Sweet Little Island: Dominica

Sunday:
i am in the room. what's amazing is this feeling of the down in the dumps when i had such an incredible day. Maybe that's why petty things can still affect me. This entire experience feels too surreal at the moment. Today, I woke up tired. I had a very intense conversation last night with Obai in the Union. It was nice that he felt that comfortable to confide in me (especially considering our brief acquaintance). A listener is one of the best types of friends to have in your corner and I am blessed to possess one myself. We sat talking for hours and left by 3 ish am. It made me miss my friends back at home… those late night/morn conversations in random parts of the campus. Those were the very ones that remains as the strongest and fondest moments of my entire college experience. I set my alarm for 7:15am but completely ignored it as expected. My pre-sale trip didn't start until 10 so I guess me leaving out my room by 8ish wasn't all that smart. I guess I was paranoid. Yesterday it was a long line to disembark once we were cleared by customs. It also was because Dominica was so new to us. It is hard to think we were only here for two days and am setting off to sail tonight by 8pm (we had to be back on the ship by 6 pm). We ended up having thee most spectacular introductions to the island. I started out with no plans. It turned out that none of us (my roomies nor I) had anything scheduled for Sunday. We figured we would play it by ear, walk around and see the things in immediate proximity. We were approached by a lot of taxi drivers once we left the ship. There were so many tours they were trying to sell us. Dominica is a lush green tropical rainforest with over 200 rivers, and some notable waterfalls, gorges, springs and volcanic areas. One guy named Gus tried to get our business and was almost unsuccessful since he was trying to charge us 20ish-50ish dollars per person. Mind you, $1 US is equal to $2.67 Carib dollars or Cedis. He was making twice the rate already. He knew he was losing us once I started walking away. We hadn't even decided that we were even interested in using the taxi services and the pre-sale SAS trips to Champagne Reef (natural bubbly pond/river hence the name with beautiful coral reef etc and best suited for snorkelers. Then there were the other sites like Emerald Pool which was because of the location: in the middle of the rainforest and when the sun hit certain plants it creates a radiant green therefore transforming the water into a green opaque like color. Quick digression: just before we arrived in Dominica, there was a massive volcano on our left. It was so random for us and completely unexpected. Everyone piled up on the decks (I chose my room window) and took pictures. Nature in its most natural form is unbelievably spectacular. Okay back to what we decide to do. So we got Gus to only charge us $10 a person and decided on just the trip to the Trafalgar falls. Next it was a matter of when we were going to go since half of my friends had stuff planned from 11ish-1ish via pre-sale. We told him later then walked across the street to the Visitor Tourist information center so we could think clearer and talk it out without the input of the taxi drivers. Decided to take a walk to the cafe down the street, grab some coffee and use the internet if we could. There was a KFC sign further down the road (which we didn't walk) but it was interesting to see it. Inside the cafe, we sat and talked. A few folks brought danishes/muffins and coffees/teas/waters. I admit I was a bit paranoid after our pre-port meeting about what not to eat or drink that I opted not to. We got to talking about music and did a little bit of the chicken dance, cupid shuffle and cha-cha slide. Random indeed but always amusing. Decided to visit the church (there were mannnny) but the closest one was a little ways up the road. Majority of the shops was closed since it was Sunday and some wouldn't open until 1ish so we wanted to go where the people were and also experience the culture. But that raised issues regarding respect and whether or not we would be received well due to some of our clothing or lack of I should say (it was pretty hot and some folks had tank tops and shorts). Then we asked the employee of the cafe shop and she said for visitors like us it would be okay but no for them. So we started walking in the direction of the church but when we got there, we could hear that the singing portion was over and there was something like a sermon happening so we thought it would be rude to walk in especially since we would be a spectacle anyway. So instead, we continued walking. Ended up taking a trip around the city by foot. It was sooo hot but we were too excited to stop. Walked through neighborhoods, up and down hills. Saw a Subway as well as a Pizzahut. Haha. Ahh America, America. Always marking it's influence on other civilizations. We past the walking tour group which was a pre-sale trip sponsored by SAS and was glad we didn't pay for it. We got the same experience minus the extra slowness in pace (it was hot so to walk so slow wouldn't have been a great experience for us) and information by the guide. We went through the marketplace behead the tourist center which had lots of beautiful jewelry and souvenirs. We were also looking so that we could find food or beverage. Saw a little stand with some meat patties but decided since we were so close to the ship we might as well save money and go back. We grabbed lunch then split (those with pre-sales stayed behind) and went to find Gus. We couldn't find him. I guess he had to make money (which makes sense) and had found other folks to drive around. This guy asked us if he could take us instead we said sure but that Gus had already told us it would be  10 bucks. He frowned (haha) and was like it wouldn't have been 10 but because we had already negotiated the price with Gus he would do it. He just hoped that we would tip him him a lot. This guy name was Roland and he turned out to be amazing. We drove through the city and he explained things in detail from the basic architecture (influence of the French) to the rich history of the things in proximity (former Slade trade quarters). As we drove up the mountain to Trafalgar Falls he told us it would take us 10-15 minutes to hike up the mountain (which is short compared to some others on the island) but it would be worth it.  