I get asked often what I love about the Dominican Republic. The answer is, there is so much that I love about this country.
In honor of the Dominican Republic celebrating 180 years of freedom today, I thought it would be fun to share the things that I admire and love so much about the culture and country that God brought me to a little over five years ago.
- I love Dominican food. Of course I would say food first jeje. I am a foodie! Hands down best food ever. La bandera (rice, beans, chicken, and sometimes salad), mangú con huevo, moro, locrio, YUCA, fresh mango and all the fruits, fried plantains, sancocho, pastelón, patacón and all the street food, and so on. Chef’s kiss…best food ever. I am learning each day how to get better at my Dominican cooking. I think I finally have my moro down!
2. I really like that it is a moral country. Now, some may argue with me on this because there is a lot of corruption and Dominicans love to make a party out of everything (also corruption is everywhere unfortunately). But there are things that the world approves that is 100% against what God’s Word says. The majority of Dominicans that I have come into contact with agree with God’s original design. I really like that.
3. Now going along with what I said above, I love that the Dominican Republic has a Bible in the middle of the flag. It is one of the only countries that has this. The Bible is open to John 8:32, “They will know the truth and the truth will set them free.” Juan Pablo Durate who is one of the country’s founding fathers is quoted, “Dios, Patria, y Libertad.” This means God, Country, and Freedom. Dominicans are proud to say this.
4. I love the culture. Yes, Dominican time is real– and the longer I have lived here, the more I actually have enjoyed having this more and more. Dominicans love their music and invest a lot in their subwoofers. Colmados at almost every corner, man there is so much to share. Dominicans are just free to be themselves. They are not inhibited by what others may think or say. They are free spirited which is liberating for others around them too.
5. I love the simplicity of life here. Dominicans make do with what they have. I once had my car hanging together by zip ties because that’s how things are done, and guess what…it was cheap and it held together! I haven’t had a phone plan in over 3 years. We lived without running water for 2 years. We survived off of a big tank of water in our bathroom, and it was a pain and not ideal…but you make do! And not to mention, it makes you very grateful for what you do have when you learn what it is like to be without. There is so much contentment in living simply. Being married to a Dominican and living here for some years, I have learned more about what is a need and what is a want. Everything in our house has a purpose. I love this lifestyle.
6. I really like that when a Dominican walks into a room, they go around and acknowledge everyone else in the room with a hug and kiss on the cheek or a handshake.This is something that is changing in younger generations since COVID, but it is still rooted in the culture.
7. I love the language. Dominican Spanish is different from any other Spanish you will ever hear. It is FAST and made up of SO much slang. Domincans even take English words and make them Spanish with a Dominican flow, and it is hilarious. Some examples:
hot dog= ho-do or I’m chilling= ‘toy chillen
- The most beautiful land. The palm trees, surrounding mountains, beaches, rivers, waterfalls, and so much more natural beauty! I love the colorful buildings and archetecture. ¡Es una tierra tan hermosa!
9. There is so much talent that has come out and continues to come out of this country. Singers, music (merengue and bachata), baseball players, and even actors. There are many Dominicans that have worked their way out of the barrios with their talent and now they use it to help provide for their families. It is really admirable. And just to brag on my husband a little…he is an unbelievable baseball player who could have made it to the big leagues! Also a great dancer, I swear it is in Dominican blood. I hope our son has moves like his papi.
10. Now I have to save the best for last. I love this country because it gave me my amazing husband. Well, God gave me my husband, but it took coming here to meet him! It took so much to get here, and I have walked through a lot of stretching seasons while living here, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. And now we are going to have a little dominigringo son who I hope will be proud of his American and Dominican roots. This country has given me the greatest gifts of my life–my Alan and unborn son! Oh and I cannot forget our Brunito (our dog)!
The Dominican Republic is so much more than just its beautiful resorts and beaches. This country is full of history, rich culture, a beautiful language, incredible food, people, and so much more. I am grateful for everything that I have learned while living here–through the good and bad. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
¡Feliz día de Independencia RD!
Journey to Dominican 