Torturing you TiPrune...come on over!

Watch her with me...

Share my lunch!

Waiting for Fay to move away...

Tangled over Santiago, DR

Peek a boo?

"I see you" Gaby!

Xmas in August?

The last ones...

Hot comes in many colors from a Cuba's market

THIS SHOT IS HOT!

THANKS MIMI!

Nature's art lessons in the color-grey over Montauk, Long Island

ZA BEL BOK- Homegrown pears

Freezing time...laughing!

River rocks in Jamao el norte-DR

"Tonton"

Yep, this is "TONTON," our Tonton now...

Our wonderful new neighbor, he was born in the DR from two Lebanese parents. He traveled the world and has lived what most of us would only read in story books. This past week he taught Yoe and I so much about his ancestors, their history, struggles and great accomplishments.We sat for hours hearing of his challenged childhood, his anguish sharing a very unsettled region of the Orient, a twenty-five year war, his love for his culture totally at ease between two worlds far apart yet-very much one in his daily life. He gets offended when taken for anything but Dominican by passers by thinking he is a 'foreigner,' or worst-an Italian. In our presence the mistake was made and oh boy...was he pissed. He asked the stranger inquiring in return: "Are you African?" due to her skin dark toned to prove his point.

Tonton lives on a property well manicured and every tree, flower was placed there by him over the 20 plus years. Although well into his eighties, hee is full of life and his spirit is contagious. He invites any and all passing by for coffee, and does not take 'no' for an answer. Persisting, the stranger gives in and climbs the stairs...in for a treat of all kind. Visually, from his balcony/terrace you are given a view of serenity and engulfing beauty. The fruits from his garden strategically placed in a basket nearby testify to the hard work he put in his land and the bounty surrounding him is shared. We have gained immensely from spending time with Tonton. Yoe intends on doing a formal interview on the Lebanese Maronites and their implication in history tracing back thousand of years, alive and well nurtured path...Courage without a doubt is one of his best assets.

Tonton is a great cook; he fed us well daily for four days. Although in the DR, our meals were closely linked to Arabic cuisine.A story teller, a philosopher, a giant, a French Literature ProfessorWe also spent time with one of his nieces-Claudia one Sunday. As all children raised in two countries they live daily navigating well in both culture. In the DR, Lebanon is just a heart beat away sharing time with Tonton. Yoe and I have met a-TRUE HERO in the DR again.

"VENEZ, VENEZ PRENDRE UN CAFE! VENEZ, VENEZ!"

That was his first line to us as we visited our new favorite corner of the DR. This one liner ended up being more than a simple invitation...For ever, Tonton will stay our friend for having in such a short time enriched our lives.