Today makes three years of my new life in the Dominican Republic. It's really hard to believe.
One major milestone: Mi esposa, Alida, got her US permanent residency along with a "travel visa" and made two trips to the US, one to FL and one to NY/Philly.
The learning curve has slowed down quite a lot.
Got burned by some expats, who went on to burn someone else.
Started 2 new businesses, looking at a fourth and maybe a fifth.
Motersickeled 12,000 miles on tours.
Made some great expat and future friends.
Confirmed that 95% of tourists don't hardly know squat about the DR, no matter how often they come down, but they don't know they don't know squat.
Missed the DR every trip back to the states...except for the food.
Found my passion for football has dropped a few notches.
Still don't miss television at all.
Still think Jarabacoa is the best town in the country, but know it's not for everybody.
My golf game still sucks. Buy stock in MaxFli, I prop up their stock with lost balls.
I finally had a
GOOD piece of Dominican beef. And Meringue Dutchie was a witness (and participant.)
My Spanish still sucks, but I understand a LOT more. Very frustrating.
Torrents are my friend.
Going to an Aguilas game gives me a perma-grin.
Chip is a great guy and friend. The guy would do anything for someone with a need.
Dominican traffic no longer seems chaotic, but Jeez...driving in the states is now sooooo boring...
I'm practically on first name basis with the clerks @ EPS in Santiago.
Adopted a new puppy. Now have 3 dogs and two cats.
Still have sympathy for my wife; her taste in men is questionable at best.
I tried to be a good friend, even when it came back to bite me.
FINALLOY found a great vet in Santiago (thanks, HB! You rock!): Dr. Emmanuel Grullon @ Mundo Animal Clinica. He saved Toby's foot after another vet butchered the poor guy.
Sold the Xterra, bought a Montero Sport, like the Montero a lot.
Boiled platanos STILL taste like raw umber white craolas, but I love my mother-in-laws platanos maduros.
Although most Dominicans have a short memory and attention span, they hold a grudge forever.
Life is easier with the La Sirena in La Vega just 17 miles away.
Codetel DSL sucks here (worst ever this week.) I'd sell Mom CB to the Arabs for another viable option...
A solid inverter and battery system is critical!
The main roads have gotten MUCH better, but tires still take a beating here.
My avacodo tree is gonna explode this year!
We hate going into Santo Domingo.
So far so good. Let's see what Year 4 holds. I'm surprised I made it this long and far.
Soy Dominicano!
