This is a tiny Caribbean island nation, measuring only 750 square kilometers in size, equivalent to the fifth ring of Beijing or the metropolitan area of Shanghai, with a population of less than 80,000.
It's small enough that a single hurricane could obliterate its agricultural industry. Yet, despite two devastating hurricanes, this small island still retains its original biodiversity.
Aside from the fruits people commonly know, there are many others here that outsiders have never seen before.
Even Christopher Columbus, when he discovered it, didn't bother to land because the island was so small. Passing by on a Sunday, he casually gave it the Latin name "Dominica."
When Queen Isabella of Spain asked Columbus what kind of island Dominica was, it's said that Columbus crumpled a piece of paper and replied, "."
During his 1493 voyage across the Caribbean, Columbus saw the island from a distance and sailed right past without stepping ashore.
This island, with an almost negligible presence in the world, is a unique existence in the Caribbean. The steep, forest-covered mountains rising from the sea like giant green sentinels are breathtaking and awe-inspiring.
It has even made its way into literary works and blockbuster films, such as The Sargasso Sea and Jurassic Park.
And now, the Pirates of the Caribbean film crew has arrived on this small island, ready to shoot many outdoor scenes.
On the "Indian River" in Dominica, there's a bar set up on a boat called "Bar Ten." It's said that the rum served there is quite unique.
At dusk, the three lead actors from Pirates of the Caribbean—Martin, Orlando, and Keira—are drinking at this bar floating on the river.
"This is great, they don't have an age restriction for alcohol here!" Keira giggles, taking a sip of the rum in her glass and looking blissfully satisfied.
"It's quite tasty!" she nods with approval.
Rum is actually a great choice for beginners like Keira.
It's a distilled liquor made from sugarcane molasses, also called "sugar liquor."
It has a sweet and smooth taste, fragrant and mellow, lacking the spiciness of many other liquors, and it feels more like sweet water with alcohol.
The local rum in Dominica is called "Cayo," which is well-known in the West, and the one Martin and the others are drinking is the purest form.
While drinking, the three chat idly.
Orlando Bloom notices the constant exchange of glances between Keira and Martin and starts to feel a bit out of place. After finishing half his drink, he decides to excuse himself.
Once Orlando leaves, Keira relaxes and moves her chair closer to Martin. Blushing slightly, she says, "You feed me."
Martin is taken aback for a moment—she's pretty bold.
Then he picks up his glass and moves it towards Keira's lips.
At this moment, neither of them notices that the boat they're on has begun rocking more heavily than before.
The wind picks up on the water.
Dominica is a country prone to hurricanes.
Though it's May and not hurricane season, sometimes hurricanes are unpredictable, arriving either late or early, with their power somewhat diminished.
Today, unfortunately, Martin and Keira encounter one of these "misbehaving" little hurricanes.
When they start to notice something's off, the boat they're on begins shaking violently.
"Ah!" Keira screams and falls into Martin's arms.
"It's fine, don't be scared. I'll protect you—I'm a great swimmer!" Martin reassures, patting her head while staying calm.
The wind howls louder, resembling the wails of ghosts.
Martin feels Keira trembling in his arms.
He looks around and sees that the local people in the bar are all calm, still drinking. The tables and chairs are fixed to the floor, and the liquor cabinet is secured with wire supports.
At first, Martin found this strange, but now it makes sense.
An older Black man (Dominica is a mix of Black and mixed-race people) smiles at Martin, raising his glass, and says, "Don't worry, handsome. This little wind won't tip our boat. We'll be ashore soon."
Martin nods in acknowledgment, saying, "Thanks for the reminder, I'm not worried. But do you have life jackets here? I think my friend could use one."
Keira lifts her head from Martin's chest, acting tough. "I'm not scared! I'm fine!"
Before she can finish speaking, the boat is lifted high by a large wave and slammed back down with a thud...
"Ah!" Keira lets out a sharp scream.
The locals in the bar all start laughing.
The older Black man calls out to the bartender standing firmly behind the bar counter, "Hey, Paul, get this lady a life jacket."
"Though it's not necessary, as you wish," Paul the bartender pulls a life jacket from under the counter and tosses it to Martin and Keira.
Martin quickly catches it.
The older man gives him a thumbs-up and says, "Nice job, kid! You must be a crew member—keeping steady in a situation isn't easy!"
Martin gestures at Paul, "He could do it too."
The older man and the bartender both laugh.
The older man says, "Paul's been working here since he was nine. Of course, he can!"
Martin smiles but doesn't say anything else, instead putting the life jacket on Keira.
Perhaps it's the life jacket, or maybe the calm demeanor of everyone in the bar, but Keira finally calms down and realizes she's still tightly holding onto Martin's waist.
"This guy's muscles are really firm!" Keira thinks, swallowing quietly.
She continues hugging him, even resting her head on Martin's chest.
When Martin's hand moves to her hair, Keira shows a contented expression, much like a cat enjoying her owner's affection.
Soon, the boat safely reaches the shore.
Keira reluctantly pulls herself away from Martin's embrace. He helps her off the boat and onto the dock.
As soon as they step off the boat, they are hit with the full force of the hurricane.
Keira has to hold on tightly to Martin to avoid being blown away.
She suddenly feels that maybe this isn't so bad after all!
Martin attempts to return the life jacket to Paul, but the bartender waves and smiles at them from the boat's door. "You tipped generously today, so this life jacket's yours."
Martin glances at Keira and says, "Thanks."
Then, taking Keira's hand, they head towards the small town where the crew is staying.
The town is only about a kilometer away, and the three of them walked there earlier.