Update on Relocating

jackquontee

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Hello everyone. I am new to this site and have to say that I have found it extremely enlightening and enjoyable. My search for this type of site is as a result of a growing desire to move to the DR. I have been to Punta Cana on a number of occasions over the past 18 months, and am on my way back next month, as well as to Puerto Plata in July.

I just finished reading a report by Timex (circa 2003) which was very, very interesting, and scary in some ways. The one thing I found fortunate for Timex was that he had fairly decent support system from which to work, i.e., his wife's family, and a job. I suspect this made things a little easier for him than it would be for someone like myself who would move without having a similar type of support system.

Is there anyone out there who has moved to the DR without much of a support system and pretty much had to "hoof it" on your own? Could you please share what your experiences were/are like? Any info would certainly be appreciated.
 

Escott

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Jan 14, 2002
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You make your own support system and it starts right here. This is what I did and it worked for me. Every one helps each other with the exception of a few that help themselves! You will figure out by speaking around. On the North Coast Rockys in Sosua is a good spot to meet people. Don't know about anywhere else as I only live here:)

Only thing is DON'T ask Marco for restaurant suggestions because he thinks his stankin place is the only restaurant in town. LOL

Escott
 

daddy1

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Feb 27, 2004
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Misery loves company!!!

Everyone has different experiences upon moving there, but I was there during the Hippo Mejia reign and I could not function there for those reasons
but Leonel may do somethings to get things back on track, also I was in the capital and the capital is rough! if you can take long power outages, bad water, and low pay wages, you can probably can pretty much handle anything else, life there is less stressful then the U.S. but remember it is an environment of corruption on a high scale, and never lose site that it is a third world country
if you can hack that!! you'll be in Heaven..
 

jackquontee

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Much Thanks

Gentlemen, thanks for your advice. Just a little background on my intentions.

A couple of years ago I purchased a condo in Florida. I decided to purchase in Kissimmee because I have 2 young sons and thought it would be great not only to have a place to get away to on occasion, but also a place I could take the kids to for vacation. I also purchased a vacation package around the same time which allows me to travel pretty extensively every year. Well, I found myself using the vacation package much more than the condo, and have been traveling alot to Mexico and the DR, and have really come to like the DR because of its proximity to the US, as well as the atmosphere and environment there.

For various reasons, I have been thinking about moving there or to Mexico, though DR is higher on the list than Mexico. I have been thinking about selling the condo in Florida and buying in DR, even if I never physically relocate there. I'd just like to have a place in a location that I'm more likely to at least visit, if not live. However, I am having the urge to move away from the US and start anew somewhere else. Before anyone makes any assumptions, I'm not running from anything, just hopefully running to something new. The likelihood of establishing a worthwhile relationship here in the US is practically nil, and I would just like to have an opportunity to meet someone who has more traditional values than what I'm encountering here in the US. My experience with DR women is that there is more of a sense of affection and loyalty than what one often finds in this country.

In any event, my thoughts are that if I purchase a place in the DR, I can continue my frequent travels there (there are still a number of towns/villages I need to get to as I've limited my past travels to Punta Cana) and this would give me an opportunity to explore business opportunities, though I'm not really sure at this point what those would be. But, I am not interested in becoming rich. At this point in my life I am interested in finding happiness over wealth. I guess, in essence, I am looking for that simpler, easier life.

Anyhow, I will keep following threads posted to this site and will appreciate any help that anyone can be.
 

Jerry K

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Jan 1, 2002
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MOving to the DR

Just a suggestion, seriously look at the north coast, more reality based. Puerto Plata and Sosua are established areas with a fairly large amount of ex-pats like yourself.
With the POP airport it's an easy shot to Miami. Real estate values are solid and increasing, your close to the ocean with mountains as a background.
I built a house in one of the areas near Playa Dorado, that has 24 hour power,
and have no complaints.
 

ODUKEEPER

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May 15, 2005
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rational reasons

As someone who is generally in the same position, allow me to give those who have posted some further insights on the mentality of US citizens considering moving to the DR.

For me and my family we find a number of things attractive about the DR . They include: 1. Fewer Americans ? for the most part my wife feels, and I agree , that Americans tend to be somewhat ?flat? emotionally. The statistics regarding European visitors vs. American visitors is something like 10 to 1 . 2. There is less of a focus on commercialism ( although heading in the wrong direction) than exists in the US 3. There is a friendlier/safer attitude of the local populace 4. Corruption is relative/cultural term. There are some who feel the unequal treatment in the United States judicial system between rich and poor, white and black, might be considered a form of corruption. One thing I find somewhat charming is the open nature of what you refer to as DR corruption.

