tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25665022047334524152024-02-19T18:47:41.605-08:00COCOA COTTAGEWelcome to Cocoa cottage, a unique resort nesteld amidst Dominica most beautiful rainforest.Iris Azoulayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09834094779725818262noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566502204733452415.post-85372343691223330152008-06-01T17:51:00.000-07:002008-06-01T17:56:09.827-07:00A small place with a big personality<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTmfT36gU4KZkcTtitPP4jBQ38jjDVIDIeoF9bu17nvwtG26pvbsc9_RjPSAjsIg17EZ4vkTsPkJCfuSqJLmKZzJ4_o0OFqEaSULFvyFEPdKZJNiYw0fYNt5V6CiNSUeIUCpjDfikGrk/s1600-h/IMG_1175.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207080768615295714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTmfT36gU4KZkcTtitPP4jBQ38jjDVIDIeoF9bu17nvwtG26pvbsc9_RjPSAjsIg17EZ4vkTsPkJCfuSqJLmKZzJ4_o0OFqEaSULFvyFEPdKZJNiYw0fYNt5V6CiNSUeIUCpjDfikGrk/s320/IMG_1175.jpg" border="0" /></a>DEAR IRIS, it took me a while to slide back into a paved world and I am still missing Dominica a lot and you too! Thanks for making our time on the island so unique. I do respect in so many aspects the energy and way you gave from your life to guide other people into an adventure with our ancient mother Earth! Thanks Iris, and we will meet! JoannaIris Azoulayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09834094779725818262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566502204733452415.post-51262403087946222582008-06-01T17:12:00.000-07:002008-06-01T17:58:52.504-07:00An adventure week with Zoe and ThomasHi Iris, Charm and Richard!<br />We finally arrived back home (some airline issues turned it into a 20 hour trip!) We had such an amazing time and cannot thank you all enough for the warmth and hospitality!<br />I really hope we stay in touch. I feel like we made so many new friends on this trip and we'd love to see you soon!much love,Zoey<br /><br />Dominica May 7-14.<br /><br />View some great pictures from their vacation<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71098919@N00/sets/72157605073829694/">/</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71098919@N00/sets/72157605073829694/"><span style="color:#990000;">http://www.flickr.com/photos/71098919@N00/sets/72157605073829694</span></a>Iris Azoulayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09834094779725818262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566502204733452415.post-25827733183136152032008-06-01T14:29:00.000-07:002008-06-01T17:12:29.217-07:00Hi from Martinique<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVeD5rSd6B6-iDOyFt1ogSjBK83HOX3H3nhyphenhyphenYR5nZz1GIfBzAU13XO94RJwfj_YLwT1MmXTKN_5ezjpCJEWvXN98S5NSjgE1je8TDhfDh6u_2SKF9Iek0Lvetcq5Y-AQxbmvgtZDSGuY/s1600-h/Dominica+Canyoning+May+21-25,++2008+158.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207068407699417762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVeD5rSd6B6-iDOyFt1ogSjBK83HOX3H3nhyphenhyphenYR5nZz1GIfBzAU13XO94RJwfj_YLwT1MmXTKN_5ezjpCJEWvXN98S5NSjgE1je8TDhfDh6u_2SKF9Iek0Lvetcq5Y-AQxbmvgtZDSGuY/s320/Dominica+Canyoning+May+21-25,++2008+158.jpg" border="0" /></a> At the entrance of Victoria falls after canyoning in the white river<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrlP3DXRHcsGi2uWEOUNyxIwXDCmYkMeHyWV2zvCd8Cab44BLwJfi7gDjeyzdmYl3Rjff8WRSl2Ut1lQ3SgxnzfNREkDTWkEqDZfumbLZobgW-vJCN8-j6Fo0HnKl3E7fWpcQV1wMa7k/s1600-h/Dominica+Canyoning+May+21-25,++2008+308.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207068424879286962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrlP3DXRHcsGi2uWEOUNyxIwXDCmYkMeHyWV2zvCd8Cab44BLwJfi7gDjeyzdmYl3Rjff8WRSl2Ut1lQ3SgxnzfNREkDTWkEqDZfumbLZobgW-vJCN8-j6Fo0HnKl3E7fWpcQV1wMa7k/s320/Dominica+Canyoning+May+21-25,++2008+308.jpg" border="0" /></a> Titou Gorge - Green Canyon<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lSG_GBaMzS3LR9R_jwBA84crbxiEUv_EU33j3yJiJkKXb5m6lYE6wzEfQK-r-p8M_hBpsyutyHwWKC5EGNGRX5cKd0yvcwoBPd3Xcd5lXz9UX3c_1CRB7uXabP-10Mmt76ZLjDu6pBU/s1600-h/Dominica+Canyoning+May+21-25,++2008+214.