At 11:45 pm last night, I sat, knees to chin, atop a piece of drift wood looking out at the Atlantic Ocean. Clear and illuminated by the white light of a full moon, the vast water before me seemed to sparkle as it danced softly in a patterned sway to the pull of the great light rock in the sky. While lightly tempered waves rumbled onto the stony shore, my mind raced. It was Friday night and the current state of our country’s night life is what lead us to Scott’s Head.
The Independence Festivities had died down and I guess people were either tired or broke from the season. The streets of town were like that of an old cowboy movie. The only prop missing were small tufts of stray balls rolling across the deserted streets.
My driftwood was damp, drenched by the preceding rains, and the monotone blink of the light atop the hill kept reminding me of my location. Every two seconds it blinked, and I remember chuckling to myself when comparing it to a strobe light and making this into a “club experience” in my mind.
You see, there is not much urban stuff to do on the island at night. It is safe to say that “night life” is limited to the same activity, which repeats itself in different locations. Bar, Food, Music, Alcohol, People. To me, Dominica is more of a “day-time” island. But if you are practical, and have realistic expectations for a night out around “The Nature Isle” there is much to be done, some of which are entirely unique to Dominica and will leave that lasting memory in your heart, especially if you’re from a metropolitan, urban culture absent of these “natural outings.”
So, with the soothing sound of wave in the atmosphere, and the fresh smell of the sea, I began to ponder on what can be done in Dominica during the night, and more specifically on a full moon, just so that I could share with you guys of course!
- If you’re up for drinking, then you’re fine.
If getting drunk is your MO for the night, then you’re in the right place. You can find many small bars in the city, or on the coastal outskirts to ‘bat a few.’ A quality that sets our life apart is the people. You are guaranteed to meet a “character” or two who will heartily accept your drink offer in exchange for friendly company and sentimental, bar banter.
Imagine that you have a start line. It can either be on the West Bridge or the roundabout at Fort Young Hotel. Start there, drive ahead and keep on the lookout for small bars. A good-old bar hop never hurt nobody, and this is surely a great experience of what Dominican night life has to offer. You WILL find people on the road, mini jump-up style and some rhythms for you to rock to. Plus the moonlight adds to a great night time driving experience and being in Dominica, scenery from your bar is always picturesque. So, get a designated driver and bar hop.
- Get Wet!
Most people don’t see a bikini as appropriate night lime attire. But in Dominica, the possibilities for a good night time soak under the moonlight are endless. A warm sea bath is always fun, but in this instance, the chart topper would be a sulphur water lime. There are numerous hot water pools on island and a soak in a natural pool with some friends is always a great feeling. Many are free, and offer great views of the island’s beauty. You can visit Soufriere, Wotten Waven or my favourite night time water spot- Trafalgar Falls. At full moon, the waterfall seems to become enchanted. Leaves glow silver under the moon’s rays and the murky brown pools simply invite you for a soak. If you’re less adventurous and don’t feel like dodging stones at night, then a more modernised sulphur experience awaits at Screw’s Sulphur Spa. This one will cost you, but the money is worth it. While having fun, you are also relaxing your muscles and taking advantage of the many therapeutic properties that the sulphur has to offer, right here at home, before bed.
- Snuggle at Fresh Water Lake
This might be more of an option for couples, but a small group of friends may also find it fitting to take a drive up to the Fresh Water Lake and beat the chill that blankets it. The moon light brings the black lake alive and it’s always fun to stick your feet at the shore line, while tiny guppies nibble away at their impurities and ice cold water creeps through your soles. There is a restaurant and small business there, so if completely outdoors is not your vibe then you can book a night. The owners will hang around for the evening; provide you with food, a place to sleep, bathroom facilities and possibly a night time Kayak, if you’re brave enough. Like I said, it’s a great lime for couples. A walk beneath the moonlight and amidst the mist will definitely pull you together and induce reflection on the awesomeness of night life in Dominica.
- Choose a place, Go there and watch it.
