Traveling to Grenada

By Avil M. Beckford

A few years ago, my niece Camile and I went to Grenada via Barbados for the Caribbean Gift and Craft Show held in late September. We were there for four days but it was enough time to explore the small island.

We stayed at the Blue Horizon Resort where we had the most spectacular view of the ocean from our balcony – crystal clear water and white sands. Early one morning, I looked out and felt a sense of peace wrap its arms around me, and I experienced a little bit of heaven.

As is our custom when we travel, based on recommendations from the hotel, we hired a local as our personal tour guide. It was a very personal experience and he took us into areas that a traditional tour would not go.

In just under four hours, we visited Concord Falls, where we spent time to reconnect with nature. We ventured into the rainforest, up to Grand Etang Mountain. I was enthralled with the sign, “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.” We spent quite some time on a tour to a Nutmeg Factory. Growing up in Jamaica I was familiar with nutmegs, but had no idea of the intricacies involved in the entire production process. The nutmeg is separated from the mace which is subsequently used in lipstick manufacturing. The nutmeg is used as a spice, but in recent years it has also been used to make an essential oil, which is good for pain relief.

To maintain the natural beauty of Grenada, the government has established a rule whereby no building can be taller than a palm tree, so you will never see a skyscraper there, and most of the rainforest is still intact. I loved Grenada because it has not been spoiled with overdevelopment and deforestation.

Traveling and going on tours is a way not only to teach us about another culture, but it is also the perfect opportunity to shake up our senses and awaken us to things we once took for granted. Who would have thought that producing nutmegs would turn out to be such an involved process?