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207068429174254274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lSG_GBaMzS3LR9R_jwBA84crbxiEUv_EU33j3yJiJkKXb5m6lYE6wzEfQK-r-p8M_hBpsyutyHwWKC5EGNGRX5cKd0yvcwoBPd3Xcd5lXz9UX3c_1CRB7uXabP-10Mmt76ZLjDu6pBU/s320/Dominica+Canyoning+May+21-25,++2008+214.jpg" border="0" /></a> Breakfast river<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTb8wmsGRPbdhJUaZrpIUdInhL8sz_9A6TkkNbpixlr728VKMxOK75pPHGP6iyLiJHkA6lsaHm3I-7zkHD2BeGvWeSWWxuWgis0wAjk_9S0dVP24Bx2sWssVsTKDczfgH0RMid2Pa3T4/s1600-h/Dominica+Canyoning+May+21-25,++2008+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207066882986027602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTb8wmsGRPbdhJUaZrpIUdInhL8sz_9A6TkkNbpixlr728VKMxOK75pPHGP6iyLiJHkA6lsaHm3I-7zkHD2BeGvWeSWWxuWgis0wAjk_9S0dVP24Bx2sWssVsTKDczfgH0RMid2Pa3T4/s320/Dominica+Canyoning+May+21-25,++2008+010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Trapize at the Secret seven<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNe5sTAe9A5J1cSOoia-vyGoxD0ucsIEwP_3bikHfDGZDf8ku_r-YBEtoFd4PX3upMhyphenhyphen9rudYNAiL86wjugkZiSZTL4Ul4DF4zvq-spMW02xQ5fBwpJ8AazMIbu-p5hjA_iu87u9rTJQ/s1600-h/Dominica+Canyoning+May+21-25,++2008+119.jpg"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzzPGa2KJH8geXuesnulf9jmXD1yy4EFGNwfAp81FIjrkChutu1XL4rWO4JffdndPPnKfUpNxR5LPc8cgwl3vi-cO5VunDc_dHX09kkc3fzDZoor-KXIaoUMy4_ae-OxMo0kplQma-4k/s1600-h/Dominica+Canyoning+May+21-25,++2008+296.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207066904460864146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzzPGa2KJH8geXuesnulf9jmXD1yy4EFGNwfAp81FIjrkChutu1XL4rWO4JffdndPPnKfUpNxR5LPc8cgwl3vi-cO5VunDc_dHX09kkc3fzDZoor-KXIaoUMy4_ae-OxMo0kplQma-4k/s320/Dominica+Canyoning+May+21-25,++2008+296.jpg" border="0" /></a> Waiting .......<br /><br /><div><br /><div>Hello Iris and Richard,<br /><br />Thank's you again for our wonderfull holliday's, everythings was perfect in your cocoa cottage.<br />We hope that we will come back soon, maybe at the end or june for Thierry and one friend from Guadeloupe.<br />You can come too when you want in our place in Martinique.<br />Have a good sunday.<br />Manon and Thierry</div><br /><br /><div>May 21-26</div><br /><div>Thierry an Manon spent 5 days Canyoning with 17 friends from Martinique. </div><div>We had an amazing week together.. see few pictures they have sent.<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div>Iris Azoulayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09834094779725818262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566502204733452415.post-53693228023366572312008-05-11T10:44:00.000-07:002008-05-11T10:50:39.503-07:00HAPPY CRISPIN<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwPdCh4QrLIf45QZG6ZptG1UVY-RwrOqdUL1wwAJMhGsHyCKLHrPcXxwEpouYNO858xA3-UI2o2LYuyjBjqvSiGjazq-g12nJfnVMVAu4RJjCN5swfPyNF4pVr21OC0ezxKZUcuuSldQ/s1600-h/Me+and+my+Irish+girl+friend+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199178817762530130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwPdCh4QrLIf45QZG6ZptG1UVY-RwrOqdUL1wwAJMhGsHyCKLHrPcXxwEpouYNO858xA3-UI2o2LYuyjBjqvSiGjazq-g12nJfnVMVAu4RJjCN5swfPyNF4pVr21OC0ezxKZUcuuSldQ/s320/Me+and+my+Irish+girl+friend+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a> Me and my Irish girlfriend<br /><div>Hi ,</div><div>I'm back home after a week of working down in the south of England - it's however snowy, windy and wet. Being at Cocoa Cottage made my holiday and I miss you all, I really do, I wasn't ready to go home. However I am home and apart from happy memories and loads of laughs, the best present you lot gave me is the 7 to 8 hours nights sleep that I am now getting, instead of the miserly two hours disturbed napping which was my lot before I came - you don't know the relief it is, the lack of sleep for months was driving me slowly insane. It was my insomnia that made Anna and Barney send me to Dominica - I am so thankful to sleep again, I