Glimpses of Saint George’s

I spent a little time (very short, so these are truly only glimpses) in the capital of Grenada, St. George’s, recently. On my first day, I took a minibus and wandered around – alone and un-harrassed by anyone – during one warm and humid day, and spent a little time there too with groups during subsequent field trips. Here are a few photos I took that will give you an impression of the town of some 36,000 inhabitants (about half the size of the population of May Pen in Clarendon, Jamaica; and about one third of the total population of the island). The town was built by the French in 1650, and then later the British moved in. Despite the devastation of Hurricane Ivan in 2004, the town retains some lovely historic buildings, a charming waterfront and a lively atmosphere.

You can find more photos of Saint George’s (and more from the field trips, to follow) on my Facebook page.

A corner of Fort Frederick, which was built by the French in 1779. High on the hill, filled with flowers and views all around to dream on… Next door are the ruins of a mental hospital, which the Americans bombed in error in 1983 – this fort, then occupied by Grenadian forces, being their target. The exact number of casualties varies from 14 to 47. A strange and disturbing episode in the history of this beautiful island.

The 340-foot long Sendall Tunnel was opened in 1894 to make life easier for horse-drawn carriages that kept falling up/down the hill. It’s only 12 feet high and rather dark. Cars and pedestrians somehow squeeze through!

Yes, Carnival was in the air. A twelve-hour marathon here…

Some of the lovely churches did not survive Hurricane Ivan too well, but…still standing.

Angie’s Restaurant, where I stopped for a cooling drink, has a substantial breakfast menu.

Street corner (and a very steep street down to the right)…Blue blue sea beyond.

I loved the red-brick and earth colored walls.

I think this gentleman was posing for his photograph – head to toe in cool white.

“Fearless” with dancehall accoutrements!

One of the law courts and the law library, up on the hill.

Another part of the waterfront (I didn’t go to this part of the town) seen from Fort Frederick, which has a beautiful view of the town and beyond.

Saint George’s Central Police Station. Looking rather laid-back in the middle of a weekday morning. The man raising his hand in greeting was heading for the fire station next door.

Street corner. And another lovely old building, with shops, apartments etc. Note policeman strolling across the road.

Saint George’s is built on a hillside encircling a small harbor. I trudged up the hill (and as you can see, some of the amazing old buildings still need restoration).

A part of the waterfront, Saint George’s.