What is it like in the Dom Rep as I am going next month?

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lspen00

What is the Dominican Republic like?

Well, I'll start with this: it's not really anything like the United States, Canada, Great Britain, or wherever you are from. It is a beautiful country, filled with tons of history for those of us from the Americas. There are many beautiful places to visit, and many things to see, that you wouldn't normally see in your country of origin.

This country is a developing country. What does that mean? The infastructure is still being created. You will see military personnel walking around with M-16s, shotguns, and old rifles. You will see people walking around with pistols hanging out of their waistbands and pockets. You will even see people walking the streets with machetes in hand.

If you have the pleasure of using public transportation, you will be herded into conchos (cars; mostly old toyotas) that hold 6 passengers - don't worry, i do it everyday and I'm still alive! If you ride one of the local smaller buses (guaguas), you will sit in a row crammed with six people. Again, I'm still alive! While driving, you will dodge cars driving the wrong way down streets with horns blaring as if everyone else is going the wrong way, have people making left-hand turns from the far right lane, etc....

You will also notice that what you know of customer service ended about the minute that you stepped off the airplane.

But all of this can be summed up by this point: You are thinking of coming here to visit another country, right? If you wanted life to be the way that you always have it, then you would have chosen to stay in your own country. I assume that you are an adventurist, and therefore this is just the place for you.

In addition to life being much easier and believe it or not, must more relaxed, this is the place to come. Everyone seems to get their own thing out of the Dominican Republic. I suggest to you that if you truly want to see another culture that you come here with your eyes wide open. Leave all your perceptions about how everything should be, based upon how they are where you are from, and come and enjoy yourself....because you certainly can do that here.

Hope this helps....as least a little. By the way, I have lived here for a little more than a year.

Wife~and~Mom

The people are absolutely georgeous and the beaches are wonderful. I felt like I was in paradise.

I
The country is very poor and if you can...take little gifts from the dollar store, if you plan on going to the city b/c they will really love the gifts.

Just went to DR in July of 2006 "Paradise Island Resort...Had a ball!!

Take plenty of the following:

Sun screen, batteries for digital camera, aqua camera for under water pictures

Comfortable shoes, sandals, clothing (shorts, tanks, pullovers)

Schedule your activities within the first 24 hours b/ they tend to fill up fast.

If you have all inclusive, remember to book you restaurants on your first day to get the choices you want!!!

Remember to bargain with the locals on priced goods. Never settle for the first price they give you (don't be scared to walk away and come back later) It works, believe me!!

Take plenty of single dollar bills for tips, this will get you quick and fast service. The people are poor and don't get good salaries. They work hard to earn a living and a tip means a lot to them. 100 singles lasted us 7 days and that was for tipping everyone.

Leave the maid 2.00 bucks per day and she will make sure your room is nice, clean and well stocked.

tip the bar tenders, door man and all other staff that provide good service.

Meg

When i went a few years ago it was just beng built up as a tourisrt destination. The beaches are BEAUTIFUL. The food is slightly bland. we were advised not to drink the water. But like i said, its been a few years since i've been there. The resort we stayed at was amazing, but then when you got off of the resort.. the island is dirty and poor. Barefoot kids and shacks. but the beauty and culture of the cominican republic made up for all of that

frederic w

Dominican Republic is an Island Hostile at one end being the Republic of Haiti which is not a good safe area to visit on the other side of the coin you have Santa Domingo on the Carribean sea which is a lively town plenty of clubs and Restaurants.on the Atlantic Ocean side the town Pueta Plata again rather lively I found most Hotels were all inclusive complex's with loads to do during the day large swimming pools and the nice sandy beaches close by.plenty of evening entertainment.

Mari

Larry is not from here, but his description could not be better. we drive like nuts, eat like we'll die tomorrow, work a lot but have lots more fun, have the greates beaches ever, no matter were you go, you'll feel in paradise.
The heat here is unbelievable, our most decent temperature in winter is only 18 c and up, is never cold and the most beautiful day can be a pretty rainy day. when it rains the city goes crazy, the drivers go insane, and traffic is a mess.
but other than that this is paradise itself...
we sure know how to party and relax. drink on tuesday and go to work early wensday..

Mea

iv heard its a very nice place hope u have a wicked time there

*live,laugh,love*

just one word: Isn't the best not yet the worst. you can really enjoy it

Beach Babe

HORRIBLE SERVICE, FOOD, AND I HATED IT! THE BEACHES ARE ABSOULOUTLEY BEAUTIFUL THOUGH SOMETHING THAT YOU CAN HAVE IN YOURE MEMORIES FOREVER!

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