We get the NYC TV stations down here. Watching the weather reports detailing the frigid temperatures is an other wordly event because we're in such a lovely tropical paradise here in Dominica. It's an interesting climate here. Not to mention the topography. Flying in to the airport reminded us of the scene from Jurassic Park. I almost expected a dinosaur to poke it's head above the palm trees at any second. The rugged peaks and convoluted terrain leaves almost no flat, arable space. Most of the island's almost 70,000 people live near the coast.
A view of our cabin. Our place is upstairs.
Stacey. (And Rachel and Oliver).
This is one of the few islands in the Caribbean with rivers - 300 plus for that matter - which run down with great speed from the high peaks. And there is lots and lots of rain - over 300 inches per year. So far, we've not been witness to it, but Rachel assures us that it comes down in torrents when it does rain. Rachel's place in on the edge of a rain forest and the flora, lush and green is evidence of that.
The temperature has been in the 80's. The sun is strong but there are always fluffy, white clouds to cut the intensity. Later in the day, a cooling ocean breeze brings very pleasant evenings and nights, which makes sleeping in her screened cabins a delight.
Today I drove! Yes, on those crazy,twisting, steep, left-side drive roads. Rachel lent us her car and we went into town to do a little shop and take care of business at the local cell phone company. Not bad, as I've driven in the UK and was a bit prepared. Stacey's knuckles were white. But it wasn't that far and not that bad. Then we enjoyed a lovely breakfast at the Cocorico Cafe, portside, with a view of the Caribbean and mountains down the coast. After that we walked to the open-air town market. The people had set up their wares on little tables and were selling anything they could: tomatoes (which are fabulous, by the way), cabbage, lettuce, papaya, carrots and much more. Articles of clothing and knick-knacks. Also for sale was fresh meat: goat, pork and beef, which had just been slaughtered and immediately brought to the market place in plastic bags sens refrigeration. But nobody seems to get sick from it so I guess it works, although I was skeptical about meat in 85° heat.
Most cars are right-hand drive. But some expatriate Americans keep left-hand drives for comfort.
Breakfast at the Cocorico Cafe.
Me. enjoying breakfast in town.
A little weird to see Xmas decorations in 85 degree weather.
Meet Rusty, Rachel and Oliver's trusty dog who joined us (along with Oliver) for breakfast.
Beautiful color, natural or man-made, abounds in Dominica.
Bananas are the largest agricultural product. Here at the market in Roseau.
Making the sale at the market at Roseau.
Dominicans are very friendly. Here at the market at Roseau.
Roseau street scene.
Carrying things in Dominica. People have to be very fit as they walk a lot and the roads are very steep.
We drove back, went for a dip in the pool and then the three of us were off for a view of some of Dominica's natural beauty. We were off to Trafalgar Falls which is up the road a bit from Rachel's place. What a fabulous place - two fantastic falls cascading down perhaps three or four hundred feet from between two icicle shaped mountains to the boulder-strewn valley below (which is where we had climbed to). I stripped to my shorts and was able to immerse in the bubbling water down below. It wasn't so cold, the result of warming from hot sulfur springs that bubbles up and joins the river water in various places. Dominica had been formed by volcanic action and mother Earth here is still showing its internal stuff.
Rachel & Oliver's pool . Trafalgar Mountain, usually visible from their place is hidden by fluffy white clouds.
Trafalgar Falls, viewed from a rest spot.
After our hike, we drove back down the steep road toward Rachel's house but stopped at a lovely hotel for drinks in a hot tub. But no ordinary tub this. Rather a small pool placed to capture the sulfurous waters bubbling from a mountain spring. Luxurious!
The naturally hot tub at Hotel Papilote.
Restaurant at Hotel Papilote.
Dinner tonight will be at home. After, perhaps, we'll venture out again to take in some calypso music. Carnivale is on its way and even though we won't be here for the main show, preparations are already afoot with various concerts and events that we can enjoy.
It was yet another day in paradise.
P.S. unbelievable, but our luggage has still not arrived...now two days later. Not fun. I bought a pair of sandals, underpants and shorts. Stacey is missing her facial treatments (omigod!), contact lens care, etc. Supposedly, it's coming later tonight. The airlines really suck, big time. Stay posted.
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