Tuesday, July 31, 2012

same day air travel Most beaches along the northeast coast are reached by unpaved roads or paths. Be careful not to tres





Most beaches along the northeast coast are reached by unpaved roads or paths. Be careful not to trespass on private property. Dominica Just east of Chuval Blanc Point, you will come to an intersection with a bus shelter. Turn inland, drive through same day air travel the village same day air travel of Bense, then look for

A third of the 163,000 residents live in or near the capital city, Castries, on the north end of the island. Ninety same day air travel percent trace their ancestors back to Africa, and the same percentage claims to practice the Roman Catholic religion.

758-451-8566, www.stluciajazz.org. For current information on what s happening on the island, pick up a copy of Tropical Traveller, a free publication same day air travel that keeps up with local bands, special events, and activities of interest to both locals and visitors. You ll see stacks of them at restaurants, hotels, and tourist spots.

des moines internation airport Serious shoppers will be disappointed by the stores and products on Dominica, but you can find wonde





Serious shoppers will be disappointed by the stores and products on Dominica, but you can find wonderful locally made items to take home as gifts or souvenirs. Baskets and wooden goods made Dominica by Caribs are perhaps the most uniquely Dominican products to buy, but you can also find island clothing, crafts, music tapes and CD s by local

Ideally situated at the end of a long road off the main highway between Castries and Rodney Bay, the inn consists of 30 rooms in 15 duplex cottages scattered over eight acres of lush gardens that ring with wild-bird songs and occasional squawks from Mac and Erik, the resident parrots. A central open-air lounge is furnished with comfortable seating and a selection of books and games that invite relaxation and impromptu gatherings.

The handsome town of Dennery des moines internation airport is on a protected bay north of Praslin. Stop here to admire the colorful, hand-crafted, and creatively named fishing boats. If you have time, follow the road at the south end of town inland des moines internation airport along the Dennery River until you run out of pavement for some interesting scenery. As far as sightseeing in the town, only St. Peter s Catholic Church, overlooking des moines internation airport the seaside, is of much interest. It was built at the end of the 18th century and is one of the oldest churches on St. Lucia. On Saturday nights, residents get together for a community fish fry, and visitors are welcome to drop by for a delicious and inexpensive dinner. Don t expect a big street party, like the one in Gros Islet on Fridays. This is a much more laid-back event.

syracuse airport number A third culture also played a significant role in the island s character that of Africa. Europeans b





Learning of the renewed turmoil on St. Lucia, the British decided to try again to seize control. Battles between the French and English raged over the next 100 years, with the island s administration changing hands 14 times. During this time, most of the Caribs were killed or exiled. Finally, in 1763, the Treaty of Paris bestowed ownership to France.

758-452-5142 Seafood $$ Daily, 11am to 11pm The veranda overlooking the marina is a relaxing boat-lover place, perfect for a soup-and-salad lunch or an appetizer-and-drink sunset snack. After dark, when the lights come on in the harbor, the open-air ambiance turns casually romantic. Service is friendly syracuse airport number and laid-back, and all the food has a fresh, home-cooked flavor. If you re really hungry, try the Harbor Catch, a seafood platter that comes with a bit of everything from the sea plus some local vegetables. The menu also includes crab, fish cooked in various ways, and a delicious seafood cr pe. Order warm banana fritters with ice cream for dessert.

A third culture also played a significant role in the island s character that of Africa. Europeans brought African slaves onto the island by the boat load to work their plantations, so that while French and English customs were mingling among one segment of society, African traditions established a stronghold syracuse airport number in another. Descendants of former slaves constitute the largest percentage of the island syracuse airport number s present population, and their

airport in cedar rapids iowa 758-450-0551 or 877-927-7527, fax 758-450-0281 www.splashresorts.com 372 rooms, including 55 suites





767-449-0900. Symes Zee, on King George V Street in Roseau, is famous for its live jazz on Thursday nights. Get there early if you want to snag a prime seat, but the action really picks up after 10 pm. 767-448-2494.

758-450-0551 or 877-927-7527, fax 758-450-0281 www.splashresorts.com 372 rooms, including 55 suites $$$$ (AI) Far on the northern tip of the island, airport in cedar rapids iowa this everything-to-everybody all-inclusive resort is St. Lucia s largest hotel complex. Five vacation airport in cedar rapids iowa villages sprawl across 65 garden-like airport in cedar rapids iowa acres with two beaches, five swimming pools, four restaurants, and a staggering list of activities airport in cedar rapids iowa to please every child, couple, single adult, and family.

Vigie, a 56-foot twin-engine cruiser, departs from Rodney Bay Marina at 9am heading toward Soufri re and returns around 5pm with stops for sightseeing tours, lunch at the Still Restaurant, and snorkeling at Anse Cochon; 758-452-9423.

coandi arad The Cathedral of Our Lady of Fair Haven ( 767-448-2837) is built on a hill next to the Methodist Chu





now open to visitors. You can walk along flagstone paths through 12 acres of woodlands to manicured areas with names such as Secret Garden and Mystic Garden. There are benches made of tree branches where you can sit and look out on fabulous views of the Atlantic and the Fr gate Islands. The Shingleton-Smith family has owned the property since 1906, but the main estate house was built in 1796 by Baron de Micoud, a French aristocrat coandi arad and former coandi arad governor of St. Lucia. Brigand s Bar and Garden Gate gift shop now occupy the renovated house. Mamiku Gardens are open daily, 9am to 5pm; 758-455-3729, www.mamiku.com.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Fair Haven ( 767-448-2837) is built on a hill next to the Methodist coandi arad Church on Virgin Lane. The two churches are not particularly interesting unless you re a history coandi arad or architecture buff, but the story that surrounds them is. In 1766, after the British took Dominica from the French, King George III granted the Catholics a 99-year lease on 10 acres of land on the hill above Roseau. A thatched-hut church was built immediately, coandi arad but it took more than 100 years for the Catholics to complete a cathedral constructed of cut volcanic stone in the Gothic-Romanesque Revival style.

syracuse hancock international airport address Walcott Square. These were once the homes of European aristocrats who colonized the island. Some are





The manchineel tree is dangerous. They typically grow along the coast, and most are identified by signs or a line of red paint on the trunk. The milky sap and small green or yellow fruit of this tree are poisonous and cause intense stinging if they come in contact with the skin. Illness or death can result from eating the fruit. Birds

The next fishing village to the south, Laborie, is a giant step back to the past. Walk around the waterfront to see the colorful boats and chat with the friendly fishermen. Then, buy some fresh bread and drinks and hike (or drive the rocky, potholed road) up Morne Le Blanc for a picnic. You ll have majestic views of Vieux Fort and the island s southern plains from the shaded rest area at the summit.

Walcott Square. These were once the homes of European aristocrats who colonized the island. Some are now shops, but most are private residences and closed syracuse hancock international airport address to the public. One of the most attractive is a green-trimmed white house across from the square. It was built in 1885, about the same time as its gingerbread-embellished neighbors. A 400-year-old saman tree grows on the eastern side.

real estate oradea An excellent drift dive is along the wall off Anse La Raye. Brightly colored fire coral is found at





An excellent drift dive is along the wall off Anse La Raye. Brightly colored fire coral is found at shallow depths, and huge boulders cluster on a slope below the wall. Turtles are often spotted in this area. Wreck divers enjoy exploring Lesleen M, a 165-foot freighter that was deliberately sunk at Anse La Raye in 1986 to create an artificial reef. Soft corals, real estate oradea sponges and hydroids harbor juvenile fish at depths of 30 to 65. The freighter sits on an even keel in sand, and the hold and engine room are accessible.

