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Furnishing For Your New Luxury Casa Linda Villa

Furnishing For Your New Luxury Casa Linda Villa

Mar 27, 2019 | Expat Life

 

Furnishing your New Luxury

Casa Linda Villa

Where Do You Go?

You just purchased a beautiful new luxury home in the Dominican Republic and now you need to fill it with furniture. Where can you find what you need? What box stores exist to choose from? Where can you get artisan-crafted items? What specialty furniture boutiques are there? Our one stop guide to the best furniture and home decor places on the North Coast will help you make your new house a cozy and stylish home that represents the best parts of you!

Do It Yourself:

If you want to stick around your new “neighborhood”of the North Coast to do your shopping, you can check out Lineres in Cabarete which is well-known among expats for its quality furniture and discount prices for cash purchases. They will also deliver your purchases to your new home in Casa Linda.

Similarly, Papa Terra’s in Sosua is popular for its quality items and discount prices. If you are looking for appliances such as your stove/oven, fridge, extra freezer space, a dishwasher and so forth, this would be the place to get it.

In Cabarete, there is also a little shop called Inoa and Reyes which has furniture items such as beds,mattresses,nightstands,tables and so forth. It is recommended that you pay cash to get a discount. Discount Sosua (obviously in Sosua) has an inventory of more traditional furniture items and especially of mattresses to furnish your bedroom suite.

 

If you are willing to go a little further, Corripio is located in both Puerto Plata and Santiago is well-known for its appliance options and they do delivery on purchases over a certain price as well. Hidelisa is another huge furniture store in Puerto Plata with unique speciality items and modern designs. Plaza Lama has similar options for Santiago as well.

Ikea in the DR?  Yup…

There is also an IKEA located in Santo Domingo and it is possible to place an order with them online. Over a certain purchase amount, they will deliver to your home in Casa Linda – great news for people who do not want to make the trip or who do not have transportation to do so! Note that shipping all over the Dominican is free and since you are paying online, you don’t have to worry about getting cash for large-scale purchases.

If you are looking for wonderful local art to adorn your walls, check out the art galleries of Sosua including Castillo Mundo King, and the shops and galleries of El Barry neighborhood.

How About A Designer?

Another option that many of our buyers choose is to use a decorator. We can certainly recommend some excellent interior designers who can truly help you make your tropical island home a showpiece that fits your tastes. Decorators also know our rental program standards and can design for a rental grade furniture package. Easy peasy :).

Looking for a little more info?  Check out our post Misconceptions About Dominican Republic Life.

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Dental Work in Dominican Republic

Dental Work in Dominican Republic

Mar 27, 2019 | Expat Life, Health and Wellness in Dominican Republic

 

Dental Work 

in Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic is a  top “tooth tourism” destination, meaning people travel here specifically to get dental work done.  Dentistry is one of the well-studied subjects for those who attend Dominican universities. You can get great service from a cleaning to up to cosmetic dentists who cater to tourists looking for less expensive veneers and other esthetic dentistry procedures.

The Cost of Dental Work in Dominican Republic 

The prices for dental work are a fraction of what North Americans are used to. As an example, a cleaning is about $25, and a crown $400. If you live here, you can add dental to your health care policy.

Quality of Care and Service

Some people expect that the type of care you’ll receive will be about 30-years behind the times. Not true!  Expect the same level of care as your home country with modern equipment like xrays right from the dental chair and even the tv in the ceiling to amuse you during a procedure! Dentists and their staff give great care and most are English speaking in this area of DR.

Where to Go

In this article, we will be offering the names of some dentists along the North Coast of the Dominican Republic who come highly recommended by their patients. Bear in mind that we can only give a snapshot here and many other excellent dental practitioners are also available in these areas.

