This Caribbean Island Is Back From the Brink—and Ready To Share Its Treasures With the World

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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.

10 Riddles Only Sharp Minds Can Solve

Are you ready for a mental workout? In this article, we’ve curated a collection of brain-bending riddles that will put logic and quick thinking to the test. Whether you’re an inquisitive mind or simply need a cerebral jolt, these brain-teasers are designed to challenge you. Can you crack them in just 7 seconds? Let’s find out.

Try to solve all the riddles and check the correct answers at the end of the article.

1.

A farmer in California owns a beautiful pear tree. The main trunk has 24 branches, each with 12 boughs, and each bough has 6 twigs.

<strong>Question: How many plums will the farmer be able to deliver?

2.

A wealthy family lived in a big circular house. After their parents left for a party, all the kids disappeared. The authorities questioned the butler, maid, and gardener. The butler claimed he was organizing the library, the maid said she was dusting the corners, and the gardener mentioned watering plants.

QuestionWho’s lying?

3.

A woman in her hotel room hears a knock. Then a man enters her room and she screams. Upon calling security, he claims he mistook her room for his.

QuestionWas the man lying?

4.

Grandpa went for a walk in the rain without an umbrella or hat. His clothes got soaked, but his head remained dry.

QuestionHow could this happen?

5.

Question: Can you solve it?

6.

A prisoner is in a cell with two doors—one leads to freedom, and the other leads to certain death. There are two guards—one always tells the truth, and the other always lies. You don’t know which guard is which.

Question: What one question can you ask to determine the correct door?

7.

You see a boat filled with people. It has not sunk, but when you look again, you don’t see a single person on the boat.

Question: Why?

8.

I am not a living creature, but I can move and grow. My size is determined by how you use me. I can be a refuge or a prison, depending on how I am made. Some people fear me, while others feel comfort within me. I am made of many different parts, but I am always whole.

Question: What am I?

9.

I am seen in the water, but I never get wet. I am always changing, yet I always remain the same. I can appear in front of you, but if you reach for me, you won’t be able to touch me. I exist because of light, but I have no light of my own.

Question: What is it?

10.

Question: Which option below is the closest time to midnight?

Answers:

1.

None, he has a pear tree.

2.

The maid. The circular house had no corners that she could clean.

3.

Yes, the man was lying. If it was his room, he’d have tried to open the door, not knock first.

4.

Grandpa’s head remained dry because he was bald.

5.

According to the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS), multiplication comes before addition. So, we first solve the multiplication part. Then do the addition. The final answer is 12.

6.

Ask either guard, “If I were to ask the other guard which door leads to freedom, what would he say?” Then choose the opposite door.

7.

All the people were married.

8.

A story.

9.

Reflection.

10.

The time closest to midnight is 12:04 am.

Up for your next dose of brain riddles? 

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