I got to come back on this amazing trip. 

Chandler Estep, Shenandoah County