Border Collie in Dominica

Border Collie's are known to be very intelligent, hyper and often need a lot of attention. Mine used to be a total "prima donna" in her previous UK life. Dominica has certainly chilled her out...

Dominica 31st Anniversary of Independence Celebrations

Photo Originally uploaded by TropicallyTied

The activities celebrating our 31st Anniversary of Independence are drawing to a close. It really has been an amazing spectacle of our culture and heritage and a good amount of partying too.

The official programme of activities can be seen on the government website
THEME: “Celebrating Progress and Development”
Activities - www.dominica.gov.dm
Photos from various events here www.flickr.com/photos/tropicallytied

Further videos, photos etc from various sources:
dominica-weekly.com
caivideos.ning.com
dominicasource.com
partydominica.com

All Souls Day in Dominica - Day of the Dead

All Souls - Day of the Dead
Originally uploaded by TropicallyTied

It was All Souls today (Day of the Dead), a special day of remembrance for friends and loved ones who have passed away. The cemetary was decorated with lots of beautiful flowers, the graves were freshly painted and the candles carefully placed and lit.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead

Dominica's Independence Celebrations

Heritage Day Gala, Eggleston, Dominica

I love this time of year, the celebration of our Independence, cultural history & traditions.
I especially love to see the kids getting involved.
A Big Thank You to all the people behind the scenes who make these events possible.

Photos from various events:

Copyright Celia Sorhaindo

FrontLine Bookstore, Dominica

FrontLine Bookstore, Dominica
Originally uploaded by TropicallyTied

I think I heard that after 27 years, today will be the last day for the Frontline Bookstore in Dominica. If so this is the second bookstore which has closed in recent months (Pages bookstore also closed this year).
For me this is a sad occassion. When I used to come on holiday to Dominica, I could not go back without at least one visit to FrontLine and being back it became a regular Roseau stop.
I could always get the latest books by local authors and poets, the latest CD by our musicians, find out what cultural shows, poetry readings, art exhibitions, hikes etc were taking place or just stop for a chat.
So I wish Sealey, Zenith and all the others I used to meet at Frontline the very best. It will certainly be missed.

I read on http://thedominican.net that the Frontline Cooperative Bookstore was founded in 1982 by Eddie "Izzar" Toulon, Gabriel Christian and others.

Crazy Cat and Boa in Dominica

Crazy Cat and Boa in Dominica
Originally uploaded by TropicallyTied

The other night I was driving home and came across a snake in the middle of the road. I got out to shoot it (we have no poisonous snakes in Dominica but I was still keeping my distance) and this crazy cat started stalking the snake...I had to admire its bravery...or stupidity

Anniversary back in Dominica

All set for England?
Originally uploaded by TropicallyTied

In September 1976, when I was 8 years old, my father said we were leaving Dominica for England. To be honest I had no idea what he was talking about. All I knew was one minute I was coming to terms with the end of mango season and trying to decide which halter neck top and bell-bottom combination to wear, and the next, my halter necks were replaced with thick woolly jumpers, I was getting off an aeroplane at Heathrow wondering what on earth just happened and wondering what language people in Ipswich would speak.
My journey back home probably began at that very moment and ended on September 8th 2005, nearly 30 years later.
We hear about migration all the time. It has completely changed, and will continue to change, the global social landscape. It has had huge and complex consequences for countries and individuals, sending ripples down generations.
The majority of Dominicans are likely to have been touched by migration in one way or another. Our own history as a people begins with forced and voluntary migration.
I have always been interested in the human element, the impact on individuals; those who leave, those who remain and those who return, the children and grandchildren down the generations. The impact on things like identity, culture, belonging, family units, the place you regard as home.
I recently read an article about reverse migration or return migration and how the economic situation has prompted some Latin American migrants in the US to return home. It will be interesting to see if this reversal becomes significant and if it causes any unforseen issues.
Nation's economic woes prompt reverse migration
Stories from returned Dominicans:
Home Again Book

Chasing Hummingbirds in Dominica

Hummingbird, Dominica
Originally uploaded by TropicallyTied

Ever since I saw my friend Steve's fab hummingbird shot Steve's Hummingbird Photo
I have been trying to capture my own hummingbird picture. Unfortunately these fidgety birds never stay still and by the time I have composed, focused and pressed to shoot, they have long gone, together with my patience, laughing their little heads off.
But last weekend I had some time on my hands and happened to be in a garden full of hummingbirds. I spent hours chasing them up and down and finally managed to get a few shots. I wish I read these useful tips beforehand.
Shooting a Hummingbird with a camera
There are 4 species of hummingbird found in Dominica. This one, the purple-throated carib (eulampis jugularis) is the biggest. The others are: green-throated carib hummingbird, antillean crested hummingbird and the endemic blue-headed hummingbird.

