Dominica

With little expectations of the unknown island of Dominica, we were all surprised and amazed with its beauty.  An island at the most southern end of the Caribbean, it gained independence from the British in 1968. 

We arrived on a Sunday morning and found every store and restaurant closed for the day.  About 80% of people are religious, which explains the island’s day of rest and continual church services.  With little to do in town, I headed with a group of over 20 students for a hike to Middleham falls.  We all hopped on a bus and a young Dominican tour guide named Leon shared his love for his beautiful island home.  Dominica is a natural wonder of this world, a place so unique, something I have never experienced before.  The island is known for its lush rainforest, vast mountains, cascading waterfalls, volcanoes, boiling lake, black sand beaches, gorges, natural hot springs, and champagne reef in which bubbles from the earths floor surface.  This island does not cater to tourists with fancy resorts; it is the ideal place for an adventurer.  The main lure for tourist is hiking and that is exactly what we did.  A large group of us hiked an hour into the rainforest to Middleham falls.  Our guide and friend Leon hiked with us, barefoot might I add.  The end point was a huge, roaring waterfall and we immediately jumped in the fresh pool of water.  We climbed up to a small cave, which was the perfect jumping spot.  It was unreal.  On the hike back I stayed back with Leon to help a friend who had a minor panic attack.  I was able to talk with Leon and further learn about his life and Dominican culture.   A woman on the island apparently lived to age 128 along with many other people who live long.  Reasoning behind this is the simple and natural life of Dominica; they grow bananas, plantains, grapefruit, pineapple, oranges, sorrel, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, cocoa, and many other spices.   Not only do they eat well, but also live healthy and happily.  Leon used the term “Irie” in regards to his work.  The day he took us on the hike he was not getting paid with the company, he was freelancing and I said, “That’s good to know”.  He replied with “No, its all Irie” meaning he does it out of good.  We all enjoyed his company, especially on the bus ride back we he free styled and showed off his musical skills.  The following day, I did a trip through SAS and hiked in the rain to Emerald pool and Trafalgar falls.  These are two incredible destinations in the middle of the rainforest.  Afterwards, I tasted the local beer and food, shopped around town, and enjoyed the sunset that had a double rainbow that reached from the mountains into the ocean.  What a beautiful place!