Marigot Bay The twin peaks of the Piton Mountains Diamond Falls and the Botanical Gardens Sulfur Springs and the drive-in volcano crater Panoramic views from the lighthouse at Cap Moule Chique Mamiku Botanical Gardens The loop road from Castries through the southern section of the island passes through some of the most attractive scenery in the eastern Caribbean. Paved, but narrow and steep, the main highway winds up into forested mountains and dips into river valleys thick with banana trees.

standbycars 767-448-7725 Daily, 11am to 9pm Local specialties $$ Halfway between Soufri re and Scotts Head, you





767-448-7725 Daily, 11am to 9pm Local specialties $$ Halfway between Soufri re and Scotts Head, you ll find this open-air restaurant that s known for excellent soups, sandwiches, pizzas, and vegetarian casseroles. Pull up a stool to the breezy counter that overlooks Soufri re Bay or sit at one of the tables indoors or on the patio. Owner Kris Simelda is an American married to Jep, a Dominican. Her philosophy on food is that it should be fresh, creative, perfectly seasoned, and carefully prepared. You ll find her ideas deliciously carried out in every meal. In addition, she and her staff are an excellent source of information. standbycars Kris is an artist and art aficionado who shares her interest standbycars by displaying the work of several Caribbeans in the caf. Everything is for sale.

package price includes daily diving for the standard price of a room. Anse Chastanet Resort, Ti Kaye Village, Marigot Beach Club, Sandals, and Oasis Marigot are a few of the many hotels, villas, and all-inclusive resorts that offer package deals. Check the accommodation listings in this book for contact information.

Sandy Beach, between Club Mistral and Pointe Sable, standbycars is popular with locals on weekends, but you ll have the place pretty standbycars much to yourself on weekdays. Food and drink are available at The Reef Beach Caf and Sandy Beach Club ( 758-454-7416).

americar syracuse The speed limit in towns and villages is 20 mph, and although there is no posted speed limit in the





In addition americar syracuse to Morne Trois Pitons americar syracuse National Park, the island has several other preserved areas, americar syracuse including the Northern Forest Reserve, Cabrits National Park, and the Central Forest Reserve. Many of these protected areas are still uncharted because of their tangled profusion of vegetation, but trails lead to enough outstanding americar syracuse sites to keep vacationers busy for weeks.

Between Roseau and Portsmouth, the coastal americar syracuse road passes some decent swimming-and-snorkeling spots. At Canefield, there s a little beach where a river flows into Pringles Bay, south of the airport. You ll spot Rodney s Rock from the road a couple of miles farther north, just before the town of Tarou. The beach is not good here, but the close-in reef is known as a nursery americar syracuse for juvenile marine life. Divers are often in the area, but you can snorkel out and get a good view of the coral and fish from above.

The speed limit in towns and villages is 20 mph, and although there is no posted speed limit in the countryside, narrow americar syracuse roads and frequent curves require caution. The primary routes are in good condition. Secondary roads tend to have potholes and an occasional fallen tree limb, but rarely become unmanageable. However, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is a great convenience on much of the island americar syracuse and a must in remote areas. Gas stations are only in the larger villages, but the island is so small, you re never far from a fill-up. americar syracuse

casa oradea The Department of Forestry is part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 758-452-2





The Department of Forestry is part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 758-452-2526; www.slumaffe.org. St. Lucia Arrange for hikes by contacting the Department of Forestry, 758-450-2078, or the National Trust, 758-452-5005. You can also join a scheduled hike coordinated by various casa oradea tour operators listed under Orga

When you ve finished your tour of Cap Estate, you can tackle the rugged roads that lead off into the wild hills of Pointe du Cap and around the northern tip to to Pointe casa oradea Hardy on the east coast. You will have the whole place to yourself, since the dry, scrubby landscape casa oradea doesn t draw

You ll have to take two routes to explore the island south of Roseau because no single casa oradea road follows the southernmost coast. Leave the capital on the coast road in the direction of Charlotte Ville and Castle Comfort, where you find several small hotels along the rocky shore. When you reach the village of Loubiere, you can cut across the mountains casa oradea to Grand Bay and Petite Savane or stay along the waterfront all the way to Scotts Head.

cedar rapids airport iowa 758-454-6328, fax 758-454-3038 www.kimatraihotel.com Eight rooms & apartments $ Nothing fancy, but i





758-459-7419, for a list of cruise operators. Expect to pay about EC$125/US$40 for a half-day trip that includes drinks and snorkeling, and around EC$200/US$75 for a full-day on the water with lunch, drinks, and snorkeling. Another possibility is to take a tour by water taxi. The drivers are usually natives who know the coastline well, and their rates are reasonable. Their impromptu stories often are more entertaining than those of a professional guide. Expect to pay about EC$55/US$20 per hour or EC$300/US$112 per day for a private water tour for two to four people. Some drivers will supply sandwiches and drinks, but others expect you to bring your own.

thing when you turn a light on at night). Be nice to them they eat lots of mosquitoes. Native Carib Indians thought they carried cedar rapids airport iowa evil spirits and spread rumors that they could only be removed from a person s skin with a scalding iron.

758-454-6328, fax 758-454-3038 www.kimatraihotel.com Eight rooms & apartments $ Nothing fancy, but if you plan to stay awhile, this is a good choice. You ll be near Hewanorra International Airport and within walking distance of south-coast beaches. Rooms are fresh and nicely decorated, cedar rapids airport iowa but the apartments have more room. Each unit is air conditioned and outfitted with cable TVs, small refrigerators, sea-view balconies, and spacious tiled

Northern Beaches Once you travel around the north end of the island, the beaches are more beautiful, but the water crashing in from the Atlantic is rough and often too dangerous for swimming. cedar rapids airport iowa The views, however, are marvelous, and the golden sand is ideal for picnics. This side of the island is sparsely populated and quite rural, and you may want to consider renting a four-wheel-drive vehicle if you plan to tackle the rutted, mostly unpaved roads leading down to the coast.

murbro parking syracuse Chef Harry hosts entertainment at The Green Parrot Restaurant on Morne Fortun every Wednesday and Sa





Chef Harry hosts entertainment at The Green Parrot Restaurant on Morne Fortun every Wednesday and Saturday, 758-452-3399. JJ s Restaurant, north of Marigot Bay, runs a Friday Night Jam as an alternative to Gros Islet s street party, 758-451-4076. Out on Pigeon Point, jazz lovers will enjoy the occasional murbro parking syracuse live music at the cozy Captain s Cellar, 758-450-0918.

Other elements of Arawak life are more verifiable. The economy was based on fishing, hunting, and farming, which allowed each village to support a rather large population and an elaborate political and social structure. Village chiefs lived in a rectangular murbro parking syracuse hut or bohios, while other members of the tribe lived in round huts called caneyes. Both dwellings were simple structures made of wooden frames topped by straw roofs that were sturdy enough to withstand hurricane-force winds. Villagers believed their zemis protected deserving humans from illness and storms, and each village murbro parking syracuse and its chief was ranked in importance among the tribes by the number of zemis in their possession.

Dozens of cottages are scattered among the trees on the 325-acre property located only two miles south of Soufri re. A shuttle bus takes guests from their villas down the steep hill to the beach, restaurants, and public areas.

daka90 Vigie, a 56-foot twin-engine cruiser, departs from Rodney Bay Marina at 9am heading toward Soufri re





Caribelle Batik, 37 Old Victoria Road on Morne Fortun , designs batik-art clothes and wall hangings. Visitors daka90 are welcome at the working studio and shop located in a charming old two-story Victorian-style home that s been beautifully renovated. You can watch the artisans at work on this ancient fabric art, enjoy a drink on the terrace overlooking the northern coast, and peek into the orchid nursery Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4pm, and Saturday, 8:30am to 12:30pm. 758-452-3785.

Vigie, a 56-foot twin-engine cruiser, departs from Rodney Bay Marina at 9am heading toward Soufri re and returns around 5pm with stops for sightseeing tours, lunch at the Still Restaurant, and snorkeling at Anse Cochon; 758-452-9423.

dsm international airport More than two-thirds of Dominica s land surface is primary rainforest, making it perhaps the most un





More than two-thirds of Dominica s land surface is primary rainforest, making it perhaps the most untouched island in the Caribbean. St. Lucia is also predominantly rural, and much of its interior rainforest has been preserved, even though early colonists carved plantations out of huge chunks of the original forest. Modern developers have built exclusive resorts on prime land, and many more would like the opportunity to claim a prize piece of paradise. Nevertheless, conservation groups on both islands are doing a fine job of curtailing the rampant development that has plagued some of their Caribbean neighbors. dsm international airport

What appliances are in the kitchen? dsm international airport What is their age and condition? Is the kitchen stocked dsm international airport with basic supplies? Where is the nearest grocery store, and does it carry a wide range of imported as well as local products? How far away are beaches, restaurants, neighbors? Is there a restriction or charge for use of electricity or water? What insurance covers damages or an accidents? Is a damage deposit required? Rental Agencies VILLAS OF DISTINCTION

As with Carnival, all aspects of the mixed cultures are flaunted spiritedly throughout the island. Beginning in late October (Dominicans always like to get a head start on festivities), villages challenge each other in folklore, dance, and music competitions. Everyone dresses up in their best traditional outfits for these contests, and it s a great time to see the women and girls in bright madras dsm international airport hats and elaborately decorated petticoats under colorful skirts.

standbycars If you re driving to Gros Islet, turn off the highway from Castries onto Dauphine Street, just north





The French, Dutch, & English By 1520, St. Lucia was marked on a Vatican globe, but at that time it was merely a hideout for pirates and other bad chaps who wreacked havoc on legitimate standbycars businessmen trading in the islands. The most infamous was Fran ois Le Clerc, who the Spanish called Pie de Palo and the French labeled Jambe de Bois (leg of wood) because of his prosthetic limb.

