The Unexpected Tour

Much longer story...but I had been in email contact with a gentleman who had some waterfront villas for sale here on Grenada. We finally touched bases with him on Thursday and he arranged for a driver to pick us (P&J, Paul and I) up on Friday morning. Our real first look then at Grenada besides sailing by was from Hudson as he drove us along the narrow roads to Paradise Resort. The Resort is in St David's Parish...I will explain the Parish thing on our Saturday tour as that was when it was explained to us. This is the view of La Tante Bay from one of the villas...we met the owner of Paradise Resorts...a Dutchman that has lived on Grenada for 9 years. He purchased the property and has built everything from the ground up. He voiced his amusement (and frustration) with building anything here in Grenada with the unskilled local labor. Perhaps that is why we hear all throughout the islands of labor being brought in from the Dominican Republic rather than using local labor. James was a wonderful host as we talked about his venture...endeavoring to use wind power. When he had it erected he requested a small opening to be covered...it was not...and a rat got in and took his last bite of a cord...now there is a $4,000 fix needing to be done... The villas are in front of the resorts restaurant and actually weathered Ivan except for the windows and doors...This is the view of the beach from one of the villas....He has painted them all different colors...there are eight identical units...small one bedroom with small kitchenette on one side...another bedroom bungalow on the other side. With the sea breezes and the great view...I wonder if one would tire of having the porch be the only "living space"?James has put so much of his time and effort into this project...even to building a apartment building combined with space for a Naturopathic doctors office, massage area, workout area, tennis courts, pool and hot tubs...none of which are yet completed. He has purchased a small catamaran that he is hoping to get diving tours established as well. He has lots of great plans. But, Paul and P wanted to go to the St Georges Island Water World...and, well, I'll admit I was getting anxious to get going as well...other appointments? He decided to give us a ride back himself...and I thought to drive in Mexico it took, well, driving here takes...well, driving here is just nuts!!!! Paul was in the front seat...and since our other appointment wasn't until 3:00pm...James mentioned to Paul that he would take us to a spot that most tourists don't get to see....We had to walk up the last of the road because....The bridge was damaged by a grader that was brought up to do other repairs on the road...This is the water supply area for St George's. P, J, and I were feeling quite kidnapped (in a pleasant way)...as James was so very friendly, informative and nice! These are the water holding tanks before they are chlorinated...This is the dam that holds the reservior...And this is a view of the lagoon and the Grand Anse Beach area of St George Parish...It is amazing that this picture turned out at all...the speed with which everyone drives...those that stop in the road cannot be predicted (and they do drive on the "wrong" side anyway)...the hills and curves...Whewwwww...back to Island Water World...and many many thanks to James who gave us a non-tourist view....he offered to give us a complete island tour...but we had already had one planned the following day with other cruisers and we couldn't opt out or they would have had to pay more for their tour...but we all agreed that James would have been a GREAT tour guide!!! Also an invitation to Easter Sunday...we may already be on our way to the Testigos by then...This is the lagoon....St George's...one of my favorite boats....