Okay, Walty - et al, I'm here in Olympia, safe home. Hope everyone's either safely back or packing. I came home a little earlier than most. Trying to adjust to chilly cloudy weather...and being back among far too many belongings which I'm going to start shedding this summer. It was been an experience beyond description. Love to everyone. Dorothy
This is my last blog -- am leaving sooner than some of you...and can't quite believe it. This past week has been quite incredible...won't try to give all details here. Met with Jeanne Fisher...long time resident, owner of very successful shop, world citizen, member of arts council, great woman...funny, sharp and classy in very simple way. Gave a small party at her home for me so I'd get to know some locals. Marvelous colonial mansion high on a hill...huge spaces, beautiful antiques, 14 ft. ceilings, great art, veranda overlooking the water, terraced garden. This is where I'll be house-sitting in September and October. I keep wondering if all this will evaporate. Another tour of island, some new scenes and good pix. Great visit with Grandson Dustin and lovely Kelly. And the week is over. Will be great reunioning with all of you. Safe home to all. Love, Dorothy
Many good things this week. Son Michael and wife here so that in itself was a happy thing. After some basic in-town sight seeing, we took a day for Carriacou. The ferry trip was delightful. A fairly small ferry that skimmed along at a good rate on slightly rolling sea on a gorgeous day...everything sparkling...many flying fish. Stood at the railing almost entire time loving the whipping wind and sun and roiling wake behind us. Carriacou a small place with a very different feel, one main perfectly flat (how wonderful) street, small shops. We went to the little museum where I saw a number of works by the famous folk artist Canute Calliste. Talked with his daughter but didn't try to meet him as he is actually in bed at this point, very old and not well, had a lovely lunch in small cafe, sitting on terrace a few feet from the sea. Other highlights: went shopping in great small fabrique shop. Saw some art objects and craft things in another shop where I fell in love with a small painting by local artist and my dear Michael purchased it for me. Looking forward to showing you all. Then, after five weeks here, actually got to the beach. Had a lovely lazy day there topped off with light dinner and rum while we sunset-watched. A touch of luxury. Also one day my inn-keeper, Ralston, cooked an incredible dinner for us which included exotica like pigs tail, pickled beef and an amazing assortment of vegetables in unforgettable sauce. We also visited a second galllery where some very interesting and exciting art by mostly local artists was on display. Met artist/owner who shows in US and Canada and is quite well known...Buchanan. Met another artist who works in shop and will visit her tomorrow. By end of week will have met with Victor Francis who does marvelous wood carvings. Am also going to check out a local dwelling place or two. Very sad, however, that have to leave my wonderful place on the cliff as Ralston leaves on 31st to move to Gouyave. He has stayed through this month only because I made the reservation in Feb. Across the street now the Rhum Runner is attempting to lure tourists with some drumming; sometimes they have a little steel band on these tour-the-harbor boats. There are festival events, including special drumming, just after I leave. The major festival in St. George is in August. Actually, one needs to be here a full year to catch everything. There'll be lots of activity today, as two cruise ships are in. The Carenage is already swarming with tourists. Self-appointed tour guides often start a conversation and walk alongside one and it sometimes takes a few minutes before you realize you're getting a tour for which you're expected to pay. Women everywhere selling spices and spice chains. Hundreds of minibuses and taxis. Michael leaving in a couple hours so will say so long now. More next week. Hope everybody's having wonderful adventures. Love, Dorothy
Hello out there. Short blog this time. Have walked miles today..and miles to go before I rest. Picked up some film...some really good pix from tour. Met with Lisa at Ministry of Ed. learned of some programs she's trying to help initiate including program in schools and maybe college which has none. Will meet her husband artist probably this week. Great meeting with Susan Mains who's a successful artist and also art council member. There is much to be done here and believe I might be able to help do some of it, particularly documentation of work of art council and art history...of which there's nothing documented. Not that I think I could be God's gift to Grenada, but do believe if I were here I could do some interesting and perhaps valuable work. Therefore....I may not marry here...but I might move here...for awhile. My blessed inn host has been feeding me incredible gourmet food daily....every day a different dish and all delicious. May be difficult to calculate what I owe him...my life maybe. Big cruise ships several times a week, which disgorge mobs of tourists which makes for terrible traffic. The minibus transportation system is very efficient..but you have to be very quick on and off...and beware when you're on foot. Can't believe the terrain I've traversed...and with a wobbly foot still. Did I mention visiting the nutmeg factory. Got pix of women who work there. Son Michael arriving tomorrow AM and am looking forward to going to Carriacou with him and also seeing a little night life. So far same has consisted of sitting in my little in-house bar as I may have mentioned.
