I just got back from a trip to the Dominican Republic. I was supposed to stay 3 weeks, but I came back one week early because of the food situation. I probably got glutened every 2nd or 3rd day, to the point that I couldn't even tell the separate occasions.

I'd like to emphasize that I was NOT at an all inclusive resort. I'm sure those are probably accommodating the same way cruise ships are. I was eating in Sosua, Cabarete, Puerto Plata, and Santo Domingo restaurants.

I speak Spanish. I can explain and ask for what I need. It's not that people didn't understand, they just didn't know what was in the food, or in some cases didn't care. They all assured me that there was no flour, but the waiters and waitresses aren't educated on what restaurants serve there. There were a couple situations when I asked, and then got a piece of fish with a dusting of flour. Apparently this doesn't count as breaded. This is a developing country- I can't just send it back and refuse to pay. People don't understand.

Anyway, there were too many days when I had to eat rice, fruit, and M&Ms because I had no choice. I would not recommend this country unless you are in an all-inclusive resort run by foreigners. This is the first really bad travel experience I've had, and I travel internationally quite a bit.

Ack! I'm so sorry your trip was a bummer. I hope you're feeling better soon.

eek! thanks for the warning... I love the Spanish language and central/south American cultures, and I have always wanted to do more traveling down there during college...now I'll make sure I come bien preparada

The thing is, not all Latin American countries are the same. I'm pretty sure I would have had no trouble in Mexico, where corn is the dominant grain. I live on Mexican food. I'm guessing I'd do OK in Argentina as well, simply because they are really big on meat and the most developed country in the region.

¡Que desastre! I thought it would be easy to go to Spanish speaking countries. We frequent the Mexican restaurant because I (being a Spanish teacher) can explain all of our allergies (wheat/shellfish) to the waiters and they always do a great job.
I used to live in France but sort of dread visiting now-- being gluten free. No more visits to the patisserie pour moi!