was always good at it, but lost the knack due mainly to Miss P45 leaving or falling off the roof, one or the other. The other nice thing when I got back to Britain, all my friends said one of two things, 'you've met somebody' ( unfortunately no - not in that sense) or 'you look so much younger, how did that happen?' (mud pack from the valley of desolation). Anyway you know that I look forward to seeing you all again and if you could make it here do come and stay with me and I will do the cooking and the mixing of the drinks. Lots of love Crispin (assistant manger of Cocoa Cottages) </div>Iris Azoulayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09834094779725818262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566502204733452415.post-75166838745696508732008-05-11T10:43:00.000-07:002008-05-11T10:44:25.968-07:00Dear Richard, Iris, Charm, Joan and Geoffrey,<br /><br />We had such an incredibly wonderful time because of all of you. THANK YOU so much for your gracious and warm welcome. The food, place and adventures were just perfect.<br /><br />You are all so special,<br /><br />The KINDEST REGARDS to you, Wendy, John and Hannah<br />Amherst, MAIris Azoulayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09834094779725818262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566502204733452415.post-39333474836181577902008-05-11T10:33:00.000-07:002008-05-11T10:41:14.308-07:00The Lady With The Straw Hat- Moses Ellingworth<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasqXw3NjuNcvFPJ4ZDy03KiZr-TYRNWV-wvvBGPdSOCdWhnFuUMrmLSgu6QvZCTtOTEJL9YUeg-iVso9ltlpItROraScF1tur-OPts_WQCWg9FLNqPuxvMw9_zDjRyjRf3TisYBC8SNA/s1600-h/Lady+With+Straw+Hat.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199176120523068226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasqXw3NjuNcvFPJ4ZDy03KiZr-TYRNWV-wvvBGPdSOCdWhnFuUMrmLSgu6QvZCTtOTEJL9YUeg-iVso9ltlpItROraScF1tur-OPts_WQCWg9FLNqPuxvMw9_zDjRyjRf3TisYBC8SNA/s320/Lady+With+Straw+Hat.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Hi Iris<br /><br />I wanted to thank you for your great hospitality yet again. Although we were only with you for 1 night it was nice to see everyone. The new house is very exciting, and it's great to see the canyoning taking off as well. A couple staying at Zandoli when we were there was raving about how much fun they had and how impressed they were with the safety precautions taken when canyoning. </div><div>I did manage to see the American Football Super Bowl on Sunday after several calls to different places the bartender at the Anchorage said to come on down. The only other people there were 4 American divers so we all watched the game together. My favorite team, the New York Giants, won right at the end of the game. The bartender at the Anchorage, Laryl, was very nice. When he closed the bar at about 10:30 he just gave me the remote control for the TV and told me to shut it off before I left, Nice folks at the Anchorage.<br />We were taken with the work of Ellingworth Moses after looking at the works at your place and at a restaurant in Roseau.</div><div> Barbara and I met Ellingworth at the studio the morning that we were heading for the airport. It was hard to choose from so many good works but we finally chose an original acrylic " Lady in a Straw Hat ". It's at the frame shop now and we're looking forward to hanging it in our home. Thank you for acquainting us with his art.<br />Hopefully we'll be back in Dominica next winter. Our best wishes to you all.<br /><br />Kevin and Barbara Hannon</div>Iris Azoulayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09834094779725818262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566502204733452415.post-42681224578784428882008-05-11T10:22:00.000-07:002008-05-11T10:31:29.502-07:00A visit of my friends from Israel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0iaQkFT7fAJV58KH7oH8F397R9sMqZapInT9YlK2U6829vRRWKm7yZzaYKAoIaXkTXkj1SRM2CBPMjQ9UJXZVty47_PzhZkMHbqG25-JzGyOKhnE_aFO9vKsgnT-9_UR5faewUbX7Cw/s1600-h/Dominica+365.