Mi Prima Esta Aqui!

That's about all the Espanol you will get in this post, but it's a good title!

My cousin, Kathy, arrived today after a week long trip to Washington, D.C. Isn't she the lucky one to get two whole weeks of vacation, travel, and adventure? She thinks so. Yes, she is here looking over my shoulder dictating as I type.

After picking Kathy up at the airport, we traveled by car, train (Metro), and foot to Wil's Aunt Morena's. We gorged ourselves on some great Dominican food, including locrio (rice), double fried plantains, pork, chicken, and sancocho (stew). Plus, lots of cerveza to wash it down.

We were also able to help Aunt Morena celebrate the opening of her new store. It is a colmado (convenience/corner store) in one room of her home that opens to the street. She had several customers throughout the evening and the shelves were stocked and lined with all of the essentials.

Guest blogger Kathy here -- Wil's family members were so completely welcoming and friendly that I felt at home immediately. The outhouse also brought back memories of Grant family get-togethers! And believe it or not, the three years of Spanish I took in 8th/9th/10th grades is totally coming back. Granted, I speak at about the level of a four-year-old, but the folks here can understand me and generally, I can understand them too. Most importantly -- I have now navigated the spiral staircase outside Joel & Wil's apartment twice, and have sustained no injury! Back to Joel . . .

I'm back, but I don't have too much to add. We had a great first day with Kathy and we are looking forward to a fantastic week! We will post more of our adventures in the coming days. And, eventually, I will also post about last week, ha!