Dominica was our first experience of the picture the Caribbean puts in one's mind. Sunshine, rainforest, Mountains, abundant rivers and exotic trees and plants. Not renowned for its beaches as the island is historically recent and volcanic so the beaches tend to be coarse and grey.
Aurora tied up alongside the jetty in front of the town centre of Roseau, the capital, and it was only 100 yards along the wooden jetty to the market, which was open even though it was Good Friday. A word about trading practices here is that you can get constantly pestered to buy things even from children selling things like home made necklaces. Remember this is a poor country and this could be their livelihood and all you have to do if you are not interested is to say firmly and politely 'No Thank You'. Initially you may find the item is offered at a cheaper price before they get the message, but be polite.
There is a small population of Carib Indians (about 3000) who live in an area to the east of the island and they are integrated into the population, in fact the guide on our tour was one. We also came across 3 Carib children dressed in traditional costume on our tour and they gave a little song and dance routine as we approached on the minivan. The general rule for torists is to stop and give them a dollar. Here again the EC$ is the currency but the US$ is widely accepted.
If you wish to use your mobile phone here you will need to set up Triband with your mobile phone company before you leave the UK.
It may be appropriate to mention here about insects. The fact is we never saw any!
We took the Layou River Scenic drive tour here on a minivan for 10 people together with our guide. First we drove up to Morne Bruce overlooking Roseau. Here they are people selling souvenirs, we then carried on through the Botanic Gardens and through lush scenery with tropical flowers and fruits and eventually reached the Layou River Hotel where we stopped for a drink and were entertained to a traditional local song and dance show. we had time to walk through the grounds and see the Banana and papaya trees to the shallow river and enjoy the forested mountains overlooking the hotel. At the end we returned via the coast. There is very little walking involved on this tour.
Other tours involve visiting Emerald pool and Trafalgar Falls. These are in the rainforest so you are advised to take a waterproof coat or umbrella.
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