If you live in the DR, you live with a transportation system known as "the owners of the country." The transportation system shuts down the country, whenever it chooses, and there is little the government can do at the moment of crisis, but cave into their demands. Nevertheless, the government is doing what it can for the long term, setting up alternate means of transportation such as the metro. The unions were very angry at the inception of the metro, because it broke up their monopoly, and threatens to reduce their ability to control the country.
How am I affected, an expat living here, using public (privately owned) transportation?
Earlier this week, I was going out to do some work. When I reached the corner where I normally catch my public car--similar to catching a bus in the US, but it is a car on a route instead--I found the transportation mafia had two people working there. As a result, where normally two or three people are waiting for transportation, there were nine or ten. The "workers" were there to scare off the competition. One was armed with a stick. It wasn't even as big as a baseball bat, which often is what they have. But the threat behind it was clear. Either you don't compete with us, or we will destroy your car--or you.
In case you think I'm exaggerating, here is a local news bit from close to the same area I was going, and around the same time. killings
Who are they after? Well, primarily they are protecting their routes from "pirates." Pirates are cars or buses that are unlicensed by the unions, and usually unlicensed by the government as well. So technically they are illegal anyway, I guess. But the truth is, the government is well aware of their functioning, and for the most part looks the other way. Occasionally they will go out and begin checking papers, but that is not something strictly enforced, as I said. When the pirates don't function, there simply isn't enough transportation to go around, and that is just how it is. The government knows they are needed. They would have them all licensed if they could manage it.
Enter the mafia, aka unions. When their routes get a little too cluttered with pirates, they put out their workers to intimidate the pirates, and get them off their routes. Basically, the pirates either go to another route, or just lay off for a few days till the mafia agents go away. Make no mistake; the drivers are afraid of the union operatives. Even the union drivers are afraid of them, if they stray into someone else's territory.
In the meantime, while the unions intimidate the pirates, the rest of us have longer waits for transportation.
Why take public cars? Public cars licensed by the government are rumored to be safer than those which aren't. I know that I've been robbed in a green/yellow topped licensed cars before, and one time I foiled a robbery attempt in one. Both times were groups of three, which included the driver himself, that were in on the robbery attempt. This has never happened to me in a "pirate" car, although it certainly could. Several other times I have either been pickpocketed, or an attempt has been made to pickpocket me, on the licensed cars; these were where the driver was not in on the gig. Thus far, I've never had any of these problems in a pirate car, although they certainly could happen.
My point is; neither is especially safe. When you take a pirate, you look for certain things. If the car isn't pretty broken down looking, usually with a cracked windshield and door handles that are dysfunctional, it probably hasn't been used much as a public car. If it is in really nice shape, you'd love the comfort of it, but the chances are somewhat greater that it is a group of thugs out to mug you, or at least pickpocket you. Maybe it's just a newer car? Yeah, maybe. But do you want to take that chance?
At any rate, the transportation mafia has been around for a long time. They have lost some power during the last few years, (but the drug people have gained more).
What could the unions do to protect their routes? Well, the first thing they could do is begin to compete. Have nicer cars. Don't stuff so many people into them. Most of the union cars aren't fit to be on the road, they have so many things wrong with them inside and out. The unions should have their own inspection system. A car designed for three comfortable passengers (plus driver) and four in a pinch, is used for a ridiculous six passengers. Only the driver gets an entire seat to himself.
Go where the people want to go. Sometimes the pirate makes a route where one is needed but not available. I have to take two cars to go to a place that is a five minute drive, but if I take a pirate, it is only one fare. If my best deal is with the licensed cars, I'll always take them.
Intimidation instead of competition is not democracy. But it is part of this Dominican Life.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Dentist office worship meetings
Today, I finally had to go to a dentist here. Before I left the States, five years ago, and when I had a dental plan, I told my dentist to fix everything he could, because I didn't know when the next time I'd have a dentist I could trust and afford.
Today was the day.
But like many things here, it came with the unexpected. First, I was told to be there at 2:30. Well, I got there a bit early, and the office was being cleaned. So they put a little seat outside for me to sit on while I waited for them to open.
Other people arrived after me, and eventually the office was opened. Once the waiting room was close to full, the TV was turned off (Barney, the purple creature had been on for the kids), and devotions were announced. Psalm 103 was read, from start to finish. Another worker asked if we had any prayer requests, then asked that we join her in prayer. Everyone stood to their feet respectfully.
The hygienist, and other workers sometimes sang along with the Christian music that was heard in every room, as they went about their work.
No one complained. No one was offended. It was nice. It kind of reminds me of the major grocery chain I shop at. They close on Sundays. They print a Bible verse at the bottom of every receipt, and they play worship music. I love shopping there.
