Your first paragraph summed up what my husband and I felt both times we went to the DR this year. We have been back home in Kentucky for 3 weeks and we are still depressed. Couldn't get in spirit of decorating for xmas - did the minimal thing.
We have definitely decided to buy a vacation home around the Sousua area when we go back in February. We're staying 2 weeks this time and have already lined up several realtors, based on houses we've chosen off their internet site.
When we went in November, we fell in love with the Dominicans. They are not only friendly and laid back, but have a deep respect for others. They are very courteous to tourists and among themselves. Regardless how poor they are, we never saw any with tatty clothes. Everyone looked clean and even though they sat on the front porch of a metal shack, they were happy. We in America have no idea how to be satisfied with the way we live and just be happy.
We hired a driver from the resort (Casa de Campo) and rented a car. He spoke pretty good english. He surprised us at the end of the trip by showing us his home. His wife came out to the porch and said hi. He was so proud of his home (very small), but said they had just come from a 2-room house. We were so moved. I think that was the turning point for us. We are now on a mission to buy the vacation house and eventually when we retire in 5 years, we will buy a larger house and live there 6 mos out of the year.
Thanks for being so eloquent with your trip report - I couldn't have written as well.
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