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March 27 — April 2, 2025 Marti Eicholz We are embarking on a particularly memorable leg of our journey aboard The Odyssey. As we leave Devil’s Island behind, our ship sets a course for St. George’s, Grenada — a destination we last visited on November 15, 2024. This return provides us with a unique opportunity to delve more deeply into the charm and allure of this remarkable southern Caribbean Island nation. Grenada is a vibrant tapestry woven from French, African, and British influences, offering a fascinating blend of rich history, dynamic culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Lush green mountains, pristine beaches, and scenic vistas await, promising new perspectives and discoveries even for those who have visited before. During our voyage toward Grenada, we have much to celebrate. On March 29, 2025, we will witness the rare spectacle of a partial solar eclipse — an awe-inspiring event where the Moon appears to take a delicate ‘bite’ out of the Sun’s disk, casting a sense of wonder over the sea. Additionally, we will mark our six-month milestone of circumnavigating the globe on The Odyssey, reflecting on the many adventures and memories accumulated along the way. These concurrent events add a special layer of meaning and celebration to our approach to Grenada. Grenada itself is a gem of the eastern Caribbean, shaped like an almond and encircled by seventy-five miles of stunning coastline. Its interior is a lush patchwork of mountains, tropical rainforests, tranquil mangroves, and rare dwarf forests, all teeming with life. St. George’s, the island’s picturesque capital, nestles on the southwest coast, hugging a breathtaking horseshoe-shaped harbor. Both the island and its capital are situated at about 12 degrees north of the equator, lending Grenada a warm, tropical climate. The year unfolds in two distinct seasons: a wet season from June through November, when northeast trade winds bring abundant rainfall especially to the island’s mountainous regions, and a drier season from December to May, marked by pleasant breezes and lower humidity. The story of Grenada is as colorful as its landscapes. First sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1498, the island endured centuries of contention, passing between French and British rule before finally achieving independence in 1974. Today, Grenada is celebrated as the “Spice Island,” renowned for its prolific production and export of nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, cocoa, and bananas. Visitors can immerse themselves in this aromatic legacy with tours of local spice plantations, where the vibrant scents and flavors of the island come alive, and the intricacies of spice cultivation, processing, and export are revealed. Upon our arrival in St. George’s, we are greeted by a captivating tableau of pastel-hued homes and the majestic Fort George, an 18th-century fortress standing sentinel over the harbor. The city pulses with energy and color, reflecting the island’s thriving culture and storied past. St. George’s stands out as one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful towns, best savored on foot. Strolling its winding streets, you’ll encounter charming Georgian architecture, inviting shops and cafés topped with red-tiled roofs, and the legendary Carenage — a scenic inlet perfect for a leisurely walk along the water. Altogether, St. George’s offers a vibrant blend of natural splendor, eclectic history, and welcoming local life, making it a highlight of any Caribbean voyage. Embarking on hikes through Grand Etang National Park immerses you in a landscape of breathtaking vistas, abundant wildlife, and a dazzling array of tropical flora, including many rare and endemic species found only in this region. The journey to the park is an adventure in itself, as the winding road climbs the island’s lush, mountainous backbone. Towering rainforest trees arch overhead, forming a verdant canopy, while the switchbacks reveal glimpses of vibrant plant and animal life at every turn — even the cheeky monkeys seem eager to greet newcomers. St. George’s University stands out as a prestigious international educational institution, drawing students from over 140 countries around the globe. Its diverse community creates a multicultural atmosphere that enriches both academic and social experiences for all who attend. Grand Anse Beach, renowned for its powdery white sands stretching two glorious miles, invites relaxation and recreation in equal measure. The calm, crystal-clear turquoise waters are ideal for swimming, while the lively beachside bars and restaurants offer a perfect setting to savor refreshments and local cuisine. Whether you’re interested in adventurous water sports or simply unwinding under the Caribbean sun, Grand Anse provides something for everyone. The marine environment off Grenada’s coast teems with life, where vibrant reefs host schools of colorful tropical fish and other fascinating sea creatures. A highlight for underwater enthusiasts is Grenada’s world-famous Underwater Sculpture Park, a captivating display of submerged ecological art created by artist Jason de Caires Taylor. This unique attraction not only delights divers and snorkelers but also serves as an artificial reef, fostering the growth of marine habitats and attracting a dynamic array of sea life. A visit to the River Antoine Rum Distillery, in continuous operation since 1785, offers a captivating glimpse into the island’s rich tradition of rum production. Guided tours walk guests through the historic distilling process, culminating in a tasting session where the distinctive flavors of Caribbean rum can be savored and compared. Annandale Falls, a picturesque 30-foot cascade surrounded by lush, tropical greenery, is a must-see for nature lovers. The inviting pool beneath the falls is perfect for a refreshing swim, and adventurous locals often entertain visitors with impressive dives from the rocky ledges above. Levera National Park showcases Grenada’s ecological diversity with its unspoiled beach, thriving mangrove swamps, serene lagoon, and a designated bird sanctuary. This tranquil paradise offers a peaceful retreat for birdwatchers, nature photographers, and anyone seeking to reconnect with the natural world. Grenada is famously known as the “Spice Isle,” with an abundance of aromatic spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, bay leaf, clove, turmeric, thyme, and lemongrass growing across the island. The local markets are also brimming with fresh fruits and vegetables — coconuts, sweet potatoes, mangoes, and breadfruit are just a few of the staples that lend their flavors to the island’s cuisine. For a unique treat, don’t miss sampling the delicious nutmeg ice cream, a local favorite. The culinary scene in Grenada is a true feast for the senses, ranging from fiery stews packed with spice to mouthwatering seafood dishes and decadent desserts. One of the island’s signature dishes, oil down, encapsulates the heart of Grenadian comfort food. This satisfying one-pot meal features salted meat, chicken or fish, hearty dumplings, coconut milk, turmeric, a medley of vegetables, and breadfruit, all simmered together to create a rich and flavorful national dish. My phone has been out of order since October 2024. During that time, calls were unanswered, messages ignored, invitations with no reply, instructions and details did not comply, but I maintained calm. Today, my friend, Ed, after walking through alleyways, rounding corner after corner, climbing up and down staircases, chatting with numerous locals, found a little Chinese man, eating a bowl of rice, who had the skills and knowledge needed to repair this broken piece of technology. What a blessing! Presently, my phone is happily being charged and dinging to let me know, “I am here for you.” Feeling full of gratitude as I take a rest. We leave St. George’s Grenada and sail overnight to Kingstown St. Vincent. |
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