Let The Adventure Begin!

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Hi everyone! Well a little over two weeks ago I decided to take the leap and committed to a five month lease on a beautiful condo right on the beach in Punta Cana. Actually in the Cortecito area right on Bavaro Beach. The Stanza Mare Resort. The link below shows where I will be living.

http://www.vrbo.com/187088

I have visited the Dominican Republic three times before most recently staying the entire month of May 2012 in a nice 3 bedroom Villa in the Coastal Bavaro housing complex across from the IFA Resort. I have truely enjoyed my stays and just couldn't resisit the idea of a long term run of the expat experience. So having been there before I knew what I was looking for and found this condo centrally located near all the places I have spent time already. The Moon Restuarant, Danny's Sports Bar etc. And just a short walk to my favorite hangout the Aqua Beach Club. I am looking so forward to life as an expat and want to share all my daily experiences with you.

But first a little history. You may be asking yourself how does this guy afford to do this. Five months in the Carribean? Well I retired early at the age of 53 in 2008 from a Union road construction job and a long military career right out of high school. I draw a modest but comfortable pension that equals the 40 hour work week I retired from. And all my medical I recieve from the VA. So although not rich I'm comfortable. My finances are stable in that I have few bills which most definately helps. I share a home with my older brother Chuck, which in all honesty makes this possible. Without that arrangement none of this would be possible at all! So it's quite easy for me to just pack up a leave whenever I want. Giving him a break as well lol but managing the house easily on his own. Although retired from a carrer I currently work part time as a security officer for the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team. This in addition gives me an income which pretty much finances all my world travel and vacations. The NBA season goes from mid October and ends mid April. Hence, my travel period to the DR is from May to October. It works quite nicely. As a matter of fact this may become a yearly thing. So that is pretty much the HOW.

Now for the WHY. Why not lol? I have always loved traveling to the warm beach, palm tree, ocean destinations. I became a certified scuba diver in 2006 and fell in love with the "underwater world". I made my first trip to the DR in 2005 and I think while snorkling there it inspired me to want to go deeper. The country itself is just amazingly beautiful. And Bavaro Beach is one of the world's best. The people as a whole are quite friendly and the lifestyle is laid back and relaxing for most. With each trip I became more and more in love with the country. Then while spending the entire month of May 2012 there. I experienced a "taste" of what it would be like living there long term. I was hooked. Learning a little Spanish along the way. And actually making friends with some of the locals and local expats. I felt a sense of belonging a little. All that and coupled with my already single life in the USA and not having a wide circle of daily friends I do things with. It was easy for me to decide to come to the DR long term.

So the planning has begun. The lease was signed, the deposit mailed and airline bookings are being searched for. Over the next few weeks I will update this Blog with all that I am doing and considering. My thoughts and ideas. You can follow along and offer your insights and comments if you want. Let The Adventure Begin!

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Comments

[Rhonda]

I am so happy for you. We will miss you very much. I know you will have the time of your life, so have fun but don't forget us Love you cuz!