Imagining life in the Caribbean.
After so much rain in So Cal, I wanted to use this city spot light and travel vicariously through this post to a far off land somewhere away from our chilly California winter. I couldn’t help but imagine somewhere almost everyone wishes they could escape to this time of the year, the enchanting island of the Dominican Republic.
When most people think of the Caribbean, the first things that come to mind are, pirates, resorts, and rum. While these iconic features can be found on a Caribbean vacation, life on a Caribbean Island is so much more. Although the Dominican Republic, situated on the island of Hispaniola, boasts with vibrant city life in its capital Santo Domingo and fantastic tourist spots like Puerto Plata and Punta Cana, the true Caribbean life is found in the small towns that are speckled across the island’s diverse regions.
These amazing photos of Rio San Juan, a small town on the north east coast of the island, were sent to me by a NorthStar Moving® employee who has the privilege of being there right now, doing some volunteer work for a while, and making all of us here very proud! These gorgeous photos made me want to pack my bathing suit and get moving. With no more than 8,000 inhabitants, this picturesque fishing town is home to some of the most beautiful views in the Caribbean.
While most locals make their living through tourism and fishing, many foreigners who move to the Dominican Republic can find fantastic opportunities in real estate, teaching foreign languages, and volunteer efforts with non profit organizations, or they can spend their days on the beach! The slow pace of life of the Caribbean life makes the Dominican Republic an ideal spot for retirement or extended vacations.
However, what makes life on this island most appealing is the Dominican culture. With its strong Spanish influences, Dominicans place greater importance on enjoying life and show this attitude in their food, recreation, and frequent celebrations. Most of the time you can find locals sitting outside of their shops, homes, or in public areas talking and people watching.
Rio San Juan is a perfect example of this small town life and culture. As you walk down the main street Duarte you will be greeted by friendly smiling faces, where even a visitor can feel like family. Pick up veggies at your local “colmado” and take a stroll through the famous Laguna Gri Gri for some great views of natural man-glades.
After you get lost in these amazing views, it’s hard not to want to escape to the Caribbean. For anyone considering moving to a warmer climate, looking for the right retirement spot or just life at a slower pace, the Dominican Republic is waiting for you. What’s your dream location to move to? Tell us where you dream about moving to?
