John Hammond (Team Leader) Nadia Godfrey, Elizabeth Richards Brony Grant and Simon Goss

Farewell

Pictured is the GSE team as they prepare to depart for
District 4060 in the
Dominican Republic.

This turned out to be no ordinary departure ­ as he waited in the ticketing line Simon was randomly selected by a Customs Officer for a baggage check.

After a few minutes into the inspection the Customs Officer found himself surrounded by the other members of the team, very curious as to what was happening and it was at this point the inspector began to look somewhat uncomfortable and was probably wishing he had selected someone else from the line…anyone else!

However all went well and after all the bags were closed and Simon taken to the head of the ticketing line, the Inspector was seen selecting another customer.

But it was noticed that this time he took great care to ensure that his customer was not wearing a uniform!"

First Report

Buenos tardes.

Well, it is Holy Week (Semana Santa) here. We have had a fantastic time in the capital visiting the Supreme Court and many historic sites.

Yesterday was Good Friday; everyone goes to the beach and everything is closed. We went to a beach which was around one hour away, it was beautiful. Weather was not too hot. We did experience our first tropical storm just as we finished lunch 6pm, dinner was at midnight! Everyone has been fantastic and helpful.

Our Spanish is getting better daily, picking up lots of new words. We did our first presentation in Español and I was wrapped that I was understood!

We have been travelling Dominican Republic style with seven in a car. No road rules here. Only the front passengers wear seat belts so there were two of us in the front passenger seat. Lots of people get around in the back of utes. Saw a porta cot with baby travelling in the back of the ute.

We stayed in a apartment in the south of the city, which we understand was an exclusive area.

Today we travelled by bus to San Juan, it took 3.5 hours instead of 2-5 hours as the bus broke down. The driver doubles as a mechanic and was able to fix the bus with material and a hair clip.

We are possibly going to visit Haiti while in San Juan.

I hope you are all muy bien (very good).

Hasta luego (until next time)

Elizabeth