I'm so ashamed I can't...

[cobraboy]

Originally Posted by Hillbilly

Another thing: If you are from Atlanta, you should go over to the Univ. of Goerga where they INVENTED Drown Proofing. This is a technique that will give you a ton of confidence in the water.

I think you mean Ga. Tech, where I attended as a freshman. Drownproofing 101was required of all Freshmen before you were allowed to take any 200-level courses.

Great course, and eeeeezy.

I recall the "final" exam was floating/bobbing without touching anything for 1 hour.

[MeMeATL]

Hola Familia

Last night I began my first class at PUCMM. There are 30 people in my class with 2 male instructors. We began by exercising our arms and legs outside of the pool. THEN my instructor said "Let`s Get in the Water."

I was expecting a lil pool of about 3 -4 feet, But Oh No this water was shoulder level. That was about the time the fear set in. It took me almost the entire 2 hours of class to submerge my head under water and float for what felt like an eternity but was actually 6 seconds.

My classmates were nice and patient, one lady told me in English "Don`t worry baby, each time it will get easier." I hope she is right because I have dont know if I can handle the remaining 4 classes.

I need you all to send up to prayers or offerings to some Aquatic God.

Mucho Amor
MeMe
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[elton]

a lot of people that can swim dont like their face in the water ....so you are one step ahead already by doing that- congrats keep going

[Hillbilly]

ME ME ATL: Give me another call...

I'll see about helping you swim...

Really.

HB

[Lucille]

MeMe ..congratulations..... ask for Bryant, he is very nice and patient, he is always standing by the lane #8. Don't be scare, enjoy, everything will be ok... We will pray for you ....Just keep on going.....................

[MeMeATL]

Hi All,

I want to say thanks to all of your support and kind words during my little journey. While is was in the Rep. Dom. I has a problem with my server and could not enter the DR1 site, but here is the update.

My instructor (Freddy) was very patient considering I was almost terrified of the thought of swimming. I did not complete the course because I needed to return home early, but I made progress in my mind.

The process to enroll in PUCMM is NOT a one day event!!!

1. First I had to have a medical exam so I decided to go to the local clinic in Villa Gonzalez near my home. The nurse took a large sample a blood then she gave me a familiar looking jar for a urine sample. My friend teased me that it my analysis would be positive...for baby food.

2. I went to PUCMM to the Student Center to have the doctor review my analysis of blood and urine. My doctor was a nice young woman who spoke english. She then listened to my heart and lungs, examened my ears and nose and, removed my shoes to look at my feet and toes for fungus .
Pay the fee of(RD$200).

3. If everything is satisfactory with the Doctor you will be given documentation to enter the office in the pool area.
In this office you need to provide 2 photos, copy of passport or cedula, and paperwork from the main office and pay the fee ( I think RD$800.)

4. You begin each class with about 10-15 minutes of exercise all relevant to the moves you will need in the pool. My class met Tues and Thur 6-8pm.

The instructors showed us how to:
blow bubbles underwater(burbujas)
kick your legs while bending knees slightly
float
use the kickboard

The ultimate goal was to combine all of these moves together and SWIM!!

I will report it took me 3 weeks, but I make BURBUJAS perfectly, I can float, I can use the kick board to swim 1/2 the lenght of the pool.

My instructor told me I progressed ALOT, he couldn't believe I was the same lady that wold not put my face in the water on the 1st day of class.

I still have a LONG way to go before I can compete with some of the 8year olds of PUCMM who were at the pool everyday (they were incredible).

As a side note, this was a nice way to meet the wonderful people of Santiago.

Ladies, in the evening the men came out to swim.
Gentlemen, there were only 2 men in my class of 30+ Santiagueras (many were current or past student of the university).

I hope I am posting the pictures correctly

[MeMeATL]

I was ashamed of myself to see 4year old swimming is this pool

[MeMeATL]

[MeMeATL]

If you can't figure it out, I'm the one clinging to the wall for dear life.
I'm 5' 9" and some nights the water was past my shoulders.

[sokitoumi]

oooo scarey diving platform.....glad you are progressing