DOMINICAN REPUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAM: Santo Domingo

INTRODUCTION:
With warm nights and sandy-white beaches, the Dominican Republic (DR) has the feel of other popular island destinations, but in many ways, is a world completely unto itself. Having recently freed itself from decades of dictatorial rule, the DR is unique in the Caribbean for its history, culture, language, and development. Santo Domingo , the first city to be settled in the " New World ", is a fascinating combination of colonial Spanish architecture and Afro-meringue beats. The island's residents range from illiterate farmers to world-famous musicians and corrupt politicians.

If you decide to participate in this service project, you'll find a country embracing democracy and a community spirit like no other. You'll meet people who have managed to maintain a sense of humor and joy of living in the face of considerable hardship. Despite pervasive poverty and natural disasters, the Dominicans are some of the happiest, most carefree people you will ever meet!

Our "hosts" will be the Lions Club of El Milloncito, in Sabana Perdida - a lower-class suburb of Santo Domingo . There, we will dive into every aspect of the community surrounding us.from eating typical meals of rice, beans & bananas to interacting with local youth. Our mornings will mostly be spent engaged in meaningful service work. The projects, which will be determined by the native people themselves, could be anything from building a classroom at a local school and teaching English to volunteering for hurricane relief or at a local health clinic. No matter what, you will have a chance make a positive difference. As long as you come to the DR with a sense of humility, plenty of patience & flexibility, and the willingness to get your hands dirty, you will be blown away by the hospitality, deep-felt appreciation, and warmth of the Dominican people.

SAMPLE ITINERARY:
Day 1 (Sunday) - Arrive to Santo Domingo!
"Fiesta de Bienvenidos" (Welcome Party!) and Cultural Orientation

Day 2 (Monday)
Service Work
Almuerzo / Lunch
City Tour - Zona Colonial
Dinner Along "Malecon" (Boardwalk)

Day 3 (Tuesday)
Service Work
Almuerzo / Lunch
Excursion to Playa Boca Chica
Dinner & Cultural Exchange

Day 4 (Wednesday)
Service Work
Lunch with Homestay Families
Free Evening with Families

Day 5 (Thursday)
Service Work
Excursion to Playa Caribe with Picnic Lunch
Dinner & Cultural Exchange

Day 6 (Friday)
Service Work (Inauguration of Project)
Almuerzo / Lunch
Visit to Mercado Modelo (craft market)
Free Time
" Fiesta de Despedida"/Goodbye party
Optional: Discoteca!

Day 7 (Saturday)
Return Home! Adios!

Other possible activities:
Spanish Lessons
Merengue Lessons
Attend a Cockfight
Snorkel! Scuba Dive!
Engage in the national games of the DR: Baseball and Dominoes!
Visit the "Plaza de Cultura" and Museum of Modern Art
Visit the National Aquarium, Botanic Gardens & Water Park

DETAILS:
Dates: Determined by group

Price: The per person price based on double occupancy is from $1200. The price includes: domestic transfers, service contribution, afternoon excursions, food & lodging. Price does NOT include international airfare, departure taxes or items of a personal nature (i.e. souvenirs, vaccinations, passport application, tips, alcoholic beverages, optional side trips, etc.).

Please contact Daniel at 303-912-8926 or email him at daniel@kindredspiritstourandtravel.com