If you are reading SIN PRISA for the first time, welcome. If you are returning, welcome back. Mil gracias (a thousand thank yous) for being here.
In case you missed it, check out the last newsletter, Celebrating Love in Los Cabos ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฝ, a group trip for the books.
Hola todos,ย
I hope all is well in your worlds and hearts.
Winter has made its debut in the Bay Area. A crisp coldness has taken over the air, one that makes me forget I am in California. Itโs been cold cold.
I am combating this unfavorable weather with soups, teas, and a heating blanket. In case you donโt know, heating blankets are heaven sent, providing warmth and savings on the electricity bill (IYKYK).ย
If you are searching for a last minute (but still useful) gift this holiday season, look no further and thank me later.ย
Enough about the cold though.
This monthโs newsletter is about my trip to Grenada to celebrate my 30th lap around the sun and the special moments that led up to it.
In the Western world, the 30th year of life marks a huge milestone. We are encouraged to go big or go to bed.
For me, my 30th is a celebration of the only direction I can go โ forward.ย
Sure, this has always been the case with past birthdays but the concept of forward hits different at 30. Forward at 30 is:ย
The end of a decade and the beginning of a new one.ย
The ultimate surrender to life events from my 20s and a clean slate for my 30s.ย ย
The opportunity to enjoy life now at 30, instead of a future date.
In alignment with the theme of forward, I started this new decade enjoying the presence of my family. They made a surprise visit and showered me with so much love before my trip. Their energy and presence left me in high spirits and kick-started my birthday trip on a positive note. Shoutout to my loved ones, y'all are the best!ย ย
I departed San Diego on the night of my birthday and arrived in Boston to catch the second leg of my flight. To my surprise, I was one of 60+ passengers on JetBlueโs inaugural flight from Boston to Grenada.ย
This was my first inaugural flight. I had no idea airlines hosted events with dignitaries to launch new flight routes. I was honored to meet Grenadaโs Tourism Prime Minister and the fantastic Pure Grenada team (the islandโs tourism authority).
JetBlue and Pure Grenada curated a memorable flight experience from local grenadine delights, to swag bags, raffle prizes and more.ย
I stepped off the plane in Grenada and immediately felt the sun wrap its arms around me, giving me the warmest embrace.ย
As soon as the humidity and fresh air touched my skin I felt a release of tension in my shoulders. A strong wave of calm and peace came over my body, it was quite magical.
In classic E fashion, I had no itinerary and only a handful of places I planned to explore. More than anything, I wanted to spend my 30th in touch with nature โ swimming in the sea, trekking through the rainforest, and eating foods native to Grenada.ย ย
I could not have dreamt of a better place to be in touch with GODโs creations. Grenada is a magical and sacred country surrounded by nature at every turn.ย
Overall, Grenadians are incredibly kind, the food is nourishing, the culture is welcoming, and there is a peaceful vibe across the island.
Below are a few highlights from my trip and reasons I will return in the near future.
Grenadaโs Deep Blue Seaย
Jamaica tends to be the โgo toโ destination in the Caribbean for warm crystal clear water. However donโt sleep on Grenadaโs pristine deep blue sea. The island is home to several amazing beaches, referred to by locals as the sea. The average temperature of the sea is 25ยฐC | 77 ยฐF. Grand Anse and BBC beach are two of the most accessible beaches for travelers visiting the island for the first time.
Hiking Through Victoriaย
Victoria is a small fishing village located on the West Coast of the island. Victoria is a tight knit rural community and locals know each other by first name. What I love most about the countryside village is the food systems culture. Any foods that grow in the rainforest are considered communal property. This means locals can harvest food free of charge. The locals have a shared responsibility to take care of and look after the lands. Avocados, berries, cacao, callaloo, figs, and nutmeg, are a few plants native to the region.ย
Grenadaโs Sunsets and Rainbowsย
I have no words to describe the sunsets or rainbows, so I will let the photos speak for themselves.
Grenadians, The โGโ Is For Generousย
There is something special and unique about Grenadaโs communal values and how people take care of one another. The people I crossed paths with were so generous with their time and knowledge. I have so much gratitude for the locals I made connections with. Especially those who took time out of their day to show me Grenada through their lens. Experiences like these always inspire me to be a better country host when I am back home. Generosity and kindness goes a long way for travelers.
Grenadaโs Cuisineย ย
I saved the best for last. Grenadaโs cuisine is nourishing, fresh, and flavorful. I was lucky to eat more home cooked meals than at restaurants so I am a bit biased. Nonetheless, the island is home to amazing Caribbean flavors with Indian and Indigenous influence. From roti, to callaloo, to vegan lentil curries, and jerk chicken, Grenadaโs got it.
I hope this inspires you to consider the spice island for a future trip. Note, this is only a small glimpse into what the island has to offer, there is so much more to be experienced.ย
All praises to GOD for an amazing start to my 30s and the freedom to travel to beautiful places like Grenada. Younger E, would not believe just how far weโve come. Cheers to more travels in 2024 and beyond!ย
I hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday with loved ones.ย
Until next time, take it slow ๐ฆฅ
E
Grenada at a glanceย
Budget: $$
Best time: November -Decemberย
Best transportation: Local bus or taxiย
Primary languages: English
Best accommodation: Airbnb
Questions? Send me a note sinprisatravel@gmail.com.ย
Need support or want to chat? Book time with me here. Iโve curated 20+ trips for solo, couple, and small group travelers across the globe. Iโd love to hear about your trip dreams!
Love this piece! Also, youโre glowing!!
Youโve inspired my next trip me thinks ๐
Very well said you couldn't find no better words to express your short stay in the island of Spice โค๏ธ.