A DAY IN THE LIFE

oh yeah, thats a picture of me at el carey

Hello..just a little comment. When we were in Puerto Rico it was the same, we called it island time. If we needed them to show at a certain time we had to say "American time" otherwise forget it.

Here they laugh at "american time"....   It is a daily struggle.....

Thank you all for your post...some are comical and others just plan educational...Appreciate it. Its the small details that make life work or not so things that may not seem important to you will to us.

Yes but still better than the high stress rat race..at least to myself. Oh and hope your feeling better, sounds like you were very ill... someone I know well almost died from that because they wouldnt go to doc. When they finally did doc said another 24 and they wouldve been planting daisies...So glad your on your way back to health...

Thanks and yes I am in pretty good health again,  I just get tired faster then normal.  A bit more time and I will be normal, or as close as I ever get to it.

Love Island Time. In fact have not worn a watch in almost 9 years.

Bob K

Funny story -  I had lots of meetings to get to yesterday.  And at the moment I am dog sitting so besides my own I have a house full of dogs....  Getting ready and out the door is a bit of a challenge.

I needed to leave at  9:45 am.  As I was finishing getting ready, I grabbed a watch and put it on my wrist.  I looked at it and it said  -  10 am  - oh no..... I was going to be late and I don't do late......

I gave the dogs water and ran out the door, jumped into the  car and hightailed it out of here.

I hit all the lights correctly and was thrilled. 

OF course when I got to my location - for a 10:30 am meeting - I again looked at my watch -  IT STILL SAID 10 AM...........LOL My watch had stopped at exactly 10 am.......  hysterical. I laughed at myself. I had not worn that watch in several weeks......

Yes I was more then on time for my meeting.....

I have 7 or 8 watches back in storage in the US and they have all stopped working

Bob K

Really interested in moving there. Being in the film business, not sure what I would do (thanks for looking into things planner). I need to stay busy. I do have sufficient income without working, but I would like to do something. If it's with film, GREAT. If not, I would be content with fulfilling my dream if an island bar on the beach (Bob K. has warned me about that). I would like to do the North Coast. I came to Sosua in December 29, 2012 for a 9 day stay and ended up staying until February 28. I love it! Any suggestions? As I said, I have sufficient income, but I'm a busy person (or rather one who likes to stay busy). By the way, Playero is expensive, but I do live the chocolate pan (baked bread with chocolate on the ends and inside in the middle).

Oh, and I cannot stand losing power (I know it is the norm there). What does one do to combat that? While I was there, I purchased an unlimited stay time share (sort of) package at Tropical Azul (formerly Sosua Bay Hotel), so I wouldn't need a place to stay immediately, but would like to know my options while minimizing loss of power for long periods of time.

Your best option is to live in a condo complex with back up electric (generator) so no down time. If in a private villa look for a generator or inverter to supply you when the power is out.

Bob K

Thank you all for your daily posts, very enlightening. Funny the watch thing, I haven't worn one in years either...Just got a sense of time from the sun over time especially since I work outside alot. Planner glad your feeling better..

Another question that came to mind last night is those of you who are there if you don't mind sharing WHY? did you chose the DR, how long do you plan on staying there? Do you plan on keeping US citizenship or going dual? Seems two of you have been there awhile and still happy, thats a good sign.

More questions are what things do you find you do without and what services do you find would be useful there? Are you all the only few around are just the only ones on this site? I took the plunge of joining a site due to reading International Living magazine which I love. It exposes so many aspects of life in so many places. And seems so many places are full of expats...I would love to become part of the island but still have some "english speaking" contacts of course.

Planner you mentioned babysitting dogs and somewhere I read a post by someone who needed a sitter for her dogs for a couple of months while she flew home to Canada. Are there any official pet services there? If not is there a market for this? I am a professional petsitter (part time right now cause I moved) and just wondered if possibility for work here? Do they have animal shelters there? Pardon my questions. Unfortunately I do ask alot of questions when I'm learning things.

Blessings,
Glauriel

Ok we chose the DR because of:
Cost of living
Lifestyle
People here
beaches, weather
big enough that you don't get "island fever"

We came with a plan and now here for over 7 years with no thoughts of leaving yet. We kept our US citizenship and are here legally with residency and cedula.  That is really all you need to stay here for as long as you want.

Here on the north coast we have Judy's pet lodge that takes in dogs for boarding. There are always people looking for some one to "house and pet sit" for them while on vacation.  We actually have a friend from back in Colorado that is house sitting (and taking care of our two dogs) for the summer while we travel.