If you re driving to Gros Islet, turn off the highway from Castries onto Dauphine Street, just north of Rodney Bay Marina. Don t plan to spend much time in town, because there s little to see. The only interesting structure is the Catholic church on the north side of the village. St. Joseph the Worker was built in 1926 on the site of another church that was destroyed by an earthquake 20 years earlier.

cedar rapids cid By car, head inland from either coast on the cross-island Transinsular Road to the trail head three





fundamentally the same. People calling themselves Arawaks were discovered on the island of Trinidad by British sailors in the late 16th century, and earlier European explorers found tribes of Arawakan- speaking Lucayo, Igneri, and Taino Indians when they landed cedar rapids cid on islands in the north-and mid-Caribbean.

Electricity Electricity on Dominica and St. Lucia is 220-volt AC, 50 cycles. Newer hotels may have complete 110-volt systems, and many bathrooms in older hotels have outlets for 110-volt shavers. If you plan to use a hair dryer or other small appliance designed for 110 volts, check with your hotel about the need for a converter or plug adapter. cedar rapids cid Even dual-voltage computers cedar rapids cid and appliances may need a plug adapter, depending on which country cedar rapids cid it was sold in. Conversion devices are relatively inexpensive, so you may want to pick up a set at a travel store or electrical shop before you leave home.

In the evening, you can go almost anywhere dressed in summer-weight slacks and a collared shirt. In a few of the fanciest restaurants and nightspots on St. Lucia, women may feel more comfortable in a sun dress or long skirt, and men will want to wear a dress shirt with or without a jacket. Caribbean nights can be cool, especially if it rains, so bring a lightweight sweater or windbreaker. If you plan to hike, bike, or play tennis or golf, bring along the appropriate clothing and equipment (bicycles and golf clubs can be rented). If you plan to scuba dive or snorkel, bring your own mask, fins, and snorkel. Everything else can be rented. (Don t forget your diving certification card.) LAST-MINUTE CHECKLIST

By car, head inland from either coast on the cross-island Transinsular Road to the trail head three miles east of Pont Casse and five miles west of Castle Bruce. Hikers can begin the climb up Morne Trois Pitons from there, and strollers can follow an easy path through lush, green foliage to the pool. Islanders who remember splashing cedar rapids cid in the pool before Hurricane David raged through say the water level used to be higher, but the pool still is deep enough for a swim.

eastern iowa airport address 758-455-3271, fax 758-455-3800 www.foxgroveinn.com 12 rooms $ This is the spot for hikers, surfers,





You can also travel between eastern iowa airport address Dominica and St. Lucia by high-speed ferry. L Express des Iles is a comfortable catamaran that runs roundtrip service between Guadeloupe, Martinique, Dominica, and St. Lucia several times per week. You ll be charged a departure tax of EC$20/US$8 in addition to the ticket price, which is approximately eastern iowa airport address EC$300/US$112 round-trip between St. Lucia and Dominica. For information and reservations,

758-455-3271, fax 758-455-3800 www.foxgroveinn.com 12 rooms $ This is the spot for hikers, surfers, bird watchers, and anyone who wants to be off the beaten path but supremely comfortable. Located just south of Dennery, eastern iowa airport address the hillside estate offers easy access to south-coast beaches, the central rainforest, and east-coast nature reserves. Owned by St. Lucian Franz Louis-Fernand, the place has an international ambiance, forged from Franz s 35 years experience as a chef in Europe and nurtured by his Swiss wife, Esther.

same day air travel International jets land at Hewanorra International on the southern tip of the island, near Vieux For





International jets land at Hewanorra International on the southern tip of the island, near Vieux Fort, where there are few accommodations. In recent years, excellent accommodations have opened near the southern town of Soufri re. Mid-way up the west coast, Marigot Bay offers a cluster of small, but luxurious, hotels same day air travel and inns.

January 1.NewYear sDay January 2.NewYear sHoliday February 22. IndependenceDay May 1. LaborDay First Monday same day air travel in August. EmancipationDay October 5. ThanksgivingDay December 13. NationalDay December 26. BoxingDay

moline airport enjoy cooking your own meals and snacking out of your own refrigerator, or just want to avoid the us





Pigeon Island National moline airport Park, 758-452-5005, has several short, gentle paths connecting each area of the historic former island (a causeway now connects Pigeon Point to the mainland). The National Trust manages the park and the well-designed trails that lead you to significant sites,

enjoy cooking your own meals and snacking moline airport out of your own refrigerator, or just want to avoid the usual tourist spots. Some rentals moline airport include extras, such as a car, transportation from the airport, maid service, kitchen provisioning, or an on-call chef.

airport quad cities The village of Laudat, four-and-a-half miles northeast of Roseau, offers access to most parts of Mor





Nature Island Destinations is run by Colin Lee, who knows the island from north to south and can arrange airport quad cities tours, transportation, and accommodations; 767-449-6233, fax 767-449-7100, www.natureisland. com.

The village of Laudat, four-and-a-half miles northeast of Roseau, offers access to most parts of Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a 17,000-acre protected natural area that was designated a World Heritage Site in December, 1997 (the first enlisted natural site in the eastern Caribbean). The name Morne Trois Pitons translates as three-peak mountain, and the huge volcano on the park s northern edge appears to have three peaks when you look at it from anywhere along the west coast.

Sulfur springs and a charming stone church in Soufri re The beach and underwater sites at Scotts Head Views from the cliffs around Grand Bay The coastal road south of the fishing village of Loubiere airport quad cities takes you through lovely airport quad cities countryside to Soufri re Bay. Stop here to see the murals of vil-

Common Menu Items Accras or amarinades: spicy doughnuts/fritters usually made from cod or other fish, but sometimes from vegetables. Balaou: small fried fish. Bakes: a fried dough patty filled with fish or meat. Blaff: spicy lime-and-garlic airport quad cities bouillon used to cook fish. The word is said to come from the sound the fish makes as it hits the boiling liquid. Breadfruit: large melon-like fruit. Cabri: small, bony goat, usually prepared as colombo or smoked. Calalou/callaloo: soup made with herbs, vegetables, crab, and pork. Carambola: airport quad cities starfruit. Christophene: vegetable similar to a potato, particularly delicious when prepared au gratin.

hancock airport mi Gradually, Dominica took steps to become autonomous. It was declared a self-governing British posses





Gradually, Dominica took steps to become hancock airport mi autonomous. It was declared a self-governing British possession in 1967, and all foreign ties were cut in 1978 when the island became an independent republic within the British Commonwealth. Today, the government is headed by a president elected by the House of Assembly and a prime minister who leads the Cabinet hancock airport mi of Ministers. A general election is held every five years.

Are all meals buffet style? hancock airport mi Does the menu change from day to day? How many restaurants are included in the plan? Does the price include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks? Is wine served with dinner? What activities are included? Is entertainment scheduled every night?

hancock intl airport Funk well, you know what funk is it s the United States soul-age contribution to world music. If you





Funk well, you know what funk is it s the United States soul-age contribution to world music. If you still can t grasp the differences, don t worry be happy. Just know that when you hear music with a rich beat that sends a message from the very roots of the earth and causes your hips to sway involuntarily, it s called Cr ole.

