mr_osiris previously said:

I spent 6 months in in Gurabo, Santiago. While I appreciated the quietness and safety of the area; it was a little boring there. It was kind of far from everything and most of the population seemed to be older folks. Where do you recommend a single man in his 20's to go? I heard people talk about Los Jardines and the area around PUCMM. Whats the cost of living for those areas? And are the neighborhoods descent? Thanks.

mr_osiris previously said:

Where do you recommend a single man in his 20's to go?

anthonyC previously said:




Santo Domingo!!!!

xwill7 previously said:


Santiago is much better and safer than SD. Better night life too

anthonyC previously said:




Right...And Newerk is better than NYC, Tampa is better than Miami and Sacramento is better than L.A.

Get real dude. Santiago is a cure for insomnia.

guillermone previously said:



Santiago and surrounding municipalities is not a tourist zone. It is instead a commercial and industrial base region and people are too busy earning a living and caring for their families. It does however have a dynamic night life with many good restaurants, clubs, bars, casinoes, sporting, concerts and musical events, theater and hang out joints nearby the monument. However, most of these activities are done after work.

Nevertheless, the first obstacle you need to overcome is your freedom of movement. If you live in the outskirts of the city, transportation might be an issue. I don't know how long you will be in the DR but if you are able to get a hold of a vehicle that alone will solve half of your problems and the rest will take care of itself.

In the mean time, you will need to keep yourself busy during the day. I suggest you get involved with activities where you have the opportunity to meet a wide range of people. This should not be hard to do in the DR. Maybe you can join a group or a club where individuals have common interests. I am sure there are international organizations where you can volunteer your time and contribute your reserved energy helping others. Another possible alternative are church groups. Find yourself a religious organization affliated to your faith and become active.

The upper classes in Santiago and the DR tend to associate within a close group or limited circle of friends. They join private social clubs but there are membership fees and other costs. Entry and acceptance is usually by invitation only. However, if you want it bad enough, money will take care of any issues. The benefits are many, these clubs have limitless activities. They have sporting events, competitions of various disciplines, parties, exhibitions, cultural activities and a wide range of many other things to keep you busy through out the year. For example golf, tennis and basket ball courts, olympic size pool, billiards, ping-pong, jogging and exercise gym.

Another possibility is employment. If you are bi-lingual or multi-lingual, a job might be a consideration. There are calling centers where you might be able to find paid work and apply your language skills. You might also consider taking a course at the nearby university PUCMM at the location you indicated. There will be an abundant supply of young people you can meet. There is also a good representation of international students that might be in a similar situation such as yourself looking who wish to increase their association and circle of friends.

The good thing about Santiago is that it is located in the heart of the country, right smack in the middle of the DR, you are nearby, ust a few hours away to almost everything. You can take the bus and always head north to the beach in Pto Plata, the mountains in Jarabacoa or south to the Capital Sto. Domingo.

The options are limitless, there should not be a boring moment while in the DR. You just have to be daring and take chances, but of course always exercise caution. Your safety is always most important, never carry large amounts of cash or wear flashy jewelry and be careful where you go at night. Good luck and I wish you well.

xwill7 previously said:

The mountain areas outside of Santiago are great. You need some wheels to move around. I can not believe that you were bored in Santiago

xwill7 previously said:

The mountain areas outside of Santiago are great. You need some wheels to move around. I can not believe that you were bored in Santiago