Bob K

I will answer some of your questions.  FIrst electricity outages are a nuisance,  I like to bitch about them but frankly my outages are not huge. I live in a "24" hour circuit areas but there is just not enough electricity on the grid at times.

So there are solutions

1. Bob suggested living in an apt complex or villa with back up power (great for some not great for others)
2.  Get an inverter and batteries.  A decent solution when power goes for a few hours at a time.  You use about 15% more electricity then otherwise charging and discharging batteries.
3. backup generator - a decent solution - but noise, fuel and maintenance need to be considered.

For me living in a complex was never an option. I live in a typical middle class neighborhood. I came for a dominican experience and don't want to live in a complex.

Services:  you can find almost anything here.  Remember anything labor intensive is INEXPENSIVE.   Yes I am sitting dogs for a friend but wou

DAMN fingers....

I would never do this for a living or to supplement my living. Onlly for a friend or friends.....

So, service or business ideas: I've said this before, if I had any great ideas (which I might have) then i would likely do them myself of partner with someone.  Sorry not giving that stuff away.

IF you have an idea,  you don't necessarily want to broadcast on an open forum - others read this.... I'm just saying....lol

Many expats come here with ideas, some will work, some are fabulous and some are just ridiculous.....LOL  Keep thinking them up though as that is how change happens......

Ideas of what is needed  -  recycling,  education,  new products that are energy efficient......... just some broad categories...

To answer the specific question - yes their are pet services here, ever vet offers them.  some are good, some are abysmal. 

Why did I come - I fell in love with the country my first visit. I always knew I would eventually retire here.  Well that changed,  I sold my company in Canada and moved after 13 visits here. I knew what I was getting into - OR - I thought I did. I really had no idea even after that many visits. 

For the first year I kept my head down, my eyes and ears open and I learned. I inadvertently offended some, screwed some things up,  but oh man did I learn..........LOL

You guys are so honest and helpful. So glad you enjoy answering questions from those of us who feel inclined to ask.  All good advice, thank you. Re: ideas of course keep the tongue quiet. Gotcha! Still I feel need to inquire to gather ideas.  Sounds like both of you really knew before you came that this is what you wanted. However must yet ask another question. Did you explore other options or just came, fell in love and that was it? 

Bob for you, don't understand exactly, you live in DR but are on vacation? Your friend is in CO babysitting your dogs there? Confused. I have a hard time myself doing vacations, have for years because of not wanting to leave my furry friends. When I do the poor sitter gets calls everyday to see how they are. I am a lost cause when it comes to animals. Have done rescue since a child actually on the farm and then as an adult for many years also. I asked dogs questions too because wanted feel for attitude towards dogs/animals there. Know some places they are highly neglected and that's an issue for me.

PS If I ask too many questions feel free to say so...Just feel on verge of "discovering" such a wonderful place and want to know all can before actually arriving. Thanks to all!

You are fine. For me I wasn't looking for a place to go at retirement. I just loved travelling.  After discovering the DR I almost didn't want to go anywhere else.

Yes we are on vacation and traveling through Europe for the summer. We live in the DR and have a villa between Sosua and Cabarete. Our friend who live in Colorado is on "vacation" as well and is babysitting our villa and dogs in the DR for his vacation while we are away.  We will be home to the DR in 3 more weeks.
I am writing this from the kitchen of the apartment we are renting in Florence Italy.

Hope this takes care of the confusion.

As to why here (DR) to live. We have traveled through out the Caribbean always with and eye out for "could we live here".  We actually discovered the DR on the internet while looking at property and took a trip down. Fell in love at "first" sight and against all the intelligent wisdom bought a piece of property (land) on our first trip down.  It took two years to close things down in the USA before we could make the move.

BobK

And now an update on my electricity situation at my house!!!!

The ongoing saga of my meter going up way too fast took an interesting turn.

As you may know, several times I have shut off all my breakers to the house, then gone out for two or three hours. On my return I see my electrical meter kept counting - in fact going up 3 KWH.  Now that might now seem like a lot but over a month that adds up.  Electricity here is very expensive.

So,  I had the company (Edesur)  come in and replace the entire set up,  new meter, new line from pole etc etc.  They found someone else connected to my meter.  They were removed.

BUT I still kept track and damn if I wasn't using just too much power.  SO,  I called a friend and got a referral to a great fair knowledgeable electrician!

He came, he inspected, he shook his head.  We turned off all the breakers and I was still showing 2 amps of use.  (Forgive my lack of knowledge on what the heck that is. ) According to my  electrician new best friend, it is the equivalent of 2 giant refridgerators!!! Well damn.