Dining options include four full restaurants and three full-service bars. Papa Don s Restaurant, up the hill next to one of the pools, offers Greek and Italian dishes. The brick-oven pizzas are especially popular, and there s a surprise special every night. Mango Tree looks like an elegant plantation manor and serves wonderful seafood hancock intl airport and steak dinners in a romantic setting overlooking the sea. Josephine s is an open-air restaurant set high above the beach with a gorgeous view of the bay. Cr ole and island specials dominate the menu, and a lavish brunch buffet is served every Sunday. Jammers Beach Bar separates the beach from the main pool, and offers burgers, sandwiches, salads, and snacks all day and evening. At five o clock each afternoon, a bell rings to announce happy hour. A unique dining option is called villa dining. This is a great way to celebrate hancock intl airport a romantic evening on your private patio or entertain friends. A chef helps you plan the menu, then comes to your villa to prepare your private dinner party.

quad city airport address Longtime visitors to Dominica say the best guides are found at trail heads or in nearby villages, an





IN THIS CHAPTER What's Special? 125 A Brief History 128 Getting Here 130 Getting Around 133 Festivals & Events 136 Touring The Island 139 Island Adventures 160 Shopping 178 After Dark 184 Where To Stay 186 Where To Eat 208 St. Lucia A To Z 218 During the past decade, tourism has boomed here, spurred by increased cruise-ship traffic and plush new resort rooms. Yet you ll find large parts of the island surprisingly untamed and relatively underdeveloped. High-rise hotels are not permitted, eco-tourism quad city airport address is encouraged, and most natural resources are strictly protected by the government. Europeans caught onto the island s vast appeal years ago, and North Americans now are racing to visit before the place loses its undiscovered allure.

Longtime visitors to Dominica say the best guides are found at trail heads or in nearby villages, and good friendships sometimes come out of these chance meetings. However, if you prefer to hire a guide or join a group hike with one of the established tour operators on the island, quad city airport address contact one of the following:

hancock airport address King George V Street is the major east/west road through town, and it is lined with balconied restau





St. Lucia is approximately 21 miles (34 km) south of Martinique and 26 miles (42 km) northeast of St. Vincent hancock airport address and the Grenadines. Sailors can find Dominica hancock airport address and St. Lucia between 13 and 15 north latitude and 60 and 61 west longitude.

758-459-5179 or 800-600-2688, fax 758-459-7301 www.wiol.com/st-lucia/the-still/default.html hancock airport address 14 apartments, six studios $$ With two properties and one name, this resort/plantation offers guests several options. The Plantation has 14 apartments, each with one or two bedrooms, set on a 400-acre working estate located short distance inland from the coast on the Fond St. Jacques Road. All the spacious units have a sitting area and ceiling fans; most are air conditioned and have a kitchen. The popular Still Restaurant serves Cr ole specialties.

palm-shaded grayish sand sloping gracefully into the warm, gentle Caribbean surf at the foot of the rainforest. Picard Beach Resort is located here, near the north end of rocky Pointe Ronde. Snorkeling is best around the jetty, and if you re patient, you may spot an octopus or sea horse.

King George V Street is the major east/west road through town, and it is lined with balconied hancock airport address restaurants and shops. Find it off Bay Front between the tourist office hancock airport address and Royal Bank of Canada, hancock airport address and follow it up toward Morne Bruce Hill to the Botanical Gardens. This 40-acre garden hancock airport address planted on a former sugarcane field thrives on approximately 85 inches of rain each year, and while some of the oldest vegetation has been destroyed by hurricanes, there are still 500 species of trees and plants to see. Take time to visit the aviary to view endangered Jaco and Sisserou parrots (they are bred in a research area behind the exhibition cages, but the lab is not open to the public), and get a reality check at the monument to Hurricane David a crushed school bus trapped under a giant baobab tree that was uprooted by the 1979 storm.

airport in moline illinois year. Most dock at the major berth on the Bayfront in the capital, Roseau, but the island also has s





In the evening, airport in moline illinois there s live music during dinner, and the piano player will stay at the bar as long as someone stays up to listen. Meals are served in the casual open-air Terrace Restaurant or the more formal air conditioned Trysting airport in moline illinois Place. A pair of chefs, plan and prepare a variety of menu choices, airport in moline illinois and you re unlikely to tire of either the buffets laid out at the Terrace or the multi-course meals served at Trysting Place.

year. Most dock at the major berth on the Bayfront in the capital, airport in moline illinois Roseau, airport in moline illinois but the island also has smaller cruise-ship terminals at Woodbridge Bay, a mile north of Roseau, and at Cabrits National Park, on the island s northern tip. You can walk to many attractions from all the docks, and taxis and tour operators meet passengers as they disembark.

arenas cuba All of the following are full-service PADI dive centers authorized to conduct scuba diving tours off





All of the following are full-service PADI dive centers authorized to conduct scuba diving tours off the shores of Dominica. If you are arriving by cruise ship and want to escape the crowds, contact one of these operators in advance to arrange a private or small-group trip.

Tennis Tennis arenas cuba isn t big on Dominica, but you ll find courts arenas cuba at Reigate Hall, 767-448-4031, www.avirtualdominica.com/reigate.htm, and Castaways Beach Hotel 767-449-6245, www.castawaysdominica. com. There s a user fee for non-guests, and you must supply your own equipment.

desmoines airport France and England began to recognize the potential value of the West Indies fertile soil and year-r





adventures on water. Some of the dive centers schedule desmoines airport regular desmoines airport sightseeing cruises desmoines airport and fishing expeditions or will arrange for a private desmoines airport charter. Since there are no large marinas on the island, desmoines airport most multi-day sailing charters originate on nearby islands.

shy away from people. However, the fer-de-lance snake that lives on St. Lucia is poisonous and extremely dangerous. You re not likely to run into this snake unless you re in tall brush along river beds, but take extra precautions when you hike, especially if you go off heavily used trails.

France and England desmoines airport began to recognize the potential value of the West Indies fertile soil and year-round growing season in the early 1600s. The two countries sent settlers to Dominica and St. Lucia, drove most of the Indians off the islands or onto small reservations, and brought in slaves from Africa desmoines airport to farm the land. For many years, France and England fought over possession of the islands, and today evidence of both cultures is mixed with African influences and native traditions.

Monday, July 30, 2012

syracuse hancock international The Unicorn is a 140-foot replica of a 19th-century two-masted brig. Captain Andy takes passengers o





As you dive deeper, the reef drops quickly from 20 to 140 feet in a solid wall of mixed corals surrounded by schools of fish, crabs, lobsters and eels. At around 100 feet, layers of porcelain-like plate coral are stacked one on top of another. The massive coral reef continues all the way to the bay at Soufri re, in water that habitually offers 80 to 100 feet of visibility.

If you re a music enthusiast, plan to visit during this festival. It s a tremendous opportunity syracuse hancock international to see some of the best Cr ole musicians in the world play a mix of their most popular songs. Even people who arrive without a clue about the latest wave in soul-jarring, heart-pounding Cr ole beats often stay late into the night having the time of their lives.

Pretty seaside fishing villages Snorkeling at Rodney syracuse hancock international s Rock Picture-taking on the grassy banks of Layou River Side trips into the Northern Forest Reserve A boat trip on Indian River Exploring Fort Shirley and Cabrits syracuse hancock international National Park Take Queen Mary Street across the river in Roseau and drive north up Goodwill Road following the coast. Just before Canefield syracuse hancock international Airport, you ll spot the Old Mill Cultural Centre. Stop in to view exhibits of traditional handicrafts and paintings by well-known local artists. Haitian sculptor Louis Desiree runs the Woodcarving Training School at the center, and his students works are displayed at the Old Mill.

The Unicorn is a 140-foot replica syracuse hancock international of a 19th-century two-masted brig. Captain Andy takes passengers on a full-day cruise from Vigie Cove to Soufri re with inland sightseeing trips by coach. He also offers a champagne syracuse hancock international sunset cruise down the west coast. 758-452-8811; www.sunlinktours. com/adventuresafloat/tours/brigunicorndaysail.

moline quad city airport Reptiles are more common, and you will have no trouble finding frogs and toads. The most interesting





St. Lucia s west coast has long stretches of soft sand, natural harbors, and gentle Caribbean waves. The rugged east coast offers spectacular moline quad city airport views from cliffs that shelter picturesque coves and fantastic Atlantic surf suitable for riding. Several tour operators run popular fishing, snorkeling, diving, and boating excursions to sites that cannot be reached by land.

