Not feeling practical or prudent...

[callinectes]

Cutie, what about transportation to the airport should things not work out? You need to know what is available in advance and have enough cash to cover the fare. Also, based on what you said about having enough in your bank account to cover the fee to change the ticket... I am assuming you are not taking a credit card. Not knowing what you may run into, going on a shoestring like that sounds risky. I'd feel better if you access to decent amount of cash or a credit card.

About checking in with your roommate at a specific time..I think you and your roommate should also agree on a random time that he is not aware of. Just an extra precaution.

By the way..is his stopping off in Dallas on the way back from Canada not an option? Even if it's just a long layover at the airport? If not, why?

 

[neonflux]

I don't know...maybe I'm a die-hard pessimist or maybe I just want to thwap you upside the head. It seems and sounds great, but that's just what's bothering me. Maybe I've seen too many Hitchcock or Stephen King movies. As strange as it seems, I feel like a worrying mom. Even though it seems like he's an OK guy and your world is about to change for the better...just watch it.

CutieMouse, I hope beyond hope that he is all that he presents himself to be because you so deserve someone like that. I DO believe in the concept of "soulmates" and am hoping that in this man, you've met yours. But I am with DVS here. There is something in this man's "perfection" that also concerns me - that he is in ALL ways all that you have desired. It just makes me suspicious. (ADDITION: Please forgive me for saying this. And I too have probably seen too much television, but this is the kind of perfection that all of those thriller and crime dramas ascribe to people who are sociopaths. Must also add that, while I am sure that know this, one visit is not enough for the facade to crack or true motives to become apparent...) I know you will take care of yourself, but I just feel a need to say this. Please, please be extra, extra careful! Neon

 

[CutieMouse]

Cutie, what about transportation to the airport should things not work out? You need to know what is available in advance and have enough cash to cover the fare. Also, based on what you said about having enough in your bank account to cover the fee to change the ticket... I am assuming you are not taking a credit card. Not knowing what you may run into, going on a shoestring like that sounds risky. I'd feel better if you access to decent amount of cash or a credit card.

About checking in with your roommate at a specific time..I think you and your roommate should also agree on a random time that he is not aware of. Just an extra precaution.

By the way..is his stopping off in Dallas on the way back from Canada not an option? Even if it's just a long layover at the airport? If not, why?

I don't have a CC that isn't tied to my bank account (I do have a Visa Debit card) I will make sure I have emergency funds available (as much as possible). Checking on service to the airport is a good idea.

He's not stopping on the way back, because everything goes through Florida; we discussed the logistics, amongst a lot of other things, and I made the decision to get a feel for who he is, in his normal environment, rather than adding an extra 24 hours of travel to his return trip, or mess with a flight for me from DFW to Florida, then back, only to turn around and fly out to the DR 2 days later, should we really like each other.

If we are going to see each other, I have a window of 3 weeks during July in which to make it happen, or it won't occur for months. That isn't his timeframe, that's mine.

I like this guy... Based on our conversations up to this point, plus email exchanges, he's like the combination of my two dearest friends, but kinky as hell, too. He has no way of knowing he's like them, or that things he says reminds me of them, or vocal mannerisms make me smile because I'm used to it, even though it's the first time I've heard him say X.

I'm trying to be as safe as possible, as mindful as possible, have backup systems in place and everything... but if my gut is right, I don't want to waste any more time than I have to, or look back someday and say "Ya know I really wish..."

 

[callinectes]

I'm trying to be as safe as possible, as mindful as possible, have backup systems in place and everything... but if my gut is right, I don't want to waste any more time than I have to, or look back someday and say "Ya know I really wish..."

I understand and agree with all you said. I believe in lightning striking and there is the ONE..right there in front of you. I also believe in listening to your gut. It's just our duty to ask all of the questions and be worry warts.

 

[Evil_Geoff]

Like callinectes, I'm of the "hope for the best, prepare for the worst" school.

My personal loss colors my perception and makes me uber-paranoid about "too good to be true" fellows off the internet, and I'm honest enough with myself to understand that.

I like you Cutie, you're a great pal! And I'm tickled to death that you've found someone that you seem to be connecting with on such a fundamental level, and who, at this point, appears to be a terrific match.

Though I must admit that I do feel just a twinge of jealousy that this fellow may take you out of the market, and my strategy of patience and cunning and teasing you into my sphere of influence where I will ultimately have my way with you and ravish you madly will not pan out...

