So for our homework assignment (for our ridiculous and mandatory seminar class) we were instructed to each choose a slip of paper, which would say a different location, and then go out in groups of three and take 10 pictures. 5 of things which were "obvious" (we know what they are) and 5 which were "curious" to us in some way.

So, today I set out with two of my friends, Diane and Christina, to the location on the strip of paper that we had randomly chosen "Carretera Jacagua". We had no idea what it was or where it was or why it was that we were being sent there.

So, one concho ride (the public transportation here with fits 6 people in one tiny car-- not including the driver) and we arrived at our destination. I had assumed it might be a busy road, but no, the place they directed us to turned out to be a poor barrio. So there we were, three Americans in a poor barrio in Santiago, instructed to walk around and take pictures.

Now if the purpose of this project was to put all groups in similar positions I think I would have been more okay with it-- but considering that some people got sent to "La Sirena" (basically the DR version of Target) this was clearly not the purpose. So I think all three of us similarly felt upset and annoyed that we were the ones placed in this situation without any notice.

And clearly the three of us stuck out like sore thumbs. I for one, was wearing gold colored flip-flops, stereotypical big sunglasses and carrying my Coach clutch. I'm not sure I could have picked out a better outfit to draw attention to us. And not only did we have to walk around but then we had to photograph-- which made things even more uncomfortable.

Anyways, this post is not so much to complain just more to reflect back on today and come to the realization that I will stick out so much here wherever I go. No matter what I am wearing or carrying I will; it's the fact of the matter. I just suppose that next time I would appreciate a bit more of a warning so that I don't come across as an ignorant American wearing things of such a nature for such a visit. The last thing I want to be percieved of as is a rich, snotty American prancing around and exhorting signs of money in a developing country, you know? I think negative stereotypes like that are probably fed into by visits like the one we made today-- so it would have been nice to know to avoid such a thing.