Civilisation at last!
12 May 2009 | Saint Georges, Grenada
Graham
Having come to the conclusion that my wallet must have gone overboard, the early hours of this morning were spent contacting the bank cancelling the usual; bank cards, credit cards, etc. The added complication of having to present my credit card (now gone forever) to the British Airways check-in desk at Point Saline airport in 4 weeks time was also resolved with BA who were exceptionally helpful on the phone. Today was one of those days where modern technology really assisted us. The use of 'Skype' on the laptop using free wifi provided by the Island Water World chandlery saved me a fortune in telephone calls. The last time I tried to call the bank, it cost over 12 pounds in call charges to get through the automated answer and selection system; just as I began to speak to a real person, the phone's credit ran out and I was cut off! Anyway, Saint Georges, the capital of Grenada. A busy town, with cars and buses everywhere, many shops, air- conditioned supermarkets with as much stock as a UK one (and very few people), and numerous craft and art shops, restaurants and coffee shops. This is the first time we have felt this close to civilisation as we had previously known it since leaving Las Palmas in the Canary Islands last November. As usual in these islands, the people are very friendly and most passers by wish you a good morning or hello which makes for a very cheerful place. We found a great restaurant this morning for coffee called 'Nutmeg', but seeing the price list arrive at the table, went for the coffee, 8 slices of toast (each), local jam, butter, and fresh juice, for the cost of a coffee in Union Island! Today was used to get our bearings in town prior to tomorrow's full day visit to check out the museum, fort, art fairs, etc. Our main anchor would not hold in Saint Georges' Bay on the coral and sand mixture, so we had to deploy one of our other anchors (a 'Fortress') which instantly took hold, but is connected to the boat via rope rather than chain, so we are not keen on staying away from the boat for too long when the wind picks up just after lunchtime. So, an interesting place to visit, with a full exploration planned for tomorrow.