Reptiles are more common, and you will have no trouble finding frogs and toads. The most interesting is the tree frog, which is tiny but puts on a loud symphony at night. moline quad city airport On Dominica, you might run into a giant squatty frog known as a crapaud moline quad city airport who likes to hang out in forests.

The Bay Gardens recently took over the 32-room Palm Tree Hotel, which is next door. The hotel has been completely refurbished and given a new name, Bay Gardens Inn. Rooms are a bit smaller than at the main hotel, but equally charming. moline quad city airport Double-room rates are in the US$100 range, and if you are a guest at either hotel, you may use the facilities of both. Information and reservations are available at 758-452-8200.

beds, antiques and local art. One of the villas moline quad city airport accommodates up to six guests and has a heated indoor plunge pool, an open-air master bedroom and bath, a separate second bedroom and bath, and a third sleeping area. Another villa also sleeps six and has a private garden swimming pool and a dining area.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

hancock syracuse airport The east coast actually faces due north for a short distance between Chuval Blanc Point at Sandwich





800-GOSPICE or 758-452-0865, hancock syracuse airport www.casalucia.com/spice1.htm. Jungle hancock syracuse airport Tours offers three rainforest adventures rated for beginning, intermediate, or advanced hikers. In addition, there are tours to the beach, waterfalls, and special outings for cruise-ship passengers with time restrictions. All include transportation in an open Land Rover, and most feature a buffet hancock syracuse airport lunch, 758-450-0434, www.jungletoursstlucia.com.

Cabrits is derived from words that mean goat in Spanish and other languages. Before refrigeration, hancock syracuse airport sailors often left goats on the slopes above Prince Rupert Bay to graze, fatten, and be ready for the dinner table when they returned. As you approach the Cabrits peninsula from the south, you see volcanic twin peaks covered in lush green vegetation rising above the bay and sur

The east coast actually faces due north for a short distance between Chuval Blanc Point at Sandwich Bay (west of Hampstead) and Crompton Point (east of Calibishie). This curve in the shoreline allows the sandy beaches to be sheltered from winds by the mountains and from raging waves by reefs and rocky outcroppings. Woodford Hills Bay, Hodges Beach, Pointe Baptiste, Hampstead Beach and Batibou Bay line up east to west along the coast and are excellent spots for swimming and snorkeling. Stand on the red-rock cliffs of Pointe Baptiste for a look at Marie-Galante and Guadeloupe across the channel.

767-445-5131, hancock syracuse airport fax 767-445-5599 www.avirtualdominica.com/pbh.htm 170 rooms $ Much of the older section of Portsmouth Beach Hotel has been rented out to students at Ross University for the past few years, but newly constructed rooms nearer the waterfront are available on a daily basis for bargain prices. All rooms are modest but clean with air conditioning or ceiling fans.

airport moline 767-448-2188 Daily, 7:30am to 8:30pm Local cuisine $$$ Reservations are a must if you want to join t





767-448-2188 Daily, 7:30am to 8:30pm Local cuisine $$$ Reservations are a must if you want to join the friendly airport moline group at these family-style spreads featuring dishes prepared with favorite family recipes. The clientele here is made up mostly of divers on packaged tours who are staying at the lodge, but you ll get a friendly welcome, as long as you let the staff know to expect you.

Arawak Indians still live in Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, and French Guiana. However, they have become extinct in the Caribbean as a pure, distinctive race. Most of what we know about these early inhabitants comes from research done by a Spanish friar named Ram n Pan , one of the first Europeans to settle on the island of Hispaniola (now the Dominican Republic/Haiti). While his study focused on Taino Indians,itis likely other Arawakan tribes had similar highly-developed rituals and sophisticated class distinctions.

address for syracuse airport Another indigenous and endangered parrot that lives only on Dominica is the Amazona arausiaca or Jac





St. Lucia s electricity is 220 volts AC, 50 cycles, with a square three-prong outlet, so you must use a converter and plug adapter for most US appliances. Many hotels have 110-volt outlets in the bathroom for shavers.

Another address for syracuse airport indigenous and endangered parrot that lives only on Dominica is the Amazona arausiaca or Jaco (St. Lucia s native parrot is the Jacquot). This bird is smaller, and a paler shade of green than the Sisserou. It has a distinctive red band around its neck, and lives at lower elevations in the rainforest.

767-440-4321 or 767-245-1234 (cell) www.avirtualdominica.com/pepperscottage/index.html One cottage $$ This little cottage is perfect for an individual traveling alone or a couple that wants complete address for syracuse airport independence and privacy. It s located across the Roseau River from the main part of the capital city, on a road that parallels the Caribbean coast.

hancock michigan airport Sulfur springs and a charming stone church in Soufri re The beach and underwater sites at Scotts Hea





Most stores in Castries and Soufri re are open Monday through Friday, 8:30am hancock michigan airport to 4:30pm, and many close from 12:30pm to 1:30pm for lunch. On Saturdays, shops in both towns are open from 8:30am to 12:30pm. If a cruise ship is in port on a Sunday, some stores in Castries open for a few hours in the morning. Shopping centers such as Pointe Seraphine, La Place Carenage, JQ Charles Mall, and Gablewoods Mall are usually open weekdays, 8:30am to 5pm, and Saturdays, 8:30am to 2pm. Marina stores keep later hours and are typically open on Sundays as well. Most merchants accept major credit cards.

Sulfur springs and a charming stone church in Soufri re The beach and underwater sites at Scotts hancock michigan airport Head Views from the cliffs around Grand Bay The coastal road south of the fishing village of Loubiere takes you through lovely countryside to Soufri re Bay. Stop here to see the murals of vil-

The Great House is pure self-indulgence with breathtaking views of the bay, mountains, and sea. It accommodates up to six people hancock michigan airport in three bedrooms (two have private baths; a third bath is off the common hancock michigan airport area). Built in the tradition of the original greathouses that once overlooked thriving Caribbean plantations, it has a grassy lawn edged with tropical plants and royal palms, a huge cliff-side hancock michigan airport veranda, and freshwater swimming pool. Inside, classic-style columns form a grand entry into the vast living area with its 20-foot vaulted ceiling, and entertainment system. A formal dining room sits adjacent to the kitchen that offers every modern convenience. A housekeeper and gardener maintain the house and grounds, and guests can request a cook, chauffeur or nanny.

The Eastern Nature Trail is a 5.6km/3.5m track built by the National Trust to encourage exploration of the Praslin Protected Landscape, located south of the east-coast village of Dennery. You must have a guide (EC$60/US$22 per group for up to 15 people) and pay an entrance fee of EC$10/US$4 per person. The winding trail follows the coastline and cuts through wild grasslands high above the Atlantic. Bring binoculars to watch the magnificent frigates, herons, and other birds that soar above the landscape, and have your camera ready to capture panoramic vistas of the close-by hancock michigan airport satellite islands. hancock michigan airport If you choose not to hike the entire trail, you can leave the group at exit points designated at the end of each mile. Add on to your tour by hiking the Fr gate Island Nature Reserve trail (see Short & Easy, above), which begins near the end of the Eastern Nature hancock michigan airport Trail, or taking the optional canoe trip out to Praslin Island. Tours run daily from August through April 9am to 5pm. Contact the National Trust to join a group or book a private guide, 758-452-5005.

weather forecast oradea The red rocks overlooking Pointe Baptiste Beach are extraordinary. Climb up the natural clay sculptu





The soaring mountains that captivate visitors on land continue below the sea and provide shelter for a tremendous weather forecast oradea variety of creatures and plants. One of the most popular dives in the West Indies is off the beach at Anse Chastanet, which is part of the Soufri re Marine Management Area, where an underwater plateau starts near shore. This shallow dive, from five to 25 feet deep, is great for novice divers and snorkelers. Brightly colored sponges, soft corals, and large brain corals are found here along with goatfish, parrotfish, chromis and wrasse. Frogfish live in a cave at the base of the reef. Night divers have reported sighting a Loch Ness-like monster in the area, and locals joke about The Thing favoring Anse Chastanet as a vacation spot.

