Keep your chin up--one "newbie to another"
Keep your chin up. The anonymity of this site sometimes makes it easier for folks to be a little more "frank" than they would be face to face. Try to allow that to be a buffer around any responses you might receive. This is the first forum I have ever posted on, and it kind of blew me away too--still does, but the interest in the country, culture, language and people keep me lurking/posting/picking fights.
irate:
I feel for you. Think of it this way... In your country of origin-if you picked up a paper and glanced through the classified section and saw an ad that said "stranger in town--wants to meet you? how would you respond?
I don't live in the DR (although this is my heart's desire), but I know that in the town where I live, I would be very hesitant to respond to an ad like this.
I'm not criticizing you for placing it; I think it is a totally valid interest. I just hope you will not take it personally. The fact is...none of us knows you, so we don't know if you are for real, an ax murderer, or a terrible bore...
You are probably a great person, and if I lived in the DR, it is possible that I would make an attempt at knowing more about you and your partner. It is also possible that I would be overwhelmed by the chaos of my own life, family responsibilities, social circles, job, survival, etc?that I would just skip over the post with no rudeness, or malice intended.
It may be a good idea to try to attend one of these events that have been posted. See "Santiago BBQ anyone" or "Rockies? 4th of July pool Party" (or something like that...it?s late). I would LOVE to be able to attend either of these to meet some of these characters (I say this with the utmost respect)! Just try it. I bet you will meet some great people.
I also ran across a thread called (something like) "a kinder, gentler forum-for newbies" that might be really helpful to you. It compared this forum to an already formed social group (like a fraternity) to which we, (as newbies) were applying...don't know if I'm ready to carry anyone's lunch tray for a year...but it may help understand some of the social dynamics/hazing that seems to go on. Hang in there.
Don't take it personal that few responded. There are probably a ton of reasons--most of them are not negative. Just think of how you might react in the middle of your "regular busy life" if you saw a post like this. Keep in mind that a lot of these people are working and raising families etc... It?s less about you and more about the pace of life. Hang in there newbie, and keep posting. It is an amazing country and the adventure will be one in a million! I envy you! lk
To the grammar/spelling cops--look, its late, I should already be asleep, and I just don't feel like running freakin' spell check--any chance you can cut me some slack??????:ermm: