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The paintings of Italian-born artist Agostino Brunias, who made a profession of depicting the island in subdued, stylized settings that covered up the harsh realities of colonial control, were my first visual introduction to Dominica. However, as soon as I step onto its winding roads, which begin to twist shortly after I arrive, it becomes evident that this region, which is situated in the center of the Lesser Antilles’ curve, is anything but tame. The two-toned leaves of its bois canot trees, which change color from green to white when they sway in the wind, shimmer and bristle with the power of the volcano. It lulls with the erratic sound of its numerous waterfalls, scatters rainbows haphazardly across its breathtaking horizons, and enchants from the depths with its vibrant coral reefs. And it roars come storm season.
The indigenous Kalinago people of Dominica survived invasion by the French and British, who imposed slavery on the Africans who now make up four-fifths of the island’s population and left a linguistic legacy of English and French-based Creole, by mastering the lush tropical rainforest that covers more than 60% of the island. If you visit Trinidad for roti and Jamaica for jerk, you should travel to Dominica for green things like bush rum and flower teas. There are a ton of medicinal herbs in the forest.
The Jungle Bay Dominica resort, located smack dab in the center of the Soufrière jungles, leans into nature instead, maybe realizing the futility of fighting against the earth’s generosity. When I finally get there, the kitchen is closed. Joanne Hilaire, the operations manager, tells me that they never let guests go hungry, though, so I can feel the warmth of Dominica’s welcome. The cook is preparing an excellently stewed dish of beans with taro, rice, and plantain for our late dinner, off the menu, while I have a refreshing ginger-lime cocktail that is a local favorite. When I wake up the following morning, I find that my villa’s doors open onto a private veranda that faces southwest toward Soufrière Bay, where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean converge. I let the light wake me for the remainder of my stay by leaving my blinds open.
Dad Is Trying To Get Baby To Say “Dada” And Fails
Dad is sitting on the carpet with his darling six-month-old daughter, Lily, in a quaint living room with toys strewn around and baby equipment all over the place. Tom’s character, Dad, is adamant about hearing his young daughter say “Dada” for the first time. He’s been told by friends that their babies said “Dada” at a young age, and he’s now determined to have Lily reach the same milestone.
Tom begins by settling down in front of Lily, who is joyfully tinkering with her multicolored stacking rings while sitting cross-legged. With his sparkling eyes fixed on hers, he urges, “Come on, Lily, say ‘Dada’ for Daddy!” Lily responds with a giggle, obviously enjoying her dad’s attention.
Lily laughs, but Tom doesn’t let that stop him. He tries various strategies, such as calling Lily “Dada” repeatedly in the hopes that she will imitate him. He cries out, “Dada, dada, dada,” and makes funny faces to get Lily to pay attention.
Tom then presents a visual book with animal sounds in it. With a gesture of his hand, he asks Lily, “What does the duck say? “Quack, quack!” Excitementally, Lily claps her hands, but says nothing.
Tom then displays Lily’s beloved plush animal, a cuddly rabbit, to her and waves it. “Lily, look! It’s Bunny!” Could you say “Dada” to Bunny please? Lily doesn’t say anything, even when she reaches for the rabbit.
Tom tries everything throughout the day, including singing nursery rhymes and making goofy noises, but Lily only reacts with sweet coos and babbles. He tries, but “Dada” is still evasive.
Tom perseveres despite being frustrated. He is aware that Lily will eventually begin to speak. He shows Lily so much love and care throughout the day, savoring every second of their quality time together.
When it gets dark and Tom is getting Lily ready for bed, he puts a soft kiss on her forehead and murmurs, “Goodnight, Lily.” Perhaps you’ll say “Dada” tomorrow. Tom smiles, knowing that Lily’s response is a beautiful gurgle and that their special bond is unbreakable.
A touching scene of a father and his priceless daughter, excitedly anticipating their next adventure together, is shown to the viewers as the screen fades to dark.
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