Let me begin by saying how wonderful this forum/site is. I have been lurking for the past few months reading everything I could. I have gotten more information from here than anywhere else on the web. Y'all have made me so excited about going and you are one of the reasons I actually chose the DR. I do have a some questions. I hope some kind soul will answer them. Many of the things have been mentioned on the forum but I wanted to make sure about a few things.
I'll be in Santo Domingo for 8 days by myself (married female). I speak Spanish and I've traveled to other countries (Mexico, Colombia, Spain, Korea, Portugal) so I'm not worried. I'll have a private tutor in the mornings and in the afternoons I plan on sightseeing and relaxing. I'm going so that I can brush up on my Spanish and to immerse myself in a different Spanish speaking country. I don't want to speak any English at all while I'm there.
1- Are there enough things to do in the afternoons? I've looked at lots of sites so I have an idea what I would like to do. Any MUST sees in SD? I'm not interested at all clubbing.
2- I will be arriving at 8:30 pm on a Saturday night. Someone from the school will be picking me up. I know everyone says not to exchange money at the hotel but the banks will be closed on Sunday, right? I don't think I'll have a choice.
3- Not sure what to bring for maid gifts. I was thinking small shampoos and soaps from other hotels. I have a ton from different hotels. It seems cheap or tacky? Or just a dollar bill every day? Is that too little though? Thoughts? Opinions? Will it be the same maid everyday or a different one? I'm staying at the Hotel Palacio.
4- I've read lots about bringing things like colors, pencils and such for the kids. Will I be seeing any kids? I'm thinking no, but am I missing something?
5- My contact person at the school as been really helpful. Suggestions for a gift for him?
6- A friend of a friend has answered some of my questions and has offered to show me around. Suggestions for a gift for a single 30ish year old woman. (please don't say something representative of where I live. I am currently living in South Carolina (ughhh) and I can't think of a single thing from this state! I can think of lots of things from my home state of Louisiana).
7- Gift suggestions for my teacher or is that appropriate?
8- Am I leaving out someone? Gifts for who anyone else?
9- Is take out popular and/or acceptable? I have an extremely sensitive stomach, so have to be careful with what I eat. I love to eat and try new things but new things unfortunately don't like me at times. I hate it. I don't want to be viewed as the finicky picky American, so I was hoping to do take out. Yes, I know eating at restaurants is better and a better cultural experience but it's not a chance I really want to take. Actually the food issue is causing more stress than anything else. I may just be eating rice the whole time. lol
10- My five year old son is so excited about me bringing him something. I will be able to find somethings for him, right?
11- Do I really need malaria meds? My doctor gave me a script and says I do need it. If I'm in Santo Domingo (la zona colonial ) the whole time is it necessary? What about insect repellent necessary? I may do a day trip to a beach. I'll just play it by ear.
I know these are lots of questions. I'm sorry! Remember what I said in the beginning about y'all being wonderful and so helpful. :nervous: I debated about starting different threads for each question. I will go back and do that if it would be better.
?Gracias de antemano!
I'll be in Santo Domingo for 8 days by myself (married female). I speak Spanish and I've traveled to other countries (Mexico, Colombia, Spain, Korea, Portugal) so I'm not worried. I'll have a private tutor in the mornings and in the afternoons I plan on sightseeing and relaxing. I'm going so that I can brush up on my Spanish and to immerse myself in a different Spanish speaking country. I don't want to speak any English at all while I'm there.
1- Are there enough things to do in the afternoons? I've looked at lots of sites so I have an idea what I would like to do. Any MUST sees in SD? I'm not interested at all clubbing.
2- I will be arriving at 8:30 pm on a Saturday night. Someone from the school will be picking me up. I know everyone says not to exchange money at the hotel but the banks will be closed on Sunday, right? I don't think I'll have a choice.
3- Not sure what to bring for maid gifts. I was thinking small shampoos and soaps from other hotels. I have a ton from different hotels. It seems cheap or tacky? Or just a dollar bill every day? Is that too little though? Thoughts? Opinions? Will it be the same maid everyday or a different one? I'm staying at the Hotel Palacio.
4- I've read lots about bringing things like colors, pencils and such for the kids. Will I be seeing any kids? I'm thinking no, but am I missing something?
5- My contact person at the school as been really helpful. Suggestions for a gift for him?
6- A friend of a friend has answered some of my questions and has offered to show me around. Suggestions for a gift for a single 30ish year old woman. (please don't say something representative of where I live. I am currently living in South Carolina (ughhh) and I can't think of a single thing from this state! I can think of lots of things from my home state of Louisiana).
7- Gift suggestions for my teacher or is that appropriate?
8- Am I leaving out someone? Gifts for who anyone else?
9- Is take out popular and/or acceptable? I have an extremely sensitive stomach, so have to be careful with what I eat. I love to eat and try new things but new things unfortunately don't like me at times. I hate it. I don't want to be viewed as the finicky picky American, so I was hoping to do take out. Yes, I know eating at restaurants is better and a better cultural experience but it's not a chance I really want to take. Actually the food issue is causing more stress than anything else. I may just be eating rice the whole time. lol
10- My five year old son is so excited about me bringing him something. I will be able to find somethings for him, right?
11- Do I really need malaria meds? My doctor gave me a script and says I do need it. If I'm in Santo Domingo (la zona colonial ) the whole time is it necessary? What about insect repellent necessary? I may do a day trip to a beach. I'll just play it by ear.
I know these are lots of questions. I'm sorry! Remember what I said in the beginning about y'all being wonderful and so helpful. :nervous: I debated about starting different threads for each question. I will go back and do that if it would be better.
?Gracias de antemano!