Let me clarify. We do not fall into the lower economic demographic. We are not aging hippies, professional malcontents or ?on-the-run? from emotional/legal/business issues. We are thoughtful, educated, respected and successful United States citizens. In addition to the allure of the above DR components, we simply feel that certain things are beginning to happen in the United States that alarms us. These include the incursion of religious doctrine into political policy; the implementation of ?Manifest Destiny? as justification for military action in other nations; the reality of the largest prison population in the industrialized world; the geometric increase in aberrant behavior ? in criminal acts -;the increasing lack of consideration for the environment etc.

While I still believe the United States is the greatest nation in the world, it is prudent to be prepared. Those who waited for Crystalnacht waited too long. While the US is a long way from that kind of catastrophe, the not so subtle changes in our political and social landscape bear watching and preparing for.
 

carina

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Mar 13, 2005
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I?d say Escott is right in his posting saying you create your own support group.
Here you must create your own support system, in all ways, shapes and forms.
The easy part is to get yourself a medical insurance, find a place where you want to live. If you change your mind it is no big deal to move.

As for work, if you don?t plan on starting your own business, retire or do nothing.. depending on your education and experiences, you would have to take it day by day. It would not be easy to find a work that you want to keep forever as the salaries are low. LOW.
But it?s a start and you take it from there.

Friends and that net, I?d say is the most important of all.
There are many expats on the North Coast, and I am sure you would find at least some of us to be worth having as friends (LOL ).
You don?t want to sit alone on christmas!
Local friends comes very naturally, as you know the people here are generally very open and friendly. Most certainly everyone wants to be your friend, but pick the fresh fruit, there are many freeloaders out there too!

Every one of us living here have made it on our own.
It does not matter if you are the adventure kind-of-type "just coming" or if you move with more money than you can spend.
You still need to find what makes this "home" here, money rolls away and the key is to find a steady group of friends you can rely on, a place to call home and a work or hobby (depending on your wishes and possibilites ) that gives your stay here the meaning you want.
This you have to make on your own, it is choices no one can make for you.
Don?t expect it do be just easy, it is not.
There are many disapointments on the road that will bump your day too!
And you might wonder what the heck you are doing here, but moving beyond that and focusing on how you want your life to be and look for the possibilities you will find the "support-system" you need.

Here the glass is always half-full, never half-empty, and you will find an openess among the people ( ALL people no matter of nationality ) that I am sure you don?t see much of where you are now.
That will help you many times! ;)
 
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ODUKEEPER

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May 15, 2005
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support groups

"This message board is about the DR not the US. Why would I speak about the US and why would you."


Had you read, or thought about, the intent of the original post, it was to seek out "support groups" for a U.S. Citizen moving here. For a support group to be supportive it must reflect the views of the individual.

For example, if I were interested in exploring and gratifying an infantile fixation on female breasts, your own personal blog, and seemingly your world view, would prove useful. Fortunately, I have long ago outgrown this juvinile fascination.

I would presume the origal poster, as myself, is more interested in support groups which share our world view.
 

planner

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Sep 23, 2002
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The move

Hi there, I moved here knowing very few people and those I knew are not the ones I have chosen as part of my circle! You live and learn.

I had no idea what I would do when I got here just knew it was the right move for me! I knew I had education, skills and knowledge that allow me to work almost anywhere so I wasn't overly concerned about that. I do not have kids so that was never a consideration.

I have had my share of crisis, I have had wonderful times, I have had some times of complete and utter boredom - but never have I regretted my decision to move here and make this my home!

I've met some wonderful people, both locals and ex pats. You definately want to come down and spend time getting to know the country. Punta Cana is one of my least favourite areas! Get out of the hotels and see this country, experience it, get to know it and then decide if this is something you want to try!

ANd get to know some of us here at DR1. There are some amazing people here! Especially me....LOL Seriously feel free to ask any questions you want. But, first do some reading and research here on the boards. There is all kinds of information available to you!
 

Chris

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Oct 21, 2002
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ODUKEEPER said:
"I would presume the origal poster, as myself, is more interested in support groups which share our world view.


Support groups based on US type ideology (Pro or Not) is frowned upon on the board. The rule is that we keep it Dominican Republic related. Once you understand the rule, things go fine. It is simple, we do not discuss US politics here. It keeps the 'wars' to the minimum.
 

Hillbilly

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Jan 1, 2002
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So you want the cake and eat it too?

Well, it can happen here, if you go slow and use your noggin.

First off, you really must understand that there are several Dominican Republics.

The only one you have seen is the tourist DR. Punta Cana is certainly NOT the DR. Sos?a, or a part of Sos?a that you probably have not seen is closser to the DR but in general, the tourist axis of the North Shore is NOT the DR.

For example, there are parts of Puerto Plata proper that are totally involved in tourism, and that is NOT the DR. There are other areas of Puerto Plata that are involved in making a living in the DR by means of hard work, education, manufacturing, services and so forth. This is much closer to the REAL DR.

