Hiking Through the Bush!

On top of the Water Fall

I hiked through bush with Judy! Judy is a 60+ year old volunteer who has more vest for life then my 4 year old nephew.  She is an amazing woman and moves at lightening pace. We went to three different locations in about three hours.  We went from her village to the top of the Wavine Crique waterfall, to the bottom of Wavine Crique, through to bush to secret beach! There were times I was a little nervous as I was using rocks, trees, and my walking stick to get up the side of a dirt hill.  The views and the sights were truly worth it!

Using Ropes, Roots, and Tress to climb down

One of the reason I went to Dominica, was to be reminded of the nature island and the peace being in the nature can cause on my soul!

WE REACHED

I got back to town from Judy’s around mid-afternoon! After a short nap and a shower I made my way to town where I picked up some of my favorite Dominican items. Then I was off to Creole in the Park where I was greeted by hugs, familiar faces, and stories of my service. 

Creole in the Park

Creole in the Park takes place the Monday-Thursday before the large Creole Music Festival which happens on the weekend.  The two events take place right before Dominican's Independence which is 1st of November.  Creole in the Park has more local artist with about two artist not from Dominica.  Creole Music Festival brings down bigger artist and has a greater french influence. 

WATER DAY!

Monday was my water day! I went snorkeling at Champagne Reef.  They call it Champagne Reef because as you are snorkeling you will see bubbles coming up from the rocks.  Those bubbles are created because of the volcanic nature of the island.  Also, I got a HUGE treat while snorkeling! I was able to see a 2 year old turtle just hanging out.  I was talking to someone about it and they told me that the turtle was born/raised around people so it is not fearful of humans.  It was intense to see all of the different brightly colored fish, coral reef, and schools of fish just hanging out.

After snorkeling at Champagne Reef, I went to my favorite dive shoppe to visit the owners.  While serving in Dominica I spent many hours on their dock.  The hours were spent reflecting, taking in the sunshine, listening to the waves, naps, and a few times

 tears were shed.  I find great peace and comfort on that dock.

After some dock laying, I was off to the country side to visit Judy, a Peace Corps Volunteer who will be ending her service but still calling Dominica home! Her whole village knows her and it was nice to sit have dinner and catch up with her

Live in the Moment!

Sunday! What a refreshing day! I did not nothing exciting and that was exactly what I needed.  I had a great breakfast with a good friend of mine.  Then I took a two hours nap.  I read a little and then we spent the afternoon at the beach where I was able to catch up randomly with some friends.  

We took in the sun, bathed in the sea and watched the sunset! It was a marvelous way to end one week and begin the next!

First Hour First Hike!

View of Scott's Head

I landed in Dominica and hit the ground running (literally!).  I landed in the AM, changed my cloths and I was off to Hike.  Dominica has a National Trail that runs through the whole island and is broken up in 13 or 14 different Segments. 

The Yellow and Blue Strips Guided Me Along the Trail

I did the Segment #1, which is in the south of the island.  While hiking by myself, I was able to take in the moments, clear my head, and sort out what my goals are for 2013.  During the hike I realized how terrified I am of snakes.  I blame it on my childhood neighbor boys (who I love dearly) who chanced me around the neighborhood with a garden snakes in their hand.  Anyways, two small/thin snakes crossed the trail and I went running and screaming like they were attacking me! Anyways, it is one of my favorite hikes and has a beautiful view of Scott’s Head once you reach the top!

The View from the Top with Scott's Head in the Background

That evening I was able to go up to my village and see everyone.  It was just great to see everyone and hang out at the same spot I spent many nights as a volunteer.  Also, I was able to catch up with neighbor who is sweet as pie and I miss dearly! 

Nature Island

First View of Dominica from the Plane

While serving as a two year volunteer, Dominica and I spent much of our time in a love hate relationship. Working in compared to visiting a country is two totally different things.  About a week ago I went to Dominica to visit for 6 days.  I went during the Independence Season and was able to attend Creole in the Park 3 of the 4 days. You will hear more about Creole in the Park in the next few weeks!

This visit was exactly what I needed. The cool crisp air was refreshing, the lush greens were breathtaking, and the memories the trip brought back warmed my soul. For me, Dominica makes sense, Dominica is Home.  It was great to hear individual tell me, ‘Welcome Home!’ or ‘You know enough people you can lime (go out) by yourself!’  I have a connection to the people and the country.

As discussed in a previous blog, it is hard for me to measure success.  After this trip, I have realized, I have made an impact on the individuals I worked with.  The individual I saw were just as excited to see me as I was to see them.  The school children reminded me of activities we did and many asked when I was coming back.  I did not build a library, there is not a painting I did in a school, and only one of my projects is still functioning.  With that being said, I made an impact on the people of Dominica as they helped me to grow as an individual. I planted lasted seeds of growth and memories in them.

For the next few weeks, I will post some pictures and explain what I did each day! I hope I am able to paint you a picture of how beautiful my ‘untouched’ Dominica is.