Dominica, though
approximately the size of Martha’s Vineyard, has nine main volcanic areas, the highest
concentration of “live” volcanoes in the world. It also has 26 mountain tops,
one of which climbs to over 5000 feet, and each of which is covered with dense
rainforest. The Dominicans are highly protective of their ecostructure and have
successfully fought against any large scale development intrusion. There are no
Hyatts, Marriots, Omnis or any other big box hotels, and any building at all is
highly regulated.
Because it is so
highly volcanic, it is the youngest island in the Lesser Antilles. One of the
great tourist things to do is to visit one of the thermal spas, small
operations cut into the forests by individuals who have owned that spot for
generations, and bath in their beautiful hot springs. The island itself is still being formed by geothermal activity,
and has earth’s second-largest hot
spring, Boiling Lake.
Julianne March 18th, 2017
Most fascinating
to me is the sand.
It is black volcanic pulverized pumice, as fine as baby
powder and specked with flecks of gold. I exfoliated with it, washing it off in
the beautiful turquoise waters abutting the beach, and my skin felt as if had
regenerated. We could not help but to scoop up a bagful, one of the few ‘souvenirs’
we have ever removed from our island hosts. I will be returning it to the
states, and those of you who are worthy shall share in a sample of this
remarkable natural beauty product. Add a couple drops of Dominican coconut oil, and I challenge you to
find better skin care in even the finest
resort spas.
Julianne March 18th, 2017