He also told us that he would wait until we were done. When we got to the site, we had to pay for a day pass ($5) and we had a very pregnant tour guide. Actually, we were worried for her throughout the entire hike. She had no water or anything. Plus we were having difficulty climbing and avoiding slipping on massive rocks en route to the waterfalls… and we didn't want anything to happen to her. But she assured us she did it hundreds of times before and that she was used to it. She also said that it was no different than from having a "Fat belly." She proved to be graceful and made it safe and soundly. She was hauling us up over rocks and whatnot. We mutually decided not to get too close to the waterfalls because we just didn't want to take the chance with her though (haha). We hiked close enough and took pics. Some folks around us were bathing in the water. There were two types of water streaming in between the rocks. One was the sulphur (iron) which was warm to touch and the other was the spring water. The sulphur she explained was great for the skin but couldn't be consumed (diarrhea would result). The springs were drinkable but with plenty of folks bathing or drinking and doing whatever else, it was advised not to do so anymore. The sad point of the day was when we were heading back, we heard  a plop sound. Meghan's camera had dropped and was completely submerged in water. She got down in the water and grabbed it out but mm mm mm. That sucked. Once we completed the hike back to the beginning of the site, we tipped the tour guide for her service, brought some things from the women with tables outside of the site and hopped into the taxi. He was adamant about showing us more. He took us to the Sulphur Springs. We hopped up out the taxi and trekked up the stairs winding up near the springs. The first thing that we heard as we walked was a hissing, popping sound. Yes, the springs were boiling and it was a stench so smell it resembled hard boiled eggs and farts. It was fascinating to watch though. The steam rising from the boiling mix of iron was captivating. It had a brownish tint to it. After posing for a few pictures, we decided we would gather our money together and figure out the tip (instead of doing it in sight of the driver). We rounded up some bucks and handed it to Obai who would give it to the driver at the conclusion of the trip. Then we got into the taxi. Roland insisted on driving us around some more. We had already decided on the sum of money so we knew we weren't going to change or add anything. But Roland didn't know this. He drove us to the Botanical Gardens and other sorts of places. We even drove up near the President's house where the view of the island was breathtaking. Finally after a long day (invaluable), we got back to the ship. Roland gave us his number and told us to call him if we wanted to use his services on Monday. He kept telling us to bring more friends next time in hopes that we or them could tip him more. Naturally. Anyhow, we got back and split up to shower and meet up again for dinner. Had dinner and then lounged around for a bit (library). A bunch of folks were talking about going out to JR's which was a bar/club that was closed (since it was Sunday) but they were opening it up since they were aware that they could make a ton of money while SAS was in town. I debated between going and sleeping as did most of my friends. Half of us decided to go. Danced for a bit then walked back to the ship. By the way, the ship is open 24 hours while in port. So yeah, walked back because the club was really packed and hot. Not to mention some people were going to Crazy Coconut which was another club that they opened for SAS. The thing was it was on the other side of the island (about a 20 minute ride) and had a cover charge of $4. The taxi drivers were going nuts trying to make money and remind folks of the heat and limited room in JR's. That's how I ended up in the library talking to Obai for a slight bit, then we went to the Piano Bar with a few other people and people-watched. It's always amusing watching intoxicated folks. The conversations we overheard (particularly this one guy about tattoos and his clover on his butt) had us laughing sooo hard! Then this random drunk girl who apparently also lives on Obai's floor was slurring and touching Obai's locks. She kept saying they were beautiful and such art and how she wished she had some… He had one wrapped around to keep it all together like a pony tail… she unwound it and started freaking out like oh no I broke it. How do I put it back like you had it? We were cracking uppppp! Obai was worried that she would throw up in his hair so his face was hilarious, definitely shoulda took a pic. Anyhow, they left and most folks who came by afterwards was in search of food. Fortunately, when I got back from JR's I ran into Obai and Andrew in the library and we found food. We were seriously searching because we hadn't eaten since dinner and the late night snacks aren't offered during port. We all ran up to the Pool bar once we found out from Kayla and a group of folks studying and snacking that it was open. It was also my first time finding out that we had a grill part of the bar because Obai ordered a double hamburger. I looked through the menu and was surprised at all that they offered. Funny story, by the time Meghan and I was ready to order the woman had swiped Obai's order and then said the grill was closed (but everything else was open). We were like nooooooooooooooo. The lady let us go ahead and place our order so that was nice =) The hamburger was delish! Anyhow, Meghan dipped off as did Andrew and that's how Obai and I begin talking as mentioned earlier in this post.

