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The paintings of Italian-born artist Agostino Brunias, who made a profession of depicting the island in subdued, stylized settings that covered up the harsh realities of colonial control, were my first visual introduction to Dominica. However, as soon as I step onto its winding roads, which begin to twist shortly after I arrive, it becomes evident that this region, which is situated in the center of the Lesser Antilles’ curve, is anything but tame. The two-toned leaves of its bois canot trees, which change color from green to white when they sway in the wind, shimmer and bristle with the power of the volcano. It lulls with the erratic sound of its numerous waterfalls, scatters rainbows haphazardly across its breathtaking horizons, and enchants from the depths with its vibrant coral reefs. And it roars come storm season.
The indigenous Kalinago people of Dominica survived invasion by the French and British, who imposed slavery on the Africans who now make up four-fifths of the island’s population and left a linguistic legacy of English and French-based Creole, by mastering the lush tropical rainforest that covers more than 60% of the island. If you visit Trinidad for roti and Jamaica for jerk, you should travel to Dominica for green things like bush rum and flower teas. There are a ton of medicinal herbs in the forest.
The Jungle Bay Dominica resort, located smack dab in the center of the Soufrière jungles, leans into nature instead, maybe realizing the futility of fighting against the earth’s generosity. When I finally get there, the kitchen is closed. Joanne Hilaire, the operations manager, tells me that they never let guests go hungry, though, so I can feel the warmth of Dominica’s welcome. The cook is preparing an excellently stewed dish of beans with taro, rice, and plantain for our late dinner, off the menu, while I have a refreshing ginger-lime cocktail that is a local favorite. When I wake up the following morning, I find that my villa’s doors open onto a private veranda that faces southwest toward Soufrière Bay, where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean converge. I let the light wake me for the remainder of my stay by leaving my blinds open.
Queen Camilla ‘outraged’ after Prince Harry’s visit to see his father for “loving son PR stunt”, claims source
Sensational reports claim that Queen Camilla was left enraged by Prince Harry‘s decision to rush home across the Atlantic after hearing of his father’s cancer diagnosis without first getting palace approval.
RadarOnline, citing the National Enquirer, have today made bold claims regarding the fractious relationship between Camilla and her stepson, including that the former was responsible for the meeting between Harry and Charles being held to only thirty minutes.
Harry flew back to the UK from the US upon being informed of Charles’s cancer diagnosis – reportedly by Charles himself – but his return did not seem to set the stage for any future peace talks, as some had hoped.
Rather, Harry’s actual meeting with his father was kept brief, with the King reportedly journeying by helicopter to the royal estate of Sandringham. Harry, it has been rumored, was not permitted to follow.
Exactly what father and son talked about is not known, nor is it likely to be shared with the public moving forward. Details of Charles’ cancer have also been held back from public knowledge; we know the King is receiving treatment, but very few are privy to what sort of cancer he is suffering from, or what stage he is in.
In any case Harry’s recent trip to the UK wasn’t a big hit with all the royals. It’s been heavily rumored that Prince William had no intention of seeing his younger brother, and RadarOnline have today published a report suggesting that Queen Camilla was left seething as a result of her stepson’s actions.
“Her Majesty was furious Harry flew in from his ritzy California home without getting palace approval — and came with an attitude,” a source is said to have told the National Enquirer.
The same report states that Harry ordered that Camilla leave the room before he talked to his father – needless to say, this was not well received by Camilla.
“I’m told Camilla was outraged,” the source went on. “She’s taken a lot of bile from Harry for years and couldn’t wait to let him have it.”
Harry and Camilla have been at odds with one another for years now, allegedly stemming from Harry’s insistence that she was to blame for breaking up the marriage between Charles and Princess Diana.
“Camilla has taken it all on the chin, but using her husband’s cancer as a ‘loving son’ PR stunt was the last straw,” the source continued.
“After the father-son reunion, I hear she told Harry he’s a disgrace to his father, the family and the monarchy — and she left no doubt he isn’t wanted back!”
What do you think about the alleged animosity between Queen Camilla and Prince Harry? Let us know in the comments!
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