First Week in Dominica

Well, it has been officially a week since I arrived on the island. The island is known for its export of bananas, its world rated scuba diving sites, being the nature island of the Caribbean (2/3 undisturbed ecosystem), last but not least filming site of Pirates of the Carribean 2 and 3. My first night here, Mark showed me thing that he thought I may need to know for basic essentials- food, grocery, campus, beach (didn't need much help with that one). I have to say I was exhausted from the travel here. I flew from Philadelphia to San Juan, San Juan to Antigua, Antigua to Dominica. The approach to Dominica on the prop jet was AMAZING. This is such a beautiful country. There is something magical about these huge green mountains sitting in the middle of the ocean. So, once off the plane, it was on to customs, much easier than I was expecting. There was a nice local gentleman that immediately helped me with my bag at baggage claim. First off, let me tell you that baggage claim is one belt going around in a very small circle. It was somewhat amusing. So, this gentlemen, ended up wanting nothing but a tip (somethings don't change wherever you go :) ) My ride to Picard (which is where we live) was about a 60 minute drive on a VERY windy road. By the time I got there I was a bit nauseous. Picard is a small community of students, some restaurants, campus, and lots of hills. The roads are pretty much all dirt except for the main road. The people here are very friendly and helpful if you take the time to ask. Within two days of arriving on the island, I landed a job at the local American restaurant called the Tomato Cafe. This is a popular spot with the students, good ol' american junk food; burgers and fries, pizza, etc. Yummy :) Some of the biggest changes that hit me in the first week: driving on the opposite side of the road;cars that I have to enter on the left side as a passenger (just weird); cows, dogs ,crabs just all walking around next to you on the road;no meat to really purchase unless you order it from an hour away; flipping a switch before you get in the shower to heat your water; pay as you go electric (not so bad actually-keeps you in check); missing a REALLY good cup of coffee- milk is not milk here- its fake. I went on a hike with Mark as well the first Sunday I was here. I will post that in a separate blog.