A picture of the beautiful rainforest of Dominica, an island my family and I visited over the Christmas break. The brightly colored 'tubes' are the means of transportation we used to get down the river. Thankfully we were equipped with helmets and life-jackets...I think. I have to say it was one of the most challenging things I have ever done. The adventure started with an (interesting) bus ride to the top of the mountain. The roads in Dominica were very narrow and if your vehicle stopped on the mountain, most people just left the vehicle there (probably easier than trying to get it down). Our driver, Damian, had no trouble navigating the rain-soaked, windy road, as he was able to text, talk on the phone and show Jason pictures of his family and beloved van. Nevertheless, I spent some moments with my head down and praying for a safe return.
The reward at the end of the first leg of the journey was a walking path through the rainforest to a natural pool called "Emerald Pool". We all took a dip in the pool, which was situated under a waterfall ... It was magnificant!
The second leg of the tour brought us to the river ride. We waited patiently for our guides to bring us the tubes, helmets, and life-jackets. The kids (there were about a dozen or so children...not all mine) enthusiastically jumped in the tubes, and floated down the river. My motherly instincts kicked in and I decided to go in after my offspring. The first thing I encountered was a large boulder, which I promptly got stuck on as everyone else floated away. I rocked and rolled and (insert more prayer here), eventually wiggled free. I kept thinking, "What did I get myself into?"
There were moments were the river gently flowed along and I was able to look up and see the majesty of the rainforest above me, this was worth it. It should be noted that the children thought the ride was easy, fun, and wondered what was all the fuss about. On the other hand, I knew right away that it was a life lesson for Lara. Number one, I don't always have to be in control. I had to 'let go' and let the river carry me, the more I fought it, the more trouble I got into. Number two, I have to trust the guides. The young men who took us on the river were very capable and took very good care of us, I needed to relax and let them do the leading. And Number three, I only grow when I step out of my comfort zone, which means I will be uncomfortable. However, the uncomfortable leads to adventure and amazing, new experiences. OK! so what's next?
....maybe, just maybe, some zip-lining!!
Lara
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