The red rocks overlooking Pointe Baptiste Beach are extraordinary. Climb up the natural clay sculptures for magnificent views of the coast and Atlantic surf. The sandy beach below is ideal for picnicking, and the water is calm enough for snorkeling.

Your trip through Customs will be quicker and more hassle-free if you pack all the items you buy on the islands together in the same bag. Organize your purchase receipts so that they are readily available for inspection by the officials, and remember to declare everything acquired while you were out of the country, even if it was given to you as a gift or you had it shipped home. Going Metric US citizens continue weather forecast oradea to be confused by measurements given in anything other than American. Commit the following to memory and avoid the shame.

767-448-4031 or 767-448-4032, fax 767-448-4034 www.avirtualdominica.com/reigate.htm 21 rooms $ Sitting on the coast, about a mile south of Roseau, this three-level hotel has 21 spacious air conditioned with fans, two beds, and cable TVs. All feature private balconies that overlook weather forecast oradea the pool and courtyard and offer a magnificent view of the Caribbean. Fresh-squeezed fruit juices are mixed with island rum at the poolside Tibouko Bar. A sister hotel, Reigate Mountain-Top on Kings Hill/Morne Bruce inland from Roseau, puts the

daka90 beds, antiques and local art. One of the villas accommodates up to six guests and has a heated indoo





beds, antiques and local art. One of the villas accommodates up to six guests and has a heated indoor plunge pool, an open-air master bedroom and bath, a separate second bedroom and bath, and a third sleeping area. Another villa also sleeps six and has a private garden swimming daka90 pool and a dining area.

The best grocery store in Roseau is Whitchurch Supermarket on Old Street, 767-448-2181. Brizee s Mart is even larger and has a wider selection; it s about a five-minute drive outside of town on the road to Canefield, daka90 767-448-2087. In the Portsmouth area, pick up basic cooking and picnic daka90 supplies daka90 at G&A Enterprise, known locally as Tina s, 767-445-4865.

posta oradea Since Dominicans tend to cook without recipes, the same dish at different restaurants may taste surp





Since Dominicans tend to cook without recipes, the same dish at different restaurants may taste surprisingly dissimilar. For instance, a dish called provisions posta oradea may be made with any of several root vegetables, including yams, pumpkin, and dasheen. The cook then flavors the mashed vegetables with whatever spices are available.

Your trip through Customs will be quicker and more hassle-free if you pack all the items you buy on the islands posta oradea together in the same bag. Organize posta oradea your purchase receipts so that they are readily available for inspection by the officials, and remember to declare everything acquired while you were out of the country, even if it was given to you as a gift or you had it shipped home. Going Metric US citizens continue to be confused by measurements given in anything other than American. Commit the following to memory and avoid the shame.

Butterfly Boutique, Papillote Wilderness Retreat, Trafalgar Falls Road, about five miles north of Roseau, posta oradea 767-448-2287, www.papillote. dm. You expect originality and quality in this nature setting, and Butterfly Boutique won t disappoint. There s a fine variety of art and crafts created by Dominican artists, including lovely mahogany sculptures by Louis Desire. Other choices include distinctive jewelry, magnificent quilts, and superb beauty products.

You ll also see gorgeous living coral and other invertebrates in the St. Lucian waters. Elkhorn (tan), finger (pale yellow or white), and brain (looks posta oradea just like its namesake) are the most common corals. One to look out for is the dingy-brown fire coral. You may mistake it for a dead coral, but you ll know immediately that you re mistaken if you touch it. The hair-like polyps that stick out of its branches deliver a powerful sting that results in painful welts on the skin. If you come in contact with fire coral, resist the impulse to rub your injury, which will spread the stingers. Treat the welts with cortisone cream as soon as possible.

keck parking des moines Since Melville Hall Airport is on the opposite side of the island from the major towns, taxi rates c





The descent from the summit is as hard as the ascent. Steep. Tricky. Slow. Muddy. Then, you come out into the floor of the Valley of Desolation. Whoever named this place did a fitting job. The entire valley bubbles and spits and hisses and stinks. The only better name would be Valley of Isolation. As you look around at the barren, simmering ground, you realize how far you are from civilization and you wonder if anyone really knows for sure that the obviously agitated earth isn t going to erupt while you re standing there.

Since Melville Hall Airport is on the opposite side of the island from the major towns, taxi rates can be expensive. Count on EC$43/US$16 per person keck parking des moines to Roseau and EC$32/US$12 to Portsmouth via the Transinsular Road. Some drivers may try to take the longer coastal roads and charge more, so settle on the route and charge before you leave the airport. keck parking des moines Canefield Airport is near Roseau, and a private taxi ride into town runs about EC$21/US$8.

and its tributaries into the Orinoco Valley (in modern-day Venezuela keck parking des moines and Colombia). From there, they made their way to the northern coast and continued across the Caribbean Sea (at the time the sea level was about 65 feet, or 20 meters, lower than it is today) to the Antilles Islands.

From here, you and your guide can hike to the top of the mountain. The trail is well tended and passes through excellent forests and thick elfin woodland to a spectacular viewpoint at the summit. Ask your guide about getting to Syndicate keck parking des moines Falls, an isolated cascade that requires some wading and boulder jumping.

des moines international airport phone number Nearby, around the base of Gros Piton, five-finger coral grows solidly from a depth of 15 to 50 in a





December 13th is National Day as well as the Feast of St. Lucy. For many years, the islanders referred to this date as Discovery des moines international airport phone number Day in the belief that Christopher Columbus landed on their island December 13, 1502. However, logs of the voyages des moines international airport phone number show that Columbus was nowhere near the area on that date, and facts about the actual des moines international airport phone number discovery by anyone other than Arawak Indians are vague. des moines international airport phone number But a celebration is still appropriate, and the island s patron saint is celebrated in style. Lantern-lit

Nearby, around the base of Gros Piton, five-finger coral grows solidly from a depth of 15 to 50 in a site known as Coral Gardens. Rare sargassum-trigger fish live at greater depths. The slope here continues for hundreds of feet, so divers must monitor their gauges to avoid going too deep.

Guests enjoy swimming in the attractive freshwater pool, and watching the sun set from the beachside bar. The Lifeline Restaurant has a reputation des moines international airport phone number for serving some of the best food on the island, and it s a popular hangout for locals and visitors arriving by private yacht. Owner Joan Alexander is a native St. Lucian and gifted artist. When she s not busy overseeing the resort, she operates an on-site studio and gift shop that features her colorful batiks.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

des moines municipal airport This easy nature-trail hike will take you to a superb panoramic viewpoint where you may spot a rare





with services at the Catholic des moines municipal airport churches. Priests des moines municipal airport then come out to the beaches to bless decorated boats and seaside sheds. Afternoon events include land games, boat races, and fishing competitions, des moines municipal airport and the day wraps up with live music, des moines municipal airport cookouts, and street dances.

The best grocery store in Roseau is Whitchurch Supermarket on Old Street, 767-448-2181. Brizee s Mart is even larger and has a wider selection; it s about a five-minute drive outside of town on the road to Canefield, 767-448-2087. In the Portsmouth area, pick up basic cooking and picnic supplies at G&A Enterprise, known locally as Tina s, 767-445-4865.

This easy nature-trail hike will take you to a superb panoramic viewpoint where you may spot a rare and elusive parrot darting through the treetops. Then you have the option of continuing des moines municipal airport on to the top of Morne Diablotin, Dominica s highest peak at 4,747 feet.

