The locals are friendly and a little more vocal in Grenada while trying to eek out a living from tourists than they were in Bonaire. Our ship docked at a new pier – well, new to them.
The old one was blown away by hurricane Ivan in 2004. Two ships can dock at the new one, and if there are four ships in town, the old repaired port is used.
Passengers exiting the ship walk through a small but fairly modern mall with clear signage for those wanting a taxi or those walking to town.
Upon exiting the building, we were immediately approached by locals selling tours. The tours were similar, but the vehicles varied. the taxi station was bustling with drivers trying to fill mini vans with 6-8 passengers at $20-25 per person. We walked past the main group and were approached by a local, toothless gentleman offering us a good tour of the island. I told him I wanted to go with an official guide with an ID. He pointed to a man and said, “He will do a good tour for you.” He was dressed like all the other tour/taxi drivers and had an official ID. We told this driver that we wanted a tour for just the two of us in an air conditioned vehicle. We bartered a 2.5 hour tour $50 and he took us to a mini van in the taxi parking area and off we went. I’m sure the tour price was based on supply and demand. There was only one ship in town, and lots of available drivers.
Our driver explained that Grenada has a 35% unemployment rate but the crime rate is low. “No one goes hungry. There are plenty of bananas, breadfruit, and mangos on the island.” We also saw Pineapples, nutmeg, French cashews (like an apple) and plantain. (like a banana, only starchier)
While driving, we saw a home with goats in the yard and waterfalls beyond the back yard.
We were told that if you have money, “You can be buried above ground.”
The first stop was at Anandale Falls.
A short hike and a $2 entrance fee led us to the falls. Enterprising individuals found ways to make money by providing photo ops. for a fee: Ladies with fruit baskets on their heads, a man with a pet monkey, and another man composing impromptu songs and serenading tourists. He sang about my “beautiful grey-striped hair.” While I generally appreciate the arts and creativity, I did NOT tip him for that song!
At the falls, our guide explains that the Jumpers’ Club will offer to climb to the top of the falls and jump into the pool below. One jumper for $5. They take turns jumping and split the money among them.
An “Angel Trumpet” Tree near the falls.
We entered Grand Etang Forest Reserve and our guide pointed out a mahogany tree, a eucalyptus tree, a clove tree, and extremely tall bamboo.
Mona monkeys are supposed to be famous in the Reserve, but none were showing off today, but we did enjoy the scenic view. Most of the ship tours and local tours stop at the lake. Our guide explained that someone charges $2 per person to view the lake, and he said, “It’s really just a lake,” so we skipped it.
Grenada won her independence in 1974, and they are proud of their national colors. Red, yellow, and green stripes are painted on posts, curbs, and even rocks.
Our drive took us to Fort Matthew and Fort Frederick. We also saw the prison. Our guide told us that some prisoners are there for theft, but others are there for unpaid parking tickets and for not minding their children. One of the best lookout points on the island is from the prison, but I doubt many of the prisoners have a room with a view.
Our driver hopped out of the taxi and picked some sweet peas off a tree, (Or perhaps a large vine?) popped a raw one in is mouth, and offered one to us. We told him they look similar to peas we grow in Tennessee, but I wasn’t adventurous enough to just eat one right off the tree on the side of the road.
We returned to the port area. Since we were in Grenada on Saturday, we were fortunate to be able to walk around the street market downtown.
Grenada’s rainforest provides fruits and spices, and both are sold. “Lady, need some spices for your kitchen?”
This lady was kind to let me take her photo with her spices. I would have bought something from her, but I wasn’t sure about taking spices since they are considered agricultural products – and not packaged in sealed containers. She never asked for one, but I gave her a tip for her kindness to allow a photo.
Our guide told us there is a US medical school on the island, and most of the American inhabitants live near the school.
Back on the ship, cruisers are settling into their preferred deck chairs before departure, and I get a few final photos of Grenada from the upper deck of the ship. It is the beginning of Grenada’s dry season, but it looks like some afternoon rain showers are headed our way.
If I Ever Return to Grenada….
I would like to go to Grand Anse Beach. Others on the ship said it is a beautiful two-mile stretch of white sand.