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199172955132170994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0iaQkFT7fAJV58KH7oH8F397R9sMqZapInT9YlK2U6829vRRWKm7yZzaYKAoIaXkTXkj1SRM2CBPMjQ9UJXZVty47_PzhZkMHbqG25-JzGyOKhnE_aFO9vKsgnT-9_UR5faewUbX7Cw/s320/Dominica+365.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Dor family.....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvRXfkVARpyBtQcu2OKkrLE0nZP8_ipV_67ylYvOmS1MjkZYcpURc-f4SNGOvMMv-4_6NzbbGnqi5fSFtBV0r1eibRALBLxZZ6kYXhLhmC0UZXDolyhSVKEuMn1F8h9PSH08_bgxIROI/s1600-h/Dominica_416.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199172959427138306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvRXfkVARpyBtQcu2OKkrLE0nZP8_ipV_67ylYvOmS1MjkZYcpURc-f4SNGOvMMv-4_6NzbbGnqi5fSFtBV0r1eibRALBLxZZ6kYXhLhmC0UZXDolyhSVKEuMn1F8h9PSH08_bgxIROI/s320/Dominica_416.jpg" border="0" /></a> Socializing ........<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd843yvJi5A2MQMF8dHLzVxhRl7qXWpRFRAotsdfPip9O3qPPDjea6BoBvcK5ZQ4s3cbiqTUID3IiD7D8kF2EnH_1vRQNsVFP2ybO4_oUPOGbe-ohknlMiYM-TvaMecLDT28zwJuhL-n8/s1600-h/Dominica_403.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199172959427138322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd843yvJi5A2MQMF8dHLzVxhRl7qXWpRFRAotsdfPip9O3qPPDjea6BoBvcK5ZQ4s3cbiqTUID3IiD7D8kF2EnH_1vRQNsVFP2ybO4_oUPOGbe-ohknlMiYM-TvaMecLDT28zwJuhL-n8/s320/Dominica_403.jpg" border="0" /></a> Indian River<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasJdACpblb6xm6Tp5VDGfFcnf6QguNECEXOv1jlxDcCZQbLrTZ-NiXp_pORmxgNC3lhbuxx7aeJ1ZoCBIpPr6orfkJpxjHXeC3lZv6ouKEffPVLtupikAbuMlDGN-1wjV3P1-0h5s10I/s1600-h/Dominica+134.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199172959427138338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasJdACpblb6xm6Tp5VDGfFcnf6QguNECEXOv1jlxDcCZQbLrTZ-NiXp_pORmxgNC3lhbuxx7aeJ1ZoCBIpPr6orfkJpxjHXeC3lZv6ouKEffPVLtupikAbuMlDGN-1wjV3P1-0h5s10I/s320/Dominica+134.jpg" border="0" /></a> Whale watch<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaa5CmkzQtof0ALzQ0wg_OyAPMnZcPyptoNb6Sxr7a-sgrJDmMUxJJUfoEDjzGQMITrBPEUg2VINoo02-wZwGYAgdR-x2UVfXHoWUfXcPSaH1Bwlg6Qb0ItA9FftIEiF8C6Oqq_-d1X8k/s1600-h/Dominica+263.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199172963722105650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaa5CmkzQtof0ALzQ0wg_OyAPMnZcPyptoNb6Sxr7a-sgrJDmMUxJJUfoEDjzGQMITrBPEUg2VINoo02-wZwGYAgdR-x2UVfXHoWUfXcPSaH1Bwlg6Qb0ItA9FftIEiF8C6Oqq_-d1X8k/s320/Dominica+263.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Hi Iris,<br /></div><div>Attached some of our pictures from a wonderfull vacation with you, I'm sure you have many pictures so I send just a few... </div><br /><div>Ronit Dor</div>Iris Azoulayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09834094779725818262noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566502204733452415.post-57614137608401900572008-05-11T10:04:00.000-07:002008-05-11T10:07:55.036-07:00Sweet Iris...I can't believe it's taken this long to write you. Seems like yesterday we were with you....What an amazing week we all had with you. I have the best pix of your house. Do you need any?I have good pix and great stories for my friends, lots of fond memories of hanging out in the kitchen with you. I think it was the best trip I had with my mom, she really loved Dominica. Jim and I have dreamy memories of the rain forest - the colors in my pictures are so vibrant just the way I remember. I want to capture that jungle feeling at our new house in FL.