Passenger: Excuse me, but I noticed you have artwork
from other countries, too.
Captain: Yes, in fact, next to the swimming pool is a
bronze sculpture of five leaping dolphins by a
British artist, Susanna Holt. You might have
noticed the collection of Japanese, Chinese
and Indian artifacts in the glass cases.
Donita: This boat seems to have everything!
Captain: I'm going to give you a little nautical lesson.
A boat can be carried on a ship, but a ship
cannot be carried on a boat. The two words do
not mean the same. So, everybody, answer my
question. Is this a ship or a boat?
Passengers: A ship!
Donita: Thank you for telling us that fact. I'll try
to remember the difference, but But at my age,
I might have to be reminded a few times.
(grinning)
Captain: If there are no more questions, please go enjoy
some of the activities that are planned
for today.
During dinner at their assigned table, Donita and Sandra learn
that two of the table-mates have been on the ship before. In
fact, Larry and Suzanne have taken seven previous trips! They
are celebrating their anniversary on this trip and have ordered
a cake for the eight of them to share. As they have been to the
next port, everyone has lots of questions to ask.
Donita: Tell us about Roseau. Is there a lot to do
in Dominica?
Suzanne: It's famous for its Mome Trois Piton
tropical rainforest, rivers and waterfalls.
There's also a place called Boiling Lake which it
really does!
Donita: How does it boil?
Suzanne: It's fed by volcanic origins and other
small fumaroles.
Larry: It's also one of the best dive sites in
the world. Then there are several park reserves
on the island.
Suzanne: I liked the whale watching; it was
breath-taking to see those magnificent creatures!
Larry: We really loved seeing the crater lakes,
waterfalls and... be sure you see the Emerald
Pool!
Suzanne: There is so much lush greenery around it,
the reflection makes the water look like a shiny
emerald.
Sandra: What was your favorite thing you did
there?
Larry: I liked the tram ride. For 90 minutes we
were 300 feet above the Breakfast River Gorge and
the forest canopy. We could see the waterfalls
and some of the birds.
Suzanne: The colors of those birds; just fantastic!
Our guide told us there were 172 species of birds
including a few endangered species of parrots.
Larry: The only thing I didn't like was the cost.
It was $119 dollars each for us to take the tram.
Donita: But think of the wonderful memories you
have; you can't put a price on that!
Suzanne: That's what I told him, too!
Larry: I agree, but everything on the island cost
more than I anticipated. There sure weren't any
bargains.
Suzanne: Larry's right. We had this idea that
people would live simply and cheaply there. The
tourist trade is really great for their economy!
Larry: Especially, when you consider that ships
are bringing thousands of people to the islands
every day! Our guide said there are about 20
ships that dock daily.
Donita: Tell us some more about the island.
Larry: All right. If you enjoy Botanical Gardens,
Dominica has Jaco and Sisserou parrots living
there. You can also take a hike to the top of
Trafalgar Falls, and smell wonderful ginger
plants and orchids.
Sandra: That sounds like something I would like to
see!
Larry: Let me warn you, though, you have to pay
$49 to get there.
Suzanne: Oh, Larry!
Larry: What? I'm just telling them they have to
pay for the bus that takes them there. They can't
walk to the gardens. You can only hike after
paying the driver.
Donita: I glad you told us about the cost of both
those places. That's a lot of money!
Suzanne: He's right. This time we are just going to
walk around the town.
Larry: And maybe do a little shopping.
Suzanne: But, Larry, that will cost money!
(Laughing.)
Larry: I know, I know. But we should buy a few
tourist type gifts for people back home.All names used in this story are fictitious.
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