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Going Home to Dominica..…
The search for our perfect plot of land begins,
We began our search on the Internet, in order to research the current property market and grasp a realistic idea of what we could expect to get for our money.
One thing we found rather frustrating was that all prices were displayed in United Sates Dollars, which meant we had to convert to British Sterling back to USD then into Eastern Caribbean Dollars every time we found something we liked (which is where “Google” came in handy!).
However, something I found to be comfortingly familiar is the fact that Dominican Law is based upon British Law, which is something I am accustomed with due to my work with the British Youth Justice Board.
I turned my back on my highly stressful job and with two weeks off work, suitcases packed, passport and husband in hand, our youngest son took us to the airport.
We were driven down the M25 in his car to Gatwick Airport, arriving the necessary 3 hours before our 9.30am departure,
As we exited the nice warm vehicle we was greeted by the cold slap of bitter early morning air, “I won’t miss this weather” I thought to myself as I hurriedly made my way into the warmth of the building.
Through the throng of travellers, we weaved our way towards the Virgin Premium Economy desk and were warmly greeted by the check in staff.
**For those of you who have not travelled in a while, you must remember to wear socks as airport security insist on travellers removing their shoes for inspection prior to boarding the plane. **
From Gatwick we flew to Barbados after which a connecting flight with the Caribbean based Liat Airways delivered us to our final destination of Dominica.
A little under an hour later, the captains voice could be heard over the loudspeaker informing us that we would shortly be arriving at Dominica’s’ Melvin Hall airport, at this point, I always struggle to contain my excitement because I know I will soon be reunited with my loved ones and my place of Birth.
To see the beautiful landscape come in to view with the lush mountains standing majestically overlooking the land and rolling valleys, is a phenomenal sight to behold and never fails to humble me every time.
As the plane begins it descend and the green of the rainforest comes into focus, flora and fauna (trees and plants) become identifiable, we came down for a smooth landing and begun to disembark the plane, upon which the humidity embraces you, and changes your hair style regardless of whether you want it to or not! (All you women know what I mean!!)
After going through customs, which is always pretty straightforward, we went and collected our pre-booked rental car from “Island Cars” a company we always use and whose cars are all in immaculate condition.
We set off towards the Layou valley, this is a journey, which usually takes around 1 hour and involves driving through the heart of the picturesque Rainforest
It’s at this stage it seems as if Mother nature herself has sent out everyone of her representatives to welcome you to Dominica aka “The Nature Island of the Caribbean”, glimpsing a wide variety of Plants and Birds, including the native Sisserou and Jaco Parrots thus making Dominica an ideal place for nature enthusiasts or anyone interested in Ornithology (The study of Bird life.)
Driving through the different Villages one can really appreciate the contrasting culture, where the people may not be rich in a material sense, but are incredibly rich in a spiritual way, what they lack in funds they make up for in generosity and warmth.
We had several plots of land to view, a few of which were high up in the mountains, for as a child I’d always envisaged myself living in the coolness of the mountains when I played “lets pretend” (or was I the only one who played that game?)
And enjoying the views and fragrant perfumes of the land as the good Lord did in the Garden of Eden.
Something to bear in mind is that by choosing a plot of land off the beaten track, you are going to have to construct a proper road that will allow the building materials to reach you and during the raining season, having a proper road is of paramount importance, as landslides are not unheard of, where as back home your biggest fear may be driving into another car, down in Dominica, its driving into a ravine and meeting God face to face that you’d have to contend with.
We found a lovely plot of land high up in the Mountains, where the Sea views left us feeling breathless…or that may just have been the walk up there!!
On the way there, I had lunch on the go, gorging on the strawberry like berries that grow wild on the fringes of the Rainforest and drinking from the clear cold stream, with wild watercress growing on the banks.
Unfortunately, this particular plot of land was not ideal for us, as its location was more isolated than we had originally anticipated.
We viewed numerous other plots of land, each of which possessed its own individual beauty, yet still failed to meet our needs.
With my faith starting to dwindle, I sat complaining to my 74 year old Father about still not finding what I had visualised as being my perfect paradise plot of land.
My Father turned to me and exasperatedly asked in his thick Dominican accent, “ What exactly is it that you want??”
I went on to list 180° views, a Mountain range to our rear, a wonderful sea view and in a good location for trade winds, because in the evening, to sit outside on the veranda with Rum & Coke, and feel the coolness of the breeze caressing your face and shoulders is heavenly.
My Fathers response to this description was “No problem, I know exactly where that is!” But the joke was, that he couldn’t remember the way to get there !!
So he packed up his 4x4 and off we went, in pursuit of this land. We eventually came to a stop and began walking in waist high grass, with me in highly unsuitable flip-flops; we then came to a small bridge made of three planks of Bamboo, which I was apprehensive to say the least about crossing.
My Husband took me by the hand and had to literally drag me up the hill, passing a few Mountain Goats grazing on the grass, they looked up to acknowledge our presence and seeing the state I was in, I’m sure I detected a hint of amusement on their faces !
Finally we reached the top and after I managed to collect my breath, we stood awestruck by the sheer unspoilt beauty of the surrounding landscape, my eyes drank in the Mango, Coconut, Guava and Banana trees, before settling upon the road that ran parallel to the land all along! But I could not complain, because I had finally found my paradise.
The Next Blog is coming on June 22nd
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