Lets get to Monday:
Woke up and headed out to wait on the pier for the Dominica State Beautification Project. I was so scared of getting off the ship late and missing it, that I ended up getting off and waiting for an hour outside haha. It wasn't too bad though. It was a lot happening so I just people-watched some more. I didn't see too many folks signed up for my group so I was kinda worried I would be the only student. I mean, the list of things to do in Dominica mostly consisted of "fun" stuff. In my wait, I met a faculty member who was coming along. His name was Bill. He was a former Peace Corps member. We had a delightful conversation and we made some connections. He was surprised about my viewpoint on service and (blushing) said it was refreshing to meet someone so young with my mindset. Needless to say, I was glad I met him because he is a great resource and not only was a psych major back in college but a counselor and advisor for implementing service in needed communities. Actually, he wanted me to go to a dinner that is held for those who were former Peace Corps members since he heard about my acceptance into the AmeriCorps program. But fast forward, we pulled up to the college which was brightly painted in neon green, yellow and some portions, pink. We bustled into the Hospitality and tourism section (which makes sense that those were the students we met). Introductions were a bit silly. We said our names, majors, why we liked service, our favorite tree and tv show. Many of the girls liked "The Game" which I do as well so that was cool. It's amazing how media connects us all. The next ice-breaker was geared towards getting a tour of the school and getting acquainted before starting the service activities. We had to "look up, look down and lock eyes." If the person we locked eyes with also looked back at us, we became a pair. Upon doing so, I got Taneka. After everyone had pairs, there were a few more students from the college than us so the girls were free to join any existing pair. Two of the girls immediately ran over to me so I felt cool hahaha. Guess what, one of the girls name was Candace as well. How odd but cool as well. The other was Ameka. Their ages were 18, 19 and 20. We began by walking outside. It kept raining sporadically then stopping. (Dominica gets 350 inches of rain per year) so it made sense, it just kept throwing us Americans off though. We could have done the generic tour around the campus as most folks were but I wanted to take a different approach. The best way to get acquainted was to get down and personal by talking about what matters. I told the girls I was a singer and poet and asked what did they enjoyed doing. It turns out I had the coolest group of girls ever! Ameka was a poet and had won the Dominica State Poetry competition. Taneka loved singing, and Candice was a dancer. Naturally I got all excited and asked them where could we go so I could record them. We came to a clearing in the academic building and Ameka performed her poem first. It was amazing and I could hardly believe that she wrote it. I had goosebumps. The girls then got together and another girl came along so that she could join them in a song. Once they started singing, several of the other groups started crowding around us. After they sung, Candice did some dancing. I asked the girls to show me a few dances and one of the SAS'ers recorded my attempts to learn with them. They asked me to sing since I told them I was a singer so I did "When you believe" (the song Whitney & Mariah sings in The Prince of Egypt). My body was trembling because I was so nervous but the applause at the end made it worth it. The amusing part was the faculty member running the trip and some of the SAS'ers responses regarding the idea of doing all of that. I guess it could have gone the generic route and none of us would have made any deeper connections. I guess I am in the right field after all (psychology). I am glad I got those clips on my camera… It died shortly after :( I hadn't charged it the night before!! We got back inside the building to snack. Snack consisted of a blend of all of our boxed lunches from the ship and the food from the girls. I think it was a great idea to have everything laid out so that we could share and experience each. Then we got to splitting in two major groups. One would plant palm trees and the other would paint tables and murals. I opted to plant (of course since that was where all the action was). That was very cool. We had a blast, and I quickly got a quick crash course in agriculture haha. Taft (the oldest male 20 yrs old) was very helpful. We all planned out where we should plant the big and smaller palm trees, then got to digging. There was only one shovel and 5 or 6 