Roseau, Dominica

The first thing we learned is that the Nature Island is called Dominica and pronounced like Dominique. We took a bus tour so that we could see more of this relatively small island with 71,000 inhabitants. The people are very happy and very proud of their country.  We drove through the capital city of Roseau, where a third of the people live and work.  It is certainly not as "posh" as St. Barth's. They have one 4 star hotel which used to be the jail and a few guest houses in the various villages. They gained their independence from Britain but still drive in the British style and also have towns named Salisbury and Portsmouth.  The main language is English and they also learn Creole at home. Their diet is primarily focused on fish, with some chicken and pork, but little beef. We drove up to the top of the hill where the government offices are for a view of the island (and retail opportunities). Unemployment is 10-11% and tourism is the main source of income, so many people make crafts and sell them at the roadside or at tourist areas.  After the higher view we went to Trafalgar Falls. It was a rougher walk from the bus than some of our folks from the cruise ship were prepared for, but we saw the twin falls. Then we drove along the west or Caribbean shore until we came to the longest river on the island and followed it up to the National Park, which is a UNESCO site. There we walked though the rain forest to the Emerald Pool which is supposed to make you more youthful. Unfortunately for some of our older companions it was a harder walk and they missed that chance.

 

Views of the island and the city of Roseau from the government hill.

Walking to Trafalgar Falls.

Through the rainforest to the Emerald Pool. We feel younger already.