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Oh wow this will get some great responses.

For me what you thought you knew before moving here..... Mostly wrong. 

What you see on the surface is not real life.

Real life is far more fascinating, more challenging, more rewarding and way more fun!

I suggest that everyone leave their preconceived notions in the overhead  compartment on the plane!

Bring your sense of wonder and adventure.  Be open to learning and not judging.

My future wife brought me here.  Introduced by to her by here sister here in Red Deer, I first flew into POP. Apart from meeting her at the airport, the first drive back showed me the beauty and village life through the highlands (still can't call them mountains ) From then on, despite my lack of speaking the language, I got to know many folks. Seems she has family every which way one turns! Many speak no english or some english, like her daughter, but all liked how I tried speaking and asking in spanish - no matter how silly I must have sounded. For me, the relaxed, laid back living camouflages the really hard working, honest people they are, for the most part. The tourist areas we have been to are nice and getting around to Expat gatherings was great. My wife, even with her language limitations is no wall flower and she always enjoys meeting Expats as so many of you speak spanish - and folks seem to understand her. But  the country side and the people made me feel right at home. I have been amazed many times when somewhere in Moca or elsewhere trying to buy or looking at things , when a clerk comes up and asks how they can help in english. I've been in many areas of the world, some areas which have been destroyed by war and poverty levels far exceed what I have seen in the DR. I look forward to exploring all areas once our home is built and we have a vehicle - and hopefully my language skills improve!  SO, romance, /!\ I AM A STUPID SPAMMER /!\ combined with the wonderful and varied countryside (that I have seen to date) and beaches, both tourist ones and those that local frequent, are awesome.....but overall, the honesty and friendliness of the people are high up in my opinion!!! Can't wait to finish this work period and be back home....

Keep an open mind!!! Its NOT your home country!

All in all I was surprised by the extreme poverty I witnessed and how many live in day to day survival mode. Life is hard for many in the countryside where we lived on the Samana peninsula.  They all in all were more than happy to share knowledge,  and small gifts mainly of the edible kind. We met some incredible people, we have now left but stay in contact with a few of them . I miss several of them immensely.

If you treat them with respect and remember you are a guest in their country it will improve your stay alot. We earned their respect, we were good neighbors and were blessed with kindness and lasting friendship in return.

I will always treasure my time there especially the friends we made!

They so similar to Polish folk
In many ways
I love Dominicans
And modest souls

I agree most are quite humble!

The lying and stealing is what struck me the most!  The lying to your face about something you know they've broken or stolen or are promising and will never do.  The straight face.  Can't tell that they're lying.  Have it down to a science.  It struck me.