dominican republic – Page 2 – Milli Stephania Photo

5f6186a740e6f1c2d3745375fc51d63d My abuelo (grandfather) was the sweetest man. I never had the chance of saying goodbye when he passed. My mother came to the island to pay her respects, but I remember myself being torn. I knew he was very sick, but reality didn’t hit me, especially since I was only twelve years young.My mother’s aunt, who is also my abuela’s sister is burried here.

As well, as my abuela’s mother, father, brother and nephew.

See here in the Dominican Republic, the tombstones are like mini houses and depending what size you pay for, the more people live an after life in that house.I had a lot of questions, this was my first time in an actual cemetery.

I even had the chance to bond with my grandmother while we small talked while we all cleaned up. I asked her about her boyfriend, and she looked at me with surprise.

My grandfather was her first and only boyfriend, her first and only love. I asked how they met, and she tells me he crushed first, he kept insisting they would be together and she would say no. She would lie and say she had a boyfriend, my grandfather being witty as he was, said well, when I see him, we’ll settle it then.

My grandmother laughed, because she knew that was never going to happen, since that boyfriend didn’t exist.

♥

Love stories are always interesting to me, but knowing houw your family started and has become so much more, all because of a romance is amazing to me. Our family is so big, my grandparents had 4 children, who have had 12 children, who have had 8 children and our family continues to grow.

It’s a beautiful thing.

He would be so proud.

Today was a mini road trip. 3 hours each way. My cousin Edward drove with a beer in hand, while we made our way to Higuey and La Romana.

We were gonna go see one of the most famous churches in Dominican Republic.

Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia.
(local children out of school and walking on the side of broken streets in the heat)

I know I came here when I was 10, but of course I don’t remember much about it’s history.

I know it’s a Roman Catholic church and mu cousin Yenny tells me people from all over the world come to make promises and ask for blessings. Many come crawling on their knees all the way from the main gate to enter the church, others come dressed in all white.

My abuela (grandmother) says, people come ready to came out and sleep on the floor to get a shot at first in line.(Los Montes = The mountains) (sugar cane workers)

On the 21st of January

”Este es el primer santuario de América y en él se aglutina el 21 de enero de todos los años millares de dominicanos para rendirle culto a la Virgen de la Altagracia.”

This is the first sanctuary of America and on the 21st of January many gather and unite , especially thousands of Dominican to surrender worship to the Virgin of Altagracia.

I loved all the candles. Especially when I caught them flickering.

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My cousin Yenny and I, right in front of the infamous church.

Aren’t touristy shots cheesy?

hahahaha
My cousin Franklin getting down and dirty, making sure his picture taking is perfect!Let me tell you, these cheeses ( the round white balls in the bag) are absolutely delicious!

I remember when my abuela used to come to visit in NY and I always made sure I was the first one to have these Quesos de Hoja en Blanco ( cheeses of white sheets) they have like this bitter taste that is super addicting. Of course while driving we had to stop and buy a few for the road. We got some crackers to match and some Presidente beersAfter visiting the church we decided to stop at a local beach by the name of Bayahibe. It was mostly empty on the side we decided to settle down in. There were mostly tourists, I’m sure there was a hotel around somewhere.