Relocating from North America to Dominican Republic: My Journey

At one time, I couldn't imagine leaving North America. Now I can't imagine returning back.

Nowhere is perfect, every country has its flaws. The world is bigger than you think. Motivational words for anyone needing that extra push to relocate. Sometimes you got to get out your comfort zone to get comfortable.

City of Toronto

Can't Imagine Leaving

When I first thought about leaving North America I’ve never lived outside of North America and the few times that I did vacation, I got home sick after 2 days and was dying to get back home. This had nothing to do with where I travelled, the problem was I was used to what I knew, and the familiarity in North America. To make a long story shorter. One day I was spinning one of those world scope globes and researching the different countries that it landed on. All over the globe as you can imagine. Pardon my past ignorance, but until I researched, I never knew how much developed the world was. Living in a North American bubble, I like most of us lacked the knowledge outside of what American programming showed. Learning about different countries was intriguing, I like to say that I studied the world. Although, I could never imagine leaving my comfort zone, but the idea was sparked with everything that I was reading. Could I get that city vibe feel? Yes, they have that. Would I find a selection of international foods? Yes, that too is available. Most importantly are their safe areas where I can live in peace? Yes, that too is always an option. There will always be one or two things about home that stand out and can’t be replaced or duplicated. There were also two definite things I knew that I’d be missing if I decided on relocating. Yes, most definitely cold (snow) weather and higher prices. Not much of a tough decision after that. I ended my search and decided on travel plans, with the inspiration of never maneuvering in snow again, and to experience the much lower cost of living.

Santo Domingo

Can't Imagine Returning

For what I was looking for and location proximity I decided on travelling to Latin America. I felt that Latin America suited my standards best at this point. Just moments before takeoff on the plane heading to Panama for 1 month, it hit me. A voice in my head said, “what the heck are you doing?” Great timing to finally get nervous. Till this point everything was cool until they announced that the plane will be taking off. The thought just crossed my mind of what am I going to do if I get home sick after 2 days? My type of home sick was severe, from kid camp to a 5-star resort, I would always tap out after 2 days feeling trapped and dreading wherever I was. No choice but to go through with this. It’s what I’ve talked about and felt strongly about doing. I tell you this, once I landed and got acquainted that home sick feeling was a distant memory. I look back (chuckle) at that time and it surprises myself that at one time I was hesitant about relocating abroad. Right away I got the feeling as if I found a new home, and that I should've been living in Latin America a long time ago. After moving around different countries in Latin America, I’m now settled in Dominican Republic. Intrigued by the happy go lucky people and the peaceful way of living. I can't imagine returning to North America. With the stronger dollar to pesos ratio, the cost of living affords me the high life if I may choose. Adapting to the lowered cost of living puts ease on the mind, whereas I can enjoy more without thinking much about money. I’m a warm weather fanatic, just knowing its warm outside is enough to make me happy. You never know where life can take you, but you should be open to it. I never thought I’d end up in Dominican Republic, and now I can’t see myself leaving.

Palm trees, beaches and cool breeze

Embracing the Unexpected

I once thought that everyone who lived in warm countries lived right by the beach. I also thought that moving abroad was for retirees. To later find out both being far from the truth. Travelling not only opens your mind, but it can also clear up any false (rumors) claims of a country. Nowhere in the world is perfect, and to assume that only North America can fulfill your happiness is untruth. There are Expatriates all over the globe that would agree. I credit the ease of transition to living abroad for not having too high of expectations. I didn't come to Latin America to compare every little detail with back home. For example, I quickly realized that the slower pace of life, the sense of community, and the natural beauty here are just as fulfilling as anything North America offers. Maybe the bar was set a little too low lol, but for whatever it’s worth I came opened minded, and overall I became very impressed.

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