How odd is this?

Last activity 26 September 2013 by Tomas Cabrera

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LauryburgActive member11 April 2013 00:40:41

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!

JenniferLActive member11 April 2013 05:16:36

You are absolutely right, your experiences of any country is going to be different depending on who you are. My experiences growing up as a swedish/argentine (looking very different from most swedes) is very different from the experiences of my white friends or the swedes growing up in other neighborhoods. There are cultures within cultures and ones life experiences will absolutely color your future.

What one person needs to survive is different from the next - you'll just have to think about that when choosing where to live. Can I handle things not working as smoothly as in Sweden? Can I get used to the extreme poverty most have been sheltered from in Sweden, and so on. My mom couldn't, but she grew up in a very different Sweden from what I grew up in, and our experiences, what we are used to and what we desire are extremely different.

Great post, Lauryburg!

Bob KVIP Member11 April 2013 10:40:53

7675

Very good post

Bob K

captsam54Active member11 April 2013 11:13:54

LOL... It's all Relative... And you must remember, we see everything from "our own" perspective....

I grew up in the Bahamas and Virgin Islands, and S. Florida...

I have spent most of my adult life in the South of the US, and Caribbean.. Have been in a lot of foreign country's...

I have been here in the DR. off and on for about a year..

I find the Dominicans to be good natured people.. Very likeable in most situations....

I have also observed a lot of bribery, graft and incompetence...

I have been told in more than one instance that I have to pay more for services because I am American and Dominicans are poor and have to work hard...

And They are relentless in coming up w/ more charges or ways to get pesos for jobs already quoted...

One big thing here is "Face".. Don't call a Dominican out about something they lied about.... That is a No No....

All in all, I love it here.. But it takes slowing WAY down to get anything done... (except car crash repairs)... LOL

And always watch the guys at the Gas station filling up your car... They will overcharge you or underfill you every chance they get... Eyes on the pump....

LauryburgActive member12 April 2013 00:46:32

Hi, JenniferL and BobK! I'm glad you liked my post!

Captsam54, agree! I would have to look at the gas pump to make sure I got my money's worth... I do it hear from time to time, but almost all gas stations you have to pump your own gas!

One thing you mention, if a Dominican lies to you, what are you supposed to do? Are you suppose to overlook it? Pretend everything's OK? Just curious... LOL

captsam54Active member12 April 2013 13:02:16

Well.. Here you never pump your gas.... So you have to watch them.. Make sure the pump is zeroed before they start pumping too... Those guys like to fill a little Moto Concho tank and leave it there before filling yours... So in effect you bought both gas for you and put 100+ pesos in the guys pocket...

I have not resolved the Dominican face issue here... I have not found the key to compromise or who to talk to that would have an answer.. The guy is stealing from my boss and my boat.. Fudges the gas all the time in the 3 cars we have... Takes the Boss's nice newer Tahoe and drives it around picking up his friends. and at my boss's expense because he charges the gas to him and tells him he is washing it or some oil change etc. Makes deals and gets kickbacks ALL the time w/ any dealings having to do with us or the boat and cars... I am led to understand that is Normal here in the DR. But this is over the top...

LauryburgActive member13 April 2013 01:11:42

Wow, Captsam54! This is a tough one... but I suggest you keep it to yourself as you already have. This guy has been friends with your boss for seven years and if you actually 'squeal', you might get the short end of the stick!

Hope everything gets resolved soon enough... Hang in there!

plannerDominican Republic Expert15 April 2013 13:10:37

17108

Great post Lauryburg. All of our experiences are coloured by our experiences, our biases and our expectations.

You will be absolutely fine here in DR! Come on over, we are waiting to have coffee with you!!!!

captsam54Active member16 April 2013 11:59:51

planner wrote:
Great post Lauryburg. All of our experiences are coloured by our experiences, our biases and our expectations.

You will be absolutely fine here in DR! Come on over, we are waiting to have coffee with you!!!!

LOL.. are you saying I am "biased" ??? Ha Ha....

plannerDominican Republic Expert16 April 2013 13:30:01

#10

17108

Hell yes honey.....LOL And a very good kind of biased it is....

Tomas CabreraSerial expat26 September 2013 18:35:54

#11

606

Very well written & quite true!

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