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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.
STEPMOTHER’S UNFORGETTABLE WEDDING VOWS BRING TEARS AS FOUR-YEAR-OLD REACTS
Celebrating the start of a new life with someone you love at their wedding is really wonderful.
At the wedding of USMC Sgt. Joshua Newville and Senior Airman Emily Leehan, the guests were expecting to have a good time, and they did. But they also saw something incredibly special.
Leehan, the bride, had written vows for her stepson Gage. She started reading them out loud.
The cute little child couldn’t hide his excitement at his dad’s wedding. It was clear that he not only liked his soon-to-be mom but was super happy about his dad’s choice.
During the wedding, Leehan noticed Gage looking at her with big eyes. So, she turned to him and started reading the vows she wrote for both of them.
When she finished, everyone in the room said “awww” because her words were so full of love and emotion.
People were happy-crying, but what really touched everyone’s hearts was Gage’s reaction. He couldn’t stop sobbing, holding onto his stepmom tightly as he listened to what she was saying.
Leehan told him, “I want you to be safe, and to try your hardest and to be a good person.” Then, she said, “Don’t cry, baby,” because she could see that the emotions were a lot for the little guy to handle.
“I also want you to know that you’re a special boy,” continued Leehan. “You’re really smart, handsome, and kind to others. You’ve helped me become the woman I am today. Even though I didn’t give you life, life gave me the wonderful gift of having you.”
After a short moment to collect their emotions, they exchanged their vows as part of the wedding ceremony.
It’s mentioned that after the wedding, the newlyweds went back to work right away.
They were both required to report back to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, so the honeymoon had to be put on hold.
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