The Botanical Gardens are located on a 40 acre plot in Roseau and features many trees, tropical plants and varies flowering species including orchids. Within the park is a bird sanctuary. The Old Market Plaza is now a pedestrian area with attractive shops. Nearby is the Dominican Museum which has an excellent presentation on the history of the island. Not far from the town of Roseau is the Trafalgar Falls which is well worth the short trip a climb. The second city of Dominica is Portsmouth. Nearby is Fort Shirley which has a museum of the area and the fort.

The "Nature Isle of the Caribbean," Dominica is a place of pristine beauty, unspoiled by time. Lush towering mountains, rainforests with myriad forms of flora and fauna, waterfalls cascading down gorges, mountain streams, a multitude of rivers, lakes and hot springs make this peaceful, colorful little island a paradise for naturalists bird watchers and nature lovers. The adventure is unending - hiking, mountain biking, and spectacular touring. If that isn't enough, crystal clear water, with dramatic walls that plunge 1,000 feet directly offshore, underwater springs and rare species create an unusual and exceptional wonderland beneath the water. The unique combination of Atlantic and Caribbean water makes the island a magnet for migrating whales. Delight in diving, snorkeling or dolphin and whale-watching. The rare Sperm Whales that are seldom seen elsewhere are rather common in Dominica. Visit the villages in Carib Territory to meet the friendly, unassuming Indians - the last of the indigenous Caribbean people in the world. Roadside shops display the Carib's strongest bond to the past - their baskets woven from rain forest material.

The Botanical Gardens are located on a 40 acre plot in Roseau and features many trees, tropical plants and varies flowering species including orchids. Within the park is a bird sanctuary. The Old Market Plaza is now a pedestrian area with attractive shops. Nearby is the Dominican Museum which has an excellent presentation on the history of the island. Not far from the town of Roseau is the Trafalgar Falls which is well worth the short trip a climb. The second city of Dominica is Portsmouth. Nearby is Fort Shirley which has a museum of the area and the fort.

International Airport

Marogot - Melville Airport - (DOM) - The airport is 36 miles from Roseau the capital. Taxi rates are set. US$ 16.

Tipping: 10% service charge is added by most restaurants and hotels.

Shopping: Businesses are open 8:00 am until 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. Hours on Saturday are from 8:00 until 1:00 pm. Made items to buy are Caribbean made arts and crafts, locally made fruit preserves and toiletries.

Food and Drink: Food here is much the same as its neighbors, other than its infamous sauce called "Belo Hot Pepper Sauce." This is very spicy and is used on everything except desserts. Spicy Creole and continental foods are popular. Fruit juices and rum are very good drinks. Wines are expensive.

Social: The people are of mixed background but well mixed as a society. Most people speak excellent English and are friendly.

Business: Proper business attire for men is a jacket and tie.

Banking: 8:00 am until 3:00 pm Monday through Thursday. Banks are also open on Friday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.

Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar. In addition, the U.S. dollar is accepted in most places.

Money Exchange: It is not really necessary to exchange money as the US$ is so well accepted. If you need to exchange, do it in a bank.

Credit cards: Master Card, Visa, American Express and Diners Club.

Climate

Temperatures during the day range from 75 degrees to 90 degrees. The period from December to March offers the coolest temperatures. Rainfall ranges from 60 inches on the coast to over 300 inches in the mountains. Temperature also is effected by altitude getting cooler as the altitude increases.