What We Love About Grenada

We'd be hard-pressed to answer the question which island in the Caribbean we like best, for each one has something we love. Thus said, Grenada has proved to be one of our overall favorites, and we were especially pleased to spend more than a month there in December and January. As I have already written extensively about Grenada in March 2015 (see the archives), I will let my words be few in this post and adhere to the old adage that “a picture speaks a thousand words.”* 

* Henrik Ibsen first said "A thousand words leave not the same deep impression as does a single deed." After his death in 1906 this quote was plagiarized and para-phrased into what we know now.

The Town of St. George's

Patrice and I both agree that St. George's is our favorite city in the Caribbean. We love exploring its old-world charm, its bustling market, its lively port and the spectacular views from the fort. 

Port Louis

This marina, just a dinghy ride to St. George's is also our favorite in the islands. Its modern facilities and conveniences are a joy to experience after being out at sea. And although we're not into super-yachts, we can't help enjoy watching the sleek beasts glide effortlessly into their berths as we (not so) surreptitously gawk while trying to catch a glimpse of their illustrious passengers--especially after we heard that Robert Downey Jr. had stepped off one last year.

Photo courtesy of C&N Marinas

The People

Beautiful smiles, friendly attitudes, fiercly nationalistic and proud is how I would describe Grenadians.

Hash House Harriers

On the subject of people, it was by joining the Grenada Hash House Harriers on four different occasions that we met many interesting and seriously fun locals. They call themselves "an enthusiastic group of “drinkers with a running problem." The hashes take place every Saturday afternoon, starting and finishing at previously designated rum shop, sports field or pasture, in a different part of the island. It is composed typically of between 50 to 370 runners and walkers of all ages, shapes and sizes. Spoiler alert: if you have never experienced a hash and are planning to do so one day, you might want to skip these pictures as they give away the "secret" loss of hash virginity ceremony.

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Chocolate

Chocolate Rum Shots

I could write an entire blog post just on Grenada chocolate.The quality of the cocoa beans and the resulting product is outstanding and the industry there is taking off. We were fascinated to learn about the process of chocolate making as well as sampling (correction--gorging ourselves on) the delectable results in its many forms--chcolate bars, mouthwatering truffles), and our very favorite--chocolate rum shots at the Grenada House of Chocolate in St. Georges.

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The Rivers Rum Distillery

 The reason this distillery is included in this list is not because of its rum.  At 155 proof, it tastes like lighter fluid. It is so powerful, it is not allowed on airplanes, although a watered down version is available in duty free, which is kind of them because they cannot make enough each year to satisfy local demand. 

Rivers Distillery is given a spot here because the place is so cool. It is the oldest functioning water-propelled distillery in Grenada and the Caribbean, and it functions almost exactly like it did in the 1800s. Visiting the facility is taking a step back in time. 

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Carriacou

This island, just north of Grenada is one of her two sister islands. It is smaller, quirkier and simply lovely.

And... 

...I should add to this list the stunning beaches, the rainforest, the lush flora, varied wildlife, the abundance of spices--nutmeg, tumeric and cinnamon, to name a few.. but enough said, and you get the idea.

Thank you Grenada for sharing your charm and beauty with us!