I am posting this in the North Coast forum because I visit Cabarete often and I have often thought of buying a place there one day. I am wondering how those of you who live in the DR deal with the economic differences that you have with the Dominicans that you are likely to get to know and develop a friendship with. In my experience after getting to know locals there you soon start to hear about there economic problems or other difficulties and often there is a request for help.
Is this a common problem for those of you that live there full-time and how do you deal with it? Do you develop any real friendships with Dominicans or does your social circle involve mostly other foreigners?
Been living here 7+ years. Indeed, there are real economic differences.
I have a few good Dominican friends down here. Most of them are poor.
I treat them as an equal. I tell them I'm not interested in discussing money
or politics. Works for me. Whenever a Dominican/ Haitian or Venezuelan
has asked me for money, I always ask them how much they want (its usually
25 to 100 pesos) then I tell them "sure, no problem but you'll need to let
me hold your cellphone until you pay me back" PROBLEM SOLVED.
For those rare moments when a relative gets ill or they need money for
more pricier services, I always respond in kind.. "If you and I never met and
you needed money, who would you ask? Then I tell them to go ask that
person.
This country is not for everyone. Showing generosity or always being willing
to pick up the tab or pay the bill does not always garner the same appreciation
as one may be accustomed to receiving back home.
Having lived in several different developing countries, my advice to anyone
who wants to live in a place like the DR is to first learn the language, live like a local
and do show or share your wealth until you really understand the cultural differences
you have with the people down here who you choose to call friends.