In short, for an American Christian, who is used to being oppressed in her own country, there is a refreshing freedom for Christians here. And this freedom is a normal daily part of This Dominican Life.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Generous and Sympathetic
It's been less than a week since our neighbor Haiti had a major earthquake. Dominicans were the first to respond. The DR has made hospitals available to the injured, and opened its port and an airport near the border to the use of the relief effort, when Haiti's own port and airport have issues that limit their use. They sent over heavy equipment to use in the rescue effort, along with water and food supplies. They sent medical personnel. They helped in more ways than I can list.
One time Jesus saw a woman giving two tiny coins into the temple treasury. There were lots of wealthy people giving big sums of money, but Jesus praised only this woman, because she gave all she had; she gave out of her poverty.
The DR is not a wealthy country. For its government to give such help to Haiti, an even poorer neighbor is truly sacrificial giving. The response of the Dominican people has been loving, sympathetic and generous--and this to a neighbor with whom they don't always get along well. They have set aside the issues between them, to help Haitians in their time of great tragedy.
Sacrificial giving to a neighbor in need, is not new to Dominicans. They do it daily on a smaller scale. It is just part of this Dominican Life.
One time Jesus saw a woman giving two tiny coins into the temple treasury. There were lots of wealthy people giving big sums of money, but Jesus praised only this woman, because she gave all she had; she gave out of her poverty.
The DR is not a wealthy country. For its government to give such help to Haiti, an even poorer neighbor is truly sacrificial giving. The response of the Dominican people has been loving, sympathetic and generous--and this to a neighbor with whom they don't always get along well. They have set aside the issues between them, to help Haitians in their time of great tragedy.
Sacrificial giving to a neighbor in need, is not new to Dominicans. They do it daily on a smaller scale. It is just part of this Dominican Life.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Strikes
Looks like it is time for more strikes. Here, when the public transportation people want to up the fare, they usually begin a series of strikes. The fare went up 25% this week, but almost no one was paying the increase. First, it wasn't paid because it wasn't announced, and of course people weren't prepared with enough money on hand to pay it. It came as quite a surprise. And then, there were the conscientious objectors, like myself, who simply refused to pay it. You can do that at first, but eventually it is pay or don't ride.
Now will begin a series of strikes, where the transportation industry will force the issue by virtually shutting down the country. Some drivers don't agree with the increase themselves, but they don't dare not participate in the strikes. The government will negotiate, but the transportation folks aren't called "the owners of the country" for nothing.
Sometimes the strikes are punctuated with violence. Drivers who keep providing public transportation have had molotov cocktails thrown in their vehicles.
A strike is a day off, whether or not you can afford it, or like it. The safest thing to do on the day of a general strike is to stay home. If it is only a transportation strike, then it is still safe to go out, however. It is easy to tell. Is the colmado (little grocery store) on the corner closed? Then stay home! Are they burning tires in the neighborhood? Stay home!
One of these days, the transportation folks are going to raise fares, and the people are going to say "enough is enough," and the riders are going to strike. But for now, we'll just whine and complain, and pay whatever they ask, because feeling powerless and accepting injustice is just part of this Dominican Life.
Now will begin a series of strikes, where the transportation industry will force the issue by virtually shutting down the country. Some drivers don't agree with the increase themselves, but they don't dare not participate in the strikes. The government will negotiate, but the transportation folks aren't called "the owners of the country" for nothing.
Sometimes the strikes are punctuated with violence. Drivers who keep providing public transportation have had molotov cocktails thrown in their vehicles.
A strike is a day off, whether or not you can afford it, or like it. The safest thing to do on the day of a general strike is to stay home. If it is only a transportation strike, then it is still safe to go out, however. It is easy to tell. Is the colmado (little grocery store) on the corner closed? Then stay home! Are they burning tires in the neighborhood? Stay home!
One of these days, the transportation folks are going to raise fares, and the people are going to say "enough is enough," and the riders are going to strike. But for now, we'll just whine and complain, and pay whatever they ask, because feeling powerless and accepting injustice is just part of this Dominican Life.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Lemme outta here!
According to Dominican Today (domincantoday.com) "The figure for Dominicans who became green card holders or permanent [USA] residents [in 2009] was 24,496."
These are refugees, escaping from corruption, and difficult economic situations to the Promised Land, where every resident has a dollar tree in the back yard. How I wish that instead of leaving, there would be leadership arising from among the masses, to turn this country around!
Yep, the first ones would do so at the risk of their lives, but where are the Dominican Martin Luther Kings, and Rosa Parks'? Where are the ones who will say enough is enough and we aren't going to put up with it any more?
Seems like everyone just wants to take an easier way out...run to the US, or to Spain, and leave their country to become what it will.
If that is the case, then when will the government take the Cuban view and stop people from leaving? Who is going and who is staying? How many years can so many people leave a small island, till there is no one left?