Sounds weird, but I AM going somewhere with this. Dominica is ruggedly beautiful and is one of the very few Caribbean Islands with the best of both worlds; awesome interior and beautiful coast. Also, many places you can visit are less than an hour’s drive from town, where you can simply sit and watch. You can stare at your computer screen for a whole day, so don’t tell me you can’t enjoy tumbling waves, flowing river, or changing clouds. Beneath the moonlight, scenery becomes magical as the shadows and highlights contrast so beautifully at the flash of silver light. Whether it be the Morne, Scott’s Head, Mero Beach, whatever, night time scenery is beautiful and free. Let go of the troubles of the day and reconsider your attempts at metropolitan living on the Nature Island, by simply staring out into the abyss. So go ahead. Pick a place, get comfy there and watch it.
- Bubble a pot
Because the club, casino, cuisine life is not too rampant in Dominica, it leaves me to conclude that it is your company who make an experience great. So on a full moon, link up a few close friends and do something easy- ‘bubble a pot.’ Enjoy the therapy of friendship and get your hands dirty in the kitchen. Talk, laugh, eat, dance in your close-knit, no judgement zone and just let loose. Night life can be beautiful in Dominica if you see what there REALLY is to be done and if you do it with the right people.
Sandwiched between the rough Atlantic and the calm Caribbean Sea on a strip of sand and stone I couldn’t help but to be reminded of the balance that is Dominica. Rugged, yet tranquil is her vibe. And for the brave few who are willing to open their minds to true living on this island, there lies a lavish and private life to be lived on the home rock. What is you’re night life on The Nature Island?
Hakunamata,
Nicki
Dominica has no night life. I dont want to go in no rum shop and sit with characters with cheap bush rum. Me as a local on a regular month end when you expect people to want to be out and free up the only club we have here is always empty. I dont want to stand up on the side of the road by melvinas drinking. the Banana tree and Jr’s get played out after a while. Plus i dont always want to be around the same set of locals every time i go out. The selections are severly limited. Portsmouth has a decent lime sometimes (usually when the students are partying) but apart from that, especially in the off season, Roseau like a ghost town with nothing really for tourists to do but get drunk in sketchy rum shops with sketchy locals who just trying to get something from free. Real talk. Harly a classy establishment where i can dress nicely and have a good meal some drinks and dance with like minded people in some level of sophistication. The average dominican likes dark places in shack-like venues with cheap drinks and even more limited food (fried chicken, bbq chicken, fried fish, steam fish, sometimes a water). We prefer the ghetto to the classy, even tho majority of local party goers here like to think they are. Personally as a local i dont party here. Save my money and do it in countries where i dont have to worry about locals macoing me to see what i wearing who i with how i acting etc., venues are classier and better arranged, drinks might be cheaper. BTW Rev. Hill, alcohol doesnt cause problems in relationships, people who cant handle their alcohol cause problems in their relationships.
Keep on writing, my sister, you are getting better.
NICKI is describing what is available for people on the island – either natives or visitors – who want to find enjoyment out and about during the evening and night hours.
Unfortunately, many who find themselves “on the prowl” after the sun goes down are people who do not know the Lord, and are seeking something to satisfy the emptiness of a heart that only the joy of His salvation can fill. They will be looking for the kind of company or entertainment that
satisfies the cravings of the flesh (or old nature) that has not been touched by God, or regenerated by His Holy Spirit.
However, Nicki has given us some creative ideas on how to develop our own good times. Thank you Nicki for so many good ideas! Anybody who follows your scrip should have no problem filling their evenings with safe and exciting things to pass the hours.
I am concerned about the mention of alcohol. It is suggested so close to the top of the list and obviously as a major source of enjoyment. Thankfully, Nicki tells us to have a “designated driver”. However, we all know that this is a good intention that does not always work out well. Besides alcohol lowers the inhibitions, and sometimes results in transgressions that are regretted.
From reading this article one can tell that alcohol is a big part of island life. Dominica is not alone in this. It is so throughout the Caribbean. Of course my own country (Canada) is not except from the alcohol problem. As a pastor I have buried too many victims of alcohol related car accidents. I have been on a number of the islands and have seen how easy it is to open a bar almost everywhere. I also know how this fuels some of the social problems in Dominica so shameful they are often not properly investigated and reported.
