A bit on the side

Gary F · Post by **Gary F** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 4:39 pm

We're hoping to be in Tobago again this summer (third time!).

At the risk of heresy (and of getting away from the point & purpose of this forum), we were thinking of visiting Grenada for a few days on the way back to the UK.

Anyone able to give us a thumbnail comparison between the two islands? I guess every island must be worth a visit once in a lifetime but is Grenada worth the additional cost & timeout for a visit?

Many thanks,

Gary F

David Watkins · Post by **David Watkins** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 5:27 pm

IMHO Nope!

Gary F · Post by **Gary F** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 5:34 pm

David,

Thanks for such a prompt response but is there any particular reason(s)?

My other half takes some stopping once she's got a "good idea"!

Ta,

Gary

Steve Pitts · Post by **Steve Pitts** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 6:01 pm

Hi Gary

Some friends of mine (and frequent Tobago visitors) visited Grenada late last year.

They enjoyed it and said that areas away from the main centres of habitation were more rural than Tobago (

), so beaches were empty and very little road traffic.

The fishing was pants, so they won't be going back.

Other than that, I can't add any more to David's opinion

Cheers
Steve

PS Nearly forgot Gary - My mate said that beaches like Pink Gin bay were heaving with sand flies. He still has the scars to prove it.

Gisela Grell · Post by **Gisela Grell** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 8:24 pm

Hi Gary,

if your are going in summer maybe I can tell you something because friends of mine will go to Grenada first (one week) bevore I will meet then in Tobago in February.

I have been to Grenada for two days on a sailboot trip in 2002 and liked it but nothing to compare with Tobago.

Cheers

Josephine · Post by **Josephine** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 9:24 pm

Gary, has your other half said why she thinks it is a good idea?

I think one of the things to remember is that Grenada did have a devasting hurricane in late 2004 and most likely is still recovering. Tobago on the other hand, to my knowledge, has not experienced this kind of devastation.

I have heard that Grenada, the surrounding islands and the waters are beautiful (which Caribbean island isn't?), and like Steve's friend experienced, also heard that the sandflies are lethal!

On 7 September 2004, Hurricane Ivan, one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the Caribbean region in the last 10 years, ravaged Grenada with rain and winds of 220 kilometres per hour. 'Ivan,' a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, left behind an unimaginable scene of destruction and despair on this tri-island nation of 102,000 inhabitants. Some 37 people died and most of the population of Grenada was affected to a greater or lesser extent. Of the six parishes, St. Andrew, St. David, St. Georges and St. John were completely devastated, and the destruction is very striking in all remaining parishes as well. Approximately 90% of the houses were damaged or destroyed; according to government estimates, some 50% of the population is now homeless

Gisela Grell · Post by **Gisela Grell** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 10:13 pm

Well Josephine, but that means they need support from tourists to recover.
I don't think it is a bad idea to go to Grenada for people who like to. (I will not because I'm a Tobagonian maniac

)

And if it is only to find out that Tobago ist the most beautiful island in the world.

Cheers

Jane H · Post by **Jane H** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 10:50 pm

At the risk of being shunned as a traitor - Hugo and I visited Grenada last year, and really enjoyed the experience. It is another beautiful and unspoilt island with incredibly friendly people. We stayed on Grand Anse Bay - with wonderful views across to St Georges (which really is a very picturesque harbour/island capital - dare I say it, more attractive than Scarborough despite the number of buildings still damaged/undergoing repair.)

The island suffered badly from Hurricane Ivan - many people are still living with family/friends because they have not been able to afford to complete repairs on their houses yet - and they are extremely grateful that tourists are coming back to the island since this provides jobs and income. We got talking to staff at our hotel and heard about some incredible experiences and lucky escapes, and without fail they all went out of their way to be friendly and welcoming.

Yes - if you travel around you will see lingering effects of the hurricane - but it is amazing how quickly plants and trees grow again, and the much of the island wildlife has pretty much recoverd.

Personally - I think it's an island worth visiting, and combining Tobago and Grenada would be an excellent holiday.

Jane

Josephine · Post by **Josephine** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 11:31 am

Hi Gisela. The point I was trying to make is that Grenada would be in a state of reconstruction, having to rebuild, re-establish etc etc and won't have as many established aka historical buildings as Tobago. Also, things may take slightly longer than the normal Caribbean timing, for things to get done. Some people may or may not like this.

Yet, from what I have heard, pictures I have seen and certainly from Jane's desciption, it is a beautiful island (islands, if you include the surrounding islands that make up the Grenadines). Also, there must have been a reason why it was given the nickname of 'Spice Island'.

Re my question whether Gary's other half saying why she wanted to go. She may have specific reasons for wanting to go. Pre the hurricane, I had read of trekking trips and saw a beautiful photo of a tall waterfall surrounded by amazing rain forest. That in itself would be reason enough for me and it did make me want to pick my bags there and then!

If I could, I would do both islands myself!

PS. My Mum was born in the Grenadines, I was born in Trinidad and my grandfather on one of the other islands. Therefore, my loyalties are to all three islands plus that of my grandfather.

Gary F · Post by **Gary F** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 1:46 pm

Thanks very much for all the advice - I sounds like it might be worth a visit - even if just a few days.

And why would Mrs F consider going to an island other than Tobago?

On out last visit to Tobago, on our way home we stayed a couple of nights in Barbados which we very much enjoyed as it was such a contrast after 2 weeks in Grafton (I can hear the screams now!). I guess Grenada won't be anything like that but it might be a nice contrast, new beaches & restaurants to try.

Also, inspired by friends who have visited all (96?) English football league grounds, Mrs F mentioned starting a hobby of visiting as many Caribbean islands as poss! Better than stamp collecting.....

And at the end of the day, once you're in Tobago, Grenada isn't that far to go!

Tony G · Post by **Tony G** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 10:45 am

Hi Y'all

We were in Grenada for two weeks just a few months before the hurricane hit in 2004. We found it to be very beautiful and unspoilt in tourism terms. The main difference that I found with Tobago was that the people didn't appear to be as friendly, but I soon realised that they were just more reserved and once you got them into a conversation they chilled out.

If you decide to go a 'must place to visit' is the Grenada Chocolate Company in Hermitage, St Patricks. Real chocolate from organic cocoa beans. Guided tour and lots of free samples from the friendly Rasta who runs the place. They kept this place going even after the devastation of the hurricane, using solar energy. They even had energy to spare to put on street parties with sound systems for the locals, to help keep their spirits up.

That's 'One Love' for ya!

Josephine · Post by **Josephine** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 12:17 pm

Tony G wrote:They kept this place going even after the devastation of the hurricane, using solar energy. They even had energy to spare to put on street parties with sound systems for the locals, to help keep their spirits up.

Looks like certain governments of certain countries could do with learning a thing or three!

Rob Arnold · Post by **Rob Arnold** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 7:08 pm

We went to Grenada in 2005 and really enjoyed it. I would have thought that it would be an excellent place to visit in addition to a stay in Tobago. We found the people very friendly and not too dissimilar from the Tobagonians. Tourism has dropped off after the devatation of Ivan and they could certainly do with the income from tourism as they seek to rebuild their country.

Grand Anse beach was very nice and I would recommend the Flamboyant Hotel or Gem Resort as reasonably priced and comfortable. For a more luxurious few days the Spice Island Resort or Laluna looked very nice.

Try http://grenadatravelforum.com/ for further information. Not as good as this site but then they don't have the magnificent Mr Wooler to run it!