#4 The Word ‘vaina’

The word ‘vaina’ is a fundamental part of the Dominican vernacular…a necessity in everyday social communication and arguably the most versatile word in the Spanish language. I’d even go as far as to say that more than a few Dominicans uttered the word ‘vaina’ not long after (if not before) ‘mama’ and ‘dada’.

The Urban Dictionary defines vaina as follows:very useful latin american (especially Dominican) slang for stuff, crap, thingy, thingamabob etc. However, the power of this word does not stop at simply ‘thingamabob’. ‘Vaina’ can be used for any number of situations including hitting on the opposite sex, referring to illicit substances in the presence of children and/or foreigners, referring to a woman’s monthly visitor, in place of misc. or unknown and communicating general unpleasantness/lack of significance in any number of undesirable situations.

Here are a few real life examples

-y que es esa vaina? -what is this crap?

-que vaina! -what a predicament!

-cuidado con esa vaina! – please be cautious when dealing with this situation

-mira…no te metas en esa vaina – it is best not to involve yourself in these dealings

-quitame esa vaina – change the channel

-y que la vaina?! – seriously…w.t.f

-buscame la vaina por favor – please pick up some rum at the bodega

There you are, the chameleon of the Spanish language. A single word that expresses the hopes, dreams, frustrations, cautionary advice and grocery lists of an entire nation.

#3 Helados Bon

Usually, it takes at least 3 hot dancing women in thongs to make any product appeal to the masses. However, when it comes to Helados Bon-advertising is not necessary. Simply open up an Helados Bon and Dominicans will swarm to them like moths to a flame. Although, it has to be said, the scantily clad women are still included in the advertising as a courtesy to the people-kidding it’s mostly little kids looking REALLY happy. (all that sugar!)

Helados Bon is the Dominican version of Ben & Jerry’s or Baskin Robbins only reasonably priced and more widely adored. Since 1972 this magical little place has been bringing Dominicans happiness and much needed empty calories. Remember children, nothing bad can come of cream, sugar, ice & cake chunks. Bon flavors range from the typical chocolate & vanilla (zzzzz) to ciruela (plum) & bizcocho (cake).

Aside from the more exotic flavors, not-so-catchy names, and acid trippy advertising, Helados Bon is pretty much your average ice cream place. It’s a great place to visit on just about any occasion (dates, long walks, beach days, birthday parties). Interestingly enough, it was founded by an ex-presidential candidate-a true Dominican patriot. From politics to ice-cream, if that isn’t a great story I don’t know what is. He took the simple idea of selling ice cream and turned it into a bona fide mega-successful franchise. Kind of like the story about the guy who founded Starbucks…only not…come to think of it the only thing Starbucks has in common with Helados Bon is they are both found on just about every corner in their respective countries.

The best part about Helados Bon? Way too many to name. The worst part? Helados Bon is only available in the Caribbean. The downright sad part that causes many Dominicans to cry themselves to sleep every night? You can’t bring Helados Bon back to the U.S. in your suitcase.