A marked des moines municipal airport path leads through the shaded garden planted with flowering bird-of-paradise, hibiscus, des moines municipal airport and ginger lily. At the end of the trail, you come to a waterfall pouring des moines municipal airport from a fissure into a rocky pool. The cascade des moines municipal airport starts high up the cliff and comes down the rock face in six stages. Sulfur from underground springs colors the water shades of bright green, blue, and purple, and stains des moines municipal airport the rocks a deep, rusty orange. des moines municipal airport

oradea airport St. Lucia receives about 300,000 cruise-ship visitors each year. The main port is on the north side





A third culture also played a significant role in the island s character that of Africa. Europeans brought African slaves onto the island by the boat load to work their plantations, so that while French oradea airport and English customs were mingling among one segment of society, African oradea airport traditions established a stronghold in another. Descendants of former slaves constitute the largest percentage of the island s present population, and their

Dominica 35 What s Special About It? 35 Snapshots 37 A Brief History 38 The First Inhabitants 38 European Settlement 38 Independence 40 Travel Information 40 Documentation 40 Getting Here 40 By Air 40 By Sea 42 Getting oradea airport Around 42 By Car 42 By Bus 43 By Taxi 44 Festivals, Events & Holidays oradea airport 45

Of course, you don t have to do the daredevil stuff. Most people just take their bike for a comfortable cruise along the eco-friendly compost trails that lead to historic ruins, fantastic hilltop vistas, and the beach.

St. Lucia receives about 300,000 cruise-ship oradea airport visitors each year. The main port is on the north side of the harbor in the capital, Castries, near the Pointe Seraphine duty-free shopping complex. You can take a water taxi from there to the North Wharf, in the center of town.

des moines international airport address A large freeform pool with a wide deck lures guests in the afternoon. The cleverly designed swim-up





way just north of LeSport Resort and take steps down a steep incline to the sand-lined bay. While the beach is public, all equipment and refreshments are for guests of the all-inclusive LeSport Resort, so you may feel like an unwanted misfit. Get over it, and enjoy the cliff-sheltered white sand, calm sea, and good snorkeling.

A large freeform pool with a wide deck lures guests in the afternoon. The cleverly designed swim-up bar is generously stocked so that swimmers can help themselves to a variety of refreshments, including beer, wine, and top-brand liquors. At four o clock, tea and fresh-baked treats are served des moines international airport address poolside.

To continue your tour along the southern loop road, go back to the west-coast highway and turn south toward Choiseul. With the Piton Mountains still ahead, watch for signs directing you east to the Morne Coubaril Estate, a magnificent plantation with fantastic views of the sea and the Pitons. The 250-acre plantation was opened to the public in 1995 as a cultural and historical center. A 90-minute tour included in the EC$15/US$5.62 entrance fee will give you a good idea of St. Lucia s agricultural past. You will travel down the old mule path to ruins of the 18th-century sugar mill and a recreated village where slaves once lived. The estate (located across des moines international airport address the highway from the road leading down to the Jalousie Hilton Resort) is open daily, 9am to 4:30pm, 459-7340.

des moines airport map Roads are fairly well maintained, if you judge by Caribbean standards. However, most roads are narro





The cultural center is in a converted sugar mill on the grounds of an old plantation, and the original water wheel that was used to drive the sugar press is still there. The runway at Canefield Airport now cuts through land once planted with sugar. The center houses the offices of the Arawak House of Culture,a folk research des moines airport map center,a sculpture work- shop,an art gallery, and a dance studio; 767-449-1804 or 449-3075, www.culturedominica.com.

Roads are fairly des moines airport map well maintained, if you judge by Caribbean standards. However, most roads are narrow and you have to expect hairpin curves in the mountains and kidney-pounding ruts along the coast and in the forest. All the secondary roads are challenging, and even the nicest resorts and out-of-the-way restaurants are often reached by unpaved lanes. If you plan to explore isolated areas, consider des moines airport map renting a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

767-448-7749, fax 767-448-7709 10 rooms $$ If you re looking for a great place at a good price, this is it. Set across the road from a pebble beach full of colorful fishing boats in the center of Scotts Head, Herche des moines airport map s is ideal for divers. The rooms are plain, but clean and comfortable with private baths, cable TVs, and a small refrigerator. Most of the rooms are air conditioned des moines airport map and all have ceiling fans. Sundowner Caf , the on-site restaurant and bar, serves good food and drinks and is popular with folks on a budget.

weather forecast oradea As a general rule, eat in clean restaurants with a heavy tourist trade, but keep in mind that some o





Forest weather forecast oradea Reserve. weather forecast oradea It s one of the island s major attractions, and you don t want to go there on cruise-ship weather forecast oradea days. At other times, take a bus from Canefield destined for Castle Bruce, and get off at the parking area for the trail.

As a general rule, eat in clean restaurants with a heavy tourist trade, but keep in mind that some of the best meals are found in small family- run caf s in areas without many tourists. If the locals eat there, or recommend that you do, it s probably okay.

In general, weather forecast oradea restaurants are informal, and many serve meals on outdoor patios. weather forecast oradea During the day, islanders and tourists wear shorts and sandals everywhere, but swimsuits are out of place inside even the most casual caf s. At dinner, men usually wear slacks and shirts with collars. Women are most comfortable in slacks or sundresses.

cedar rapids airport map 800-GOSPICE or 758-452-0865, www.casalucia.com/spice1.htm. Jungle Tours offers three rainforest adve





800-GOSPICE or 758-452-0865, cedar rapids airport map www.casalucia.com/spice1.htm. Jungle Tours offers three rainforest adventures rated for beginning, intermediate, or advanced hikers. In addition, there are tours to the beach, waterfalls, and special outings for cruise-ship passengers with time restrictions. All include transportation in an open Land Rover, and most feature a buffet lunch, 758-450-0434, www.jungletoursstlucia.com.

While the population of St. Lucia is growing, recent counts show the population of Dominica is decreasing slightly. The total number of people living on Dominica is now less than 70,000, with about 16,000 living in the capital city of Roseau. By contrast, approximately 170,000 people live on St. Lucia, cedar rapids airport map and more than 67,000 live in Castries, the capital. These figures are more meaningful when you consider that St. Lucia, with 238 square miles, is a bit smaller than Dominica, which covers 290 square miles. cedar rapids airport map

At Cotton Batik House, 8 King s Lane, Roseau, 767-448-3409, the designers use 100% pre-shrunk cotton to make original-art clothing for men, women, and children. You can also buy wall hangings and table linens decorated with unique batik designs. Owner Claudia cedar rapids airport map Henderson is a talented singer who has performed off-Broadway. Now she spends her time creating distinctive wearable art that celebrates the beauty and culture of Dominica.

directions to des moines airport Lynne Sullivan is a veteran travel writer with a passion for the Caribbean. As the author of multipl





Lynne Sullivan is a veteran travel writer with a passion for the Caribbean. As the author of multiple travel guides to dozens of islands, she spends much of her time there scouting out a variety of activities, sites, directions to des moines airport shops, accommodations and eateries. directions to des moines airport Her goal is to steer readers to the best each island has to offer, whether they are on a short cruise-ship stop, or an extended vacation. Back home in Dallas, Texas, her snorkeling gear and hiking shoes are always packed in anticipation of the next island adventure.

Provisions: root vegetables such as dasheen, yams, sweet potatoes, tannia, and white potatoes. Very popular side dish. Roti: curried meat and/or vegetables wrapped in flat bread like a burrito. Schrub: a liqueur made by soaking oranges in rum. Sea-moss drink: rumored to be an aphrodisiac, it tastes somewhat like a vanilla milkshake. Souse: commonly called souse n puddin , the souse is pickled pig s head cooked with spices, while the puddin is sausage made of pig s blood. Souskai: green fruits, grated and macerated in lime juice, salt and hot pepper. Ti-punch: drink made of rum, cane syrup, and lime. If you order mountain chicken in a restaurant, you ll be eating crapaud legs, which are considered a delicacy. Forget you know what it is and order it Cr ole style. Travel Information

Land in this area, at the remote southeast end of the island, directions to des moines airport has always been used for agriculture. At one time, large plantations sprawled across the region, and you can visit old lime factories and sugar mills. One of the most interesting is the mill at Geneva Estate, directions to des moines airport which is the setting for parts of novels by Dominica-born writer Jean Rhys, author directions to des moines airport of the popular Wide Sargasso Sea. It s located on the road between Berekua and Petite Savane, directions to des moines airport along with others at Stowe and Bagatelle, near Fond St. Jean.

compassionate leave for bereavement The most popular streams for swimming are the Picard River, which comes from the hills above Portsmo





The most popular streams for swimming are the Picard River, which comes from the hills above Portsmouth and empties into Prince Rupert Bay, and the Machoucherie River, compassionate leave for bereavement which flows into the Caribbean between M ro Beach and the village of Salisbury. The Layou is the longest river on Dominica and a favorite with locals. In 1997, a landslide filled the stream with dirt causing the water to overflow its banks and flood the surrounding valley. After a few years of healing, the river is once again suitable for swimming. compassionate leave for bereavement

Electricity Electricity on Dominica and St. Lucia is 220-volt AC, 50 cycles. Newer hotels may have complete compassionate leave for bereavement 110-volt systems, and many bathrooms in older hotels have outlets for 110-volt shavers. If you plan to use a hair dryer or other small appliance designed for 110 volts, check with your hotel about the need for a converter or plug adapter. Even dual-voltage computers and appliances may need a plug adapter, compassionate leave for bereavement depending on which country it was sold in. Conversion devices are relatively inexpensive, so you may want to pick up a set at a travel store or electrical shop before you leave home.

enjoy cooking your own meals and snacking out of your own refrigerator, or just want to avoid the usual tourist spots. Some rentals include extras, such as a car, transportation from the airport, maid service, kitchen provisioning, or an on-call chef.

