Alternative Spring Break Dom. Rep., day 6: ‘I stood inside the Earth today’


While other students are looking forward to some rest and relaxation this spring break, close to 250 FIU students will be spending their time helping others. From March 13-22, the students are participating in FIU’s Alternative Spring Break, a program that gives them a chance to volunteer all over the world. One of FIU’s groups is in the Dominican Republic. You can follow their adventures in this blog.

La Cueva De Las Maravillas

Thirty minutes from Juan Dolio is a peaceful countryside city named Soco. Here horses roam and green grass covers a rolling scenery. Hidden amongst an abundance of sculptured foliage laid a stairwell that calmly led us into the damp cave. As we slowly made our descent,I could hear our heavy footsteps crushing the dirt beneath us. For a moment it was extremely dark. I darted my eyes about quickly, then took a deep breath to brace myself, and suddenly the cave was illuminated. Glistening stalactites covered in white calcium deposits hung from the ceiling as stalagmites drew up from the floor to meet their mates.

As we walked and listened to the guide, certain areas lit, automatically creating shadows of recognizable images that danced along the cave walls. Our guide led us to an amazing section with a reflecting pool. The most beautiful thing was seeing my eye’s reflection in the shallow lake. It was beautiful because there was a special glimmer in the water — nickels, dimes, and pesos all shining rays of hope for people who had traded their currency to make a special wish. In tradition, I did the same.

The Cave of Wonders is covered in beautiful etched heiroglyphics which were made out of charcol and animal fat, so we were told by our guide. It is mind-blowing enough that I stood inside the Earth today, let alone to know that someone else stood there thousands of years ago. Nothing can prepare you for that wonder. I felt truly blessed to have witnessed something so spectacular.

The Domincan Republic is special from the deepest cave to the tallest tree, and the people who walk the Earth in between are just as special.

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