That and I wish someone would pay to fly ME out of the country for a vacation...

 

[Sir_Winston54]

<Snip> That and I wish someone would pay to fly ME out of the country for a vacation...

Should we take up a collection to fly EG out of the country?

A one-way ticket?

 

[CutieMouse]

Like callinectes, I'm of the "hope for the best, prepare for the worst" school.

My personal loss colors my perception and makes me uber-paranoid about "too good to be true" fellows off the internet, and I'm honest enough with myself to understand that.

I like you Cutie, you're a great pal! And I'm tickled to death that you've found someone that you seem to be connecting with on such a fundamental level, and who, at this point, appears to be a terrific match.

Though I must admit that I do feel just a twinge of jealousy that this fellow may take you out of the market, and my strategy of patience and cunning and teasing you into my sphere of influence where I will ultimately have my way with you and ravish you madly will not pan out...

That and I wish someone would pay to fly ME out of the country for a vacation...

I'll consider that a very very very tentative nod (twitch) of approval that I'm being anal retentive enough about the whole ID confirmation/not an ax murderer thing.

 

[the_pet]

He's probably harmless but perfect remains to be seen (it will all come out in the wash).

Try to remember, you are meeting his "representative", the new broom always sweeps clean.

I could go on and on with advice, personal experience, yadda yadda ya but you don't want to hear that shit, just make sure you leave all the information about your flight, accomodations, names, dates, etc. with a friend please. Me and my sister never went on dates that we didn't call and report our last known location! Be Safe and Have Fun!


pet

 

[SunshineLdy]

I hope it works out for you! I'm not sure if it's been said, but you could set up a check in call time, daily, and if you don't check in have a friend call the in the marines, so to speak Good luck!!!!!!

 

[FurryFury]

Cutie Mouse!

What an interesting opportunity. I hope all goes well and you are happy with this guy. I have to admit I'm very leery of the wealthy in general but some of them must be decent. I hope this guy is and treats you exactly as you had hoped!

*HUG*

 

[satindesire]

again...so, have you two spoken via webcam yet?

 

[CutieMouse]

again...so, have you two spoken via webcam yet?

No. Sorry to skip over your question.

I will talk to him about it today, though, as he's getting - 'Dude, WTF is wrong with you? She could be some gold digging trash who looks like a cross between a bull dog and a troll... how the 'eff do you know that's even her picture, eh?' from his friends. Chatting even briefly on webcam would take care of any lingerineg questions on both sides.

 

[Evil_Geoff]

No. Sorry to skip over your question.

I will talk to him about it today, though, as he's getting - 'Dude, WTF is wrong with you? She could be some gold digging trash who looks like a cross between a bull dog and a troll... how the 'eff do you know that's even her picture, eh?' from his friends. Chatting even briefly on webcam would take care of any lingerineg questions on both sides.

Well I would be happy to vouche that the picture in your av and the woman that janey and I met are the same gal... and the Cutie part of her nick is true!

OMG... what am I saying? I'm encouraging her! Somebody spash me with water and wake me up!

 

[Sir_Winston54]

Somebody spash me with water and wake me up!

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x95/Sir_Winston54/Bucket20of20Water202.gif
...................................................................................EG

 

[@}-}rebecca----]

Speaking of AVelicious ....Miss Cutie so radiant .

If you will forgive me, I will add two more things to the list .Large sun hat and sunblock .

Wishing you all the best , safe & immeasurably happy journeys

 

[zuzub]

Speaking of AVelicious ....Miss Cutie so radiant

If CM can look THAT GOOD in green, she can do anything! Cutie, pls stop flying over Area 51, you're confusing everyone.

Good luck and remember, we love you. Err, ok I do.

 

[callinectes]

Thanks for indulging our worrisome questions. It sounds as though you have covered all of your bases and have reduced the risk as much as possible. So, there's only one thing left to say...Bon Voyage!! I can't wait to read hear about your trip. I hope things work out exactly the way you want them to.

 

[neonflux]

CutieMouse, just popping in to tell you how much I love your new AV and to wish you bon voyage! Neon

 

[CutieMouse]

Thanks for indulging our worrisome questions. It sounds as though you have covered all of your bases and have reduced the risk as much as possible. So, there's only one thing left to say...Bon Voyage!! I can't wait to read hear about your trip. I hope things work out exactly the way you want them to.