Sosua:

Located in Plaza Mazur in Sosua, Dr. Monica Garcia runs a dental clinic that comes highly recommended by the expat community who have found her work to be comparable to that of dentists back in Canada and elsewhere. Her prices are reasonable and fair, and her practice is easily accessible in town. (809-571-9949)

Also located in Sosua, CentroDental run by Dr. Wendy Juma is a well-established, reputable professional practice that is equally quality and reasonably priced. Her work is exceptional and well-known within the expat community. (809-571-2767).

Cabarete:

The Dental Clinic Cabarete is probably one of the bigger dental practices in the area. As a top destination for tooth tourists, the Clinic offers all forms of dental hygiene from cleaning to root canals, crowns,veneers and more. They offer services in English, Spanish and German to accommodate their international clientele and offer up to 50% reduced prices from typical dental work of the same calibre in the United States and Canada. (809-519-1863)

Servi Med Dental Clinic is also a large practice in Cabarete that serves an international clientele with top-quality services. Located at Plaza Casa Laguna, it is easily accessible and open during the week. (809-571-0964).

Puerto Plata:

Located on Calle Duarte in Puerto Plata, Dr. Freddy Lepe offers the full-spectrum of dental services at a fraction of the cost that foreign nationals are accustomed to back home. Originally from Central America, while raised and educated in the United States, Dr. Lepe speaks perfect English so you have access to the information you need and can be put at ease if visiting the dentist makes you nervous!

Dr. Jose Alberto Reyes is also sought-after for his quality professional work and modern, up-to-date facility. He also speaks English if you would prefer to communicate in your mother tongue for ease of service.

Wherever you decide to go for your dentistry needs, know that you are in safe hands! You will likely need to budget a bit more time than you are used to got your appointment as dentists in the Dominican Republic tend to go over their times and run late for their scheduled appointments during the day – the perfect opportunity to put your new “tranquilo” attitude into practice!

Would you like more info about real life in the Dominican Republic? We are standing by and here to help ?.

Find out more about exploring Dominican Republic health care.  or the health benefits to being in Dominican Republic.

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Grocery Shopping in Dominican Republic

Grocery Shopping in Dominican Republic

Mar 21, 2019 | Expat Life, Health and Wellness in Dominican Republic

 

Supermarkets and Grocery Shopping

in Dominican Republic

Can You Buy GOOD Groceries in the DR?

Living on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic is lovely with its spectacular beaches, great sense of community and lively culture. And, you can rest assured that you will be able to find everything you need in terms of grocery shopping. Whether you go to local butchers for your meet, the corner store for your milk, or you hit the supermarket for everything, you can find everything you need close to your new home.

Sosua:

From Casa Linda, you can take our direct shuttle to Supermercado Playero supermarket in Sosua. The shuttle stops directly in front of the shop so you can just hop out, grab everything you need and wait for the next shuttle to come by to bring you back home.

If you wanted another option, that is also Super Pola which is equally popular within the expat community. Open daily from 8am to 10pm except for Sunday when it closes at 8pm, Super Polo offers everything you need by way of produce, dried goods, snacks,meat and poultry, dairy items and household goods such as cleaning products and laundry detergent.

 

 

Cabarete:

Supermercado Janet’s is as popular as ever providing locals and expats with the basics from food to pet supplies and more. If you end up needing odds and ends around the household as well, you can find them at Janet’s including extension cords, light bulbs and other items. The supermarket is also home to a coffeeshop, a Western Union office and a spin studio (upstairs).

Supermercado La Rosa is a much smaller,family-owned shop which is open quite a bit later than Janet’s so if you run out of food supplies or toilet paper and it is past 8pm, you know where you can go! One of the things that sets La Rosa apart is their selection of wines and spirits upon first entering the market and the fact that they had another section upstairs which is for household wares and items, and pet supplies.

Puerto Plata:

Given the available choices close to Casa Linda, you likely will not need to venture to Puerto Plata for your supplies. But if you happen to be in town and want to get your shopping out of the way before you head home, there are a few places you can try.