So we investigated.  He opened my breaker box, took off the panel and there  it WAS!!!!  Damn if there is not an extra line connecting inside my  system but BEFORE the breaker box.  YES the  were stealing my electricity!!!!! 

As it turns out the PREVIOUS tenants in this house never had an electrical  contract.  Interesting.  THEN they moved 3 door down and kitty corner to my house.  The EXTRA line runs under my house, up the pole and across to THEIR HOUSE!!!!  WE disconnected them immediately.   So then we showed NO AMPS of use when my breakers were off.

The PROOF came last night!  Darn if I didn't disconnect them on a Saturday when Edesure is CLOSED for the weekend.  Last night my neighbors were home and in the PITCH BLACK. No electricity for them!  HA now we know who was stealing my electricity. They ran the line before they even moved out!!!  Bastards!

I will be reporting them first thing tomorrow morning!

Over the last 24 hours,  using my air conditioner about 2 hours,  I used only  9 KWH,  which I expect is about right!!! Some days like when I do laundry it will be a bit higher, but this seems right.

So the lesson here - watch your meter!  Know what you are consuming. Electricity is EXPENSIVE here.

Planner good job on the electric. I hope your neighbor is not a crazy person and comes looking for the "idiot" who disconnected his free and "rightfully deserved" electric.

Bob K

Well we are all neighbors so he already knows I disconnected him!!! Moron has no right to steal MY electricity!!!!

He was not stealing it, just borrowing it and like many had no intention of returning it

Bob K

Actually most of us who post on this thread do in fact live here and have for some time.  So we are speaking from experience. For me I have been living here full time (back in the states for 33 days in the last 7 years) for over 7 years.  For Planner over 10 years.

Just for a point of information how long have you been living here and what part of the country.

Thanks for joining the forum and welcome. We will look forward to your posts.


Bob K

Yes welcome to the forum!!! After 10 years here I am fully qualified to post anything I want regarding living  here.  I post the good and the bad.

As Bob asked,  how long have you been here?  where do you live?  When will you post your "experiences"???? 

For those who don't live here, they can learn a great deal by reading posts from those who actually live here.  If you think it is ridiculous you are free to NOT read it.

And, by the way,  have a great day!

Well Planner you certainly said what I wanted to but I guess I was just being too nice.
Have a great day

Bob K

Hey Bob, I have my moments where I just need to say what needs to be said.....LOL  I try to be polite about it.  Now maybe he was just having a bad day!!!!!

If so please come back and take part in the conversations.....

An update from yesterday:

I have clients in town who I am consulting with.  One of my tasks is to help find a 3 or 4 bedroom house for them to rent, preferably furnished and close to the business area of the city here in Santo Domingo.

Let me tell you this is not easy.  I am working with several different brokers each anxious to earn some commissions!  That is how they get paid!  No problem.

Well the big issue here is there is no MLS - Multiple Listing Service as such.  You need to search high and low, online, offline, drive neighborhoods, pick up newspapers etc etc....  each agent will have access to "their" properties.  No one accesses most of them so it is a royal pain in the you know where.

So I drove around with 3 gentlemen in my car. We played the very popular game of Guess the Arrival Time.  For example, one agent who I called said - I will be there in 5 minutes.  And the game was on!!!!  Player 1 -  10 minutes.  Player 2 - 15 minutes. Player 3 -  7 minutes.......no no no she arrived in 22 minutes.  Now in Dominican time she was actually early.........

Off we went following her to what she called an executive house! Right - it was a MESS.  You know if you want to rent a house for a lot of money - CLEAN it, get rid of the junky feel,  maybe throw some paint on it...... yikes.... what a disaster.....

With the help of a friend of mine and his contact, we had found the perfect house 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately my clients did not move fast enough and it was rented to someone else. Damn.

The lesson here -  when you are ready to make a decision is when you need to seriously look.  Do a bit of shopping ahead of time to understand areas and what your budget will get you. But,  seriously looking needs to be done when you are ready to plunk down the money.

A rental here will normally require 2months deposit plus the first months rent.  One of those months will be used to pay commission.   Another requirement is what is termed a Fiador, or a guarantor. A person who will sign the contract with you and guarantee that if you skip town,  take a hike, hop a plane etc  that they will be held responsible for what you owe. 

Being new in town that can be hard to find. There are companies that will do this and they usually will charge a full months rent.  Another option is to offer the landlord and or lawyer an extra 2 or 3 months rent up front!   If that doesn't work, start making friends.....

