Humility/Why I would recommend Tubagua

Of the four WWOOFing experiences I’ve had here in the DR, three have been run by foreigners. Of those three, only one created any sense of cohesion and cooperation in the community or between the owner and employees. That place was Tubagua. It is also the only place of the three I would return to, or recommend to anyone traveling in the DR, WWOOFing or otherwise.

 The Biggest Idea I have taken from Tubagua is the value of humility. Tim, in his interactions with employees, his family, and myself, has shown both great respect and humility. He actually took the time to learn the language, and coincidentally has the best relationship with his staff that I have seen here. He is the only white foreigner here who I have spent a fair amount of time with, and not heard a barrage of derogatory, racist remarks from. Instead, the first time we spoke, he mentioned that we could learn a lot from the Dominicans: they dance. Whenever they get the chance, in broad daylight, in the middle of a side walk full of people, it doesn’t matter: they dance.

What he meant was the Dominican people are optimistic despite hardship, and this is something I know I would like to be better at. Tim, if you read this, thank you. I have much more hope for Dominican/Haitian/foreigner relations, and the future of WWOOFing in the DR, because of you.