I don't think you should become friends with the cleaning lady.
By the way, $2,500? You can get a brand new phone for that!
My dear friend....
Having lived here for over 3 years... The friend in question has borrowed money 2 times (on my suggestion, she did not ask for it), and has paid it back way sooner than the agreement.
She never missed a day of work...
If we have a party on a weekend, she volunteeres to come over and clean the patio, help with the food, for no charge at all. Yes, I will go and get her, and she and her hubby get to eat for free, and take the left-overs. Bad me...
They are a very well respected family in their community... Totally honest.
A lot of the locals are good people. We treat them with the respect they deserve, and they do likewise.
Do not mistake me. My previous career was being troubleshooter. I was the guy who came into an office or factory, and people started trembling...
I was the most disliked guy on the workfloor as I fired every ass wich did not meet my standards, which were very high...
I know people, I know how to judge them. and so far I made only one mistake... with an expat...
BelgianK