Supermercado Jose Luis is located near Long Beach and conveniently has everything you need, much like the other stores mentioned in this article. If you are looking for something similar to Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart, you can check out La Sirena on the the Malecon (oceanfront drive). They have clothing, furniture, household items as well as your standard groceries, much like the big box stores you could find in the suburbs of an American or Canadian city.  Jumbo is another big box store with groceries and a supercentre for household items. It has a fantastic grocery store that all expats love.  

For a local flavour, you could get your meat at the local German butcher, who is locally famous for great steaks.  Another expat fav is the fruit truck vendor who sells fresh local produce and fruits from the back of a pick up truck.  It’s what us locals do :).  Another alternative is to order fresh fruits and veggies to your door; from the Veggie Man. This kindly gentlemen is an expat who gets his wares directly from the farmers in the mountains and sells to us in the Sosua and Cabarete areas.  

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Health Benefits to Being in Dominican Republic

Health Benefits to Being in Dominican Republic

Mar 20, 2019 | Expat Life, Health and Wellness in Dominican Republic

 

Health Benefits

To Living in Dominican Republic

There are many positive benefits to living in the Dominican Republic. The tropical island boasts many unique qualities that can be beneficial for a person’s body, mind, and spirit. These are the top health benefits of being in the Dominican Republic:

sunshine on beach

Mood Boosting Sunshine!

The Dominican Republic has a tropical climate with very little variations in temperature. Even the coolest month boasts an average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius.  We can get our fill of Vitamin D from its sunshine, which increases mood and has positive health benefits.

 

Local Culture of Relaxation

The Dominican lifestyle is one that promotes living a restful and relaxing life.  Some members of the local community encourage a mañana or tranquilo attitude, an outlook that encourages living in the moment as stress-free as possible.  The pace of life slows down, and relaxation goes up.  Count on a reduction in stress and that racing around feeling.

 

no winter in dominican republic

No winter!

In the Dominican, you will not be dealing with snow, ice, shovels, winter tires, or scrapers. You will not need warm coats, hats, scarfs or mittens. Winter can take its toll on the physical and mental health of those who live through it, and living in the tropical climate of the Dominican will ensure you avoid the “winter blues”, chilled bones, and seasonal moodiness!

 

Good quality healthcare

The Dominican Republic has a well-renowned health care system with doctors who are trained to the same standards as other nations.  It is also affordable.

 

Nature is healing

Nature can have powerful effects on health. The island on which the Dominican Republic is part (Hispaniola) has many of nature’s best marvels, like towering mountain ranges, secret caves, and beautiful hiking trails. The highest peak in the Caribbean (Pico Duarte) is here, as is the deepest lake (Lake Enriquillo).  Just being near the ocean has proven to be cathartic.  Living among nature’s beauty can improve mental and physical health.

Relaxing on the beach Relaxing And Reading On The Beach

Playing in the sea water and the beaches

Swimming in the salty sea water is well-documented to be a rejuvenating experience. Whether you dip your toes in or fully submerge, salt water may benefit your skin, circulation and immune system. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the north and the Caribbean Ocean in the south, The Dominican Republic has over 1000 miles of beautiful coastline with white sand beaches. The salt water air and soft sand can invite positivity and promote relaxation in everyone.

 

Cost of living and Fresh Food

The cost of living in the Dominican is low, compared to Europe and North America. Because finances can be a source of stress for many people, living in the Dominican can reduce the impact of this stressor.  The prices of fresh produce and fruits and veggies is so much lower.  Eating in restaurants becomes affordable again and you can hear the sound of the waves as you dine.  Fresh fish and meats are less expensive.   Overall, your cost of living, is far lower and your access to affordable, healthy food is much easier.

dominican relaxation on beach

Socializing with Community Members

The Dominican Republic is becoming more popular – not only as a destination vacation spot, but also as a place to permanently place in your roots. As such, there is a community of expats to engage and socialize with – both of which are essential to mental health and longevity!  Having friends with similar interests is a necessary part of loving life.  Here on the north coast, we have a large community of expats who are just like you!

