The following post features student writing.

So far our experience has been full of many highs and few lows. We have not only been working hard to better the community, we have gone on several fun adventures including visiting a local waterfall, going to the famous Batibou Beach, and exploring the Kalinago Territory, an indigenous reserve.

The waterfall, named Chaudiere Pool, was quite a site to be seen and a thrilling excursion. The 45-minute hike to the waterfall was a great chance for the kids to get to know some of the local children a bit better. Once we arrived at the waterfall, there was no holding back because the group was so overheated from the hike in. Everyone jumped right in to the beautiful, sparkling pool below. Lots of fun was had and great memories were made.

Yesterday, the group was thrilled to finally see and experience Batibou Beach. The drive in was quite a bumpy ride filled with large potholes, mud, and rocks. However, the trip in was so worth it! The beach was beautiful, like a picture on a canvas. The group spent the entire two hours in the water and were quite prune-like when they got out. Everyone wanted to stay longer but the group had to go because it was getting dark and people were eager to get back for the delicious dinner prepared by Danessa, the amazing cook.

Today, we went to the Kalingo Territory, the last indigenous reserve in the Caribbean. We visited Kalinago Barana Aute, a Kalinago model village, where we learned a lot about the history of the Kalingo people. Students were surprised to learn some startling facts, including how they were forced to inter-marry with other races in order to protect themselves, how the Nazis built the main highway in Dominica as a good deed to the Kalingo, and how their land is worthless because they will not sell it to anyone no matter how much money is offered by outsiders.

The students are looking forward to the many excursions to come, including the nine-mile hike to the Boiling Lake on Saturday. Thanks for reading and enjoy the pictures!

Love,

Bella & Morgan