You know you’re in the Dominican Republic (specifically Las Charcas) when…

  1. Carrying a machete is the norm.
  2. You can’t flush toilet paper down the toilet.
  3. Cows and goats roam from door to door.
  4. Water comes in little bags (Funtas!!!).
  5. Everyone gets really excited about rice and beans.
  6. Either lane is an option for driving, even when another car is coming towards you.
  7. The fruit and vegetables are so good it’s like eating dessert all of the time.
  8. Horses are a common mode of transportation, as are mopeds which are ridden/driven by people of all ages (including babies).
  9. You get a siesta with lunch.
  10. The answer to any question you ask is “Whatever you want.”
  11. You can see the Milky Way at night.
  12. The kids love you even though you can’t speak Spanish.
  13. People have colorful houses, small front yards, and give you a snack off the tree in their yard.
  14. You never have to stand when visiting someone at their home, they always find you a chair.
  15. Everyone says hi to you…I mean everyone.
  16. You have only been there a week and they treat you like family.