RD was my backup plan, but who knows?

markelbat

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Sep 7, 2020
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I just retired and had planned to spend the next few years slow traveling around SE Asia. That's on hold for obvious reasons. As I looked around for alternatives DR came out on top. Specifically Santiago, but I'm open to other suggestions. I like to have a few city amenities like parks, coffee shops, universities, but I don't want to live in a huge chaotic place. Am I on the right track?

I like to read, hike, ride motorbikes, talk to interesting people (and snow ski, but that's not on the agenda for now). I'll look into renting a motorbike and touring around the area a bit. Other than that I don't have specific plans. My thanks to those who provide this site and those who make positive contributions.
 

Fulano2

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Jun 5, 2011
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I like to read, hike, ride motorbikes, talk to interesting people (and snow ski, but that's not on the agenda for now). I'll look into renting a motorbike and touring around the area a bit. Other than that I don't have specific plans. My thanks to those who provide this site and those who make positive contributions.
If you like to read, bring your books with you, or your iPad or e-reader.

I am not convinced that riding a motorbike is the best choice in this country.

Talk to interesting people. Do you speak Spanish? What makes a person interesting to you?
 
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markelbat

New member
Sep 7, 2020
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Las Vegas NV
If you like to read, bring your books with you, or your iPad or e-reader.

I am not convinced that riding a motorbike is the best choice in this country.

Talk to interesting people. Do you speak Spanish? What makes a person interesting to you?

I was just listing some of my hobbies and interests, not necessarily related to where I'm going to live. Although a good internet connection would be a plus for some of the reading I do. I'll bring my kindle for sure.

Riding a motorbike can be risky for sure, in any country. Even more so in developing countries. I won't go riding until I've looked around and familiarized myself with routes, weather, road conditions and local driving habits.

I speak Spanish pretty well. Kind of rusty but it should come back easily enough. What makes a person interesting to me? I guess it's kind of like porn, to quote Justice Potter Stewart, "I know it when I see it."
 
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chico bill

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May 6, 2016
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Don't ride a bike here - it is not a safe hobby, and you will be behind many a smelly diesel and run off the road by idiotic taxis unless you book some moto-tours with cobraboy and see the more idyllic areas for that sightseeing.
I think Costa Rica could also fill your needs, or maybe Colombia but there are some large cities there you could not avoid.

Everywhere seems like heaven from afar. When you get you flip flops on the ground you realize vacation-mode ends after 3 weeks and you have to do the drudgery as well.
 

CristoRey

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Apr 1, 2014
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I'm an American living in Santiago since 2015.
I've lived all over the island since 2012. Would
avoid traveling around the island on a motorbike
or using one as a regular form of transportation.
Roads are dangerous, pitfalls are many.

During normal times (pre China virus) Santiago
has good restaurants, parks, live music, sporting
events and a Carnival. Unfortunately due to the
curfew many things have changed since March.

I got sick of dealing with the ridiculous lines and
wait times to get anything done, along with the parks
being closed, so I flew up to FL for a vacation 2nd.
week of July. Will return as soon as they stop the
nonsense.

I lived in S.E.Asia for several years.. The DR is
just as beautiful and depending on your lifestyle
just as cheap. Same rules apply.
 

markelbat

New member
Sep 7, 2020
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Las Vegas NV
Don't ride a bike here - it is not a safe hobby, and you will be behind many a smelly diesel and run off the road by idiotic taxis unless you book some moto-tours with cobraboy and see the more idyllic areas for that sightseeing.
I think Costa Rica could also fill your needs, or maybe Colombia but there are some large cities there you could not avoid.

Everywhere seems like heaven from afar. When you get you flip flops on the ground you realize vacation-mode ends after 3 weeks and you have to do the drudgery as well.

Colombia is high on my list, specifically Rionegro just outside Medellin, or one of the other smaller towns nearby.
 

markelbat

New member
Sep 7, 2020
20
13
3
Las Vegas NV
I'm an American living in Santiago since 2015.
I've lived all over the island since 2012. Would
avoid traveling around the island on a motorbike
or using one as a regular form of transportation.
Roads are dangerous, pitfalls are many.

During normal times (pre China virus) Santiago
has good restaurants, parks, live music, sporting
events and a Carnival. Unfortunately due to the
curfew many things have changed since March.

I got sick of dealing with the ridiculous lines and
wait times to get anything done, along with the parks
being closed, so I flew up to FL for a vacation 2nd.
week of July. Will return as soon as they stop the
nonsense.

