Amen to all that!
macocael said:
ktleggz, ignore them, they are jaded fools. They have seen their share of people making a mess of things down here, sure, but if you think like them you will be old and sour before you're thirty. You wont make life threatening mistakes down here any more than you would in other places. Get some Spanish, and find the people on here who will give you sound advice -- Chris, Chiri, Hillbilly (who will be a bit rough but sensible), drbill, a few others.
Come down for a visit, look around, dont make any hasty decisions, make friends. (avoid the sankies). You will be ok.
I agree totally. In life, we make decisions that impact us forever. If this move is something that you've though about for some time and is not a spur-of-the-moment thing driven by present weather, I say, go for it!
If you don't go, you may regret it for the rest of your life. this is one of those " what if ?" questions you'll ponder forever. But......
Plan it well & work your plan. Don't go there assuming things will go your way. It never happens! You must have a "contingency" plan in case of unpleasant eventualities. Such as losing your wallet and/or passport. Also be careful whom you associate with. Be friendly but "reserved".
Now...
There are three "tools" you must have when ready to "take the plunge".
1- You must have, at least, a basic command of Spanish. Believe me, you'll need it!
2- You must have enough cash to last you the length of your stay. Better to make contact with Hillbilly in Santiago & ask about hotel rates, or, preferably, to stay with a family that'll rent you a room. Figure in spending about $20US per day.
3-Time. You must give yourself enough of it. To
really get to know the DR, two or three weeks ain't gonna do it. I'd say stay, at least, two months....Only then will you be able to ascertain with a high degree of certainty whether "the Dominican" is where you want grow roots....or not. Enjoy your stay.