Well, the poor people cannot get the visas, for the most part. The rich people do just as well here, and they can always get visas to visit. So the new middle class that has arisen, seems to be the ones who are most likely to end up in the US. These are also the ones who could actually bring about change in the country. They are better educated than the poor, and they know how to work.
It is hard to blame them for leaving, though. The injustice of daily life here wears on you. You work hard, and don't progress. You pay your bills, but are consistently cheated by those same companies you are paying. You suffer constant injustices. There is no recourse. You don't dare report anyone, because the person you report them to may be part of the same mafia, and there may be reprisals. You have no way of knowing who is legitimate and who is corrupt until you have brushed up against that person.
So there you have it. This Dominican Life is rough. People want out. They should stay. They should go. I don't know.
These are refugees, escaping from corruption, and difficult economic situations to the Promised Land, where every resident has a dollar tree in the back yard. How I wish that instead of leaving, there would be leadership arising from among the masses, to turn this country around!
Yep, the first ones would do so at the risk of their lives, but where are the Dominican Martin Luther Kings, and Rosa Parks'? Where are the ones who will say enough is enough and we aren't going to put up with it any more?
Seems like everyone just wants to take an easier way out...run to the US, or to Spain, and leave their country to become what it will.
If that is the case, then when will the government take the Cuban view and stop people from leaving? Who is going and who is staying? How many years can so many people leave a small island, till there is no one left?
Well, the poor people cannot get the visas, for the most part. The rich people do just as well here, and they can always get visas to visit. So the new middle class that has arisen, seems to be the ones who are most likely to end up in the US. These are also the ones who could actually bring about change in the country. They are better educated than the poor, and they know how to work.
It is hard to blame them for leaving, though. The injustice of daily life here wears on you. You work hard, and don't progress. You pay your bills, but are consistently cheated by those same companies you are paying. You suffer constant injustices. There is no recourse. You don't dare report anyone, because the person you report them to may be part of the same mafia, and there may be reprisals. You have no way of knowing who is legitimate and who is corrupt until you have brushed up against that person.
So there you have it. This Dominican Life is rough. People want out. They should stay. They should go. I don't know.
Noche Buena & Reyes
Tonight is Noche Buena. the literal translation of that is good night, but of course it corresponds to Christmas Eve in the US and many other English speaking countries. This is the most important part of the Christmas holidays. Think of it as the Dominican Thanksgiving. Lots of food is prepared, everyone eats to their hearts content, and it is an important family time. There are family reunions, and a large amount of the population in the capital and other major cities will travel to their hometowns for the occaision.
One very popular song here, around Christmas time, is Feliz Navidad, by José Feliciano. People sing it, with both the English and Spanish parts, as best they can, much like the Dominican birthday song is often followed by a rendition of the somewhat English Hapi burtday tu yu. Meanwhile, my compatriots across the water are singing the same song, only they are butchering the Spanish part!
¡Feliz navidad!
While in the US, children are tucked in bed on Christmas eve, to await Christmas morning with excitement, Dominican children still have a while to wait. Christmas morning does not bring gifts. Instead, the sixth of January, King's Day, is when they will receive their gifts. This special day remembers the kings who brought gifts to the child Jesus.
An interesting thing is happening this year, that gives a little insight on how things work here. The government has been changing a lot of holidays, depending on how they fall, to make things more convenient for work and education, mostly creating three day weekends. In the case of King's day this year, the 6th falls on a Wednesday. Normally the school holiday extends through the seventh, recognizing that many people are traveling back home from their native towns on that day, and would not be back in time for school. But this year, that would mean coming back from a three week break for a single school day. The weekend would follow. They are well aware that no one would bother to attend that day.
So they had the idea to change the holiday to Monday, the fourth of January. This means that the teachers are expected back on the fifth, and the students on the real King's Day! You can be assured that no one will be returning to classes till Monday the 11th, no matter what the government says. It just won't happen. In fact, it is quite common for Dominican students to take an extra week of vacation after both Holy Week and Christmas breaks, without permission. The teachers may return, but the student population will be missing.
This would be comparable to telling Americans, "This year we are moving Christmas day to the 23rd!" Who would listen? It was obviously done with good intentions, and it would have been nice, were it possible, so that the students would not miss so much school. In my informal survey of neighbors and friends, most were not even aware of it, and once informed, proclaimed that they were sure no one would go, and they certainly were not sending their children.
¡Feliz año nuevo from This Dominican Life!
One very popular song here, around Christmas time, is Feliz Navidad, by José Feliciano. People sing it, with both the English and Spanish parts, as best they can, much like the Dominican birthday song is often followed by a rendition of the somewhat English Hapi burtday tu yu. Meanwhile, my compatriots across the water are singing the same song, only they are butchering the Spanish part!
¡Feliz navidad!
