Dominica

Sulayacht
Mon 14 Feb 2011 17:22
Portsmouth was great, we have been for a trip up the Indian River by rowing boat, this is the river used in Pirates of the Caribbean II where the voodoo witch women has her house, fantastic trip, a great guide with just the four of us, Thomas, Regula and us two.  Last night Albert, our river guide took Chris and Thomas out fishing to see if he could break Chris's run of no luck with fishing, no chance, Thomas (who has never rod fished before) caught a ten pound King Fish, Chris and Albert landing it for him, but still no luck for Chris!  Sunday we had a trip around the North of the Island through the rain forests, and Carib Indian Reserve, it was a superb trip with a very knowledgeable guide, we came away with lemon grass, three types of bay leaf, cinnamon bark, picked from the side of the road.  We learnt about the various plants and fruits used in natural healing all these things grow around the many walks it is possible to do.  We visited Fort Shirley which is being rebuilt, what was the main officers accommodation  has now become a centre which is available for local use, (not that very many locals in Portsmouth would be able to afford the hire fee!) it was a good trek up and down hills and we saw ground lizards, tree lizards, humming birds, fly catches and snakes.  We also acquired a dog who left the dock with us and walked all day then sat on the dock as we returned to Quicksilver!   
We liked Dominica very much, it is one of the islands that does not give you the feeling of being pushed into buying things and everyone does not have their hand out but I don't know for how long this will go on for.  One thing which is striking throughout the Islands so far visited is the vast difference between the have and have nots, huge luxurious houses next to tin shacks with stand pipes in the streets.  Most of the people we met just accept this as so but once or twice we felt a little uncomfortable.
 
Well next stop planned is The Saints, Guadeloupe plan to leave here Friday. xx

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