Grenada & the Grenadines

April 2006 The FAQ

Why Grenada?

Probably the most popular question. After going to the big Double Destination wedding
in Jamaica in April of 2005, we were both really wanting to go back to the Caribbean.
We wanted to find somewhere neither of us had been and somewhere that wasn't mega-touristy
and resorty. Plus, with my deep, dark, Northern-European-descent skin, it is always best to go
somewhere with other things to do aside from bask in the tropical sun all day lest I char to an
irreversible blister. After lots of research with various books and the trusty Thorn Tree,
we narrowed it down to Dominica, Belize and Grenada. There were many factors in the final decision,
most notably that Grenada had been walloped hard by both Hurricanes Emily and Ivan in 2004/2005 and
really needed the tourism boost. So, voila, Grenada it was.

Where exactly did you go?

We flew into Grenada's capital, St George's and hung out there, heading inland to go to the
Grand Etang National Park and the Annandale Falls. After that we took the ferry to Carriacou,
a very remote, quiet, deserted island off of Grenada. We then took a boat north via a local fisherman
to funky Union, part of St Vincent & the Grenadines. Kids, don't forget to check in with
immigration and be sure to bring your bags to Customs. We then got to island-hop to many other
Grenadines such as awesome Mayreau, high-fallutin' Palm Island and the lovely Tobago Cays courtesy
of Captain Yanni's. Not the same guy who was married to Linda Evans, though.
We checked.

Where did you stay?

In Grenada we stayed at Grand View, a fine mid-range establishment where the view was indeed grand.
In Carriacou, we stayed at Paradise Inn on Paradise Beach. Paradise Inn was completely
bare-bones (one bed, one mosquito net) but you didn't need much else there. In Union we stayed
at Big Sand which was fantastic!

Did you meet any cool people?

We send a big shout out to Debora, Pirate, Cami, Den Den, Anise and Ann. Plus be sure to contact
Heather at Erika's Marine if you are ever in Union - she was so amazingly helpful.

Did you hear?

Jeff swam with turtles.
Just ask him.

What is that thing on the Grenadian flag?

It is nutmeg. Which is particularly good when you grind some of it into your rum punch.
Grenada is the Spice Island, you know.

Why do you take so many damned pictures?

I got a new digital camera for Christmas and it rocks. Plus, everything is beautiful there,
making it difficult to refrain from a massive photographic frenzy. Just count your blessings that
I did not have the digital camera in Italy or you'd still be looking at pictures of Venice and only
be up to the the third day of our vacation.