Dominican Survey

Courtney tagged me so here goes...
What is the:
First Thing that Shocked You After Arriving The First Time: I was wide-eyed as I rode from the airport to our apartment. I was scared riding on the left side of the road and flying around those narrow curves. I was also scared when I saw everyone walking around with machetes.
Most Beautiful Place in Dominica: Ryan and I think that Sisters at sunset is one of the most beautiful things you can ever see. Emerald Pool is also beautiful. Like a scene from Peter Pan's Never Never Land.
Most Memorable “Only in Dominica” Moment: Choose one?! I was driving home one day this week and a cow was standing on one side of the trail (up a hill) and his rope/leash was tied to a bush on the opposite side of the trail. I couldn't drive under the rope because it was hanging too low and I couldn't just run into it because it would have choked the cow (and probably caused it to fall on top of my car). I sat there trying to assess the situation and finally a local came along and cut the rope with a machete. Only in Dominica. One more story...I had a Christmas Cookie party at my house this week. The day of the party I woke up and was out of propane, the water was turned off, and the ATMs were out of money. SO, I couldn't cook, I couldn't wash dishes or clean (or shower), and I had no money. About 20 people were coming to a party at my house and I didn't even panic because I've been here 16 months and know how to pull off a party with nothing going my way! I used my neighbors oven, the water came back on a couple of hours before the party, and luckily, Ryan had money. Again - only in Dominica.
Food I Missed the Most While in Dominica: steak, fountain drinks with lots of ice, berries (strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, etc.), peaches, salads, and every kind of meat other than ground beef, chicken, and fish, and ice cream...definitely ice cream!
Favorite Item I Brought from the US: a VCR and blank tape (it acted as my TIVO) and a body pillow
Most Useful Skill Learned: I learned how to cook everything! And I learned substitutions for substitutions. I can now make my own ricotta cheese, any kind of bread I want, sour cream, etc.
Favorite Tropical Food: cannips, guavas, and fried plantains
Worst Part of Living in Dominica: Missing family and friends!
If I Had to Do it Over Again, What Would I Change: I would have bought a car at the beginning of first semester rather than at the end. Purchasing the car was the turning point for me.
Favorite Hike: Well, since I went to Titou Gorge 4 times, I guess that must be my favorite. It's definitely a unique experience. Another favorite spot is Screw's Sulphur Spa (went there 3 times).
Article of Clothing I Lived in: Flip-flops for 16 months! Even though it's not an article of clothing, I also lived with my hair in a ponytail/knot for 16 months.
Describe a Typical Evening in Dominica: Lots of cooking followed by lots of washing dishes. Our nightly ritual is to watch an episode of House while eating popcorn and M&Ms. We're all caught up on House, which has thrown off our nights for the past couple of weeks.
Scariest Moment in Dominica: When undercover police officers (only we didn't know they were police officers) were hiding on our trail wearing all black and carrying machine guns. I never blogged that story because I didn't want to scare our parents. It was 2nd semester.
Strangest Thing I Saw: I can't think of anything. I don't think anything seems strange anymore. I would have to say that at first it was very strange to see cows and goats walking freely around. It was also strange having huge crabs walk down the trail beside me.
Most Valuable Kitchen Tool: I would say my bread pan since Andrea and I couldn't have started Daily Bread without it. Also my big, sharp knife that I used to slice the bread. Ryan wanted us to ship a toaster, which I thought was a waste of space, but we ended up using it practically everyday.
First Thing I’ll Do When Back in the US: I'm getting excited just thinking about it! I'll walk on clean carpet barefoot, I'll lay on soft furniture and soft beds, I'll eat delicious food that I didn't have to cook, and I'll watch Christmas movies while laying in front of a fire. Oh, and I'll be cold!!
What Will You Miss Most About Dominica: My extended family! I'll miss the people the most. I'll miss the fact that Ryan is never more than a half mile away from me and that we get to have every meal together everyday. I'll also miss the simplicity of life here. "Keeping up with the Jones" doesn't exist here. We're all living in 1 bedroom apartments and it's completely acceptable to wear a Tshirt, shorts and no makeup everyday.

I tag Katy, Brianna, Liz, and Andrea. That means you have to start blogging again, Andrea!!!