In my other life, I lived in Hyde Park, NY. Had always lived where it gets cold in winter. During the years that I was addicted to downhill skiing, I could hardly wait for winter. But then, my interests changed and winter became something to endure. So I understand your desires for a change.

I have been living in the DR since 1986 and have no desire to live again in the US. One reason is that I feel old in the US; society is geared to making you a senior citizen at 55. That is not the case here. If you can contribute in any way, it makes no difference what your age is. When someone in his 90s can be taken seriously as a presidential candiate, then it is obvious that age is not the barrier it is in the US.

It sounds from your answer to TW that you have sufficient money to live where you please. Certainly more than my wife and I do. But we live comfortably, more so that would be possible in the US. One of the tricks is to live on the country. By that I mean never think in terms of the exchane rate. We think about spending RD$100 in same way we once did US$100.

We lived for most of the time in Samana, but now live in Sosua--in an apartment that we could never afford in the states. We liked Samana, but it is better for us in Sosua at this time since we have much better access to supermarkets, doctors and dentists, etc.

I like your attitude, as evidenced in the most recent postings, as well as previous. I'm certain you'll have no trouble making the adjustment. If I can help you in any way, don't hesitate to let me know. Buena suerte!