Dominica - Part 4

Weyve
Kev and Jan Sherwood
Tue 9 Mar 2021 12:40

On the way down

 

 

 

Other fun days out were our visit to the area of the islanded gifted to the descendants of the original indigenes

Natives of the island and also visits to some beautiful waterfalls.

 

 

 

The black sand at Red Rocks

 

A palm tree

 

It was great to have a hire car with so much to see around the island . That was until day two when the engine warning light came on and the car started hiccoughing and struggling up hills. We called the hire company and they said “ don’t worry it’s just short of oxygen “ !! I can’t say I put much faith in their diagnoses and was proven right when the car finally broke down a couple of days later . They soon brought a replacement out to us and the mechanic explained that it was due to the poor quality of the fuel not burning properly at altitude causing a senser to malfunction blah , blah , blah but all was good after that.

To leave the island we had to go to the customs office with our papers which was no problem but then to the police station to get our passports stamps. Unfortunately the young policeman on duty had never heard of such a thing , it being so long since they had any tourists , but it eventually got sorted and the following day we set sail to Antigua.

Before I finish up I ought to say something about the people . They are incredibly friendly , everyone you pass on the street asks you how your day is going and if you’re enjoying the island . You can stop and chat to storekeepers , builders , taxi drivers and they will all treat you like a friend . Yet , this island is poor , so poor . With no tourists coming in ( boats are limited to a maximum of 30 at any one time ) , no cruise ships  or flights from other islands there is hardly any income , just a small amount from banana and cocoa exports . I think it will be a while yet before they are fully back on their feet but I have no doubt they will because they truly love their island.