Danny--
Thanks for the positive input about Dominicans here in New York. There ARE a lot of beautiful Dominicanos here [I am engaged to one]. Although I am a gringa, I "did some time" as a mission volunteer in La Romana [with medical teams in the sugar plantations] and love the DR and the people; It's a beautiful country and I wish I could spend some time there even now.

Buena suerte with the Spanish-- at least you're DOING it. I started learning in '93 and although I am 95% fluent, there's ALWAYS vocabulary to learn. It's a beautiful language. One thing though: LEARN SOME OF THE DOMINICAN WORDS...your "survival" depends a lot on SOME knowledge. There's a great site forthis : "www.aguaita.com" under "Domincianismos".

Let TW and the others say what they will.. If you love the DR and do your "homework" you'll do fine.

The only thing I DO NOT miss is the apagones. Geez, what a dolor en las lalgas that is!!!