Boca Chica, Dominican Republic

An eagle's eye view of living in the Dominican Republic from someone who actually lives in the Dominican Republic!

For most people, the thought of moving to a "third world country" is daunting. Where do I live? Is it cheap? Is it safe? What will I eat? What is everyday life like? What if I don't speak the language? How will I get around? What if I get sick? So many questions and not enough answers. Oh, there are plenty of websites out there, but do those people actually live there?

So enters the "Dominican Treasures" blog. We actually live in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic. We walk the streets, shop in the shops, eat the food, and are learning the language. Let us show you what living in the Dominican Republic is REALLY like. That way you'll know for sure if it's for you.

As we go about life here we will be updating our blog with pictures and little stories of our everyday lives. Feel free to leave comments or email us with questions. We'd be more than happy to help in any way.

Anthony , Margaret & Adria Gatto

Monday 17 May 2010

Photos taken were taken with a hf20 camera . We bought it on amazon pretty cheap

Saturday 20 June 2009

Moved to Peru

Although we loved being in the Dominican Republic -- We have since that time moved to Peru.

Peru is nice -- and cheap -- How cheap ? We are able to live on about $350 a month - If we get finances up to $500 a month we would live pretty well.

So what does one do for work when here . Nothing - I write books and market them . Check out www.furancebook.com

And another book is www.haveorgasm.info (great free book) This helps but as always it seems not enough

Any ways Have a good day

Saturday 24 January 2009

Supporting ourselves - Wrote a book called The Ultimate Furnace Installation Guide

Yep we have moved . We are now in Peru . We went back to the states, my dad had been sick. We then moved to Peru and are currently living there. We might pick up a blog and post more photos. Life in Peru Is way different then in The Dominican Republic.

Some are asking how we support ourselves. Well we maintain a website called www.furnacebook.com . I was a contractor for 20 years and wrote a book called The Ultimate Furnace Installation Instructions . We sell one a day and this seems to support us pretty well. So if your looking to install a furnace or an ac system, even a heat pump visit the site and buy the book.

Unless we return to the Dominican we will probably not post here no more. Thanks to all our loyal readers. Tony and Peg Gatto

Thursday 21 February 2008

Chaos


Our whole family was here the last week of January. We had a lot of fun ('cept at the end of the week I became as sick as a dog with some form of killer flu). Beach, beach and more beach. I even got to beat my two son-in-laws and my son Tony in basketball one day - don't think that will ever happen again since I am getting old and they just were not into the game that day. Shane became indoctrinated as an official Gatto sans party animal. Thanks for the good time kids. We had a blast and miss you already. (Picture from l to r: Sheldon, Gina, Shane, Derek, Nicole, Peggie holding Adria, Anthony and Anthony)

Sunday 27 January 2008

Musica magnifica -- Cover your ears


Hi all! Nicole, Derek, and Shane are here. On our first walk around the city this baby comes a driving around. I have forever been trying to catch these guys with a camera. They drive around the city playing music and advertisements. The music is so loud it blows your hair around and sets off car alarms...no lie!

Monday 21 January 2008

Gas Prices

A quick thought (calculation).... We either walk here or ride my motor. I keep thinking about how much we pay in gas here. It's $5 or so a gallon. How much is it in the States now? So, to fill up my motor it takes 500 pesos or about $13 American dollars. Now, we have had the motor for one and 1/3 months. I have filled up 1 time so that's $13 dollars. Insurance companies don't run the country here so we are not forced to have insurance. So here it goes.....

Dominican Republic: $13 dollars a month

United States: Gas $35 a week in the car + $50 a week for the van + $75 a month for basic insurance.
Car - 35 x 4 = $140
Van - 50 x 4 = $200
Insurance - $75

Grand total - $415 per month

Anybody want a beer? There's a round comin' on me because I just saved myself $402 this month (and no, not with Geico!).

Monday 14 January 2008

Transportation


This is how everyone gets around the city, besides walking! We bought this very reasonably at a used motorcycle shop. And before you pass out, Mom, let me assure you Anthony drives very slow when Adria and I are with him! :o)