DAY 6---GRENADA

 Background Info

        This southern most island in the West Indes just 125 miles north of the northeast coast of Venezuela.  It is known as the “island of spice” because it is home to many nutmeg plantations.  It is only about 18 miles long and 8 miles wide with a population of 112,000.  It is also a British Commonwealth.  

        Tourism is the mainstay of the economy with its many beaches, water sports, and many waterfalls.  Its main exports are the spices:  nutmeg and mace (the sister spice of nutmeg).  They also export bananas, cocoa, fruits, vegetables, clothing, chocolate, and fish.  Despite all this the country suffers from a heavy debt problem.

        The colorful city of St George’s is the capital and main port of Grenada with a population of 35,000.  Like Barbados, Grenada is a very popular stop for cruise ships with 250 arrivals per year.

        You may recall back in 1983 President Reagan ordered the invasion of Grenada as the Cubans were building a 10,000 foot runway which was believed to be used by Russia and Cuba for as a refueling stop for their airplanes loaded with weapons destined for Central American insurgents.  Within four days the Americans had removed the military government there.

 There were passing rain showers as we docked at St George this morning at 9:30.  Temperature is 77. 

LAST EVENING

        Pre-dinner show at 6:00 featuring the return of Linda Gentille.  Incredible pianist with humor throughout her half hour show.

                        Dinner in Compass Rose included this Caesar salad with 5 anchovies.

        Entree was this rum glazed fresh red snapper topped with shrimp and a avocado & corn salsa served over Cuban rice.  This was sooooo good.

                                                                        Key lime pie

      Another great after dinner show by Solomon Jaye.  Very talented singer and tap dancer.

                 One of the ship's production cast dancers joined him to do some tap dancing.

TODAY

                                                 Setting up the gangway after arriving.

                             Three photos of St George after arrival taken from deck 11 forward.

        I was one of the first to walk off the ship at 10am as the tours had not started departing yet.  No tour again today for me but I did want to get some photos for you in St George.  Bright sun and 82 degrees now.  Nice breeze kept me cool.  Long walk down the pier.

                                                        Steel drums greeted me ashore.

                             You had to walk through this big, dock side mall to get into town.

Tour buses waiting through a gate leaving dock so folks did not have to walk through the mall.

                             Lots of shops and a duty free shop as I walked through the mall.

                                      This was last shop in the mall before heading into town.

               Back side of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at the top of a hill.

        Looking up a couple streets.  I walked part way up a street and found the huge fruit and vegetable market in the photos below.  Lots of spices also in the market as Granada is known as "the spice island".

                                          There was a sign in one stall saying "Photos $5 US".

                                                            This is the bus station.

                                                                        Fish market

I tried to take more photos but this guy and another barked at me.  I got it so put my camera down.

                                                 Got this general photo of the fish market.

        Meat market was across the street.  I went in but did not try to take photos as the men were big and mean looking.

       Several more fruit and vegetable stands all along the street parallel to the harbor.  The everything looked so good.

                                               There was a KFC at the end of the street.

                                                             Cathedral at top of the hill.

                                       After 40 minutes of walking I headed back to the ship.

        Ft George sits 175 feet above the harbor and was built when the island was under French control.  It was built between 1706 and 1710 and is currently under going renovation to make it a tourist attraction.  Photo take from our balcony.

        When I was out on the balcony taking the above photo, Donald, our friend and the ship's Food & Beverage Director, was returning to the ship.  I asked if he had bought me a present.  It was hot sauce in the bag.

        In the afternoon Rebecca watched her soaps (on Paramount Plus-Friday's episodes).  I watched the movie, "Regan", starring Dennis Quaid.

        We are not sailing until 9:00 tonight as our next port of call, Trinidad & Tobago is only 120 miles from here.  Ray has arranged for a local steel band, The Pan Wizards, to play on the pool deck this evening from 6:15 to 7:15.  Rum punch and other libations will be served under the stars before dinner.

        We shall again dine in Compass Rose.  No rush at dinner as there is not a show tonight.  Instead they are showing the movie, "Conclave", on the big screen in the theater.  Boogey & Kasia will  provide sail away music also from 9 to 10 up on the pool deck.  Will not attend either.