Sad situation

[Ulrike K. Hood]

Sad Story

I have been reading your comments and thoughts on the difficulties of everyday living in the Dominican Republic. It sounds challenging and frightening to be a Dominican of meager means in one's own country.
I have a question that may be a bit off this topic but is related: how safe is it as a tourist, who DOES NOT want to only get stuck in the touristic resorts, to travel around the Dominican Republic? I am thinking of flying in to Santiago and renting a car.
Would anyone care to give me some advice on what to avoid?

 

[Jane J.]

But like others have said they all imagined a goldmine and people living in palaces when they got here.

A little story:

A group set off in their yola from Nagua and were tossed out to sea in a storm. After drifting for several days, they finally spotted the glorious shore... and what appeared to be paradise! "Manhattan!" they cried, "Manhattan!"

As they came on land, amazed at their good fortune of having evaded the Coast Guard and marvelling at the picture-pretty landscapes, they were abruptly cornered and apprehended.

"What are you lot doing here?" asked the security guard....

"We come in search of a better life, here, in Nueba Yol!"

"Nueba Yol!?!?!? Ha ha ha ha.... This is Playa Dorada!"