The expats here in Santo Domingo are all a fascinating bunch. Unlike other expats who live their American lives behind walled compounds (of which more soon), these guys are deeply embedded in the way of life here, running businesses, raising families etc. They are full of deeply revealing and incrediably useful hints - the following are bits of advice given to me yesterday on how to keep out of trouble with the law.

Number one - never have a proper visa. If stopped by police, explain that you a tourist who has lost their tourist visa. This gets you more respect, and less likely to be asked for a bribe.

Number two - when you get your passport photo taken, always wear a suit and tie. As I was told "you never know when you are going to be crossing the Haitian border, in rags and with a 10 day beard, and you need to be taken seriously." Useful advice for everyone, I think.

Number three - as the police are always stopping motorists 'for having a dirty car' and 'fining' them (any excuse for a bribe), then if waved over by the police, just give them a smart military salute and keep on driving. They are then in two minds - is this person really a police or military person, or am I going to get in trouble for stopping a General? Apparently, it works every time. When you are not in your car, just flash any official looking document at them - they are generally illiterate and if you do it with confidence, they are not going to challenge you.

Number four - if anyone asks you were you are from, say China. As the geographical knowledge here is so bad, then they are not sure whether you are having them on, as they kind of know what a chinese person looks like, but are not too sure. They never challenge your chineseness. This is not really for avoiding trouble with the law, but it is great fun to see the confused look develop across their faces.