Human idiosyncrasies are fascinating, are they not? How about that guy on the bus who is always dressed as a pirate, carries a ladies purse and has a rusty old dagger on the front of his walker? Now those are some odd quirks! Or, what about Western society's general aversion to the number 13? In the 21st century we still build towering skyscrapers with modern technology, but don't include a number '13' in the floor numbering system. There must be solid reasons for all of these peculiarities, but to the outsider it must seem a little odd. The same goes for the Dominican Republic.
Viva Po Roo - otherwise known as Vicks Vapor Rub, the Dominican people consider it a cure all. Upset stomach? Slather on some viva po roo. Headache? Viva po roo. The Black Plague? Viva po roo. Smelling like Grandma's bed sheets in the end, is the only issue.
No showers after eating - the Dominican people have strong feelings about this taboo. Make sure that you don't let any of the locals know that you plan to shower after having a large meal. The fear is you will get a cramp and possibly tumble in pain, injuring oneself. At least that is the theory.
Fridge Face - When the tropical heat has worked its way through to your bones and you feel the skin melting off your face, do not under any circumstances open the refrigerator. If you happen to open the fridge when feeling hot, it is thought by some in the Dominican, that your face will be frozen in it's expression for the rest of your days.
Clap! - Applause is the common response on any plane that lands in the DR. Once a plane has landed, Dominicans tend to be somewhat overjoyed, so they clap and embrace, and throw a bit of holy water around once grounded. Presidente Beer - Young men and women can be found pouring Presidente beer over their bodies at the beach, in a display reminiscent of people applying tanning oil. In truth, they believe it is a sort of tanning lotion and therefore slather it on. No word on if it actually works.
So, there you have it. Dominicans who buy into the healing qualities of Vicks Vapor Rub will smell like menthol, and if they don't smell like menthol then they may smell like Presidente Beer. Don't point and laugh, just take it all in with a smile and remember you are a guest in the country. And don't forget to clap as the plane lands.
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