I’ll be honest… I was slightly apprehensive thinking about what the culture shock would be like when moving to Grenada. I haven’t traveled out of the US much in general, and when I did, it was only to Europe. So you can imagine the uncertainty I had about moving to not only a geographic location that I’ve never experienced, but also a lifestyle and a way of life I’ve never experienced. I pictured beautiful beaches and unreal sunsets, but I also pictured most people speaking a different language, locals with animosity towards tourists, and truthfully- kind of a dirty city. I am very pleased to tell you I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN SO UNBELIEVABLY WRONG.
My incorrect assumptions were put to rest as soon as we stepped on the island. When we were taking taxis and buses to and from the airport in Grenada, natives were nothing but kind and very helpful. One time, Travis and I were walking on the side of the road and a bus slowed down to ask if we needed a ride (when I say “bus” it was really a 9 seater van with locals collecting cash). When we said no, they joked that we were walking faster than they were driving! We laughed and continued our route. About 10 minutes later, the same van drove past honking at us, with the same man out the window yelling, “now who’s going faster?!” I was very surprised in that moment just how similar our cultures and senses of humor are.
I recognized their kindness again when the people from the boat yard arranged a taxi to pick us up from the ferry and take us to our boat. Since being here, everyone is very chatty and is excited to share the best dive spots or prettiest local beach. I have been taken aback by the genuinity of the people here.
One funny story that describes the literal definition of “island time”:
Trav and I were swimming around in the water on one of our first days here. A man carrying a fishing pole strolled (and I mean literally was walking slower than I do in the mornings to get my coffee) by us, said hello, and asked if we owned a boat in the marina. When we said yes, he responded by saying, “okay, I will see you later then. I am in a rush now”. And then he continued to walk…so…slow…back to the marina. It made us laugh because he definitely did not look like he was in a hurry.
Overall, this place and these people have been amazing. We can’t wait for more experiences interacting with this beautiful place and culture.
TTYL!
Meag
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