Friday, July 4th
What a busy first week we've had here in Bense! The weather has been hot and humid, with short rain showers nearly every day. The nights are warm, but we usually get a good breeze coming through the windows.
We spend our mornings doing various community service projects around the village -- paving Backyard Road, beach clean-up at Anse Sol Dat and Anse De Mai and painting the local nursery school, to name a few. Everyone is doing their part and really working hard! The local villagers have been working along side our students on these projects, so we've made some great connections throughout the week.
After lunch, our afternoons are dedicated to exploring the local beaches and rivers. Dominica is said to have 365 rivers -- one for each day! Batibou Beach and Chaudiere Falls are definite favorites. Our closest river is Hampstead, so we try to get there nearly every day for both bathing and laundry. Although many of us agree that it would be nice to have a shower, taking a bath outdoors is certainly a unique adventure!
On Wednesday, we were invited to travel with the local primary school to visit some sites down in the southern part of the country -- Freshwater Lake and Titou Gorge. Unfortunately, the clouds made the lake difficult to see, so instead our students engaged in a rousing game of Simon Says and Red Light/Green Light. The sun came out just in time and the gorge provided some fantastic swimming and a short hike!
Things are definitely off to a great start and we're looking forward to the excellent weeks ahead!
-Aryn and Michael, Dominica B Leaders
Monday, July 7th
We've had a relaxing weekend, and everyone is rejuvinated for the week ahead!
Saturday, we had a late morning, with yummy chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. Mid-day, we took a trip over to Portsmouth to meet up with Rudolph, a local guide, who took us on a trip down the Indian River. We saw some of the locations where Pirates of the Caribbean (2 & 3) were filmed... sadly, Johnny Depp could not be located!
Sunday started with a visit to the local Catholic church, where two local children were baptised. It was a good way to learn about an important part of Dominican culture! Later in the afternoon, some of us visited #1 beach, while others relaxed back in the village. The evening was spent in Calibishe, having a scrumptious meal prepared by Russ and Nigel at Kokonuts. Everyone enjoyed being right on the beach and playing in the hammocks!
Back in Bense, our projects this week continue to be painting the nursery school, paving Backyard Road, and the reading program at the primary school for 1st and 2nd graders.
We're working hard and enjoying the Dominican lifestyle!
-Aryn and Michael