Things to do on an island at night fall into four classifications. (1) Things to see, (2) Things to listen to. (3) Dining, (4) Things to take part in, or participate in. It will be no loss if Dominica can continue to keep out or keep to a minimum some of the harmful venues that have become so popular on other islands. Within these four groupings there is much the tourist industry can develop and put forward for would be visitors that are healthy, wholesome, and educational. Things worthy of the beautiful nature island!
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
I agree maybe the drinking one shouldn’t be 1st on the list. Unfortunately alcohol and drugs are a HUGE part of gen y’s culture. This generation thrives on getting high. Every day a new drug is made deadlier than the last. Though drinking in moderation can spruce up your night it’s always best to stay away from these evils. Well said rev
Good article. Just 1 thing that bothers me: Bar Hoping and Driving is mentined in the same paragraph. I know drinking and driving is accepted in Dominica but it’s very dangerous. You are putting not only yourself but others at risk. It is your responsibility as an author not to promote such things.
Did you read? Cause she ended that paragraph with “so, get a designated driver and bar hop.’ Anyway. This was a great read. I love how versatile she is. It’s like I can never guess what’s gonna be next. Good job niki
Hhmmmm:
I am glad I was not the only one who picked up on the drinking and driving thing. However, Nicki did tell us if we are going to bar hop and drive to have a designated driver. Lets give her credit for this.
However accidents on the road are not the only bad things that come from drinking alcohol. It creates health problems, and problems within relationships and many social problems. I agree with you that a writer should avoid saying anything that would encourage the consumption of alcohol. Unfortunately, many write as if the use of alcohol is O.K. to be accepted and get their materials published. The desire to be popular outweighs the importance of being ethical in many cases.
Are you saying Dominica has no law against drinking and driving? I hope I misunderstood you. This is something Dominicans who care about your beautiful island and its many wonderful people should be looking into. You live in a democratic nation. Pease find out if there is no law on the books against this dreadful practice, and if it is not forbidden by a law make the strongest appeal you can to your government.
A law alone is not enough. You need to get a commitment that the law will be enforced and violators will be prosecuted.
There is an election coming up
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
So you didn’t see she have to “get a designated driver”? Really? You need to read more thoroughly before you jump to critics
Girl why u do me that??? I doh even wanna go work tomorrow. You really have to leave home to miss it eh. Let me go and buy a lottery ticket eh.
Truly Dominica night life. It’s great.
Thats because people never had lights in the past much less street lights. So only karwat that used to roam at night. home was too sweet for most of us plus everybody used to wake up early. early to be early to rise…
i like your writing though… choose your words wisely monotone (sound) is not a good adjective to describe a blinking (light). bless Uready
Lol. I like it a lot. What you can ACTUALLY do at night. I think I’ll try the freshwater lake
Nicki ! Nicki you are tempting, moreso when you say let loose.! @ Screws? Oh Nicki and that coconut that never seems to finish.
Continue to do your do.
You make me want to
Pack up and come home. Great read. Thx
WE DEFINITELY need to improve and expand the diversity of night time social activities, especially if we are to attract tourists. But there are constraints: a small population with little disposable income and a tourism sector with barely discernible growth, if at all.
The powers that be (the government) are the ones keeping RCA back in that regard. I have travelled to a few caribbean islands and not one has what dominica has. But doing anything with dominica takes creativity. We are unique. The same things that work for other islands won’t work here. You are right that the population is small. There are many Dominican who would return home if there was any sight of hope. They’re are other caribbean nationals who would move here too. But there is no sight of hope. We don’t use our brand “the nature isle’ dominica should define Eco living and become the Eco-modern island. Put more into tourism marketing, build a factory to process juice etc… Contract a few farmers, factory workers, drivers. Create a market. I get very sad when I think of all these hinges because one questions beats me. Do the politicians know this yet continue to keep us in poverty for their personal benefit or are they really uncreative closed minded thinkers. I say start a think tank! Check people like Niiki and all the graduates I seeing that excell on DNO. Where them? You just seeing their picture and then you not hearing nothing about them after. None of them using what they learn no say let me invent a product using a plant from dominica. Let me open a small art school so the elite Dominican class can send their kids. Etc… We in a sticky situation and unless others like this young lady don’t start showing their love for their home and trying to encourage others to love it too, we will not move forward.
good vibesss…thank u!
Cool stuff