While in the US, children are tucked in bed on Christmas eve, to await Christmas morning with excitement, Dominican children still have a while to wait. Christmas morning does not bring gifts. Instead, the sixth of January, King's Day, is when they will receive their gifts. This special day remembers the kings who brought gifts to the child Jesus.
An interesting thing is happening this year, that gives a little insight on how things work here. The government has been changing a lot of holidays, depending on how they fall, to make things more convenient for work and education, mostly creating three day weekends. In the case of King's day this year, the 6th falls on a Wednesday. Normally the school holiday extends through the seventh, recognizing that many people are traveling back home from their native towns on that day, and would not be back in time for school. But this year, that would mean coming back from a three week break for a single school day. The weekend would follow. They are well aware that no one would bother to attend that day.
So they had the idea to change the holiday to Monday, the fourth of January. This means that the teachers are expected back on the fifth, and the students on the real King's Day! You can be assured that no one will be returning to classes till Monday the 11th, no matter what the government says. It just won't happen. In fact, it is quite common for Dominican students to take an extra week of vacation after both Holy Week and Christmas breaks, without permission. The teachers may return, but the student population will be missing.
This would be comparable to telling Americans, "This year we are moving Christmas day to the 23rd!" Who would listen? It was obviously done with good intentions, and it would have been nice, were it possible, so that the students would not miss so much school. In my informal survey of neighbors and friends, most were not even aware of it, and once informed, proclaimed that they were sure no one would go, and they certainly were not sending their children.
¡Feliz año nuevo from This Dominican Life!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Christmas
The Christmas season is a lot more extended in this country than in my own. It began this year, a few weeks before Thanksgiving Day (not celebrated here, of course.) To put it in musical terms, it does a crescendo then a decrescendo, starting mid to late November, and ending around mid January.
December is looked forward to for many reasons. One, there is generally not so very much work done, apart from retail sales and related work. Basically, if you need something done, you don't try to get it done this month.
Also, this is a month of family, and family rules here. This is the month that you will go back to your hometown and see all your family and friends there. You will eat a delicious feast on Noche Buena, Christmas Eve, and you will get double pay for the month. (Yep, it's a law; you get double pay.)
For an American living here, and after all, that is the point of this blog, to give an American impression of middle-class Dominican life--it is the noisiest time of the year. Of course, if you live in the wealthy areas, you won't generally have any problem. But if you live on this side of the river...well, let's just say, get out your earplugs.
Neighbors that previously kept their music at least below the pain threshold, although it was quite loud, now feel that in the spirit of the season, they must turn it up even higher. Your cement walls aren't vibrating, but you are!
It's also the time of year when a lot of drinking happens. I'm not sure but what it's always that time of the year, but I do notice that each year around Christmas, the National Police start putting restrictions on noise, and curbing the hours of the drinking establishments.
For a lot of people it is like a two month party. Now people do still have to work, but there is just a lot more happening. Parties at schools, at churches, in neighborhoods--hey, it's not that different than at home, other than the noise level.
It is a time to be laid back and not be the tense American. Because getting annoyed that whatever you were promised for next week won't really get done till some time in January, will do you absolutely no good. Trying to get neighbors to lower the music will only cause them to dislike you; they won't lower it. It's a Christmas tradition, you blockhead foreigner! Instead, you have to come to accept the fact that these things are just part of this Dominican Life.
December is looked forward to for many reasons. One, there is generally not so very much work done, apart from retail sales and related work. Basically, if you need something done, you don't try to get it done this month.
Also, this is a month of family, and family rules here. This is the month that you will go back to your hometown and see all your family and friends there. You will eat a delicious feast on Noche Buena, Christmas Eve, and you will get double pay for the month. (Yep, it's a law; you get double pay.)
For an American living here, and after all, that is the point of this blog, to give an American impression of middle-class Dominican life--it is the noisiest time of the year. Of course, if you live in the wealthy areas, you won't generally have any problem. But if you live on this side of the river...well, let's just say, get out your earplugs.
Neighbors that previously kept their music at least below the pain threshold, although it was quite loud, now feel that in the spirit of the season, they must turn it up even higher. Your cement walls aren't vibrating, but you are!
It's also the time of year when a lot of drinking happens. I'm not sure but what it's always that time of the year, but I do notice that each year around Christmas, the National Police start putting restrictions on noise, and curbing the hours of the drinking establishments.
For a lot of people it is like a two month party. Now people do still have to work, but there is just a lot more happening. Parties at schools, at churches, in neighborhoods--hey, it's not that different than at home, other than the noise level.
It is a time to be laid back and not be the tense American. Because getting annoyed that whatever you were promised for next week won't really get done till some time in January, will do you absolutely no good. Trying to get neighbors to lower the music will only cause them to dislike you; they won't lower it. It's a Christmas tradition, you blockhead foreigner! Instead, you have to come to accept the fact that these things are just part of this Dominican Life.
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