In fact, the further you get from the coast, the closer you get to the authentic DR. The heart of the country is the Moca, La Vega, Santiago triangle. In this area are basicall normal, everyday folks that are working and studying and trying to get ahead. (Which is not to say that the same thing does not occur in other areas-you all know I am prejudiced!:D)

There are schools, factories, farms. There are social clubs, sports clubs, even cock fighting clubs. There are theaters, cultural centers, museums, zoos and colonial ruins. You are literally an hour and a half from anything else you might want: Cold weather? Go up to Constanza. Beaches? Sos?a, Nagua, Punta Rucia, Monte Cristi are just a few klicks away. Big city living? Santo Domingo is less than two hours away by bus or by car. Need Miami? Two hours away from the finest airport in the DR. Like Daryl Waltrip says: "What's not to like!?"

All by yourself? Where would you prefer to find your friends. seriously now.
a)In a bar?
b)In a social club with tons of athletic activities?
c)In a high end night club where the local entrepreneurs hang out?
d)In a penthouse where a friend has organized a 'welcome to the DR' party for you?

If you picked "A" , you might as well stay in Florida.

Scott is right about coming here and meeting people, and he is not that far off on Rocky's as a "place to start."

So is Carina.

If you want to come here, go slow. Listen to a lot of people, pick and choose, look around for the option that is best for you.

You have not said if your kids are coming here, too. That can change a lot of your options. What are you planning for them?

So, before you pick up and haul a$$ outta Florida, look around here a lot more, since "you ain't seen nuttin' yet" ....

HB :D:D
 
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ODUKEEPER

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Chris said:
Support groups based on US type ideology (Pro or Not) is frowned upon on the board. The rule is that we keep it Dominican Republic related. Once you understand the rule, things go fine. It is simple, we do not discuss US politics here. It keeps the 'wars' to the minimum.

it's pleasant to have a reasoned, rather than bombastic, explanation.
 

jackquontee

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May 20, 2005
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Reply

Folks, again, thanks.

I am not looking to make a rash, overnight decision. That is why I am exploring the issue now. I am a firm believer in taking my time and doing things right. As we all might agree, there are many opinions and preferences among us. The more questions I ask, the more of an overall picture I hope to get.

I have been to PC on several occasions; went to Santo Domingo on a day trip (not my kind of place as I am averse to big city life), and have a trip planned to PP in July. I certainly intend to make the rounds, so to speak. I have simply been impressed with some of the things I've seen and encountered on my handful of trips there thus far.

I also need to apologize for any confusion that I seem to have caused. I do not live in Florida. I actually live in Connecticut. The reason for mentioning Florida was to point out that I have a condo there that I'm considering selling and would have immediate cash available to purchase a place in DR, thereby giving myself a base from which to work. The point is that rather than have a place sitting in Florida and serving no purpose, I could have that place in the DR that I could/would travel to more frequently and, then, have the opportunity to accomplish some of the things that I'd need to do in order to set myself up for an eventual move. Although I have 2 sons, they live with their mothers, and would certainly stay with their mothers. Child support has become very lucrative in the recent past (LOL), and I have no doubt that my sons' mothers wouldn't hear of me taking them to a foreign place to live. Admittedly, I would miss the hell out of my sons, but I have to have my own piece of happiness as well.

Jerry, the North Coast sounds good as that is where I've been considering looking. Hence, my decision to travel to PP in July.

Odukeeper, I'm a bit confused. Who made mention of DR corruption?

Carina, Planner, and Hillbilly, thanks for the sound and thorough advice. It's obvious that I will need to make many more trips to the DR and just meet people. Any suggestions on where to meet these people in ,say, PP, Sosua, or Cabarete? I'm not looking for bars and clubs. Those are the easiest places to find and meet people, as they are usually the easiest places to find. But, how about some other arenas in which to meet people? Hopefully before the year is out I'll be asking about your experiences with purchasing residences in those areas.

By the way, Hillbilly, I agree that PC is not a true reflection of DR as a whole. But I did, in fact, meet a couple of really great locals while I was there. One was a sweet young lady who I had the pleasure of going out on a few dates with while there. She was sweet, but extremely jealous to a fault. Another was a gentleman by the name of Manuel who interpreted for me while there, and then allowed me to call his cell phone after I returned to the US to communicate with the young lady I met there. He didn't ask for a damn thing in return. These were a couple of the experiences I had in the DR that made me start to seriously think about getting the hell out of the US.
 

Hillbilly

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Jan 1, 2002
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This might turn out to be a thread for the

SANKIE 101 Forum!!

Dude, you been had.! The young lady is looking for an other sugar daddy to take care of her and hopefull get her out of the DR. That is her sole purpose in life.