He keeps complaining that I blithly said "Oh we can stand anything for 2½ weeks! It'll fly by!" on the first day... he informed me today, that at 3pm this afternoon, it will be exactly TWO WHOLE WEEKS until my flight lands, and this is NOT going quickly. LOL

 

[Sir_Winston54]

I think CM photoshopped her AV pic... else where did those stars in her eyes come from?








The days will pass, Cutie... probably not as quickly as you had first thought, but they will pass. From me, too - bon voyage!

 

[JMohegan]

Count me among those hoping for the best, wishing you well, and complimenting that adorable new av.

Count me also among those offering precautionary comments and advice. To wit...

I have all contact information (DR address, Canadian address, business address, all land lines, cell phone, the v.i.o.p line, the Canadian Embassy in the DR, etc), freedom to chat with his ex-wife and sons if I like (with whom he's staying in Canada, while he gets the boys ready for summer camp), images of the house, Google Earth images of the property, and contact information for his Rabbi and the Board of Directors he's on for a charity organization.

Repeating Graceanne's admonition from post #2, how do you know these numbers, addresses, and contacts are his?

Have you done some independent investigating, such as: find out the name of the synagogue at which the Rabbi works, call information to get the synagogue's number, call that number and ask for the Rabbi, speak to the Rabbi and ascertain that he does know this guy and has heard him mention his plans with you and thinks you are one lucky Mouse?

I'm going to go see him in a few weeks; he purchased insurance on the flight so it can be cancelled at any time. While there he wants me to check in with my roommate by phone at a specific time every day

And if you don't check in, what is your roommate planning to do? Is she fluent in mile-a-minute Caribbean Spanish? Assuming that the address he gave you is legitimate, does she have the phone number of the local DR police department? If she calls them and says, "Mi amiga _____ [insert Spanish for: didn't call me when she said she would]", what is your/her expectation for what the police will do?

Speaking of the DR police, according to the State Department's Consular Information Sheet on the Dominican Republic:

"In dealing with local police, U.S. citizens should be aware that the standard of professionalism might vary. Police attempts to solicit bribes have been reported, as have incidents of police using excessive force."


And speaking of the State Department, according to their 2007 Trafficking in Persons Report:

"The Dominican Republic is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor.

The Government of the Dominican Republic does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. The Dominican Republic is placed on Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to show evidence of increasing efforts to combat human trafficking, particularly in terms of providing increased assistance to victims and undertaking vigorous actions to counter official complicity with trafficking activity."

Food for thought and extra precautions, if you ask me.


My apologies if my comments are redundant or unnecessary. I do not expect you to answer any of the questions posed here; I am simply hoping that you will think about them if you have not already done so.

The only direct advice I will give is to strongly urge you to register your trip with the State Department before you leave. Click me to read how. When you fill out the form asking for your itinerary, give as much identifying information about this guy as you possibly can.

Then contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo and find out how emergencies would be handled, how much time would have to pass before action was taken, what proof they would need that you were in trouble, etc., and pass all that on to your roommate.

Here's hoping that one day you will look back on all these precautions and laugh with fond memories. Here's hoping you have a great trip.

 

[CutieMouse]

JM, thank you for the information on registering the trip with the State Department/the Consular department- I'll be sure to do that.

I really really have verified the guy... promise... his friends/attorney/etc are all convinced I have to either be a 300 pound troll who is after his ID to open up a gazillion credit cards, or simply nuts to want such an irreverent asshole in my life.

 

[Sir_Winston54]

JM, thank you for the information on registering the trip with the State Department/the Consular department- I'll be sure to do that.

I really really have verified the guy... promise... his friends/attorney/etc are all convinced I have to either be a 300 pound troll who is after his ID to open up a gazillion credit cards, or simply nuts to want such an irreverent asshole in my life.

I'll vote for "simply nuts" without any modifiers. But that's why we luv ya!

 

[JMohegan]

JM, thank you for the information on registering the trip with the State Department/the Consular department- I'll be sure to do that.

Quite welcome.

Best of luck to you, CutieMouse.

 

[CutieMouse]

Quite welcome.

Best of luck to you, CutieMouse.

Thank you.

I just finished registering with the State Department, with emergency contact information, his contact information, my contact information, duration of the trip, etc. In the unlikely even something should go poorly, that should be a big help- thank you for suggesting it, JM.