Your First Time...

[Alyonka]

My first time in the DR was last year. I went to satisfy my own curiosity about the place I have been reading about on this and other sites for the past several years. Then last February I finally was able to travel there. It was a very interesting trip and just a start. I am looking forward to exploring more parts of this country...

[CarpeDReam]

I wish I had as interesting a story as some of you guys. My parents are dominican... that's about it I guess. They both became professionals here (US) and will retire there in a four years; my dream is that I get a great paying job that I enjoy in the DR...lol...a bit far fetched but you never know .

[Kat1144]

I went to a wedding in Puerto Plata back in 91' big family reunion (my uncle married a Dominican) I was a teenager at the time.. CULTURE SHOCK. (small children on the streets begging for money and not in school.. 1st time I saw poverty)

Then I returned in 98' to Santo Domingo to visit my Cuban family that had moved to the DR from the states in 95'. I met my husband whom is Dominican...not a sankie... lol. friends of my family in DR.

I have been hooked since..we go twice a year to visit family & friends.

[Kat1144]

I have also traveled many times to help out with mission trips (translater) and for business (European Fine Children's Clothing)

[lexi]

I first came to the DR on a business trip back in January. I had travelled quite a bit before and had not heard a lot of great comments about the country. A lot of friends said they didn't like Punta Cana as there were only hotels there and nothing else to do. I was not excited to go at all. I have done quite a few roughing it trips (going to Mexico with no hotel booked and just a tent) and lots of luxury trips too. So I am not a virgin traveller by any means.

I can't believe I even listened to any one else and even thought I would have a bad time. I am in love with the DR - what an amzing country it is. I am always learning something new about it.

Yes, I did meet a guy on my first trip - who doesn't, I have since learned - and yes, I did find this website and learn all about sankies which made me start a thread about my new found love. But since then have gone back down a few more times (this is my fourth trip in 11 months) and this time I am going for 24 days - I can't wait!

I have to admit at first all the sankie talk made me doubt what I was feeling both about the country and him but that has totally changed. If I hadn't read everything that has been posted I could have made a few mistakes but in the long run I am glad I know all this info and thanks to everyone I am not second guessing myself any longer.

I love the DR, the culture and all my new friends! I can't wait to go - 8 days and counting!

[M.A.R.]

Originally Posted by bronxboyatheart

I grew up in an area of the Bronx (by the 181st bridge and University) where the building where I lived was bought by Dominicans.

I met some cool and not so cool Dominicans in the 1980's who spoke alot about DR.

I got curious in my older years and decided to visit. I now go at least three times a year.

So you're not Dominican?

[bronxboyatheart]

Originally Posted by M.A.R.

So you're not Dominican?

Nope.

Born and raised in The Bronx. Parents from Puerto Rico.

Like they say "New York Rican"

[laurapasinifan]

A HUNTING TRIP!!!!!!

bad bob

[heldengebroed]

I went to the dr to meet my future family in law. Was completely unprepared and put myself at the mercy of my wife to be. It took me 3 days to overcome the cultureshock, including:
- blackouts and forced candle light diner
- Getting up in the morning and being greeted by some one of thr "family" as if you've known him all your life (knowing that i need at least an hour to become functional)
- getting with a dozen people in a pick-up to la esperanza
- getting viontly woken up by the rain on the tin roof
-...

The 3rd day a hummingbird came by and drank from the straw of my cuba libre (Emagin the little birds hangover next day ) And that's the moment i was hooked on the island

[mademoizaile]

My first encounter with the culture was through my boyfriend's family. His mum is from the island, and from the moment I met her, I wanted to know more about the country. The first real discussion we had was a few years ago, in the middle of the night.. neither of us could sleep, so we sat around a pot of tea, and I made her talked about her beloved island... it was impossible not to fall in love when she talked about the people she loves above all (and misses above all), the music she grew up with (juan Gabriel! hihihihi), the houses painted in many colours without windows, the beautiful weather... she told me that once I'd go there, I wouldn't wannna come back

I went to DR fort the first time this last Christmas, and well... what can I say... she was downright... I've been back home for a few weeks now and all I can think of is going back there ASAP...