A Little Jaunt Around St. George's

The other day we took a little exploration walk around the town of St. George's with Andy and Judy (Jacob's Ladder).  What we found was a busy town with loads of little shops that we ducked in and out of.  The temperatures these days are hot and humid so along the way we were happy to stop occasionally for a nice cold beer.

The harbour at St. George's consists of two arms - the Lagoon where we are situated in the marina, and the Carenage where many old buildings face onto the road that runs around the harbour.  Businesses, government buildings, restaurants and bars all face the sea while the fishing boats line the harbour walls with water taxis and other vessels running back and forth.  The commercial area of the Carenage rises up over the ridge and back down to the cruise ship dock area to the north and here we found the bus terminal and again many more commercial enterprises.  Over in this area is also the outdoor market and loads of vendors with fresh fruit, vegetables, spices and just about anything else you might be looking for.

The Carenage with Fort George on the hill at the point.  There's a shortcut through the hill via the Sendall Tunnel built in 1894.

Vendors get their wares around town any way they can, and if you need onions or eggs along with all your digital needs, you can get them here!

Vendors set up in the market just up the street from the cruise ship terminal.

Walking over the hill, Fort George was above us and we could spy Mowzer in the marina down below.

Flame tree (flamboyant) and lovely pink flowers that reminded me of a cross between sweet pea and honey suckle.

Andy and Judy stroll down the hill and into the cool shade.

Government buildings, the museum and library occupy these lovely old buildings on the Carenage.

Fishing boats rafted up along the harbour wall.

Time for a cold "large beer" at the Schnitzel Haus.

"Cheers!"

That tickled my fancy ;-)

Looks like those beer hit the spot so we finished off our walk by making our way back around the Lagoon to the marina.  It was great getting out on foot to explore the town - always so much easier to figure out the lay-of-the-land at this pace!

Sad to Leave Port Louis Marina

Staying on the dock was definitely a blast - being so close to the Carnival events and surrounded by old and new friends.  We left the marina yesterday and it is glorious to be back out on the open water, spending a nice breezy night at anchor in Carriacou.  It's SO much cooler and refreshing to be able to swim again in the ocean.

But ... there is just one thing about the marina that I am sorely going to miss.

Sure it's great to be surrounded by a pretty swimming pool and lounging areas -

Beautiful gardens and a little marina village -

Sitting at the dock looking up at the ruins of the old fort on the hill and St. George's Carenage across the way - 

BUT ... the best thing about being at Port Louis Marina?

You got it!  The Washrooms.  These are hands down the best washrooms I have seen in the Caribbean.

There's one washroom with toilets and sinks and the most beautiful painted tiles:

And then there's a separate room with three shower rooms, each containing your own personal sink, toilet and beautifully tiled shower... along with two sinks in the main area -

Did I mention the tiles - I'm insanely in love with these designs!

Oh Port Louis - I will return (to your washrooms!)

The Faces of Carnival

The final event for us this year at Grenada Carnival was Pretty Mas on Tuesday afternoon.  This is the formal 'competition' parade where all those traditional feathery and ultra colourful costumes come out to play.

We've been discussing our overall impressions of Grenada Carnival but to be fair the only other carnival we've attended was in Sint Maarten back in May.  I would say that I definitely preferred the more grungy aspect of the Grenada J'Ouvert - less frenzied and less organized than SXM.  However, the main parade in SXM was super-impressive and more enjoyable since the players were marching and showing off for the whole route rather than in Grenada where there are competition stops where all the charm is turned on, but the remainder of the route is a bit dead for them.  Finally, we did not participate in any event in SXM that compares to Monday Night Mas (other than J'Ouvert) but for the sheer fun of the event we would participate again.  We only had one incident where someone made us feel unwelcome and it was a fleeting moment, other than that we had no problem and enjoyed the friendliness of this island nation to the max.  We were well-prepared with nothing for pick-pockets or "tiefs' to help themselves to - money tucked in bra for me, cheap camera in hand and no bag or pocket contents available.  The best decision we made was to go to Port Louis Marina for the duration of Carnival which put us right on the doorstep of all the fun.  Add to that, so many boats came to the Marina that the social rounds continued with time in the pool, happy hour and impromptu get-togethers on the dock.

This time I decided to try to capture some of the faces of Carnival.

Young and old - all have a place the participate in carnival.

Before the parade begins, everyone makes their way to their appointed places.

Street vendors prepare their stalls and coolers for the onslaught.

The first few groups represented various popular tropical drinks.

Students and visitors to the island participate as well.

Bright sequins, feathers and fabric filled your gaze.

This guy took his role pretty seriously, as did many.

The top marching song this year has a line in it, "There's a jab on Sesame Street", which these kids gleefully marched to.

These were the only police to be seen, and they enjoyed the show as much as everyone else.

These three, from one of our neighbouring boats, stuck together like glue for the event.

As did these kids - standing as close together as possible.

This troupe from Guave stomped their ankle bells and shook talcum powder on the crowd - all in an effort to ward off evil spirits.

There is loads of tradition here that I don't understand, but these must definitely hark back to the masquerade tradition.

You can imagine the litter on the streets, but even the utility poles get in on the act.

The Comancheros Steel Pan Band and their mad players were super impressive.

Glee!

Like a proud African princess this young lade has her 'stink-eye' look down perfect.

Are we bored yet?  What you can't see/hear are the massive speakers behind her thumping out the Soca.

Check out the feathers glued to her eye-lashes!