machetes. Gotta say, digging with a machete never would have crossed my mind, but hey, it proved useful. After we took pictures of each other and completed the process we got to cleaning our hands for lunch. What immediately took the foreground was those who came out to the pump to wash their hands from the paint. Turns out the paint was an oil based one so it wasn't coming out. Picture this: 13 girls or so (both the SAS and Dominica State College girls) , vigorously rubbing their hands trying to get paint off… then resulting to picking up dirt/mud and rubbing their hands together… some rubbing it on the pavement, making handprints on the tires we placed over the new planted palm's (to indicate they were new), and a few girls who made handprints on the neighbor's dog who'd wandered over <- that was funnnnnnny. The dog shot outta there shortly after, guess she was confused poor thing. Anyhow, people started using stones/rocks to kind of sand it off. Talk about getting creative. Then the girls from inside of the kitchen, brought out some oil or kerosene and they started rubbing it on their hands. Still had difficulty getting it off but it was lifting some. I wish I had taken a picture… hahahahaha. We got inside, had lunch and kinda had a talent show where Ameka performed another one of her poems. Some more of the girls sang, and I wish I had my camera on to record this particular song. It was beautiful! Definitely gonna bring my spare camera with me or be sure to charge up before I step out the door. I didn't even get to put my camera in the stack for a shot of us during the group photo. Now I have to wait till folks add me on facebook/later on in the semester when they upload and tag myself. Womp Womp. Overall, it was amazing experience. I am glad I had the opportunity to see the beautiful parts of the island that tourists come to the island for, but I am more appreciative of the time I spent with these amazing students and making the trip a well-rounded and eye opening one more than anything. I couldn't have asked for a better trip. Dominica was our first official stop/port and after this one, I can't wait for many more. Did I mention that all of them asked to add me on Facebook?? ahahahahahahah! =) They hugged me so tight and gave me their email addresses so we could keep in touch. I plan to do so.

It is Tuesday morning and I am sitting on the floor in the back of the Union. Global Studies is taking place. This is a lecture class and there are a ton of folks in here. Right now the ship is rocking sooooooo much that stuff is shaking. It feels like a roller coaster to be honest. The waves have gotten intense which makes sense since we are sailing the Atlantic ocean. You can feel it in your stomach. People are leaving (most likely going back to their rooms to sleep). Some people are laying out on the floor (guess they are struggling with motion sickness). Speaking of which, it's funny. I was expecting the worst in that category since I've never been on a moving ship/boat before. I have been fine in comparison to others. Gotta say, more guys than girls have been punks about the motion. Haha… Anyhow, it's always a struggle to walk without falling over, but that's the funny part. Especially while in class. Hahaha. Or just all over the ship…even more so while in breakfast, lunch or dinner. Juggling a plate and walking back to a table suddenly becomes a challenge, a funny one of course depending on your humor. There was just an announcement to the ship crewmen regarding a "code black." The professor doing a presentation on the women and girls of Nepali (also my professor for Social Justice and Altruism) just made a joke about that. It didn't sound that serious so I am sure all is well…. they also said it was an exercise so I am assuming a practice drill of some sort. Class just let out and I am back in the room since my next class isn't until 1:35 and lunch isn't until 11:45. The ship seems to be blazing in speed because it has become even more hilarious trying to walk. I kid you not, people are walking so cautiously, and holding on to random people that it was hard not to laugh. Class ended but folks were treading so slowly there wasn't that sense of urgency as it usually is. There were a few old folks (life-long learners) who had some sort of hand holding system and were trying to wean themselves off the wall that it was both cute but still funny. Going down the stairs was a riot. The ship was swaying to the left so we drifted that way, then it steered right and we shifted that way too. Once I got to my floor and headed through the corridors it seemed a lot easier. Or I was just walking faster haha. Either way, the day has started off on a comical note. Time to nap though. SAS = best sleep ever!