Monte Cristi with good friends

A few weeks ago, my dear friend H who served with me in Peace Corps Niger came to visit. She has introduced me to her cousin A who is serving in Peace Corps DR right now. A is a lovely young woman (and a future doctor!) and we have really enjoyed welcoming her into our family and hosting her whenever she comes to town.

The three of us went to Monte Cristi, where A is posted, which is in the northeast of the country, close to the Haitian border. I was pleasantly surprised about Monte Cristi - it's a lovely city, right on the water. They have an expat hotel that serves delicious cafe con leche and batidas. I would visit every day if I lived there.

Family resemblance! A is on left and H on right

A has a terrific apartment, which she really appreciates after living in the campo for a year in a much more primitive home. We spent some time with a kind family that has adopted her, and in that moment, I really missed being a Peace Corps volunteer. As a diplomat, I often feel really isolated from the local population.

On Saturday morning, we visited Dajabon, the border city, and walked along the Haitian border. It was pretty heartbreaking- even right there at the border, you could see the differences between the two countries. Haitian women were washing clothes in the river- that wasn't happening on the DR side.

This is just a pretty scene in Dajabon, DR

 On Sat. afternoon, we went to the beach. It was different from beaches I've seen here so far- down a cliff and with darker sand. Different, but extraordinarily beautiful.

And here a few scenes from around town. There are large homes like the first photo here, and smaller, more modest homes that are just as beautiful. Monte Cristi also has an Eiffel Tower donated by France. :)

It was a wonderful trip and I'm grateful to our host A. It was so fabulous to see H and spend time with her after 5 years since our last visit! Here's to H and A visits at all our posts!