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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.
“This Shakes My Heart,” Bruce Willis’s Family Honors Him in a Poignant Father’s Day Tribute — Fans Are Heartbroken
The blended family of Bruce Willis, comprising his second wife, Emma Heming, his former wife, Demi Moore, and his three eldest daughters, Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah, came together to honor him with a joint Instagram post on Sunday, wishing him a Happy Father’s Day.
The heartfelt post showcased a series of 10 sweet photos, including vintage ones. It was accompanied by the caption, ’’Happy Father’s Day to our favorite girl dad. We love you, BW!’’
Two of the throwback pics showed the 69-year-old retied actor cradling his eldest child, 35-year-old Rumer, when she was a baby.
Other vintage snapshots showed Bruce holding his daughters when they were young, as well as tender moments with his younger children — Mabel Ray, 12, and Evelyn Penn, 10 — from his marriage to Emma. The post also included a touching recent photo of Scout gently touching her father’s cheek.
Fans online felt deeply moved by the touching post, and they sent their best wishes to the actor and his lovely family. One fan shared, ’’It’s a terrible illness but being surrounded by such a kind and caring family is the best anyone could hope for under the circumstances.’’ Another wrote, ’’This shakes my heart, lovely Bruce, send a lot of hugs.’’ A third simply exclaimed, ’’What a man!!’’
The father of five announced his retirement from acting in 2022 due to his battle with aphasia, a brain disorder. In February 2023, his family disclosed that Bruce had also been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, an irreversible condition that affects speech and motor functions.
We admire how close Bruce’s blended family is. Recently, the actor’s wife, Emma, and daughter, Tallulah, attended the “Pulp Fiction” 30th anniversary on his behalf, and it was a highly emotional moment.
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