Dominican Republic team arrives in Jarabacoa!

After two days of arduous travel from all corners of the US, we arrived in the ¨land of eternal spring¨, Jarabaco. The area is well known for its adventure travel opportunities, including hiking, rafting, canyoning, and much more. Our small group of 11 has been getting to know each very well in this short time while enjoying the picturesque setting at and around the Hotel Pinar Dorado and El Rancho Baiguate. Through our many team-building activities, we have even come up with a team name: ¡Los Tiburones Calientes! The tiburones have had an active three days in the Dominican, going on two half-day hikes to the waterfalls (saltos) of Baiguate and Jimenoa while learning about the local flora and fauna and tasting fresh fruits like passion fruit right from the trees. Both waterfalls were beautiful and we had the chance to cool off our feet in the pristine mountain water. We´ve also been busy playing games and sports such as soap basketball and ultimate frisbee in the hotel pool, and learning to dance merengue, bachata, and salsa with family and friends of our local contacts. We are very excited to go to our homestays tomorrow and begin getting to know the members of the community and starting our project!