When I tell people that I live on the Caribbean island of Grenada, I usually get the same response of “that must be paradise!” I have to agree that it is a wonderful place – white sandy beaches with gorgeous shades of blue water, tropical breezes, majestic mountain views, beautiful flowers and greenery year-around, sunshine almost every day, temperatures that range from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit every day of the year, Grenadian people with friendly smiles and beautiful faces, low crime rate, and a slower pace of life that emphasizes family.
Yet for all of its wonderful characteristics, it is not utopia. For those who enjoy the conveniences of life in the United States, life in Grenada can pose some challenges – no clothes dryer, no dishwasher, electric shower heads with a choice between warm water or water pressure, no hot water for sinks or washers, high cost of electricity, high cost of gasoline (currently at $6 USD / gallon), lots of potholes, lack of water during the dry season, potential for hurricanes and tropical storms, power fluctuations, customs duties on shipped items, grocery stores that are never fully stocked, small selection of restaurants and stores, and no Target, Wal-Mart, or Costco.
But the lack of these conveniences is what makes Grenada so wonderful! If all of these challenges were instantly solved overnight, then every square inch of Grenada would be developed and I would not be able to afford to step foot on the island. Therefore, I will claim these challenges and inconveniences as the price for paradise, and I will continue to enjoy immersing myself in its culture and society.
My time in Grenada has been one of the best (if not THE best) experiences of my life. The friends I’ve made, the people I’ve met, the experiences I’ve had, the things I’ve seen, and lessons I’ve learned are too numerous to mention. I am a better person for having lived in Grenada, and I would not trade these last 29 months for anything in the world!
You have many gifts, and using language is surely one of them!