Will read some of my colleague's blogs now...so bye bye. Love to all. Dorothy
We seem to be up again and hopefully all happily blogging. Have been sending emails...not a whole lot of time left but will report what I can. Have had a great week and now hobbling about on my own over hill, ditch and dale. Had a great island tour this week by my host/innkeeper... much nicer than a canned job with a local taxi. He stopped at all the right places...we covered every parish on the island over endlessly narrow, curving roads where everybody honks horns as each curve is approached. Saw small falls in forest, several small cities, old cemetery and "leaping" cliff in Sautere where the Carib Indians took the plunge. Visited spice factory, fishing town of Gouyave, a beautiful historic building now an in (had a cold beer there) and had an unforgettable lunch in a setting which seemed created just for us. My host, incidenntally, periodically supplies fantastic Caribbean food cooked on a little stove in a corner of the open-air bar downstairs, where local young men (many from the college) come to play pool. Inevitably where young men gather, young women come, and the pairing off process is interesting. I'm there so frequently I think I'm just part of the scene. Saturday quite exciting from standpoint of my project. A special art event managed by local Art Council with help of org. in Miami, bringing a group of artists of Caribbean origins (most now in the states) to show their work and talk to the local young (and older) artists. A privilege to be there. Meeting later this week with local Art Council member, Susan Mains...also well known artist. Very excited to learn more. Haven't more time for now. Hope everyone's as delighted with their adventures as I. Love to all. Dorothy
Made it to the cafe via taxi and nice woman helping me...but much improved. foot bears weight..only 1 crutch. Not up to negotiating wild roads and traffic yet.
Thanks for nice comments on my blog. I haven't been as communicative with all but will do better by later this week.
Actually, very productive week. While laid up in inn, listened to many hours of local radio, learned much about the country. radio programs remind me of the Us in 30's and 40's, when radio was king of communications. This country uses the media to educate. I've heard long discussions and reports about everything from proposed budget ($595 million...one of our CEOs could finance the country for a year!. to discussions of history, the importance of truth in history, this country's revolution, it's current problems. Alsotalks by dentists and doctors re maintaining health...and of course reports of cricket games.
Also took quite a few photos of surrounds...my balcony commands a most impressive view of the area. Speaking of my balcony, my inn is actually a famous decaying manse...the place where former ruler Gary (pre 1974) stayed and entertained important associates and buddies...with, of course, many women. I try to listen to the walls. The place has multiple tiers every which way up the cliff. Below my level is the little bar where the manager plays host every evening to a few pool players and beer drunkers. A great spot for some local observation...and the host is charming.
Important day on Friday...I went to the local museum...got a few good pix, I think, courtesy of the lady there, despite posting everywhere (No photographs)
Than, delight...upstairs an art show...an unjuried show of many local artists. I knew art must be alive and well in Grenada! but it struggles against all odds....no funding, no place to show most of the time. An interesting woman there; she and husband are farmers, both artists. She told me much about the movement here, and the National art council which struggles to help emerging artists. I have two more names, and within the week will be functioning normally to follow up. very excited. Hope all are having great adventures.
Heath...gld to get your note...long time between visits here, but will try more often now. Doesn't matter when dustin comes...I'll be here. Have you talked with Michael? Is he still coming? Are you going to Costa Rica? Would like to talk to him at some point in next week or so. If he's coming, might wait to go to Carriacou when he's here. My living situation somewhat reminiscent of days in Winterset. No dining out. Have discovered Stovetop stuffing makes filling breakfast...no pun intended.
Tomorrow Ralston takes me on a tour of the island. will take many pix. Will try to post again around Thursday.
Best to all who read. Dorothy
I'm becoming thoroughly immersed in Grenada beginning from home port in my eagle's nest of a lodging...exactly 42 steps street to my door (stair steps, that is, large stone ones sans railings. Daily I risk life and limb taking the road down to the Carenage, straddling small ditches while hundreds of small cars race by, madly honking, as they graze my elbows. The Carenage itself, along the waterfront is the only level spot in the city...with streets rising at 45 degree angles from it. It a long strip of shops, some strictly for tourists, others offering goods for the general population. There's a spectacular view of the Carenage, the harbor, and the lagoon, as well as the surrounding hills, from a big balcony just outside my room. Periodically after school and on Sundays, a small group of young girls hold a sort of prayer meeting on the balcony. Next floor down, a small bar and pool table which has a little action evenings. My charming host/inn manager serves drinks, sometimes a little food, dancing gracefully to whatever music is playing. The rum is great...and dangerous. One small drink suffices at almost 100 proof. Have made some good connections to be followed up...a brief word with the Ambassador, but must go back as I went impulsively to the Embassy and it happened to be a hugely busy day. Also met and talked with husband of artist Susan Main and learned there's a major opening and show on March 13th, several artists of the area. Also have yet to follow up with the sister of my plane companion. Had really total immersion experience last two days. After safely navigating impossible terrain for days, I managed to fall flat while crossing a parking lot, twisting hell out of my ankle. Today, on the arms of a taxi driver and a sweet woman who cleans etc. at the Inn, I negotiated about 100 stairs, sat for an hour in the waiting room of the local hospital, then left as there were 40 people ahead of me, and in the hour only 5 moved...so I let the taxi driver take me to another Dr.s office in town, which was a relatively simple experience except for the 20 steps up to the office. I now have pills and bandages, and tomorrow will have crutches so I won't have to move about my premises by hopping with a chair! I am improving, however...and thank God for insurance. I have to say, however, today will go down in memory as one of the miserable ones. But actually, I'm happy and optimistic about all of the leads I have to follow up on...and there's that great rum! Just hate the temporary delay in moving onward.
