At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at the Dominican Republic and some of the blogs that might be useful for expats there.Middle of Nowhere in the Dominican Republic
http://yoursaucepans.blogspot.com/
Well-known blogger and author Lindsay de Feliz left the UK and her ex in 2001. Her travels as a scuba diving instructor led her to the Dominican Republic where she fell in love with the country and its people. Now married to a “very hunky” Dominican handyman, she also lives with 7 cats and 3 dogs. Lindsay illustrates the many differences between her British life and her new normal in the DR; “living as an expat you need to not let the frustrations of the country get you down, you just need to chill.” Have your own Dominican romance? Be sure to take her popular quiz, ‘Is my boyfriend a Sanky Panky?’
Living in Punta Cana
https://livinginpuntacana.com/
Jocelyn Hernandez Irizarry has lived and worked in the Dominican Republic for more than a decade and shares “the good, the less good and the just plain odd” on her blog. Originally from New York City, she says her perspective changed from caring about matching outfit accessories to now enjoying travel, giving back to the community and everything life in the Caribbean has to offer. She has a successful real estate career and is frequently involved in community projects. Jocelyn also documents her travels around the island, sharing the hidden gems she finds close to home.
Canadian in Dominica
http://mapletosugarcane.weebly.com/
Tired of the North American lifestyle, this Canadian student has returned to the place she first came to almost 5 years ago, but a changed person from her years travelling. She’s ready to stop overthinking and wants to allow life to choose its course for her in her adopted home. Now speaking Spanish (albeit badly) every day, visiting the ocean and taking up surfing, keep tabs on her blog to see where the future leads.
American in the DR
https://meemselle.wordpress.com/
Meemselle is “a nice Jewish girl from the US” living on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic. Her 3+ years of blog posts reflect on everything from relocation, driving challenges and cultural differences between Americans and Dominicans. There are upbeat tales of heartbreak and her difficulties in learning Spanish. Check out ‘Misconceptions about Dominicans’ and her encounter with the public healthcare system, which she says is “free but very very far from being adequate.”
Drink the Whole Bottle
http://drinkingthewholebottle.com/
Jennifer Legra sees herself as your ‘bartender’ on her blog – drinking the whole bottle being a metaphor for life – uncorking it and savouring every last drop. She and her family moved to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic in 2011 and her site covers everything from parenting to travel, expat life to party life – because they like to try it all. Check out their FAQs section for why the DR for them, likes and dislikes about the country and perspectives on transport and healthcare.
The Dominican Gringa
http://colonialzone-dr.com/
Janette Keys moved to Dominican Republic from Mars, Pennsylvania in 2001 and her new neighbours dubbed her ‘Dominican Gringa.’ Through her blog Janette tries to show others what her Dominican life is like – both the good and bad. She shares her travels to other parts of the nation, and an older but very popular post sees her tell the tale of her permanent residency renewal experience. With many posts incorporating her beloved dogs, Janette has a very personable writing style that many will enjoy. She also runs a site about the Colonial Zone, which aims to be a complete guide to the small town.
Simple by Clara
http://www.dominicancooking.com/
This blog is a collaborative effort by a pair of friends (one Dominican, one originally from Gibraltar) who share a love of cooking, particularly Dominican Food. Aunt Clara and Aunt Ilana post more than just recipes and drool-worthy photos of local cuisine, however. You’ll also find videos (to make your cooking even easier), articles on culture, crafting, home improvement and home organisation. The pair also document their adventures in the Dominican Republic and beyond.
Family Adventures in DR
https://frompolarbearstopalmtrees.wordpress.com/
Jennifer Larancuent, her husband and son from Sweden chronicle their 1.5-year adventure in the Dominican Republic, and in doing so hope to help others making the move. They also throw in the occasional travel tip. While now back in Sweden their blog serves as a useful resource, with posts about their experience living in an apartment outside of a gated community, in a less desirable area of Santo Domingo. See also their time living in Cabrera, child-friendly activity suggestions and photo tours of their travels.
Love and Flavor
http://amorysabor.com/
Well-recognised blogger Eliza lived in the Dominican Republic for 8 years. She has since moved to Miami but this adventurer, mum and a creative professional packed a lot into her very colourful and passionate blog, which she describes as personal, but with a global perspective. She shares lessons learned from the third world, lists of Dominican words and phrases that are worth knowing along with hand gestures. Beside the expat-themed posts you’ll find a comprehensive food and nutrition section with recipes and cooking tips. Eliza also publishes poetry.
We’re always on the lookout for more sites to feature – if you run a blog about living in the Dominican Republic , leave us a link in the comments and we’ll take a look!