Morne Micotrin Hike, Dominica

Views from Morne Micotrin Hike, Dominica
Originally uploaded by TropicallyTied

It has been a while since I have been on a long hike. Too much sitting in front of the computer and driving around the island so I was itching to stretch my legs. Not sure I wanted to stretch them that much though. The hike up to Morne Micotrin is not for the faint hearted and pretty much every step has the potential to sprain ankles. Don't think serious hikers would be impressed with my technique for getting down, much of it was spent on my backside. The views are breath taking though.
More Morne Micotrin Hike Photos - click here

Nature Island Literary Festival and Book Fair held in Dominica

Asha Lovelace

Since coming back home I find myself saying a lot "Wow! Dominicans have so much talent". And yet again at the 2nd Nature Island Literary Festival and Book Fair held from the 7th to the 9th August, I sat watching an array of gifted Dominican poets, writers, musicians and readers.
Last year one of the highlights of our reunion celebrations was the 1st literary festival and after hearing so often "Dominicans don't read and aren't interested in books" I was glad the event was such a success and that it was to become an annual event. With an impressive line-up and more resources last year, this year was always going to be a challenge for the organisers but we were not disappointed.

From our local line-up:
The readers made me want to revisit old books and keen to read the new ones (I especially thought the "Home Again" readers did a fab job... ;-) I might be slightly biased as these people hold a special place in my heart), the music of Gelina Fontaine and her musical partner was refreshingly very different, the Spanish love poems were indeed very passionate and read with much enthusiasm, the Sixth Form Sisserou Singers were great as usual especially under trying sound and lighting conditions (they would go down so well at a World Music event) and the open mike/new voices from DA poets were again so encouraging and inspiring (Ameka Cognet and Tamara Lowe completely blew me away).

From the invited guests:
Colin Channer ("Bob Marley with a pen", conscious man, the murmurs and glances from the crowd when he read a certain passage from his book was priceless), Earl Lovelace and his daughter Asha Lovelace (Asha's film "Joebell and America" adpated from one of her fathers short stories was funny but had some important messages), Marie-elena John (very fascinating insight into the challenges of turning a book into a movie. Look out for the movie of her book "Unburnable" to be produced by Rudy Langlais), Rudy Langlais (How these two people got connected is a story in itself & I only found out recently that this famous producer had Dominican roots), Aja (spreading the poetic message that we should be more united and the world needs more love), Kwame Dawes (funny, engaging, thought provoking. His readings from "Wisteria", poems written from interviews with elderly African American women from South Carolina was food for thought with regard to our centenarians), Adrian Augier (powerful poetry and beautifully read) & Janete Scobie (daughter of Edward Scobie, I will look out for her new book "The Seeds of Green Mangoes").
All these sessions were entertaining and interesting but Earl Lovelace reading from his new book, "It's only a movie" (very topical) just had me in stitches and I really did not want him to stop.

What appealed to me most about the event this year, was how relaxed, unpretentious and casual the atmosphere. You didn't feel like you had to have a Phd. or dress in a certain way to feel comfortable there. All were made to feel welcome.
The guests chosen for this years event had alot to do with that, what nice, generous people. These were well known, published writers, performance poets, producers, film makers, busy people who did not have to come to our little island but who did and looked like they were genuinly happy to be here. They read and performed as if they were in front of a much larger audience than our meagre offering. They held workshops, answered questions, sat amongst the audience, interacted, were open, encouraging, engaging, approachable and most of all inspiring. They were people, the younger generation especially, could identify with, talking about things they could relate to.

All in all I thought the festival was captivating and stimulating.
It stirred up a hunger for me to read more Caribbean writers and exposed what talent we have to nurture. For sure we have the makings of a Colin, Earl, Marie-elena or Kwame in our midst.
I am just sorry that the audience turn out was not higher over the weekend. Dominicans truly missed out. I have no idea why as the event was FREE, the UWI open campus garden setting was relaxing, the weather excellent, there was food and drink available and the programme jam packed and very impressive.

Sincere thanks and much cudos has to go to the hardworking organising committee headed by Alwin Bully. I know I'm not the only one who thoroughly enjoyed this years festival and wish it every success. We are already looking forward to next year.

