Clap When You Land

On the airplane to the Dominican Republic, Yahaira is unusually nervous even though she considers that she was never afraid of flying before. She shuts her eyes until landing after she catches a glimpse of the blue ocean below the aircraft. When the plane touches down, some passengers in the cabin clap. A flight attendant tells Yahaira that it is a custom to clap when you land in the Dominican Republic, to thank God for allowing a safe return.

Once she is through customs, Yahaira meets Camino in person for the first time. At first glance, Yahaira realizes that she is angry with Camino, but she reconsiders her impulse, reminding herself that Papi left Camino to be with Yahaira. When Camino leads them to an unofficial taxi, Yahaira refuses, instead paying for a more expensive cab she considers to be safer. On the ride to Tía Solana’s house, Yahaira tries to use her Spanish to ask about the sights, but Camino responds in perfect English. This passive antagonism sets the tone for their first few days together in the Dominican Republic: “I feel like I am losing to my sister & it’s / only the opening” (327).