Christmas in March

As we have learnt by now, in the DR, today means tomorrow, 10 am means 2pm and one week means two months. But we have gotton used to that, most of the time. We, ourselves still like to operate under the 9am means 9am rule, but know that if that date is made with a Dominican, or a local who's been here too long, then 9am probably does not mean 9am to them. That is fine – after all, it is Island Time.

BUT you can also take Island Time too far.
For the last week and a half we have been receiving Christmas presents and cards! Keep in mind these packages and cards were mailed in Holland, or the US or Ireland well in advance of December 25th 2005 - but we are receiving them only now. Which is fun - as I have gotton excited telephone calls from Juli, the secretary at the office, saying something like: " I'm so excited - you got another package today! Who is Elizabeth? - what do you think it is? - can I be there when you open it up!" And then laughter when inside the bubble wrap envelope appears a packet wrapped in Christmas paper and a note from my mother saying I am only allowed to open this at Christmas and not before! Thank you Mums, and everyone else who sent us gifts and cards and never received a Thank You - now you know why!