Thank you , Ecoman, how is meeting woman on a hourly extremely dangerous ?
Prostitution is very common in the Playa Dorada area. HIV and other serious STD's are also very prevalent in the DR and Haiti which is adjacent to the DR. Not all prostitutes practise safe sex or get regular medical screening for STD's and there is new medical evidence that suggests using condoms is not 100% effective against some of the newer strains of STD's. I've been told the women that work at Field of Dreams are contracted to work there and get regular screenings. Don't know if that's true or not.
My relationships with DR women have started by meeting them through their families. I look for long term relations not hourly ones. And I'm extremely careful about the STD threat. No moral judgements intended here. Your an adult and your free to make your own decisions. Do what feels right for you. Just do it safely.
Be aware that the guys who drive the horse drawn carriages in the Playa Dorada area will be offering you offsite access to prostitutes. They take people to remote locations and then their accomplices rob them of cash, credit cards and jewelry.
The ladies that work the mall bars in Playa Dorada are well versed in removing your wallet while distracting you. Stay sober and keep your wits about you when you frequent that area especially on the weekends.
Also be aware that drugs are very prevalent in the mall area (selling and usage). If the Policia Cestur catch you with friends using drugs your just as guilty, even if you not using them. Your a Canadian. You have very few rights in the DR and the Canadian Consulate office in Puerto Plata can do very little to help you. You can be held in jail for three months during the investigation. You have to supply your own food in the DR jails and come up with the cash to pay your way out. Otherwise your not going home!
In the six years I've been wintering here, I witnessed drunk and sober people from all countries doing the most stupid things and quite a few have ended up in jail. Laws and customs are very different here compared to Canada. Respect the people and the culture and you will be fine. Have a great vacation here and enjoy the Playa Dorada area. It is beautiful here.