San Juan Puerto Rico - Carnival Cruise Lines Day 6

Dominica.

This was the second island on our stop.  It is quite a long sail from St. Thomas, abou 17 hours.  The shipped arrived in port at 10am local time this morning.  The local community obviously knows the cruise ship schedules inside and out, and treat each arrival like a carnival.  Local street vendors line the main street along side the port.  At first glance, you can tell, unlike St. Thomas, that this town, Roseau, is very much steeped in tradition.  From the grand Anglican Cathedrals (in need of much repair) to the many hotels and shops.  While most of the street vendors cater to much the same fair, it was like any other stop that pedals in cheap tourism gimmicks and souveneirs.  It wasn't until we ventured off the beaten path you see the real Roseau.

We stopped in a local grocer three or four blocks from the port to pick up a bottle of water which worked out to 3.20 Caribbean.  With a $5.00 US, we received about $9.40 back.  Satisfied that visitors to the island weren't being taken advantage of.  The exchange rate is about 1=2.60. (Both Canadian and US). 

Lunch consisted of local Caribbean fare and a highly recommend restaurant frequented by locals called Guiyave Restaurant and Patisserie.  Lunch consisted of semi-spicy noodles, roasted carrots and beans, herb chicken and white fish (not sure what kind it was) simmered in a not too spicy curry sauce.  Desert, which was nice, was a mango ice cream. (locally produced which I suspect was made from goats milk.  Total bill for two buffets, 2 drinks and desert worked out to about $36 US.  Not bad for value for the quality of food, service and portions.

Like most cities and towns, you have to be careful, know where to go and where you spend your money.  Although I didn't get the sense anyone was trying to rip me off, I did notice many high pressure sales on the main street at those vendors.  That, I am not too much into.

Transportation to all the shopping and sites, isn't difficult, cabs are everywhere.  Cabs in Roseay are actually vans.  They are everywhere.  You will have no problem finding a ride once you depart the ship.

For Canadians, you feel right at home, as the first building you see is the Royal Bank of Canada.  Yeah!

Be prepared for lots of walking.  Plenty to see if you are not into shopping like the Botanical Gardens.  Or if you are like myself, you can take a thousand pictures of the surrounding architecture.  Another affordable stop is the main Museum.  Nothing fancy, but it gives you a real sense of the challenges the culture has had from government, slavery, hurricanes and more.  Admission is just 3.00 US.  You can find this right across the street from the ship.

Nice island, beautiful climate and the legendary deep blue sea.  The locals are friendly and the food amazing.  A much enjoyable stop.



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