Expats answered: Why they moved to the Dominican Republic?

Some expats answered: Why they moved to the Dominican Republic?

‘Different places, different faces, different races, different names, we are all the same,& we came to stay.’

A multicultural society that lives in the Dominican Republic.

Message from CSS about this blog: I, Carolin, thought it would be interesting, for people who haven’t relocated to the Dominican Republic yet to know why other people have, and to read their experiences and decisions. It was truly inspiring to receive all these lovely comments from people who come from all around the globe, about why they moved to the Dominican Republic.  So many different reasons, and all are great. What a great idea we all had about moving to this piece of paradise. Thank you to each and every one of you, you have giving this blog meaning, and made it amazing.

“I wanted a brighter future for myself and my daughter, and what better place than under the tropical palm trees of the Dominican Republic. My decision was made absolutely spontaneous, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Susanne Banzer, Liechtenstein

“After a hard-working, best of my city, lawyer, I wanted relaxation. I wanted to retire. I wanted to be free. I went on a vacation to the Dominican Republic, and it’s like I found the needle in a hay stack, and knew where I felt free.”

Stefan Paul Vollhardt, German/Italian

“I decided to retire in DR because I wanted to live in warmer climate. Also I wanted to stretch my pension. Besides who can beat the wonderful weather and beaches.”

Majorie Lara, American

“Como sabrás la gente en cuba por más que estudie y se prepare no se superan y se quedan estancados en el mismo lugar. Y mis padres decidieron venir a la Republica Dominicana donde entendían que habían más posibilidades de superarse.”
Alejandro Molina, Cuban

“I moved to the Dominican Republic to live a tropical lifestyle, live on the beach, and not abide by a schedule. Stress free, and I’m able to run my own business”

Lisa Martorano, American

“I moved to the Dominican Republic for work purposes, and also to be next to the ocean. I love that I can surf everyday if the waves allow for it.”

Tony Cabrera, Puerto Rican

“Había llevado una vida muy intensa en España, hacienda competiciones internacionales con el equipo de karate de mi país, y deseaba retirarme antes de hacerme demasiado “Viejo.” Por eso, una tarde lluviosa de otoño, estuve fantaseando con mi amigo mientras buscábamos  un lugar en una bola del mundo. Y al llegar al Caribe nos detuvimos en República Dominicana, nos miramos. Lo demás es historia.”

Oscar Zazo, Spaniard

“I moved to the Dominican Republic when I was 3 years old with my parents and my three older sisters in 1997. I guess my parents were adventurous at heart and wanted to go somewhere new, and so do most people, they fell in love with the island when they had visited a few years back from vacation. My father, an architect built our home out of Wood and stones, and later on managed to build a few more “bungalows” to what is now Natura Cabana, a cute little boutique hotel.”

Isabella Garimani, Chilean

“Wer wünscht sich das nicht? Leben und arbeiten in einer immer grünen Insel, mit freundlichen und den verschiedensten Menschen mit einer vielseitigen Kultur. Ich habe vor über 20 Jahren den Schritt gewagt und habe es nie bereut. Die Nähe zur Natur ist einzigartig und würde meine Wahlheimat für keinen Platzt der Welt tauschen.”

Andrea Gude, German

“Ich lebte mit meinem Mann in Spanien. Viele Freunde und Bekannte schwärmten von der Dominikanischen Republik und sind hierher ausgewandert. Bei unserem ersten Besuch haben wir uns sofort in die Insel und seine Menschen verliebt. Wir sind zurückgeflogen, haben unsere Koffer gepackt und waren innerhalb 2 Wochen wieder da. Das ist nun über 20 Jahre her und ich kann mir keinen schöneren Platzt zum Leben vorstellen.”

Yvonne Drescher, German

“Moving to the Dominican Republic has been a dream to many, and those who have made it happen know that it has been the best dream made reality. On a regular day I wake up every morning with the sun-rays kissing my face. I can’t help but notice how beautiful the view of the palm trees, and the ocean is from my bedroom window. As I slowly start my morning routine I make my way to the beach to catch some morning surf, and am welcomed by all the locals with a warm hello and a great smile. The warm greets, the great lifestyle, culture and freedom have all been the reason to why I have been living in the Dominican Republic for over 20 years.”

Yanik Akrabov, Swiss/Bulgarian

“I worked in the military in Germany, and my dad confronted me with the idea of relocating to the Dominican Republic. He said “Pascal you could be a dive teacher or something.” I loved the idea of the underwater panoramic journey job. Once we moved here I did my dive master, became a dive teacher around different dive schools on Sousa beach, spontaneously I also became a bartender in Cabarete. I traveled around the island to be a dive teacher, even to Bavaro & Bayahibe. For a while, I went to Thailand and Australia, but one day my dad called me to come back and take over our Thai Chili Restaurant, and immediately I was back in 2008, and call the Dominican Republic, “home” ever since.

Pascal Zwingert, German,

 “Moving to the DR is a breeze (sometimes literally!) with NO culture shock. The only difference was the perpetual sunshine and the language, which isn’t hard to learn. If you’re thinking of being an expat, probably not too many easier places than the DR to start!”

Chris Travers, American

 “I had the opportunity to move and live in the Dominican Republic for 3 years. My father got a job offer to work with Barrick Gold Mine and so, his job required us to move to a location near Sosua. Looking back now, I should have spent all my time at the beach because Canadian weather is brutal.
During this move, I had many mixed emotions. I was in my second year of high school and I was leaving all of my friends. As a young teenager that was pretty difficult to accept. Nonetheless, we made the move and while I was nervous, the rewards of living there were so worth it. I was able to move to another country and be exposed to the unique traditions and culture of the people. In addition, I was able to improve my Spanish. Most importantly however, I was able to live alongside my family members, whom I had not seen in a long time. In the Dominican, I made many new friends, many of whom were also foreigners. I was able to develop long lasting friendships that have lasted until today.
In the Dominican, life was more calming and one is less confined to the busy lifestyle that we in North America tend to live. Being back in Canada, I miss the hot sun, the beautiful view of the beaches, and the food. I would highly recommend moving and living in another country to those of you who have that opportunity. It is such a great learning experience and it really helps put things into perspective at times. Until next time DR!”

Yureyny Damaia, Canadian/Dominican

 “Wahlheimat Dominikanische Republik
Ich hab mich aufgrund des herrlichen Wetters für die Dominikanische Republik als Wahlheimat entschieden. Die landschaftliche Schönheit der Insel ist ein weiterer Grund. Obwohl man in dem Land aus Sicherheitsgründen viele Einschränkungen unterworfen ist, fühle ich mich dennoch freier als in meinem Heimatland Deutschland. Von dem Tag an, an dem ich nicht mehr darüber nachgedacht habe, ausgewandert zu sein, empfand ich die Dominikanische Republik als meine Heimat. ”

Dagmar Böhmüller, German

 “Amo Italia y mi ciudad Milano, pero problemas y dificultades son muchos, sobre todo para mi generación que está empezando a construirse un futuro. Decidí irme y elegí RD porque es un país en desarrollo, ofrece oportunidad de crecimiento y una mejor calidad de vida.. mucho menos estrés! Además de seguir un poco el corazón.”

Monica Faccini, Italian