Yesterday we had orientation for a couple hours, learning more about the Dominican Republic culture and things to watch out for, such as diseases.

After a break, we headed out to the professor’s rental place to have lunch and then went back to the hotel.

With the aid of some local students, we first stopped off at a bus stop where we learned about the public transportation. Afterwards, we went to the Fortaleza San Luis. There were many tanks and cannons there, but the best parts of the area were the swings, seesaws, and a slide. We spent quite some time there. It was really fun. Within the fort was also a jail. We also saw head statues of the founding fathers: Matias Ramon Mella, Juan Pablo Duarte, and Francisco del Rosario Sanchez.

Next, we stopped at a park, the outside of a church, the “Centro de la Cultura” (which contained an art gallery and a piano), and the “Gobernacion,” which was a place held in memory of Duarte. Afterwards, we went to a mall to do some observing and shopping.

Our final stop of the day was the Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración, which was a monument well known in Santiago. There were some really nice views and pictures taken.

After a small break in the hotel, we all went to a restaurant nearby called Square One. The food was quite good.