Before you begin making plans and placing deposits, check with a few wedding consultants who specialize in Caribbean weddings. They can lead you safely through compassionate leave for bereavement the hazards compassionate leave for bereavement of getting married in a foreign country and arrange for almost any type of ceremony, reception, and honeymoon. Some to try:

compassionate leave bereavement The gourmet kitchen specializes in imaginative meals that please even the most demanding guests. Ret





The gourmet kitchen specializes in imaginative meals that please even the most demanding guests. compassionate leave bereavement Returning compassionate leave bereavement guests, who sometimes stay for two weeks, never complain of a lack of variety. Each day, the kitchen receives freshly caught fish and lobster from local fisherman, and herbs, compassionate leave bereavement vegetables, and fruits are selected at the market or purchased from nearby farms. Buffet breakfasts and lunches feature island fruits compassionate leave bereavement and vegetables along with cooked-to-order dishes and daily specialties. But the best offerings are presented at candlelight dinners, where haute cuisine compassionate leave bereavement meals are graciously served by an attentive staff that never lets a wine glass sit half-full.

Skinny-dipping is legally and culturally a no-no on Dominica, and you don t want to get caught doing it. However, if you find an isolated lagoon, who s going to know? West Coast Beaches Twenty-eight good snorkeling areas have been identified off the west coast, where the Caribbean Sea is clear and calm. Beaches south of Roseau aren t the best the island has to offer, but they are some of the most interesting.

Back on the west coast road, drive north a short distance to Point Ronde. This is a favorite anchorage area for sailboats, and the rocky shoreline is an ideal hunting ground for shell collectors. North, around the curve of the bay, there s a mile-long stretch of sandy beach and some good snorkeling spots. One of the best is the coral bed growing near the pier at Portsmouth compassionate leave bereavement Beach Hotel, south of the Picard River.

Anse La Raye is a shady beach that s popular with village residents. Bring a picnic compassionate leave bereavement lunch and snorkeling equipment, because there are no facilities on the beach. The water is clear and ideal for snorkeling. The community throws a fish fry on Friday nights, and all visitors are welcome.

arenas cuba The red rocks overlooking Pointe Baptiste Beach are extraordinary. Climb up the natural clay sculptu





The red rocks overlooking Pointe Baptiste Beach are extraordinary. Climb up the natural clay sculptures for magnificent views of the coast and Atlantic surf. The sandy beach below is ideal for picnicking, and the water is calm enough for snorkeling.

These lakes in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park are two of Dominica s finest. Freshwater Lake is the largest reservoir arenas cuba on the island, and it s possible to drive there, preferably arenas cuba in a four-wheel-drive vehicle because of the rugged stone road. On foot, the trip is an easy one-hour, two-mile hike from the village of Laudat.

quad city international airport moline il Apple Vacations, www.applevacations.com. Enter your zip code to find a travel agency in your area th





Apple Vacations, www.applevacations.com. Enter your zip code to find a travel quad city international airport moline il agency in your area that sells tickets/packages. Funjet Vacations, www.funjet.com. GWV, www.gwvtravel.com. You ll have to get a travel agent to make the reservation for you, but they offer direct and nonstop air from Boston, MA and Hartford, CT with hotel packages. TNT Vacations, 616-262-9200, www.tntvacations.com. Trans Global Vacations, www.tgvacations.com. By Sea

Colombian Emeralds features quad city international airport moline il emerald jewelry, other fine gemstones and international watches. They re known for significant savings, full guarantees, certified appraisals and US after- sales service; quad city international airport moline il 758-453-7721. Jewellers Warehouse claims to save you 50% on all merchandise; 758-453-7281. Diamonds in Paradise specializes in romantic diamond pieces; 758-452-7223. Essence highlights designer clothing and accessories from around the world; 758-452-3028. Benetton sells the familiar Italian fashions. You ll find a selection of unique stripes, prints and colors in the latest styles with duty-free prices; 758-452-7685. Banana Beach Shop stocks T-shirts, swimsuits, snorkeling gear, suntan lotion, and other beach necessities. In addition, they carry cookbooks, place mats, and other household items featuring the charming quad city international airport moline il watercolor prints of Caribbean artist Jill Walker; 758-452-6909. Natur Pur Designer Clothing is made from all natural fibers and designed by Sylvie Calderbank. You can choose from linen or cotton; 758-452-4252. PEER has coordinated cotton clothes with colorful prints and embroidery designs. Adult and children s sizes are available in T-shirts, shorts, caps, and more; 758-453-0815. Noah s Arkade has several shops around the island. All carry a good selection of imaginative handcrafted items such as straw hats, steel pans, hammocks, and jams, along with books, maps, film, and suntan products. Another store is on Jeremie Street in town; 758-452-2523. Bagshaw Studios is an internationally known family-run silkscreening business that makes colorful cotton and linen fabrics and gifts. If you have time, visit the working studio at La Toc Bay; 758-452-7570. Studio Images promises a 30-50% discount on fragrances by Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Christian Dior and many other well-known international designers. They also offer good buys on designer sunglasses, watches, leather goods, and gifts; 758-452-3687. St. Lucia

casa oradea 767-448-2188, fax 767-448-6088 www.castlecomfortdivelodge.com 15 rooms $$$ Fans of this cozy upscale





767-448-2188, fax 767-448-6088 casa oradea www.castlecomfortdivelodge.com 15 rooms $$$ Fans of this cozy upscale lodge come back repeatedly for the homey atmosphere and good dive-talk. Most of the guests are on dive-package vacations and enjoy sitting around the hot tub or dinner table going over their day s adventures with owners Derek and Ginette casa oradea Perryman. The rooms are air conditioned and those located away from the water s edge have cable TV. Derek Perryman is an experienced, friendly diver who runs enjoys showing his underwater world to guests through his well-run dive center, Dive Dominica. casa oradea

These are qualities not easily kept secret. Over the past decade, the sharp worldwide growth of nature-tourism and eco-tourism helped boost Dominica s popularity. Visits from cruise ship passengers grew from about 7,000 to more than 244,000, casa oradea and the number of overnight tourists increased from about 30,000 to more than 75,000. Obviously, change is imminent. The message: Visit now.

Across Laborie Street from the east side of the square, you ll see the stone Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, casa oradea which was begun around 1895 and completed in 1931. Go inside the church to see Biblical scenes painted by internationally renowned St. Lucian artist Dunstan Saint-Omer (notice his trademark casa oradea black Christ). Fresh flowers sit on side altars and candles give off a lovely light. If you attend mass on Sunday, you will be in the company of parishioners casa oradea decked out in their multicolored best. Services are at 7:30pm Saturday and 6am and 7:30am Sunday. A children's mass is on Sundays at 10:30am. 758-452-2271.

At the far southern tip of the island, about 10 minutes by car from Point Guignard, the kick-back-and-chill casa oradea villages of Soufri re and Scott s Head loll on beautiful Soufri re Bay. Walk out to the end of the isthmus where a narrow strip of sand offers little more than a place to leave your towel. The protected marine reserve just offshore is fabulous. Cradled casa oradea in an ancient volcano, the bay is a favorite dive site because casa oradea of its abundant coral and sea life. The water is calm enough for leisurely swimming, and deep underwater sights can be seen with a mask and snorkel.