Dominica, Rainy and Grey, Pink and Orange

Day 8 – 15 December 2025 – Rouseau, Dominica

 

I stayed on ship to rest my hip, which sometimes complains from too much walking. 

 

The crew had a “man overboard” drill – this drill included taking down one lifeboat down to water level, coming back up to ship level, then a crew carrying on a portable gurney or cot onto the lifeboat, and taking the “victim” off the lifeboat.  Also laying the gurney on the deck and simulating taking care of the “victim,” including checking their vital signs and wrapping them in blankets.

 

It was interesting to watch the entire process from our balcony.  Well, and rather funny to watch, because the “victim” stood around looking quite bored until it was time to be on the stretcher!  Rescuers wore gloves and followed all safety protocols for themselves as well as the person rescued.

 

Then there were all sorts of inspections and safety checks of the lifeboat used for the drill – including re-aligning all the ropes, lines, webbings, etc.  All I can think is that the lines all need to lie flat and be folded in a certain way so that the pulleys (or davits) can lower and raise the lifeboat easily and quickly.  If any of the lines or ropes become tangled, I would guess that might slow the process and therefore endanger lives.  So the drill, while interesting to a passenger, is also an essential part of maintaining the ship as well as the abilities of the crew members!

 

I took some photos of Dominica from our balcony, and then a broader view from up on the Lido deck.  (Lido is Deck 9; our cabin was on Deck 6.) 

 

I felt like painting, especially since It was a grey and rainy day on the island, but I was cozy and warm in the buffet area, especially with my cup after cup of lovely hot tea.

 

So, I was intrigued by some very large building on the island.  It was comprised of horizontal stripes in bright orange, hot pink, and white edging or molding, and what appeared to be a faded red roof.  Just bright and cheerful contrasting colors.  I have no idea if this was a school, a factory, a government building, or what.  It had very few windows, so even though the shape seemed school-like, well, one would think there would be windows.

 

Anyway, I painted building from window on Lido deck – liked the contrast of the pink and orange, with pinkish red roofs, hidden among the lush greenery of Dominica.

 

Photos of the "man overboard" drill: