A Day In St. George's

Fort George's On The Hill - Carenage on Right

Today was the day to explore St. George’s.  It isn’t a large place but full of history with forts dating back to the 18^th century.  We motored across the harbour in the dinghy to the Carenage.  The name Carenage has its root in the word careenage, a word used to describe the act of careening ships to the shallows in order to get the boats high and dry enough to effect repairs.  While the careening doesn’t take place anymore it is a very convenient place to tie up the dinghy and explore the nearby streets.

A Little Tight When a Truck Rolls Through

Our initial target was the old British Fort.  We walked through the tunnel dividing the town and took a quick left to climb the hill to Fort George.  It was an easy walk and the rewards were the great views of the sea, harbour and surrounding hills.  For those used to all the trappings of a well-preserved museum piece, this fort does not fit in that category.  Much is left exposed to the elements and descriptive plaques are few but as it is, you still get a sense of what it must have been like back-in-the-day.  The Fort is where Maurice Bishop (and his pregnant wife) and cabinet were taken in 1983 before meeting their deaths by firing squad.  We were told some of the bullet holes are still in the walls but we didn’t find them.  There is also an old French fort perched on the hill overlooking the town but that will have to be for another day.

Looking Across to Port Louis - Our Marina

We had a short walk around the town and lunched at Deyna’s, a small eatery across from the bus terminal.  Deyna's served authentic Grenadian food and caters mostly to locals.  Even though each cruise ship brings nearly 3000 tourists, at least three times a week, places like Deyna’s see few tourists as most folks eat on board.  Meals were about $8 each.  Deborah chose the traditional Grenadian dish called Oil Down and Pam chose Lambi (conch in other places) and everyone enjoyed their meals.

Oil Down

After a further short walk about we enjoyed Soursop smoothies for desert.  Soursop is a green fruit that resembles a knobby pear reknowned for its cancer-fighting properties

The large outdoor market was under repair but we still managed a short walk around the produce market and to make a few deals.

The Royal Grenadian Police Force

Pigeon Peas and Turmeric

Pam Finds a Breadfruit

Our last stop was the National Museum.  We were lucky to get a guided tour for our $5 EC admission.  Our guide was originally from the U.K. but has lived in Guyana and Grenada for the last 44 years.  I think she thought we were Americans because she wanted to emphasisze to us the great benefits Cuba bestows on Grenada through the supply of doctors, nurses and teachers.  She was passionate about her subject matter and well practised in her delivery.  For the price, it is well worth the tour.

Measures Left Over From The Spice Trade

So Passionate - She Followed Us Onto the Street

Back to the boat, more pool time until happy hour, and another day in paradise concluded.