<br /> I'm sure there's lots of adventure and intrigue in store for you. Who knows? Maybe our paths will cross again soon.Please let me know what you're up to- where you are. I'd love to stay in touch, perhaps come back to Dominica sometime too!Many many thanks for a great stay at Cocoa Cottages!Love,RobinIris Azoulayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09834094779725818262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566502204733452415.post-78923911259395861062008-05-11T09:55:00.000-07:002008-05-11T09:59:33.414-07:00Hello from Faye and Owen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-6uwNlCfR7NmTgQZeq_odkAj8K8hWp2L4_7z2VWk4yDrmPofeGF4n4gA_x_FLXeg5Z1n1ICpl43IXaaiwX7vsIGlj3KnRosHnLXEqHyMaZFlqmApopWFcWe8aAb5flxVgbpFzgfei9Y/s1600-h/DSC00499-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199165919975740130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-6uwNlCfR7NmTgQZeq_odkAj8K8hWp2L4_7z2VWk4yDrmPofeGF4n4gA_x_FLXeg5Z1n1ICpl43IXaaiwX7vsIGlj3KnRosHnLXEqHyMaZFlqmApopWFcWe8aAb5flxVgbpFzgfei9Y/s320/DSC00499-1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Living on the island gives us the opportunity to visit Cocoa Cottages- the food and the warm atmosphere always uplifts my mood. Also the people that we met- its like spending time with family. The staff makes everyone feel welcome and at HOME.<br /><br />Faye Kass<br />Castle Bruce</div>Iris Azoulayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09834094779725818262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566502204733452415.post-53465164421477998382008-05-01T09:57:00.000-07:002008-05-01T09:59:21.187-07:00We had the best vacation ever thanks to you guys. Richard, thanks for your hospitality, Charm you were so much fun to be around for us and the kids, Jeff, we could never enjoyed dominica the way we did without you and thanks for taking care of Josh, he had the time of his life.Sylvia we didnt get to spend much time with you but thank you for the meals and your warm personality finally, Joan, well we drove you crazy hope you recovered after we left. You were so much fun to be around, your cooking was fantastic! we miss you. <strong>We will never be the same after leaving Cocoa Cottage</strong>, our memories are so wonderful. Everyone there is so considerate and made us feel at home what a great enviroment!<br />Thanks for such a great time, we miss you all!<br />Denise, Jim, Josh, Desiree and Darrian<br />Ft. Laudredale FL.Iris Azoulayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09834094779725818262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566502204733452415.post-30554511810307232382008-05-01T09:53:00.001-07:002008-05-01T09:53:16.027-07:00Dear Iris<br />Thanks for the suggestion of a place to swim on the way to the airport; it was lovely. We bought some fruit from the farmer there, including a cocoa pod. I now have a bowl full of cocoa beans from which I have removed the white membrane. How can I make something chocolatey with it? Do I pound them in a pestle and mortar? What do I add? I'd be really grateful for a reply.Of the three places we stayed in Dominica, Cocoa Cottages was definitely the best for many reasons.Attached is a picture for you! Hope we manage to send you some more customers.Best wishes to you, Charm and Jeff (Geoff?)Su (& Ranald)Iris Azoulayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09834094779725818262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566502204733452415.post-91390387237305569762008-05-01T08:57:00.000-07:002008-05-01T09:02:31.630-07:00<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>THERE IS ONLY NOW</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>SO MAKE IT BEAUTIFUL FOR YOURSELF.</strong></span></div>Iris Azoulayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09834094779725818262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566502204733452415.post-66033842709066550442008-04-29T09:02:00.000-07:002008-06-01T17:50:54.708-07:00A visit to Cocoa cottage<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_G3jU9fZ1MEY7KeQSTi6kSsajvZ2MlsXPwqvUJaNX4dYUaNnbPMnsvcu-ldzzM7-14-GK1dU0Ymj4EWhIAi4uNo_OX83h1KEP5kGEC2Q9JQK9J-sdauPbkT6Jgmn5VJeFI17wGk6OxE/s1600-h/IMG_1175.jpg"></a><br /><div>Cocoa Cottages Eco-Lodge, Dominica<br />Earth-Friendly Accommodations in West Indies<br />by Lindsey Abram<br /><br /><br />Cocoa Cottages captures the best of the Caribbean for eco-trekkers: an intimate family atmosphere and plenty of opportunity for adventure!