Back to the Batey

Where would you take someone who came to visit you in the Dominican Republic? I think most would imagine a hammock between two palm trees on a white sand beach. Reed and I could have gone to any one of the all inclusive resorts that feeds the D.R. economy, but as far as I'm concerned, it doesn't matter where you go, but who you're with. To Batey Las Pajas Reed and I went and it was nothing shy of amazing. It kicked any tourist town's ass.
It is the first time I have been back since I changed sites March 7th. Tara came along for the journey. She is the only volunteer who visited me while I lived in Las Pajas and it left a mark for her too. So, I picked Reed up from the airport and we all disappeared into the sugar cane fields. My brothers and sisters screams greeted us... "Che Che llego!!!" They gave me big hugs and had my old room all set up just like I left it. I felt like I was coming home. Ok, I will try to keep the sentimental stuff out of the picture because I know that gets boring. At some point though I am going to talk about how my two year old brother, Baba, fell asleep in my arms again because I love that so much. It was pretty incredible to share the life I lead there with Reed and for him to actually live it for a few days.
Without going into too much detail, I will give a few highlights from the four day trip. The first day we woke up to 15 roosters on Reed's lap. That is what he said it sounded like anyway. After shooing them off, Reed, Tara and I hopped on a moto to the river, one of my favorite places in Las Pajas. Everyone remembered River Fridays and expected the same this time around! Of course, we were greeted by your average old, withered, Haitian man on a horse, who I knew of course. I love knowing everyone between the ages of 91 and 2 months. The first day I also met Samuel!! my two-month old cousin! He is so beautiful (he is the baby in the picture that says "proud new mother")
Day 2...... Reed and I took photos all day and Reed tried his hand at being an animal tamer! The thing about giving direction to animals or trying to get them to stay still for a photo is that they just don't do it. Watching everyone try to help us was quite entertaining though. No matter what the request, no one hesitated to grab hold of goats, flying chickens or mud masked pigs. My little sister, Aida, chased goats all around the Sugar Cane Oficina to get them in place! It didn't work of course, but what a doll to try! I maxed out when Reed wanted a chicken to un-extend it's legs for a picture. I just don't know how to translate that!
Day 3...... I figured Reed was ready for a real adventure! We took a moto deep into the sugar cane forest. It rained the night before so we walked knee deep in mud with all the photo equipment in hand. We got one good shot out of the little excursion. Well, two including the one of me looking at my nails in the middle of chopped down cane!
Day 4...... we were pretty wiped and Reed was less than 100%. Life can be tough in the Batey. It would be strange if it weren't. Upon departure we shared the best 7-up I have ever had. I am not sure if it was splitting it with Reed, the pig watching us drink it, the 50 cent charge or being dehydrated all day that made it taste so good, but it was the best.
There are so many highlights from the trip. I got to see my old friends and catch up with my family. I took an evening shower lit by lantern just like I used to and looked up at the stars. My comb fit perfectly on the same nail and the soap was in the same place. It was great to go back to Las Pajas. It hasn't changed too much in the last two months which is a nice change for my vagabond lifestyle. The best part of all was being back with my family. My mom taking care of us and raising 4 kids at the same time, sitting with Baba, seeing how he has grown up, talking to Aida, hanging out with Yunior and watching my "Uncle" and his wife with their new baby boy and sharing it all with Reed.

outtake.... Best moment from Reed's visit ........ but the one that tops them all is when Reed tried to put the fitted sheet back on the bed with his big toe. Aside from that moment Reed was a productive member of Dominican Society for the last 10 days. The only thing touristy about Reed's trip was his terrible white man's burn on the back of his neck and shoulders.