I did some serious thinking and research in the last few days and I have decided that I will probably wing it. I guess I was just overwhelmed with the thought of traveling to another country with my limited Spanish and not knowing anyone there. I am going from May 16-21 and am going to stay at Boca Chica because that is the closest town to Santo Domingo with a beach. I can speak simple sentences and I will definitely bring my pocket translator and Spanish/English book. If there is going to be someone else there during that time I wouldn't mind meeting some fellow Americans since I will be all by my lonesome. I have a question though, does anyone know of some reputable nightclubs with great music in Boca Chica and Santo Domingo? In my research I have also read that in Boca Chica pick pocketing is very common, is that true? Musicqueen, I would post photos but I haven't purchased a digital camera yet, but again, I wouldn't want someone to respond to me because I am attractive. Thanks Jim for considering me to be intelligent, I usually don't hear that lol.