Describe where or what you come from. The people, the places, and/or the factors that make up who you are.
This first prompt of Blogtember (by Jenni) is a little difficult to answer. I am the child of Dominican immigrants who has acclimated to American culture with a passion. I’ve been called the “white girl” on occasions (I’ll leave that for you to decided if it’s offensive or not) because I speak English and Spanish differently than that of my siblings and every other Dominican I know. My husband says Lisette, you’re just a nerd. Yes, this is true. I will forever be a bookworm, but I digress. This weekend I spent time with family at a wedding and a BBQ in New York City and Long Island.
I’m part of the rare breed of first-generation Americans that has acclimated more with American culture than her parents’ culture. But it doesn’t mean I don’t love Dominican culture. Bear with me as I try to describe the Dominican people in a nutshell.
Dominican people can be referred to as gente alegre, or simply ‘happy people.’ There isn’t a family gathering without laughter, drinks and good food. Not to mention dancing merengue and bachata. And, if you’re of the younger generation, reggaeton as well.
You walk into any Dominican household and you’re immediately offered something to eat or drink. ¿Quieren un cafecito? is a common question, which means Would you like some coffee? That or ¿Quieren algo de comer? which means Do you want something to eat? It’s rare to not be offered something at a Dominican home, even if you’re on your way out the door. I’ve been offered fruit, juice, bread and other small snacks on my way out. It’s out of love and care. Even if you say ‘no’ you’ll be offered another item.
Dominican people love playing their dominoes, just like many other Caribbean countries. The men love to gossip over these games (but they’ll never admit it!). If you’re ever in need of gossip, just watch them on the sidelines. It’s hilarious.
The good domino players (like my father there in the red t-shirt) will know which dominoes (or fichas) you have in your hand just by watching you play. They’ll also signal to their partner using secret taps and looks, what their opponents’ hands look like. It’s all very subtle and takes a while to pick up. It’s a fun game that doesn’t require much skill if you’re playing for fun (like me).
The women of course do their own gossiping, when they’re not posing for pictures. All in all, the culture of the Dominican Republic is like a booming party. There’s always something to enjoy, whether it be dancing, food or a good game of dominoes. This was the smallest of nutshells, I know. But if you have any question, let me know! Buen provecho!
Linking up with: Blogtember and Weekend Shenanigans
Bekah says
Oh goodness! My German in laws love their dominoes too! I am so glad they aren’t as advanced as to know my hand!
Lisette says
I didn’t know other cultures were obsessed with Dominoes, but then I realized that there are double-nine and double-twelve dominoes too.
Stephanie says
I love this! It’s fascinating learning about bloggers. Everyone is so different.
Lizette says
Hi Lisette,
Love to read where you came from! I haven’t met many other Li(z/s)ette from outside the Netherlands so I was very (pleasantly) surprised to see your name!
It looks like you have a close family :)
XO Lizette
Lisette says
It’s nice to meet another Lisette! Haha. It’s a more common name in NYC among Hispanics. Thanks for stopping by!
Jenn says
Love the glimpse of your culture! I feel like I’m part of the family already ; ) Thanks for sharing!
Lisette says
I’m sure you’d fit right in!
Jasmine says
Being half Dominican myself I can so relate to this. This whole post is true. I love it. Reading it made me think of my family that I have in NY and how much family gatherings.
Lisette says
Thanks! I know there’s lots and lots I left out, but there’s just too many things to list!
Lisette says
Thanks for stopping by, Jasmine! I’m sure it’s the same with your family. Do they also bring out the Brugal?
Nicole @ Treasure Tromp says
oh I love this. My Italian relatives are quite fond of dominos as well
Lisette says
I wasn’t aware of just how many people around the world play dominoes!
BlushandBarbells says
My dad is from Cuba…so you know about the domino situation there ;)
Lisette says
HAHA! The domino “situation.” I LOVE it! I’d love to visit Cuba one day. Maybe!
Lisette says
Do the play the double-nine or double-twelve dominoes?
Rachel G says
My husband’s parents were immigrants, too, and I’ve found that my husband is very, very adaptable as far as culture. He’ll act very American when surrounded by Americans, while at home with his family he speaks Spanish and acts quite at home in their culture. And then in Malaysia, where my family lives, he also seems perfectly at home. Having that skill of adaptability can be a very useful thing!
Lisette says
That’s admirable! My husband (who is not Hispanic) has acclimated to my family’s culture very well. SO well that he even speaks Spanish like a Dominican. Haha!
Niki says
You have such a beautiful family, and happy people definitely seems like the perfect term! Your Dominican family sounds a lot like my Greek family – always offering food to visitors, and, ahem, even the gossip :) I loved learning more about you!
Lisette says
Awww! Thanks Niki! I’d love to learn more about your Greek family!
Rachael @ Pretty in Pink says
I love this post! So fun to read about your family and where you came from.
Kenya says
We must be twins because my family always called me the “white girl”. That’s what happens when my parents move to an Italian town when I started 3rd grade I guess. LOL. My family always made fun of me when I talk Spanish because I don’t sound like a dominican (my mom) or puerto rican (my dad).
Amanda @ Eloquent English says
I loved hearing about your family and heritage!
Meg O. says
This is such an awesome post! Loved learning things about your culture and family. While I’ve been around the Mexican-American culture quite a bit, being from South Texas, I can’t say that I have been around the Dominican culture! This post is so interesting to me. What I love is the focus on food and family!! Love.
Lisette says
Food and family go together!
I would love to visit Texas. The Mexican and Dominican cultures are VERY different.
Samm says
aw I love this. i havent had much experience with the Dominican culture here in MN, so it’s interesting to see little bits of it from you :)
Amber says
I didn’t know you were Dominican! I love this post, so fun to learn of your culture. The family I grew up babysitting for was Dominican, and I can remember LOVING them. The mom was so fun, I wanted her to be my big sister so we could hang out all the time :)
Tara says
Awesome! I love reading about other cultures. Your family looks fun :)
Emily (@SassyinSequins) says
Fun to read about your family’s culture! Looks like you had a blast!
Aleshea says
I really like this post Lisette. Sounds like my family always trying to feed someone. You took some beautiful pictures of your family.
Mare says
So great to see the love and fun you had this weekend. Everyone looked very happy. Love you.
Lisette says
Thanks Mare. Love you too! We miss you!
Kate says
I think the Dominican culture sounds like a lot of fun! Any culture that offers good and loves to be happy is a win in my eyes ;)
Lisette says
It is a lot of fun. You’d love it. Thanks for stopping by!
Donna says
Hi Lisette! I just discovered you blog and I’m hooked! This post is awesome…I love learning about other bloggers. Love dominoes in Jamaica as well.
– Donna