Rainbow Families Foundation Newsletter - December 2005

December 2005

There was a funeral this morning and traffic was backed up. The first time I actually have seen a hearst. Normally the wooden casket is carried in the back of a pickup truck and the people follow on foot. At times, normally a Haitian funeral, the men carry the casket since no one has a truck to carry it. A hearst carried the casket with many flowers on top. Normally the funerals don't have but 1 or 2 bouquets of flowers. There were many cars following and also many people on foot as well. I was told it was a family member who lived in Florida of a local politician. Apparently the body was sent back here for burial and a little money for a respectful funeral. They were going to the Catholic church and then to the cemetary in Puerto Plata. I broke down in the car last Friday. The radiator sprang a leak on top near the radiator cap. I had it patched and have to keep an eye on it and fill it with water. One person said I must have the engine running when I fill it with water. Another person said no. What is the truth? Should I put coolant in the coolant tank or will water be sufficient for this climate? I heard there is a good radiator repairman and I need to find where he lives so I don't have anymore problems. The heat has been tremendous and I imagine the water had evaporated. Sunday was the Dominican Constitution Day and election day for regidor (I believe similar to a County Commissioner), senador (Senator) and something else, I don't remember. I believe the Constitution was signed 167 years ago. The politicans had been busy campaigning with loud music in the streets. Jacobo had run for Regidor in his district. I don't know if he won or not. His campaign didn't appear to be that strong. Today we have electricity so far. Thank goodness so I am able to write you. Normally it goes out in the morning and comes back in the evening. Monday evening the electricity was out all through the night. Very uncomfortable sleeping (or trying to sleep). Yesterday the electricity kept clicking on and off. I bought a pedestal fan to be a little more comfortable.