Images of the Caribbean are typically based around sun, sea and sand. Glorious blue skies with barely a cloud on the horizon, hot temperatures and relatively dry climates - a delightful dream that was my reality until last week.
Living on the west coast of Dominica for the past 4 years I had ocean views from my bedroom window, could walk to the beach and I was always hot! Now I sit here dressed in a t-shirt, long sleeved sweater and long trousers and am wondering if I should go and put on some socks! My bed has 3 blankets on it, it’s been raining almost non-stop for the past week and a cool breeze is ever present.
No I haven’t moved to another country…just further inland where the weather is a completely different story and far from that on travel brochures marketing the ‘typical’ Caribbean image.
Many people moving to the Caribbean do so because of the promise of constant sunshine and never having to face being cold again and I’m in full agreement with anyone who says that snow is an over-rated experience!
However although heat and humidity may be ideal for a two week break many visitors from temperate climates have expressed that they could not imagine living and working in such conditions. Well, as I have discovered there is an alternative.
There are many aspects of living on the coast that I loved – including the fact that it takes about 10 minutes for wet washing to dry! I personally enjoy humidity and can cope with high temperatures, although by the afternoon it can lead to a feeling of being sleepy and unproductive (or maybe that is just me!)
However I am adjusting to my new environs with joy - the air is forest fresh and the birds seem to sing louder, I can get all my housework done without breaking into a sweat and with a constant supply of water the flowers are blooming everywhere in the garden and never need a hose! I am also only 15 minutes from the coast so if I need a dose of high-heat I can go and top-up so yes I have discovered it is really possible to have the best of both worlds!
