"Good Morning." "Okay."

The various islands have many similarities as well as many differences. It seems their beginnings were similar - peaceful indigenous peoples overtaken by fiercer tribes and then the Spanish, French or English. Now many of the islands are proud of their independence and celebrate emancipation from slavery as well as previous colonizers. Though some countries remain French, British or Dutch, they are often run independently.

As we visit these islands, there are certain things that are instantly obvious to us. The friendliness and openness of the people is the first thing. Though we've never run into any outward hostility, some islands exude warmth. Dominica for example has the friendliest folks so far. They come up to you and chat; they ask if you like their country; and they are always willing to offer you help. They are one of the more recently independent islands and have a very young Prime Minister.

The French islands like Guadeloupe, though pleasant, don't come off as overly warm. They are helpful when asked for assistance - and we certainly found individuals (like Boris at the hydraulic shop) who would bend over backwards to be helpful. They rarely say hello (or Bonjour) on the street and are less inclined to make eye contact.

We're in Carriacou right now, and from the first person we came in contact with - the immigration officer - there was that special welcoming attitude. Though in crisp starched uniforms and very buttoned up, the immigration officers smiled warmly and were sincerely proud of their country. They bragged on it being the "safest" of the Caribbean islands. They shared information with enthusiasm and offered ideas on where we should go and what we should see. The people are also friendly - always saying hello. In fact, yesterday, when walking around Tyrell Bay's town, we were greeted by a vegetable lady in a little stand. Certainly she was trying to sell us her limes and papayas, but she was so friendly and funny, we stopped and chatted with her for a bit. She was a hoot. Even though we bought nothing from her - when we walked by again, she was equally warm and funny.

One thing that we enjoy about each island is their form of greeting. It's often "good morning" or "hello" - but in many islands it's simply "okay". You'll say "good morning" and they respond "okay." We have to admit that the "okay" islands are usually the friendliest! Grenada is one of them (as was Dominica).

We're still settled in Tyrell Bay on the island of Carriacou. Yesterday we walked around the little town and picked up some bread and pineapple juice. We decided to experiment with "rum punch" recipes and come up with a special "Astarte punch." We've collected some various fruit juices (and have rum on board) and we'll mix up some concoctions until we find the perfect combo. It'll sure be fun experimenting.

We had lunch out - the plate of the day…a huge meal (chicken, rice, curried vegetable, salad) for $5 (US). Over the last few days, Michael did some boat maintenance projects, Barbara did some baking and today we'll do some more projects and some snorkeling.

Tomorrow we'll head down south the Grenada and start organizing Astarte for Frank's visit.

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