G R E N A D A
One thing many people ask us when we are attempting to introduce ourselves is, “What has your favorite island been?” Until a little while ago I would list about five or six islands and then add, “But they have all been incredible.” Now, I can answer with one special spot, “Grenada.”
Grenada will forever be remembered with a very happy face. During the four months I lived there, I taught many small humans how to swim, hiked to five different waterfalls, I was recognized in town, swam on the swim team, befriended almost all of the cruiser kids, hosted a week long day camp, volunteered at the local animal shelter, and made some really, really great friends.
I’ve already covered my swimming experiences in a previous blog but what I did not know at that time was I would continue my role as an instructor. For the past two(ish) months I spent multiple hours with kicking, bubble blowing, smiling kiddos. Again, super awesome time.
All of the waterfalls we have visited this trip have been gorgeous. These were no exception. The first one we visited was with all of my cousins, so always fun times. The rest were a little bit of a hike to the fall and lemme tell you one of the most refreshing things in the world is plunging into a waterfall after a hot and buggy walk.
One of the most magical things I have experienced on this trip is being welcomed and recognized in a foreign country. Miss Jessie, the lady we went to for our fresh veggies and some fruit, the mango man at the corner by the supermarket, fresh juices from the lady next to the fish market, soursop and papaya from the man selling goodies in front of the “No Vending” sign. It is so special to see a familiar face while walking through town. I’d occasionally bump into a friend from swimming or one of my swim students. Knowing close to no one this entire trip, having people know my name and stopping to say hi was truly a remarkable happening.
A good chunk of the friendliest, kindest, most welcoming, smiliest people I’ve ever met in my entire life were swimmers on the Grenadian Sailfish swim team. I know Lucy previously covered our victory and the events we participated in but I don’t think that my words or her words will ever do this team justice. Truly amazing group of kids I hope to keep in touch with for a long time with an incredible coach and a ton of team spirit. I was the only 13-14 female (age was taken from December 31st so I got to be 14 again) swimming for the Sailfish so anytime I was swimming, I was up against three girls on the other team. After being out of the pool for close to two years I knew I was going to have my butt kicked but the team was so enthusiastic and encouraging. Everyone on the other team, Grenfin, would have a big loud cheer when their three close to best swimmers plus me would get up on the blocks. And then the Sailfish would cheer for me. I now have a handful of great friends. One of the highlights of my Grenada stay.
During this adventure I have found myself playing and hanging out with the smaller children. And there’s nothing wrong with that; there aren’t many teenagers out here sailing. But trying to fill that age gap was a challenge so, I became a camp counselor. I organized a week long camp that occupied many of my small friends for two and a half hours each day. Fenton and I have both participated in Venture Scouts and one of our requirements for many of the tasks we are working on is to share the information we have learned to a larger group of kids. So, I planned out a ‘Scout Camp’ covering all of the required subjects. This week was fun-filled with 30 children participating! We built fires, made our own first-aid kits, went over weather and wilderness survival tips, did a big beach clean up, sang songs, played team building games, went letter-boxing, and much more. I had a great time with those guys and it was nice to lead something instead of play along with them. I learned how much work planning and organizing is! It was a last-minute decision but it all worked out very nicely. The kids had fun, their parents could get some work done, and I learned a lot. Fenton was a huge help and executed the games beautifully.
I could go on and on about Grenada forever but overall a very very memorable, special spot. I am so lucky to have spent a part of my cruising life in such a remarkable island. Grenada, you will be remembered forever.
-Heidi
