Muriel and I both grew up in the heart of downtown Toronto. We chose to move away to another large city, Mississauga to raise our children. Our jobs were again back in the big city, seemed like we couldn’t get away from large urban centers.
When we retired, and set off to go sailing, we both had a vision of what the ideal spot would look like, to spend some time relaxing in the sun. Never did we imagine that we would enjoy the places we found to be so comfortable to live.
We have spent almost 2 years here in Carriacou, and we have never locked the boat. Our boarding ladder has hung on the side of Mistress since we arrived. It helps us get in and out of the dinghy, but could also help thieves board us, if there were any. We have never had any problems in this safe, friendly community.
It took us a while to adapt to the slow island life, known as “Island Time”, and to accept the way things are done. Almost everyone here has a name which they are known by, other than their given name. One of the first friends that we met was man who calls himself, Warrior. He paddles around the bay in his small slowly sinking boat. Even though, as he says, “ I’m in a rush” he always has time to stop bye for a chat. For pocket change he takes our garbage ashore to dump. He provides a great service, but only come out when he doesn’t have rum at home. He always has a good story,so we’ve sat many times on the side of the boat , listening to him over beers. A treat for him, the price of 2 beers could buy a whole bottle of rum.
One evening, he came to visit wearing one of my old TTC shirts, I told him I had worked there for 25 years, he said, he had never had a job in his life. “A job is a place where you go to expect to be paid, I’m only trying to make a living”. He then asked me if I knew who Kenny Rogers was, he says he’s like the Gambler.
We are sure going to miss Carriacou, and all the friends we have here. It is time to move on, so we are heading west towards the ABC islands. At 405nm, we will be at sea for approximately 4 days. We look forward to new adventures, Mistress is leaving Grenada for now, but we will return.
We have survived Kayak Mas, 2016 the Carriacou carnival.
Some places are perfect just the way they are, and Pure Grenada’s Sister Isle Carriacou lights the way for the traveller seeking an excursion off the beaten track. Thirteen square miles and six thousand people with no traffic lights, no fast food, no pollution, no tall buildings – the beauty of Carriacou is in all the things it is not.
Pure Carriacou highlights a culture where life is bound by community, nature and elegant simplicity. Filmed during the annual Carriacou Regatta, the creative team was inspired to use this unique maritime festival to capture the authenticity and beauty of the Caribbean’s hidden gem – the Isle of Reefs.
For more information visit: http://www.gopuregrenada.com
Goodbye Carriacou, we will return…………
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