Trip to Santiago

Today I traveled to Santiago to pick up Cocoa powder that the Cooperative is going to sell at an Artisan Fair in Santo Domingo. I met a very entertaining man named Tony who worked in the office. He is a lover of all thing chocolate and that is how he has come to work in cacao processing. He travels to keep up with the latest news surrounding the industry and many trips have taken him to the US. He said his first trip must have been 40 years ago and that he traveled to New York City; he saw the lights, tall buildings and hoards of people and was very impressed by it all. The interesting thing is what he told me next- that most of all he was astounded to see a group of people line up to get on a bus. He said at that moment he said to himself that never in his life will he see that in his country. He believes that above all else the Dominican culture lacks “formación”, which translates as formation, education or training. I don’t think as Americans we realize how well trained we are. Almost everyone is taught some form of etiquette from a young age, although sometimes we choose not to follow our customs we are all somewhat aware of their existence. It’s as interesting to hear others impressions of Americans as it is to talk to other volunteers about our impressions of Dominicans.

December 4, 2007