It is a definite compromise for me. I am from New York State. Upstate, far upstate. I never liked it there. I just hated the bad weather virtually all year long. I moved eventually to California. By far and away the best place I lived, but to remain there was just too expensive. I was supposed to end up retired in Sri Lanka, but that was not to be after my wife from there died young. I ended up in the DR to stretch the dollars, but the DR will also stretch your patience. There are always trade offs.
- Thread starter cobraboy
- Start date
Expats, Snowbirds & Tourists : Lead, Follow or Ignore?
It is a definite compromise for me. I am from New York State. Upstate, far upstate. I never liked it there. I just hated the bad weather virtually all year long. I moved eventually to California. By far and away the best place I lived, but to remain there was just too expensive. I was supposed to end up retired in Sri Lanka, but that was not to be after my wife from there died young. I ended up in the DR to stretch the dollars, but the DR will also stretch your patience. There are always trade offs.
I vacationed then lived in the DR on and off for a number of years. The first visit I really followed the rules but a number of months later I could see how one could relax more, ah em... Then I moved to DR full time and I agree with Cobraboy, I stand out, I'm definitely not a native, people notice me coming and going....It's better to follow the rules then have to explain something to the local Capitan.
Very true.
Many gringos stand out. I know I do. I'll never be mistaken for a local so I act as if everyone is looking at me...because often they are.
I've found in many cases, especially in business, Dominicans pay close attention to what I do and say, my actions, because I also carry the image of all Americans vis-a-vis "honest" business ethos. Sharks rarely even try to pull a fast one, but often I have to do hard bargaining to keep from paying too much. I don't mind leaving a nickel on the table for the other guy, but not a dollar.
Interesting subject. I have had the good fortune to have lived in several distinct cultures . Orient, Aboriginal , Barbados, Canada and now RD.
My experience is to immediately embrace the culture of which I am a guest.
I still retain my independent persona but blend in where it counts.
Language is important, simply because ''language is culture''.
Yes, when in Rome.... be a diplomat.
I get along quite well with the Dominican people ; and they with me.
Not much of an answer. but it is how I operate.
Russ
My experience is to immediately embrace the culture of which I am a guest.
I still retain my independent persona but blend in where it counts.
Language is important, simply because ''language is culture''.
Yes, when in Rome.... be a diplomat.
I get along quite well with the Dominican people ; and they with me.
Not much of an answer. but it is how I operate.
Russ