Other blog entries here:
jetzzzpoeticexpressions
paulcrask
dominica-weekly
dominica-weekly Photos & Videos

Photos from the event:

Copyright Celia Sorhaindo

Rabbit Festival 2009 at Cochrane, Dominica

Rabbit Festival 2009 at Cochrane, Dominica
Originally uploaded by TropicallyTied

I am not sure which year the first rabbit festival was held in the village of Cochrane, Dominica but this is the second one I have been too. It really is a beautiful setting in a field surrounded by lush green mountains and a great example of a thriving community event. It's a day the whole family can enjoy and is normally a lot of fun with different rabbit dishes to sample. The rain dampened things slightly this year and getting in and out of the village was even more eventful than last year but I'm already looking forward to next year's event.
More Rabbit Festival Photos - click here
Rabbit Festival article in the Dominica Food & Drink Guide - click here

Nature Island Literary Festival and Book Fair, Dominica

Nature Island Literary Festival and Book Fair, Dominica
Originally uploaded by TropicallyTied

Last year saw the launch of Dominica's first Literary Festival and Book Fair, an event I thoroughly enjoyed. I was really glad to hear the event was being organised again this year. Hats off to the hard working team headed by Alwin Bully who have put together a comprehensive schedule of events with much reduced resources. We have a wealth of talent on the island, poets, writers and a host of other artists and this is the time to showcase their skills and achievements. It is also a great opportunity for individuals to develop their creative writing talents by attending workshops led by people like Colin Channer, Kwame Dawes, Asha Lovelace and others. Much respect to them for sharing their skills and time with us in Dominica.
The main festival and book fair runs from Friday 7th August until Sunday 9th August in the beautiful grounds of the UWI Open Campus. Workshops run from 5th - 10th August.
See the following links for the schedule of events documents.
Book Fair Programme
Book Fair Workshops
Paul Crask blog about event

Caribbean Homes & Lifestyle Issue 9 Now Online

Check out the latest Caribbean Homes & Lifestyle Magazine
Packed with Homes & Lifestyle articles from Antigua & Barbuda, St Kitts & Nevis, Montserrat, Barbados and Dominica
Features for Dominica include:
- Interior Decoration and Design
- Citrus Creek Development
- Renovation of "Pipers Step" Building
- "Jungle Roots" Eco Retreat
- Gardens of Dominica
and more

Open publication

Dominica's First International Cricket Match

Copyright Celia Sorhaindo

I am not a big cricket fan but Dominica's first international cricket match held in the windsor park stadium was an event not to be missed. Rain threatened play for only a minute and we were so lucky it held off and remained sunny. Shame West Indies did not manage a win for the large crowd that turned out.

Wood Ants

Wood Ants
Originally uploaded by TropicallyTied

Luckily for us there are no dangerous animals in Dominica but there are 3 creatures that can throw me into irrational panic.
1. cockroaches, 2. snakes and 3. wood ants
I have just about conquered worrying about snakes. They have to be more worried about us than we about them. Mention snake and the cutlasses soon come out.
Cockroaches, well I think most people are with me on this one. Why do they exist again?
As for wood ants, I grew up with stories of the amazing feats of wood ants, bringing down whole houses, eating through roof beams etc all in a matter of a few days apparantly. Their destruction going undetected until it's too late. The mere sight of wood ants even in the garden will turn the average mild mannered Dominican into a chemical wielding frenzy

Mangoes

Mango
Originally uploaded by TropicallyTied

2 down, 3 to go!!! Is it greedy to eat 5 mangoes in one session? hmmm...they are my favourite fruit of all time.

Governor Plum

Governor Plum, Dominica
Originally uploaded by TropicallyTied

My faint childhood memories of growing up in Dominica are mainly filled with smells and tastes, especially fruit. Mango will forever be top of my list but I distincly remember these, governor plums. I remember being told you had to roll them in your palms before eating them otherwise they wouldn't be as sweet...hmmm...I wonder why now?

Red Rocks, nr Calibishie, Dominica

Red Rocks, nr Calibishie, Dominica
Originally uploaded by TropicallyTied

I have always been fascinated by the Red Rocks up Calibishie/Point Baptiste way. ..their curves and crevices and most most of all their fantastic colour. I still haven't managed to get close to them yet, something always happens and I never make it...

Caribbean Homes and Lifestyle magazine is now available on-line

The Latest Caribbean Homes and Lifestyle magazine is now available on-line.

Open publication

Seasoning Peppers

Seasoning Peppers
Originally uploaded by TropicallyTied

People in Dominica are so generous with sharing their produce. These seasoning peppers are from my uncle. I'm sure I should be doing something more useful with them than taking photos.

Dominica Food & Drink Guide Now On-line, Restaurant Guide and more

The Dominica Food and Drink Guide 2009 is now available on-line.
Packed with information on Dominica Restaurant & Bar listings, recipes, articles, chef profiles and more.
Check it out here:

Open publication