<br /><br /><br />Among all the Caribbean islands, Dominica is known for its special collection of small, environmentally friendly cottages and lodges. These unique accommodations offer an exceptional value for families and serve to protect the delicacy of the natural surroundings.<br /><br />I spent almost an entire week at the Cocoa Cottages (767/448-0412), a wonderful eco-lodge located right outside Dominica's capital of Roseau. Signs of nature are present in the entire design of the open-air lodge. The sturdy dining table bases are constructed out of bamboo shoots and the staircase leading to the second story is built out of native wood, much of it still retaining its natural form. From any vantage point, there is something beautiful to behold, whether it is the steep incline on the nearby mountainside, hummingbirds eating at the feeder located in the kitchen, or the colorful gardens that line the walkways.<br /><br />From within the confines of the lodge, it is difficult to believe that it is located only 4 miles outside a major city. For guests, it captures the best of both worlds: the feeling of a retreat into the wilderness and the convenience of having a city nearby.<br /><br /><br />The communal living room at the heart of the lodge is a colorful, lively place for families to sit and enjoy a quiet evening together or with other guests, lounging and pursuing the wide variety of books from the lodge library. The living area is furnished with wrap-around cushioned window seats and a grand piano that is often played by one of the local musicians. Imagine the soothing sounds of reggae classics and the smell of home cooking floating through the warm evening air and you have the Cocoa Cottages experience. The owner of the lodge, Richard, his infinitely knowledgeable guide Jeffrey, and the attentive staff make their guests a top priority. Personal attention is at the forefront of the experience and families can expect their every whim and fancy to be catered to graciously.<br /><br />The lodge contains six private bedrooms, each tastefully decorated with local color. Hand-made tapestries cover the beds; paintings by Dominican artists liven up the walls; and shells, driftwood, coral and other natural elements give the rooms a rustic, yet cozy atmosphere. The Bwabwa Room, where I stayed, is ideal for families traveling with children who do not require constant supervision. This large room has two double-size poster beds with mosquito nets for the kids, while parents have the option of retreating to one of the more private rooms for some time away. Each room has a private bathroom with a shower, sink and toilet. There is no air-conditioning at the lodge but, after a couple of nights, most people get accustomed to the tropical weather -- and ceiling fans help to keep the air circulating.<br /><br />Mealtime is a very important part of the experience at Cocoa Cottages, and kids under 12 receive a half-price discount on all meals. Breakfast and dinner are prepared on site by Dominican cooks who use only the freshest local organic ingredients. The morning meal typically consists of granola, island fruits (passion fruit, pineapple, bananas and guava), baguettes served with locally produced jams, freshly squeezed tropical juices, coffee grown on the island's plantations and cocoa tea. Dinner is usually West Indian classic, like Chicken Creole served with rice, potatoes, breadfruit, plantains and salad. All meals are eaten at communal round tables so guests get to know each other quickly, sharing in the downtime and the vibe of community.<br /><br />Adventure Tours Galore<br />Extreme Dominica Adventure Tours is a full service eco-tour operator located directly onsite at Cocoa Cottages. This is a perfect arrangement for guests, as signing up for tours through the lodge guarantees that daily activities, including snorkeling, hiking, canyoning and coastal tours are organized at the whim of the guests and often turn into group excursions.