I lived in S.E.Asia for several years.. The DR is
just as beautiful and depending on your lifestyle
just as cheap. Same rules apply.

Any predictions on when they'll stop the nonsense? LOL
The whole world seems caught up in it, with the possible exception of Sweden. So FL is not too bad?
 

CristoRey

Welcome To Wonderland
Apr 1, 2014
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Any predictions on when they'll stop the nonsense? LOL
The whole world seems caught up in it, with the possible exception of Sweden. So FL is not too bad?
My prediction is not until they have a vaccine.
Florida is nice. Bars and restaurants are open.
Things are moving normally. People are wearing
mask. Buses are running too. Mornings are sunny
evenings wet.
 

Tom0910

Well-known member
Sep 28, 2015
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Colombia is high on my list, specifically Rionegro just outside Medellin, or one of the other smaller towns nearby.
I have lived in both Colombia and the DR,if Colombia had a nice beach in an easily accessible safe area with good infrastructure I would never have stepped foot in the DR but it doesn't so the DR is my spot. If the lack of a nice beach isn't a deal breaker give Colombia a hard look,it is such a beautiful country with better infrastructure,less corruption and a much better overall run country. In the time that I lived there I never lost power,water or internet once.
 

NanSanPedro

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Apr 12, 2019
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I have lived in both Colombia and the DR,if Colombia had a nice beach in an easily accessible safe area with good infrastructure I would never have stepped foot in the DR but it doesn't so the DR is my spot. If the lack of a nice beach isn't a deal breaker give Colombia a hard look,it is such a beautiful country with better infrastructure,less corruption and a much better overall run country. In the time that I lived there I never lost power,water or internet once.

I've never been to Colombia but looking at a map they have a coast line. Is it just not developed? If not, why not? Any ideas? It would seem that would be a great way to make money there.
 
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Dawiky502

Member
Aug 10, 2020
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Any predictions on when they'll stop the nonsense? LOL
The whole world seems caught up in it, with the possible exception of Sweden. So FL is not too bad?
I live in Santiago, been travelling/living here over 5 years. They arw gradually opening up everything, most restaurants are open now until 5 pm, and you can order until 10:00 pm. Resorts are open and also the beaches so you are free to go. Santiago is my favorite city in the DR with great weather, city vibe but no traffic and many things to do. Also close to the beaches and surrounding towns with great foods. I don't ride a motorcycle but have many friends that do and it's just as dangerous as any other part of the world, there are many bike groups you can join to reduce the risk. Just head to a KTM store and you will meet the bunch or the harley store.

Good luck.
 

drstock

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Oct 29, 2010
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I live in Santiago, been travelling/living here over 5 years. They arw gradually opening up everything, most restaurants are open now until 5 pm, and you can order until 10:00 pm. Resorts are open and also the beaches so you are free to go. Santiago is my favorite city in the DR with great weather, city vibe but no traffic and many things to do. Also close to the beaches and surrounding towns with great foods. I don't ride a motorcycle but have many friends that do and it's just as dangerous as any other part of the world, there are many bike groups you can join to reduce the risk. Just head to a KTM store and you will meet the bunch or the harley store.

Good luck.
Well you live in Santiago and I don't, but from my visits I would certainly disagree with "no traffic" and "close to beaches". I've experienced many traffic jams there and it's about an hour's drive to a beach, isn't it?
 
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Dawiky502

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Aug 10, 2020
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Santiago
Yeah is about an 1 hour to Puerto Plata, I consider that close but yeah should be clear that is not , beach front. Regarding traffic jams I simply can not agree with you, there is nothing even slightly comparable to a big city unless you decide to go in the main road at 5:30 pm, then yeah you will get stuck for maybe 20 minutes. Santo Domingo or any main city will get you trapped 2 hours.
 

NanSanPedro

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Yeah is about an 1 hour to Puerto Plata, I consider that close but yeah should be clear that is not , beach front. Regarding traffic jams I simply can not agree with you, there is nothing even slightly comparable to a big city unless you decide to go in the main road at 5:30 pm, then yeah you will get stuck for maybe 20 minutes. Santo Domingo or any main city will get you trapped 2 hours.

Having only rode thru Santiago, it's my very limited opinion that it's much cleaner than SD. True overall?
 

bob saunders

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Jan 1, 2002
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I've never been to Colombia but looking at a map they have a coast line. Is it just not developed? If not, why not? Any ideas? It would seem that would be a great way to make money there.
The Atlantic/ Carribean coast line is very developed for tourism and industry. The pacific coast not so much.