Traffic, Garbage, Guns, and Dogs

These are the four things that most foreigners notice first about the Dominican Republic.

First, transportation. There are rarely traffic jams because everyone just makes his or her own way. Suggested lanes are painted on the streets, but I think I am one of the few that notice them. Where two lanes of traffic should be exist four, complete with zigzagging motorcycles and street vendors. There are truly no words to accurately describe Dominican traffic, however, the phrase "organized chaos" does come to mind. Here are some examples of their driving "skills"....

-- One ways are only one ways if you allow them to be
-- You can park ANYWHERE at ANYTIME...even in the middle of a one-lane road during rush hour.
-- If you're driving a motorcycle, you're exempt from following any rules or laws. Please, do as you'd like.
-- Use you horn for any of the following reasons: "Excuse me, please" , "Don't pull out, I'm coming!" , "Go ahead, it's you turn" , "Let's get a move on, people!" , "Get out of the way!" and "Pay attention!"
-- Where there is a will, there's a way. I've seen entire families, kids included, zipping through traffic on a single motorcycle; oh and incase you're wondering, Yes, ALL the furniture in your house can fit in and be transported by a single vehicle.

And we must not forget the street vendors that add to the excitement. You can literally buy ANYTHING on the streets of Santo Domingo: puppies, fruit, phone cards and accessories, candy, water, Gatorade, peanuts, newspapers, coffee, shoes, window wipers, sugar cane, fish, sport pennants, ice cream, rugs, plants, banks...you name it, and you can buy it from your car window. All day long, no matter what street or time of day, I watch as people dodge traffic in the attempt to make a buck.

The second thing, garbage, is one of the sad things about Santo Domingo. This could be a pretty city if its citizens did more to keep it clean. But trash is so plentiful and no one seems to care. Entire road lanes have been overtaken by refuse and yet, no one comes to clean it up or haul it away. There's one street in particular that I ride down every day on the way to Jackie's that contains so much smoldering trash that Hernando and I have to roll up the windows and tuck our noses inside of our shirts. There are city trash collectors but they don't work very often because the government frequently forgets to pay them. And they only collect the trash that's in bags...not the trails and mounds that spill into streets and onto walkways.

Thirdly, if you ever get the chance to visit, don't be alarmed by the rifles. They're part of the staple uniform for any security guard...regardless if he's watching a bank, cars, or a daycare. :-)

Finally, the stray dogs....I wonder who has the higher population here, people or homeless pets. EVERYWHERE you look there are dogs lounging, running, digging in piles of trash, love making, or awaiting death. Santo Domingo is a dog catcher's paradise! But don't be alarmed, most of them won't bother you. But it's wise to carry a stick just incase.