<br /><br />Since the Cocoa Cottages is conveniently located just a few miles outside of the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a jungle refuge for nature lovers featuring some the island’s best hiking, a trek into this region is the perfect day tour from the lodge. The rainforest landscape contains rolling mountains, high treetops, flowers and butterflies. Approaching the Valley of Desolation is a mystifying experience in and of itself, watching as the landscape gradually transforms from a tropical paradise into a desolate valley seemingly devoid of all life forms. The colors of this area are subdued in comparison to the vibrancy of the rest of the forest; however, there is more of a variety with blending purples, oranges, blues, yellows and browns.<br /><br />In this unusual area, boiling hot water from the center of the earth pushes through the valley floor, bubbling and flowing close to the ground and sending clouds of hot steam surging into the atmosphere. The final destination on the hike is the arrival at the Boiling Lake, a 200-foot fumarole flooded with grey murky water, literally boiling hot, with enormous bubbles pulsing from the middle of the lake. It is truly an experience of a lifetime, rewarded with a refreshing swim in a cool spring after returning to the trailhead.<br /><br />After braving the trek to the Boiling Lake, the much less strenuous hike to Victoria Falls, Delices was an easier feat and probably the best option for families with young kids. The path to the waterfall is a narrow dirt trail that meanders along the edge of the White River. At times the trail ends at the river bank, so it is necessary to walk knee-deep through the shallow parts of the river and over some rocks on the other side before meeting the trail again. The climb to the top is slightly over two hours, mostly flat, with the exception of the last leg of the hike, which requires some slightly strenuous climbing over larger rocks and boulders. A large slab flat rock at the summit serves as a natural observatory to take in the magnificent Victoria Falls and the milky white sulfur pool swelling in the basin below. Despite the magnitude of the falls, which exceed 200 feet in height, the roar of the cascading water is soothing and calming in its effect. The climb down is equally refreshing with a couple of swim breaks in the pure sulfur pools.<br /><br />No adventure in the tropics is complete without a day of snorkeling and the Extreme Dominica Adventure Tours has its share of underwater tour options. The shoreline along the southern half of the island is dramatically less rugged than the remainder of the coast and the water is clearer, making the area most suitable for swimming and snorkeling. Two of the best places to snorkel are located at Champagne Beach and Scott's Head Marine Reserve. At Champagne Beach, gases push through volcanic geothermal vents in the sea floor, sending a steady stream of bubbles straight to the surface of the water. The benefit of this scientific phenomenon is the sensation of swimming in a sea of champagne! At the very southern tip of the island at Scott's Head, families will find another great area for viewing a variety of marine life. Pristine coral reefs, schools of eels, spotted water snakes, trumpet fish, puffers and throngs of other colorful fish swim freely in this protected area. A special twist on this snorkeling site is a magnificent sea wall that dramatically drops 1,500 feet at the edge of the expansive reef, opening up into underwater utopia of brilliant blue water.<br /><br />For many families, finding quality time to spend together is often a challenge. The slow, relaxed pace of the island, the communal spirit of the guest lodge, as well as the adventure tours available through the staff, provide the opportunity for parents and kids to share in unique and fun experiences that ultimately bond them. Guests at the Cocoa Cottages will come back home feeling refreshed, renewed and ready to plan their return visit!</div>Iris Azoulayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09834094779725818262noreply@blogger.com0