It is time for another one of my random travel contest discoveries found out there on the web. I was lured to the new and very visually pleasing Dominica tourism site from an advertisement found on Nat Geo and further stumbled upon this great opportunity to win a trip to what they call, “The Nature Island.” If you have not heard, American Airlines/American Eagle has added flights to Dominica, so the winner should expect to be shipped into paradise on American, but not without answering a few simple questions. Now for the all Carib guru’s out there the contest quiz might be easy breezy like a summer wind drifting through the lush green leaves of the palm, but those just wanting a little Atlantic Ocean fun and sun with only a small amount of knowledge on Dominica will probably need to surf around the site for the answers. Questions include: What is the capital of Dominica? How many waterfalls can be found there and which type of whales frequent the waters? There are 10 questions in all, the contest is open until March 31, 2007 and winners are notified by April 30, 2007. So if your gut feeling is telling you you’ll be relaxing on the beach with a cocktail in hand this summer this could be your ticket in. Be sure to read the official contest rules.
La Robe Creole Restaurant
Dominica’s La Robe Creole Restaurant is more than a website dedicated to what seems to be one of the country’s best family owned restaurants. (Both Washington Post and Fordors give great reviews.) A trip to the website will not only give you a visual taste of what your palate has in store, but provides comprehensive background information on the country in a glossary full of terms. Visitors planning a trip to the Caribbean island can also use the La Robe Forum to find out cultural and creole language information. Want to experience Carnival in Dominica? Fine information about the event here too.Play La Robe’s Game Quiz and score points while trip planning.
Returning to the more important topic of food, they offer basic burgers to island fav’s like chicken roti and callaloo soup. Those looking for light selections can have a small feast on delicious fish au gratin, accras, and shrimp in coconut flakes. For the picky eater, take a look at the food photo gallery, which may not cure your being picky overnight, but could help you decide what to order. Everything looks incredibly tempting, especially the fruit. Mmm.
Watching the Whales
Not too long ago I posted a bit about my experience seeing a bunch of porpoises while I was out fishing. It was totally cool. They surrounded the boat and I reached out and patted their silvery backs.
In California whale watching is big. that’s because there are so many of these meandering cetaceans in the off the coast in the Pacific. Having grown up in California, I’ve seen humpbacks around the waters since I was a kid. And when you see them, it’s often the case that they are being tailed by whale-watching boats. Whale watching is pretty fun, if there are whales to see. And especially if the whale seem intent on entertaining. Here is an article about the best places to do whale watching. Of course California is there, but so are the Azores, Dominica and Orcas Island up in Washington. This last one is also a favorite of mine because the whales you see are often killer whales, and if you’ve ever been out kayaking and seen an Orca, well, there’s nothing quite like it.
Eco Fun for Divers and Land Lubbers Alike
MSNBC has a great story up right now from Sport Diver magazine about 10 amazing “eco wonderlands” which will excite divers and land lubbers alike. Their top choices include the waters and wilds of Dominica, Tobago, Belize, the “Maya Riviera” and good old American Maui. There’s also the usual suggestions on “must dos” and interesting lodging.
The Beau Rive
“Escape for Real,” is the motto of this lovely six guest room hotel located on Dominica’s east coast. In short, the Beau Rive will offer accommodation for the senses. Listen to the birds, the sea, the forest and let your eyes feast upon the island’s beauty with ocean views from every room. When touring the Beau Rive’s web site at first you may want turn your nose up at the cost and what it has to offer, but it makes tons of practical sense. Don’t go looking for mini-bars, cable TV, or room service at all hours of the night, because in striving to be different the Beau Rive does without them. Instead you can walk through the citrus and spice gardens or on the forest trail to the Richmond River. Think of it as paying for your own piece of paradise that hasn’t been tourist invaded and real down-to-earth hospitality from the staff.
Before you go, check out some interesting facts about the island provided by Dominica’s Tourism site found here.