Vacation’s over, but the fun’s not?

I flew back from my third trip to the U.S. as a Peace Corps Volunteer on Sunday.

I stayed the night in the capital and returned to my site on Monday, feeling a little like a hometown hero riding on the back of a motorcycle with all my luggage as people excitedly greeted me after two weeks away – an eternity to most Dominicans, who remark when they haven’t seen you for even a couple days.

Surprisingly, it’s been an easy transition so far. The first time I went home, I came back wondering how I fit into the town of El Limon. The second time, I cried in the shoddy guagua on the way back to the airport after the driver gave me a friendly ripping-off. This time, I was happy and relaxed after two wonderful weeks in Florida with family and friends and of course, David. I came back knowing I have just four and a half months left of this, so I had better appreciate it and make the most.

I’ve said this before, but every time I say it it’s more true. I’m starting to feel like I’ve got this down! Finally not everything is a shock to the system; finally I feel like I have true relationships; finally I am happy to see people instead of feeling awkward or a sense of obligation at greeting them. And maybe the hardest part of all, I can finally switch between two very different lives and worlds without feeling emotional alienation.

Today I went out in town for the first time after spending the morning unpacking a bit. I did my radio show, La Hora Americana, and played Janelle Montae, LCD Soundsystem, and Jonsi, all of whom had critically acclaimed albums in 2010. I talked about New Year’s and the American tradition of setting resolutions, and then about the 4 percent for education campaign, a collaboration of some 200 organizations in the DR that want the budget for education increased.

So, I’m really looking forward to the next four months, and looking forward to the months beyond it. The people who know me here are starting to lament that I’m leaving so soon. I’ll miss them too.