My day ended with a stop at Krispy Kreme as my clients needed some coffee and something sweet!!!! Hahahaha any excuse for a donut......

I thought I'd add a little story of an uneventful day myself. Those who don't want to read it don't have to First I need to add that we've only been here two months, and we live on the wrong side of the river in Santo Domingo Este.

I had to go to La Sirena. With my 1 year old. Without a car. That might sound like it isn't such a big deal, especially since La Sirena is only a 10-15 walk away. But the traffic, exhaust fumes, broken streets and sidewalks together with this scorching heat makes it into a big deal. And believe me, it takes much longer to walk in this heat.

So what I do is I walk out and cross the street (an adventure in itself) and wait for a not so crowded gua gua (a miracle in itself) and pay the 25 pesos to get to La Sirena. While I wait for the gua gua I have to turn down around a 100 carros publicos (death traps with a kid). Shopping is actually fun since everything's seems so cheap for me who recently came from Scandinavia! But I hate watching the guys pack my stuff into 10 different bags, I had no idea that a tiny deodorant needed its own plastic bag! When they're done I have to re-pack everything so I can carry my boy (forget about strollers, even in the nice parts of town they really only work in parks) and groceries out an on the gua gua. On my way to the gua gua I have to listen to guys call me "rubia" (blondie) even though I have dark hair and am considered a woman of color in Sweden because of how I look and my argentine heritage. Blondie here refers more to the color of my skin, because I'm light skinned. So, anyway, what would've taken maybe 30 minutes all in all with a car takes me about 1 hour to 1 hour an a half.

But yesterday, Monday, was a particularly good day since we in Friday ha purchased a great refrigerator from Plaza Lama, that they would deliver in 48-72 hours (Sundays not included). And when we came home we only had time to walk in the door and then we saw the Plaza Lama truck from our balcony! I'm telling you, the simplest things you take for granted at home are pure sources of joy here. Like a refrigerator that will maintain the cold even through hours of blackouts...

Actually sounds like a good day. Congrats on the frig.

Bob K

Minus the heat it was an awesome day Bob

So glad we missed the heat this summer. It is the first time in 7 years we were not in the DR for August-Mid October.  Something to look forward to next year though

Bob K

I know I would look forward to the heat!  That’s the main reason I want to move to DR...I’m wearing hat and gloves now when I walk my dog and it’s just September!!!!!
Jennifer, I really like your profile picture, is that your work?  I’m an artist myself but I specialize in animals.  I’m hoping that when I do move down to I’ll get to know other artists and maybe join an art group.

Well, Ive discovered a couple of other hustles going on. When you go to the gas station, watch out! In the DR, there are guys who pump the gas for you and they have overcharged me twice that was so obvious. Complaining to the manager only got me sympathy, not my money back. Pity.......... its worse than being robbed. SO always watch the meter. Especially if you are a foreigner.
Another hustle involve the expats. They charge expat prices. Which means three times the Dominican prices.

Jennifer sounds like a typical adventure.......So here is a question:  going home, why would you not hop into a taxi for about  US $3????  save yourself a lot of grief going home.....

Yes it is important when you go into the gas station to watch the pump, you need to see them reset it to 0000  then watch as they pump the gas! 

I once stopped to get oil at the gas station. Turns out I "needed" 2 quarts. I watched from inside the car as he put in the first quart, then PRETENDED to put in the second quart!! Then he charged me for both. I got out of my car and in rapid fire Spanish called him every kind of loser and thief.  I then went to the manager who just stared at me like I was NUTS.  I of course refused to pay for the second quart,  they threatened to call the police - GO AHEAD I SAID, MAKE MY DAY!!!!!  Of course they didn't.

I will always get out of the car and watch the pump to make sure it is 000 before starting and watch till complete. Doing this I have NEVER been ripped off at the gas pump.

Bob K

Thanks Planner and Bob et al...

Didn't appreciate the nasty remarks by the one fellow...I think its silly to say you can't learn from others comments...Of course you can! If not then why do we study history books or study about other countries in school if not to learn from them all...Things we wouldn't know otherwise...thats a fool speaking. I deeply appreciate all you have written! It takes humility to admit you don't know everything and that you can learn from others. Maybe some need to think about that!  Ya'll keep posting!

Anytime I travel and its been lots of places always read all I can to learn what to expect.

Planner glad you found the electric leak!

Thanks!

Thanks honey!!!!!

Glauriel you are right about gathering information so there are less surprises.  Ignore people who don't really add anything to the mix.

Bob K

Planner time for an inverter or generator???????

Bob K