Interesting post.
Most tourists are older, aren't in the same shape they were in at 20, don't speak spanish, and won't stay longer than two weeks at a time. It's not about grappling with the duality of man and understanding cross-lingual definitions of what "is" is.
It's about understanding the general presumption that, until you are told otherwise, you are a walking wallet to most of the tourist-sector Dominicans you will ever come into contact with. And when you're done having fun, they do expect to be compensated, one way or the other. After all, you don't get into Disneyland for free, either.
I mean, consider this scenario in your hometown: what if I was twice your age, stayed in a hotel in town for a few weeks, didn't speak your language or know your culture, couldn't really function outside the touristy areas, and was unable to confirm when/whether we'd see each other again? Further, there's no easy way to contact me after I leave, you can't come see me, and you don't even know if I have a significant other.
Question: How long would it take you to completely fall for me?
Thought so.

aranoid:

aranoid:

aranoid: