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Grenada is the main island of the Caribbean nation of Grenada.
Grenada is divided into 6 parishes or districts:
Grenada is the main island of the Caribbean nation of Grenada.
Grenada is divided into 6 parishes or districts:
Tourism is Grenada's main economic force. Conventional beach and water-sports tourism is largely focused in the southwest region around St George, the airport and the coastal strip. Ecotourism is growing in significance. Most small eco-friendly guesthouses are located in Saint David and Saint John parishes. The tourism industry is increasing dramatically with the construction of a large cruise ship pier and esplanade.
Tourism is concentrated in the southwest of the island, around St. George, Grand Anse, Lance Aux Epines, and Point Salines. Grenada has many idyllic beaches around its coastline including the 3 km (1.9 mi) long Grand Anse Beach in St George which is considered to be one of the finest beaches in the world and often appears in countdowns of the world's top ten beaches. Besides these excellent beaches, tourists' favorite points of interest yet in Grenada are the waterfalls. The nearest to St. George's is the Annandale Waterfalls, but other notable ones like Mt. Carmel, Concord, Seven Sisters, and Tufton Hall are also within easy reach.
Natural and historical places
In 2017 the Carriacou Maroon & String Band Music Festival enters its seventh year. In 2017, occurring in April, the event lasts for three days, occurs in three venues, however, it is classified as one festival according to the pure Grenada website. The concept of String Bands is historical in nature.
In 2017 the Annual Budget Marine Spice Island BillFish Tournament will be entering its 48th year of existence. The Tournament lasts for four days and in 2017 it starts on Jan 21.
Island Water World Sailing Week, as its name suggests, is an event which lasts for a week and in 2017 will be held towards the end of January into February. This event is similar to the America Cup which is hosted upon an agreement or calling out.
Many of these events stimulate the economy as they attract boats and persons who may need repairs to their boats or who may need to learn new routes to shelter their boats during hurricanes or Inter Tropical Convergence Zones (ITCZs) which are weather systems which affect this part of the world for almost half of the year every year.
The Grenada Sailing Festival Work Boat Regatta starts in January and lasts for a few days. From the photos on the website Grenada Sailing Festival, it appears that the style of the race is similar is similar to that event in which CARICOM national, Andrew Lewis raced at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Although French influence on Grenadian culture is much less visible than on other Caribbean islands, surnames and place names in French remain, and the everyday language is laced with French words and the local dialect, or Patois. Stronger French influence is found in the well seasoned spicy food and styles of cooking similar to those found in New Orleans, and some French architecture has survived from the 1700s. Island culture is heavily influenced by the African roots of most of the Grenadians, but Indian and Carib Amerindian influence is also seen with dhal puri, rotis, Indian sweets, cassava and curries in the cuisine.
The "oildown" is considered to be the national dish. The name refers to a dish cooked in coconut milk until all the milk is absorbed, leaving a bit of coconut oil in the bottom of the pot. Early recipes call for a mixture of a salted pigtail, pig's feet (trotters), salt beef and chicken, dumplings made from flour, and provisions like breadfruit, green banana, yam, and potatoes. Callaloo leaves are sometimes used to retain the steam and for extra flavor.
Soca, calypso, and reggae set the mood for Grenada's annual Carnival activities. Over the years rap music became famous among Grenadian youths, and there have been numerous young rappers emerging in the island's underground rap scene. Zouk is also being slowly introduced onto the island. The islanders' African and Carib Amerindian heritage plays an influential role in many aspects of Grenada's culture.
As with other islands from the Caribbean, cricket is the national and most popular sport and is an intrinsic part of Grenadian culture. The Grenada national cricket team forms a part of the Windward Islands cricket team in regional domestic cricket, however, it plays as a separate entity in minor regional matches, as well having previously played Twenty20 cricket in the Stanford 20/20.
An important aspect of the Grenadian culture is the tradition of storytelling, with folk tales bearing both African and French influences. The character, Anancy, a spider who is a trickster, originated in West Africa and is prevalent on other islands as well. French influence can be seen in La Diablesse, a well-dressed she-devil, and Ligaroo (from Loup Garoux), a werewolf.
Mini Buses in Grenada are the standardized form of transportation. These vans hold between 15-19 people, and they have route numbers and signs on them. Weekdays they run from 7 AM-7 PM. In town, there are designated bus stops, however, once you leave town, you can signal a stop by either knocking on the wall or pressing the stop button. Conductors and drivers are always very friendly, so do not hesitate to ask them where you should stop. They are lively trips, with great music and a nice breeze.
Many car rental companies are available, with rates comparable to those in the US. With a valid license from your home country, you will qualify for a temporary Grenada license for a small fee which the rental company will take care of for you. Drive on the left and make frequent use of the car's horn when coming around the numerous blind corners in the mountains.
Water taxis are another option.
LOCAL TIME
4:05 am
May 29, 2022
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We arrived at the waterfall. It is called Annadale Falls. There are even bigger and better waterfalls, such as Seven Sisters Falls and Concord Falls. But it takes longer to get to those waterfalls, so you need more time. If it was up to me, I would choose a hike to one of the bigger waterfalls,... |
Grenada
is all about tourism.
I still liked the island, though. It is quite green, hilly, with areas of rain forest in its central part, and a variety of beaches - from the volcanic black to totally white.
Grenada is also called the "Spice island". There are many kinds of spices growing... |
Until 2004 it was believed that
Grenada
is outside the hurricane zone of the Caribbean sea and Central Atlantic, but in 2004 a hurricane Ivan hurt commodity-material means by destroying up to 85% of the island (how the 85% were calculated is unclear but locals seem to agree... |
British 'Lonely Planet' tourist guides tend to resell their destinations. St. George's,
Grenada,
was supposed to be the Caribbean town of dreams, which I had sought for so many years: with colored colonial houses cascading down the steep hills; with cardboard bars with grog... |