Caribbean Cruise: Dominica (2.11.25)

I immediately loved the island of Dominica.  It is one of the "Windward Islands" in the Caribbean, on the southern tail of the Caribbean archipelago, near South America.  The island is lush and green, and the people are more African and indigenous than on northern islands like Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic.  Not as many cruise ships dock in Dominica as on the northern islands, and it seemed more "real."
 

We first drove to the top of Morne Bruce, where we looked down on the capital city of Roseau and our ship, docked in the harbor.

I bought two bags of local candies.  One was peanut brittle, with a strong molasses flavor.  The other was roasted coconut, flavored with ginger.  Dominica is one the many Caribbean islands that hosted sugar plantations, in the days of French colonization and slavery.  I wonder if the molasses flavor became popular when molasses was a byproduct of sugar refining?

Our guide showed us around the Dominica Botanical Garden, with more than 50 species of indigenous plants.  She told us that she came from the Kalinago tribe, indigenous people who were once known as the Caribs, from which "Caribbean" took its name.  The Caribs and other indigenous people from the islands were mostly extinguished following colonization in the 1500s and 1600s, when they proved not strong enough for the harsh work of slavery.  Africans were imported to work in the sugar plantations.

The mahogany tree is native to the Caribbean.  It is a high quality hardwood, and was used for the beautiful, dark wood furniture in colonial plantation homes.

As we left Roseau, we passed this sign, advertising aid from China.  Our guide said that China has funded many projects in Dominica, such as the airport and the main hospital.  Each time China finishes a project, it either names the project after itself or posts prominent signs advertising Chinese aid.  We didn't see any evidences of United States aid.  With the abolishment of federal USAID, those evidences will be even scarcer.

Next stop was Jacko Falls, one of the many waterfalls in Dominica.  We hiked down moss-covered steps to reach the falls.  Ferns sprouted next to the walkway, and a little crab peeked out from the foliage.

We then drove to the Kalinago Territory, a reserve for indigenous people.  We ate lunch (taro, sweet potatoes, lentils over rice) and enjoyed a program of indigenous dancing and music.

We drove higher into the mountains, where the indigenous people live, among lush palms and bright flowers, and with the ocean just over the cliffs.  

I bought a handmade basket, and I wished I had bought half a dozen more.  Our guide, who came from this area, said she knew how to make those baskets, as well.

Back in Roseau, we browsed the Dominica Historical Museum, trying to understand the history and culture of charming Dominica.  I noted the shaded veranda and bright yellow and brick red colors of the museum's typical Caribbean building.

We passed this Rastafarian man on the street.  He looked as if he was straight from Jamaica.

And, finally, it was time to leave.