Grenada, Spice Island of the caribbean



Grenada Eggplant

First discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1498 during his third visit to the new world, Grenada has become known as the Caribbeans "Island of Spice". One of the world's major producers of nutmeg, mace clove, cinnamon and cocoa, the fragrant aroma of spices seems to envelop the island"s emerald hillsides, beaches, and tropical forests.
The first permanent settlement on Grenada was established in 1650 by the French. During the 18th century the island was held alternately between the French and  English. After the Treaty of Versailles, the island was ceded to the British.

In 1974 the three island nation comprised of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique achieved independence, thus becoming one of the smallest independent nations in the Western Hemisphere.

It's progress was halted in the late 70s when a left wing government seized control and put an end to free speech and many other liberties. After intervention by the United States and several Caribbean counties in 1983, order was restored and near the end of the year a new prime minister was chosen in their first free election since the unrest.

The Grenadians are extremely grateful of the United states for coming to it's aid in 1983 and defeating the leftist renegades and thus restoring order. Their gratefulness is expressed not only by the people but also much graffiti can be seen thanking the U.S. and it's military.

Grenade is now the ideal vacation spot , St. George's exemplifies a picture perfect setting of an idyllic Caribbean paradise. Most motels are family owned ,and no building can be taller than a coconut palm.

Being the largest spice  producing island in the western Hemisphere, one should not visit without touring the island  and it's many attractions. At the top of the list would be a spice Plantation, where cocoa , nutmeg , cinnamon and other spices were grown and harvested. See how cocoa beans were dried and processed , observe cinnamon , nutmeg , banana trees as well as a wide variety of  jungle vegetation.


It is quite entertaining  driving along the narrow mountain roads, trying to navigate between the potholes while observing all the rain forest vegetation and beautiful scenery. Another beautiful observation point is Grand Etang Lake where one can enjoy a local drink, sandwich, and mountain views.

Because the Grenadians observe many natural healing practices using their herbs and spices, as well as a diet of many of the natural foods found on the island, they have one of the longest life spans in the Western Hemisphere, just a few years ago the oldest person in the world was living on Grenade reaching the rip old age of 127.


Cocoa beans drying

Situated 90 miles north of Trinidad, the island is only 21 miles long and 12 miles wide,and with a population of 107,000, 27,000 of which live in St. George's it's capital this island is one that should be on any one's list who travels to this part of the world.

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Posted by The Florida Hoosier at 5/12/2009 11:12 AM
Categories: Caribbean,Cruises,Travel
Tags: spices cruise trael caribbean Granada
 

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