Report From NY

Enjoying the dialogue, as usual. Re: the political discussions, I thought it interesting to point out that the Dominicans in NYC - I live in the border of a 90% Dominican neighborhood - seem to be the most pro USA of all New Yorkers. More American flags displayed here than anywhere else in the city, and candles and messages displayed wherever you turn.

I'm just studying beginning spanish now (at age 57) so I only read the positing on DR1 by the gringos or the elite, I assume. You're certainly a lively bunch! The Dominicans here - with the exception of the 100s of grim and threatening drug dealers that dominate almost every corner of Broadway, Amsterdam Ave. and many side streets - are teriffic, friendly people (and the women are gorgeous!!). I can't wait to get to the DR. - DW

ps - I'm not much of a flag waver. Just an observer. I also believe in better living through chemistry, within reason. I know first hand how insidious, dangerous and destructive that can be.

Don,t plan on bringing your chemistry set here! You will soon become a guest of the dominican government,all expenses paid! Chicas si,Drogas no! Criss

Didn't intend to. Alchohol & seratonin uptake inhibitors suit me fine. But aren't you the Viagra guy? - DW

Better living through chemistry--DuPont

May I suggest that the test tubes and paraphernalia, be left to your neighbors. As CC has mentioned they can be extremely hard on foreigners and chemicals....
Word.

HB

"Don,t leave home without it!" I,m talking about illegal drugs! Criss

Re: Better living through chemistry--DuPont

I have said it before and I say it again...play with anything you want here in DR but dont fool around with drugs, unless you are ready to soend a long time in jail and you will need you family and lot of money to feed you, because our jails only provide rice prepared with lots of yeast to inflate your stomach, no meat and for breakfast a cup of cocoa which is pissed on and spit on during preparation by the jailmate cooks to make it more flavorful. Jail bread if left for the next day could be used as a weapon. And also stay away from illegal guns. There is NO BAIL for these offenses and no parole or early release. No lawyer can help you.

Danny--
Thanks for the positive input about Dominicans here in New York. There ARE a lot of beautiful Dominicanos here [I am engaged to one]. Although I am a gringa, I "did some time" as a mission volunteer in La Romana [with medical teams in the sugar plantations] and love the DR and the people; It's a beautiful country and I wish I could spend some time there even now.

Buena suerte with the Spanish-- at least you're DOING it. I started learning in '93 and although I am 95% fluent, there's ALWAYS vocabulary to learn. It's a beautiful language. One thing though: LEARN SOME OF THE DOMINICAN WORDS...your "survival" depends a lot on SOME knowledge. There's a great site forthis : "www.aguaita.com" under "Domincianismos".

Let TW and the others say what they will.. If you love the DR and do your "homework" you'll do fine.

The only thing I DO NOT miss is the apagones. Geez, what a dolor en las lalgas that is!!!