 

More outdoor living

Living in the tropical climate of the Dominican Republic is likely to encourage you to be outside more. There are simply more opportunities to engage in fresh-air, fun, and healthy activities, such as walking, biking, hiking, and water activities.

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Some Helpful Spanish for Real Dominican Republic Life

Some Helpful Spanish for Real Dominican Republic Life

Mar 19, 2019 | Expat Life

 

Some Helpful Spanish 

 

for Dominican Republic Life

You don’t need to speak Spanish to visit or live on the north coast of Dominican Republic. Maybe you don’t even want to learn much of the language at all. However, it can make your life a bit easier to know some essential phrases in Spanish and especially those that are common to the Dominican Republic.  Here is some helpful Spanish for Real Dominican Republic life:

 

Greetings and Introductions

Saying hello and introducing yourself is pretty basic but it can help you when getting to know other people, asking for directions, entering a shop and other situations in which you will be interacting with people for whom Spanish is their mother tongue. Like most languages, there are different greetings that depend on the time of day and who you are addressing. A few of the common ones are below:

Good morning Buenos dias
Good afternoon Buenas tardes
Good evening Buenas noches
Hi/Hello Hola
How are you? Como esta?/Como estas?
Good, thank you Bien, gracias
Please Por favor
Thank you Gracias
Nice to meet you Mucho gusto
Sorry/Excuse me Lo siento/Perdon

 

The Absolute Basics

After you have started to talking to someone, you may need more information from them. These basic phrases can help you point out what you need or ask for what you are looking for easily.

Do you speak English? Habla Ingles?
I want/I don’t want Yo quiero/Yo no quiero
Where is…? Donde esta?
How much is it? Cuanto cuesta?
Do you have…? Tiene?
What time is it? Que hora es?
I understand/I don’t understand Yo entiendo/Yo no entiendo
Do you understand? Entiende?
Where is the bathroom? A bank? The train? The street…? A hotel? Donde esta el bano? Un banco? Un tren? La calle? Un hotel?
I need… Yo necesito…

 

Food

Of course, food is one of the most important things you will need to learn some vocabulary for, whether at the restaurant or at the grocery store. Shopping for food yourself can help build your food vocabulary by reading labels and signage in the store. Similarly, restaurant menus, especially ones with pictures on them, can help you connect the words for particular foods with those items. There are also some phrases that will be important for you to know when eating out.

A table for two, please. Un mesa para dos, por favor.
A menu Un menu
Soup, Salad, Appetizer, Dessert, A drink, Water Sopa, ensalada, una entrada, un postre, una bebida, agua
Calling over a server Senor, Senorita
The check La cuenta

 

Essential Dominican Slang

Spanish comes in many varieties all around the world and, naturally, the Dominican Republic has its own slang and colloquialisms that you are sure to pick up on quickly. The longer you live in the country, the more naturally these phrases will roll off your tongue!

Negative term meaning something unknown, an exclamation, something unpleasant or to look down on someone Vaina
When you’re excited about something and anticipating it Alebrescado
When something is really cool or someone is really good at something Bacano
A good time/Dominican party Chercha
A little bit of something Chin
Corner store where you go to get milk or something cold to drink Colmado
When you’ve eaten too much Hartura
Your buddy or pal Pana
What’s up? Dime a ver?
What’s going on? Que lo wha?
Cute/cool Chulo
All good Todo bien
Neat/Cool (something you want to buy) Nitido
Bus (private, unregulated usually) Guagua

If you’d like to learn more Spanish for free, check out the DuoLingo App for Apple and Android. Fun and educational!

Casa Linda offers Spanish Classes for Real Life in our very own Castaway’s Restaurant every Thursday morning!

Learn more about services for expats and real life here in Dominican Republic.

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