Friends & neighbors

This is an area where the Dominican Republic excels. In the US, you can live next door to someone for 20 years, and not know them. Here, well at least in the lower middle class neighborhood, and the poor areas, we all need each other, and we all depend on each other. You will get to know almost everyone in a short time. This makes for some great friendships.

Neighbor women will send over a serving of the special meal they made, and of course, the favor is returned from time to time.

Neighbor men are happy to help you move that heavy box from one room to the other. (Being a single woman, I try to make intentions very clear, and ask this favor while their wife is over for a visit.)

This week I had some interior house-painting to do. I was able to borrow the paint scraper from one neighbor, and the roller from another. And they know that I have tools likewise at their service. Of course there is a caveat; you get to know who can be trusted to return things in good condition, and who never gets around to it, or returns it in bad shape, just as in any part of the world.

When you need to get some place on time, be sure to allow a little extra, for if you run into an old acquaintance, or a recent one, you will want to stop and talk for a few minutes.

If you have an issue with the phone company, you can see which of your neighbors has a relative working there. And you will share your "wealth" of connections as well, with those you trust.

Neighbors here just naturally watch out for each other. At the apt. I used to live in, I heard about 8 shots one night, about 3AM. I got up and told my visitor to stay away from the windows. She went back to bed and so did I. The next day, I asked my landlady what the shooting was about. "Oh," she said, "The guy across the street saw a burglar coming up your stairs. He asked him if he knew you, and the guy took off running." Here's a neighbor that will even shoot at your burglars!

People still talk to each other here. You can get on a bus or in a public car, and strike up a conversation with your fellow passengers, or the driver of the car. They will be happy to share their views on religion and politics; two topics almost forbidden in the US.

There is a wonderful freedom of speech here, and you are not required to be PC. Just be friendly. That's an important part of this Dominican Life.