Part 1 of this thread was very very helpful. Many of you who have lived here for many years gave good advice and helpful commentary. For that I thank you. Many of you stated that I came to the DR with way too high of expectations. After consideration, I believe that you all were correct. I came here with more than enough money to start a business and live comfortable for a few years even if the business failed. With my motivated can-do american attitude and business savvy I was sure that I my education and experience would allow me to be successful here. I was enamored with the beautiful women and seemingly humble culture that I had experienced in my previous visits here.
I had plans on moving here, starting a small business, marrying a beautiful Dominican woman who would teach me the essence of her culture and I mine, and we would live out our years in happiness watching the sunset in the evenings from our quaint house just outside the city. (I bet many of you are laughing at my naivete... lol)
Yesterday, I celebrated my 2 month anniversary of moving to this country. I was talking with a friend and he and I both were sharing some of our experiences. It was amazing that he felt the same way as I did. It felt good to know that I wasn't the only one.
I am VERY VERY reluctant to start a business here because of what I've been told about buying property, and what I've experienced in trying to rent commercial property here. I know it can be done, but the people are so blatantly predatoristic in their business practices it's shameful.(maybe I'll start a better business bureau lol). Also, I don't think that I can allow myself to fall in love here. The lies and acceptance of cheating in the culture is just not something that I can go along with. I know I'm a hopeless romantic and I just don't think I can take anymore heartbreak. People tell me that there are better people in non-tourist areas and I shall soon see as I plan on touring the country in week long trips. Nontheless, I'd have to meet an absolute angel in order to destroy my jaded mentality that has in turn built a fortified wall around my heart. It's a shame because I came with so much love to give.
I don't want to live in far away from the beach, that was the reason I moved here. Living in Santo Domingo, or Santiago, or even Constanza would be pointless to me. I might as well just move back home if that was the case. I don't know what to do. But like I said, I am giving it a few more months. I am trying to be as open-minded as possible. I believe that everything happens for a reason. So maybe this bitter experience is preparing me for something that is much more sweet. Only time will tell....
Thanks again for all your support. You guys/gals are great.
I had plans on moving here, starting a small business, marrying a beautiful Dominican woman who would teach me the essence of her culture and I mine, and we would live out our years in happiness watching the sunset in the evenings from our quaint house just outside the city. (I bet many of you are laughing at my naivete... lol)
Yesterday, I celebrated my 2 month anniversary of moving to this country. I was talking with a friend and he and I both were sharing some of our experiences. It was amazing that he felt the same way as I did. It felt good to know that I wasn't the only one.
I am VERY VERY reluctant to start a business here because of what I've been told about buying property, and what I've experienced in trying to rent commercial property here. I know it can be done, but the people are so blatantly predatoristic in their business practices it's shameful.(maybe I'll start a better business bureau lol). Also, I don't think that I can allow myself to fall in love here. The lies and acceptance of cheating in the culture is just not something that I can go along with. I know I'm a hopeless romantic and I just don't think I can take anymore heartbreak. People tell me that there are better people in non-tourist areas and I shall soon see as I plan on touring the country in week long trips. Nontheless, I'd have to meet an absolute angel in order to destroy my jaded mentality that has in turn built a fortified wall around my heart. It's a shame because I came with so much love to give.
I don't want to live in far away from the beach, that was the reason I moved here. Living in Santo Domingo, or Santiago, or even Constanza would be pointless to me. I might as well just move back home if that was the case. I don't know what to do. But like I said, I am giving it a few more months. I am trying to be as open-minded as possible. I believe that everything happens for a reason. So maybe this bitter experience is preparing me for something that is much more sweet. Only time will tell....
Thanks again for all your support. You guys/gals are great.