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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.
WHO IS THIS ACTOR, WHO WAS LIVING WITH $150 A MONTH, AND NOW HAS A FARM WITH HIS FAMILY
Renowned in the movie industry, this actor recently clinched a Golden Globe for his standout performance in an HBO project. Surprisingly, prior to his foray into television, he had never actually watched any of his own performances.
In a candid interview, he confessed his initial skepticism towards TV projects, stating: “If my agent had called me and said, ‘I think you should do a series,’ I would have fired my agent…”
However, it was his actress wife who ultimately persuaded him to reconsider. He fondly recalled the joy of sharing the screen with her and attending award ceremonies together.
Reflecting on his wife’s versatile acting career, he drew inspiration from the legendary Meryl Streep, noting: “You know, when I started to see her film work, you know, she does one part, and then she does another part, and it’s like barely recognizable, and to me, that was what I had always envisioned being an actor was, to be able to put on these different hats and become different people”.
This accomplished actor, none other than the charismatic 65-year-old Kevin Bacon, has journeyed from struggles to stardom, finding solace and happiness alongside his wife.
During a recent chat with Kelly Clarkson, Bacon reminisced about his humble beginnings. In 1976, he made the leap from Philadelphia to New York, where he had previously visited with his sister.
Arriving in the Big Apple, Bacon initially bunked with his sister until he could secure his own place. With just $150 to his name for the month, he stumbled upon a makeshift living situation advertised in The Village Voice. “Artists, actors, musicians, residents” were welcomed, and he found himself in what he describes as “basically a flophouse”.
For four years, he shared a space with a pianist in a rental office, unable to afford a proper apartment. Despite the challenges, Bacon’s determination and talent eventually paved the way to success, leading him to cross paths with his future wife, Kyra Sedgwick.
Their serendipitous encounter occurred in 1987 on the set of “Lemon Sky”. Bacon was smitten from the start, though Sedgwick needed a bit more convincing. After some persistence, their first date unfolded, marked by laughter and a deep connection that sealed their fate.
“We’ve always been each other’s biggest support and fans. A sense of humor is crucial. He is very freaking funny”, Sedgwick fondly remarked.
Together, they navigated the journey of parenthood, raising two children, Travis and Sosie, who are now adults. For Bacon, being a father is paramount, as he strives to instill values of honesty, integrity, and compassion in his children, emphasizing the importance of caring for the world and each other.
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