This is Felipe the Monkey. I wanted to put him in my pocket and take him home. He wanted to make his home my head.

This was the second time visiting the place my mother was born. I always forget that I’m a first-generation American. My mother immigrated to the United States when she was eleven and was schooled at a Massachusetts boarding school. Though Spanish was my first language, English replaced it as soon as I began attending kindergarten. The only time I’m able to practice is when I visit my grandmother.

It was great to go back for a second time and see the island with new eyes. It was also interesting to experience how I fit into the existing social strata, especially being merely an echo of a Dominican from the States.

All in all, my stay wasn’t long, but it was fun. And within a week of being immersed in the culture, my Spanish improved greatly. :)

Check out 65 more photos (with captions) of my trip here.