How odd is this?

So I've been 'virtually' all over the Dominican Republic, looked at maps, read related books, read tons of blogs, evaluated the North Coast, East Coast, the Capital, country, gated communities, condos, villas, hospitals, schools, malls, shops, safety, the culture... You name it, I've basically researched it!

So I read a lot about the culture shock, what people say but actually means something a little different, the laid back nature of Dominicans, etc. I read a lot, be careful you must first try it, you may not get used to it, it's different living in the DR. 

Guess what? I live in Puerto Rico (an hour away by plane), I've lived here almost all my life so, I decided to go on this very site to read what expats are saying about Puerto Rico... Surprise and shock... They are actually describing my Island very differently from the way I see it.  I can actually understand why Cigano and BobK have such a big difference of opinion.

When you live in a place, you grow up believing that it's the norm.  So what if there are satos in the streets?So we have long lines in government agencies to slowly deal with your situation? So the streets are not in good condition? So you have to spend the day at the doctor's office (some, not all) because it's basically first come first serve? So if you can avoid it (I do), you don't stay out too long at night.  So we have political issues, etc, etc.  Of course we complain, as I see people are complaining about negative things in DR, but eventually you get used to it.  As I've read, people that can not cope, will go back to their country or elsewhere.  There's no paradise, there's no 100% safe haven... You just have to make the best of what you've got, at least that's what most of us do!

May you all have a peaceful night... In your own little haven!