Sunday, February 27, 2011

Reminder for all first time cruisers ...

A 'tender' from the Sun Princess shuttling passengers to St. Georges
This past week I had the opportunity to visit Carriacou; a small island 'Parish' of Grenada, W.I., and I did so via ferry.

This image is of a 'tender' (taken from my vantage point on the inter-island ferry) from the Sun Princess, and is seen ferrying passengers from the ship to St. Georges (the port city and capital of Grenada) and back. This, to remind all cruisers - but first timers in particular - that not all disembarkation is done on a gang plank, even if the itinerary has called for it.

St. Georges has a perfectly modern cruise ship docking pier, but on this day, the wind and waves made it impossible to dock the ship in safety. Therefore all those looking to see the island from the Sun Princess -and as it happens, the Celebrity Millennium - were shuttled to and fro via these bi-hulled diesel powered life craft.

The moral: always be prepared for the unexpected, even on the best and most attentive of cruise lines. Mother nature trumps all ... a good pair of non-slip soled walking shoes is a must.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

So ... I admit my view of Grenada has changed dramatically

Grande Anse Beach - Grenadian regatta Feb. 2011

Some time ago, I wrote in this 'electronic journal' that I wasn't all that fond of the people of Grenada. At the time I mentioned that many seemed indifferent at best and rude at worst. I have been here for just over two months now, and I can tell you that there are many I have encountered since my last post who are down right delightful. I have realized - I think - that Grenada is not very unlike many of the Islands down here. And, for that matter, anywhere else in the developing world. There are those who see folks like me - I'm still a tourist no matter the tan that suggests I live here - as being as from wealthy _______ (you pick the country and fill in the blank), and therefore are (understandably) envious of those of us they may see as 'rich', and coming to take advantage of them in some way.  And, by the way, I've now been  to most Islands down here, so it's not as though I've not encountered this type of attitude/culture before .... So ... perhaps I should have given it a bit more time for me to acclimatize.

On to more positive commentary.

As I have been touring about, I have discovered a most beautiful Island that boasts incredible topography featuring arable valleys surrounded by lush rain forest; beautiful vistas overlooking the Caribbean Sea, and a (smallish) number of fantastic beaches. Note: There are 43 beaches on the Island. I've been to about 10 of them. So far, I'd say that a half dozen are great. The others not so much.

Tomorrow we travel to the second of the 3 main Islands comprising the country: Carriacou. With only 7,000 inhabitants, we expect to find a much slower pace (how slow can  you go?) and an economy built almost solely on fishing, agriculture and to a much lesser extent: tourism. (There are only a handful of B&B's and Inns on the Island.) We do hope however hope to swim with the turtles!

Once back, I'll put together a quick posting.

One last observation. We met good friends off of the Celebrity Millennium this past week. They were loving the trip and, it was apparent to me that others seemed to be enjoying St. Georges.

Finally, I'll be trying to include a slideshow of some of the better images I've made of the Island and it's people. I hope you  enjoy!

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