Many may think all countries in Latin America are alike. At first glance, Dominican Republic (DR) and Mexico may appear to be the same, but as my husband Nate and I adapt from the DR to our new home and culture in Torreon, Mexico, we discover more and more differences between the two countries every day.

Geography

In the DR, living on island offered a sticky tropical climate all-year round, providing much rain and high winds during hurricane season. The beaches were prominent vacation destinations, leaving rich farmland and mountain ranges inland. Now, we are entertained by dust storms and occasional rainfall, living in desert terrain of Mexico. A warm climate continues to surround us in the summer, minus the humidity and beaches. Temperatures do drop during the winter months; sometimes down to 30 F, which is quite chilly without indoor heating.

At the Beach-DR

In the Desert-Mexico

Cuisine

In the Caribbean, “habichuelas” (beans), rice, roasted pork, fried chicken, “salsa criolla” (Creole sauce), “mangu” (smashed plantains with fried red onions), and “tostones”(fried plantains) accompanied by “bebidas” (sweetened fruit drinks) were common on the menu. In comparison, various types of chilies (mild, hot, very hot), flour or corn tortillas, “gorditas”, tacos, enchiladas, “frijoles” (refried beans), pork, beef, chicken, tortilla chips, and many different types of salsa along with “refrescos”(refreshments) of “horchata” (sweetened rice with cinnamon) and “jamaica” (dried flower petals) are found in this area of Mexico. Both countries do offer delicious fresh fruit and vegetables daily.

Tostones-DR

Pollo con Rayas, Frijoles, y Arroz-Mexico

Language

Spanish is the official language in both the DR and Mexico, but accents, vocabulary, pronunciation, and speed of speech differ greatly. In the DR, the final “s” is dropped in words ending in “s”.  Some examples, “buenas noches” (good night) is “buen noche” and “gracias” (thank you) is “gracia”.  A passion fruit in the DR is “chinolla” and in Mexico it is “maracuya” I found out the hard way that “menudo” meaning change (in the form of money) in the DR, does not have the same meaning in Mexico.  Instead it is the name of a Mexican traditional soup with animal intestines.

Menudo served on Sundays-Mexico

Transportation

The DR offers public transportation in the form of “conchos” (cars), which have regular routes in each city. Passengers simply wiggle a finger for one to pull over and hop in only on the right side, pay a small fee, and tell the driver when they want to get out.  It is very convenient and often quite cozy with 4 or 5 passengers in the backseat and two along with the driver in the front. City buses are available with regular stops for longer distances. “Motorconchos” (motorcycles) offer a cheaper fare, and can fit 4 or 5 passengers as well. “Guagua’s” (mini-buses) are used for routes to and from the city, fitting 20-30 passengers. Taxis are available, but at a much higher rate. In Mexico, taxis and city buses are the common modes of transportation. The taxis are quite small and enforce passenger regulations. Donkeys are easily spotted among traffic, often pulling carts for local vendors. Over-sized tricycles with large baskets are also used to transport produce sometimes people.

Concho-DR

5-Person Motorconcho?-DR

Over-sized Tricycles-Mexico

As Nate and I settle into our new home, the cultures of Mexico, Dominican Republic, and other countries around the world will continue to differ, but they do have one common thread that ties them together.  That bond is souls in need of a Savior. May the Lord continue to bless the efforts of sharing Jesus with “every nation, tribe, language, and people” (Revelation 14:6).