RE: Your sons and the DR. Know ye that the DR guards very jealously any decree from a competent US court in relation to custody or child support. Let your wives know that no matter if your boys should come to the DR, she can have your a$$ thrown in jail for (a) failure to pay what the court decreed or (b) unlawful detention of their offspring.

Since you want to see your boys and have them enjoy some of the DR that you like so much, make sure that they (the wives) know these things. This is most certainly NOT the place to run and hide with your boys, nor can they travel without written consent from their custodial parent...

When you come down here, give us a note and we may be able to get together and see some of the "real" DR>>>

HB -
 

carina

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Mar 13, 2005
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jackquontee said:
Carina, Planner, and Hillbilly, thanks for the sound and thorough advice. It's obvious that I will need to make many more trips to the DR and just meet people. Any suggestions on where to meet these people in ,say, PP, Sosua, or Cabarete? I'm not looking for bars and clubs. Those are the easiest places to find and meet people, as they are usually the easiest places to find. But, how about some other arenas in which to meet people? Hopefully before the year is out I'll be asking about your experiences with purchasing residences in those areas.

You will meet this people very naturally!
It is difficult to say where, as it so much depends on your interests, what you like to do...

I have met many nice people, and a bunch of them have become personal friends, in my work. That goes without saying.
One of my best girlfriends is a former neighbour, she is a lawyer from here.
A great family I spend alots of time with own the farmacia close to my home, I met them through my son, as he is hanging out with their son..
I have met some truly great people, also a few of my best friends, through this messageboard!
Parents having their kids in the same school as my son..
On a basketball game with the neigbours..
And several just by chance.. being at the same place at the same time!
And on and on...

As HB said, give us a PM or post when you come, we?ll show you the real DR and where you might find what interests you!
;)
 

jackquontee

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Confusion, confusion

Hillbilly, with all due respect, what in hell are you talking about? I never said anything about bringing my sons with me. In fact, what I specifically said was "Although I have 2 sons, they live with their mothers, and would certainly stay with their mothers." I went on further to state that "I have no doubt that my sons' mothers wouldn't hear of me taking them to a foreign place to live. Admittedly, I would miss the hell out of my sons, but I have to have my own piece of happiness as well." Additionally, the issue of child support is really a non-issue. I will pay child support no matter where I go. In fact, that would be one of the easiest arrangements I would have to make if, and when, I decide to move. If I wasn't clear in getting my point across, I certainly apologize.

As far as the young lady is concerned, I am far from being ignorant of what she may have wanted. I no longer communicate with her. By the way, I am 41 years of age, and I have been around. I've also been married twice. I have no desire to ever be married again. But, a decent relationship would be nice. Enough said.

Carina, one of my primary reasons for wanting to move is because I need to be somewhere where I can meet people and develop friendships that are pure and true. It is not easy here where I live. My time is spent going to work, going home and, on a few occasions, running errands. Outside of that, I fish when weather permits.

You know what the real shame of all of this is? I happen to be Mexican American, Portuguese, and, mostly, Native American, and can't speak a lick of Spanish. Unfortunately, my mother never taught any of her children. I am in the process of trying to pick up as much as I can as I do believe in the old saying 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do.'

I will most certainly keep in touch. As I said earlier, I'd like to acquire a place before years end, and then arrange a number of trips and get the feel for the "real DR," as you guys have put it.

Again, much thanks for taking the time to share with me. Look forward to more of the same in the future, and meeting many of you some day.
 

carina

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Mar 13, 2005
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Just let us now when you come

Cool, just let us know when you?re here to visit!
There is so much to do, see and explore here, apart from the bar life, if that is not what you like.

Fishing..hm.. you can really enjoy that hobby here! And catch the big ones!!!
You must absolutely meet Barry when you come to Puerto Plata.
He is captain on a boat and runs a deep sea fishing business with great success!
I?ve never been into fishing, but when I went out there once I truly understood the glory of it!

Do you like basketball? There are games here every second evening of the week, and I usually join my son, and some friends on at least one..
Honestly I am not that fascinated on basketball, but it is good athmosphere there.. and the popcorn & company are nice! Afterwards we usually go somewhere for a coke or a beer..

Good food? There many nice places in the city...
One great place and hangout is Eskina.
Jazzmusic and great food prepared in the open air - in the middle of the city!
Great grilled meat, burgers, mexican, to a decent price.
(Burgers around 100 pesos, mexican plate with chicken tortilla 150 pesos... )
Many expats living in Puerto Plata drop by here for a beer or a meal in the evenings. A good place to meet "local expats"...

I just posted a new posting in my blog about life here..
Read it if you have the time!
http://www.dr1.com/blogs/?u=carina

And keep in touch! We?ll all be happy to show you what we have found here
to treasure!
If you like to dance, or want to explore a local night out, then Planner is the queen to take you out!
:classic:
 
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