Now...I've so far had a problem trying to collect my e-mail...or send it. CSWeb Mail won't let me in...but there must be a way to solve . I'll keep trying. Heather...obviously you're probably reading this. I'll try to call. It's hard for you to, as Ralston comes and goes rather erratically, and he owns the phone. I may call you collect from his phone as of course I can't use the card. I'm fine...just have had a bad couple of days, but I'm sure there's a universal rationale governing everything. Best to all friends...Love to H and family.
Hi everyone. Safely here in a small cafe on the Carenage. Trip a bit endless, but not bad. Last leg in a venerable jet prop which seemed to move in slow motion above darkening clouds that looked a bit like whipped potatoes...with a gorgeous brilliant orange/red sunset that went on forever. Taxied to my current domicile which is located on a cliff with endless stairs (can'thang onto the rail...no rail. Spacious rather primitive room...window overlooking wall...will try to be moved to a view. Definitely liminal evening. Headed out this morning to explore and get oriented. Really nice helpful people. Also had great conversations on plane...one with woman from Nigeria coming here to visit sister...another on the last flight with really interesting young (29)man coming to visit ill mother. From here, but now living in NY. Had great conversation and guess what? His sister and brother-in-law are artists, and she teaches in the elementary school. So I have entree already to the art world...piece of luck!
dWill leave the cafe to further explore the Carenage along the waterfront. Great picture material...houses rise picturesquely up a string of steep hills.
Oh - an interesting surprise on departure...Richele appeared at the airport....we had the same flight to Fort Worth. World is full of happy coincidences. Hope everyone's well, happy and having great adventures. Best. Dorothy
Am still blogging from home, but want you to know it's exciting reading your check-in blogs, Erin, Stu and Robyn. You all seem to have chosen, and landed, in just the right place. Enjoyed reading your descriptions and immediate experiences....also Stu's philosophizing. Can't wait to discover what I'll find on my island. Hope Krystel & Richele are doing okay. Talk to you soon from Grenada. Best. Dorothy
Such a great party yesterday...and so amazing we're finally about to leave for the ends of the earth! Those pins in the map are us!. Hope everyone has a truly wonderful and productive journey. Best. Dorothy
This is an ongoing testing process to determine whether my entries are being published. It's a lovely Sunday...I'm optimistic. Here goes.
A bright, sunny, optimistic kind of day. One day closer to departure. Testing the journaling once again. Hi to any classmates reading this. Hope you're all as excited as I am. So happy to be part of this program. Thanks, Sally and Jin....and all of you.
Hi everyone on this beautiful, sunny day...one day closer to departure. This is a repeat of an entry that so far hasn't posted...maybe it'll come up twice...who knows. Anyway - to all my Island classmates, Sally and Jin (and especially my geogroup), yesterday's afternoon meeting was especially nice, particularly our 'evaluation' of our own group members. I felt it brought us closer, and this was expressed by all the members of our group. What a wonderful program! I feel blessed to be part of it.
A beautiful, bright winter day...and one day closer to departure. This message for all my classmates, Sally and Jin (and especially my own geogroup) Yesterday's afternoon session was truly a good experience, especially our group 'evaluations'. It was an exercise that I believe brought us closer..I know we expressed that in our group. What a great program!
Hallelujah -- it worked! Let's see if it works again. Excited over ticket...good route, good price - thanks to Heather's magic touch. Will journal faithfully throughout trip, starting on the plane. Will be arriving for the last day of carnival madness, camera in hand. Hope Grenada is ready for me.
This is primarily a test to see if my site is okay now. Repeat, it's a beautiful day: have my ticket and ready to go.
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