Hello all, approx. 2 year member, first time poster.
In one of life's twists I have the opportunity to visit the DR for a 4 to 6 month period. I am deliberately not calling it a vacation as I would prefer to DO something in my time there, although work for pay is NOT one of them. In my perfect naive' world I would like to participate in a volunteer project but.....I know, I know, give the man a Kewpie Doll.
I have visited the DR at an AI in Punta Cana and, while enjoying the spectacular scenery and beaches, soon discovered the AI experience was not for us. We traveled and ate outside the resort quite a bit, made some friends, saw wonderful empty beaches, beautiful houses and what appeared to be 5 square miles of garbage, grinding poverty and happy people. Bavaro and Higeuy can only offer so much and reading the posts on the DR1 site made me aware there is so much more to the DR.
I am thinking perhaps of spending my time in Cabarete, Santiago or maybe Santo Domingo but regardless of where, I would like to experience the people and places of the DR. I speak some very basic "tourist" Spanish and hope to learn more while there. The DR1 site has provided me with endless hours of reading and learning so I understand the challenges of renting for less than a 6 month period. Must admit that the idea of arriving on a tourist visa and just paying the "surcharge" when I leave rather than obtaining a proper visa leaves me uneasy to say the least.
A bit about me, I am a very happily married man, 52 years old. Worked as a Power Engineer for almost 30 years in the Canadian oil industry, we have a cattle/horse farm as well, raised 4 children and now have 6 grandchildren. I would be travelling on my own, my wife has other commitments. While I am not a licensed Electrician I have done most of the wiring on our farm and am quite capable of wiring a house to Canadian code standards. Can do rough carpentry and know how to pour cement and set forms. Am familiar with water wells as have 4 of them on our farm. As mentioned earlier I am NOT seeking a job but would be happy to volunteer my services to any worthy cause.
My perfect choice would be to board with a family that speaks some English and could offer some guidance and advice. I am more than happy to pay rent or even assist with a project around the property. ( Although I'm not sure if that would break my "no job" rule on a technicality ?? ) Not all work, would very much like some beach time, explore time and see the sights time. We have hosted exchange students from around the world so am familiar with some of the challenges of being in a "new" country.
So, before this turns from a short story into a novel, I would request any input from the faithful DR1'ers on the site. Good, bad, indifferent, I'd like to hear what you have to say. Small note, I have read the forums and done lots of searches on topics but for brevities sake did not cover it all here.
Thanks all. Dave.
In one of life's twists I have the opportunity to visit the DR for a 4 to 6 month period. I am deliberately not calling it a vacation as I would prefer to DO something in my time there, although work for pay is NOT one of them. In my perfect naive' world I would like to participate in a volunteer project but.....I know, I know, give the man a Kewpie Doll.
I have visited the DR at an AI in Punta Cana and, while enjoying the spectacular scenery and beaches, soon discovered the AI experience was not for us. We traveled and ate outside the resort quite a bit, made some friends, saw wonderful empty beaches, beautiful houses and what appeared to be 5 square miles of garbage, grinding poverty and happy people. Bavaro and Higeuy can only offer so much and reading the posts on the DR1 site made me aware there is so much more to the DR.
I am thinking perhaps of spending my time in Cabarete, Santiago or maybe Santo Domingo but regardless of where, I would like to experience the people and places of the DR. I speak some very basic "tourist" Spanish and hope to learn more while there. The DR1 site has provided me with endless hours of reading and learning so I understand the challenges of renting for less than a 6 month period. Must admit that the idea of arriving on a tourist visa and just paying the "surcharge" when I leave rather than obtaining a proper visa leaves me uneasy to say the least.
A bit about me, I am a very happily married man, 52 years old. Worked as a Power Engineer for almost 30 years in the Canadian oil industry, we have a cattle/horse farm as well, raised 4 children and now have 6 grandchildren. I would be travelling on my own, my wife has other commitments. While I am not a licensed Electrician I have done most of the wiring on our farm and am quite capable of wiring a house to Canadian code standards. Can do rough carpentry and know how to pour cement and set forms. Am familiar with water wells as have 4 of them on our farm. As mentioned earlier I am NOT seeking a job but would be happy to volunteer my services to any worthy cause.
My perfect choice would be to board with a family that speaks some English and could offer some guidance and advice. I am more than happy to pay rent or even assist with a project around the property. ( Although I'm not sure if that would break my "no job" rule on a technicality ?? ) Not all work, would very much like some beach time, explore time and see the sights time. We have hosted exchange students from around the world so am familiar with some of the challenges of being in a "new" country.
So, before this turns from a short story into a novel, I would request any input from the faithful DR1'ers on the site. Good, bad, indifferent, I'd like to hear what you have to say. Small note, I have read the forums and done lots of searches on topics but for brevities sake did not cover it all here.
Thanks all. Dave.
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