As i returned home from a business

As i returned home from a business vacation my youngest son said "What's Daddy doing here" and that has been my sign on the wall of which my business life had overtaken my personal life. During a Sunday morning hours walk my wife urged that residing in a heather shack would be much better than having no time for the family. So I decided to give up my well paid out executive life and started to researching the ultimate destination. Main considerations in which: a nice climate, safety, natural beauty and nice people. While I checked out the world my oldest daughter saw a function on Grenada on Dutch TELEVISION and enthusiastically proposed it as a potential destiny.

I almost scientifically approached my mission to check out the ultimate location to live. I evaluated political stableness, safety and [lack of] discrimination by talking to people that been around on my short list destinations. Grenada scored highest on all points, so I chosen a visit -during which- I was sold. I even decided to check out possible properties for our dream: to build a tiny, sustainable resort. Five months in the future we came to Grenada and finalised the purchase of eight wonderful beachfront acres on the Southeast cost of Grenada and decided to call it Paradise Gulf. The government appeared to be very responsive to our plans to build a resort and committed to cooperate in all aspects. Paradise Bay Resort opened in 2007.

Following your island was liberated by the USA from a communist coup and democracy was restored in 1983 this island then developed positively and is now regarded as one of the most stable political climates in the area. More than corruption, favourism is the milder version that rules here -like in many other soulband places in the world knowing the appropriate person always helps to get elements done-. Grenada and the sister islands Carriacou and Petit Martinique possess about 98, 000 inhabitants but they have ministries on all vital features. The government welcomes foreign investors plus grants special facilities such as tax credits (usually 10 years no earnings tax) and duty free snack bars on building materials and equipment intended for approved projects. The Grenada Commercial Development Corporation (GIDC) handles most inquiries in a professional and instant way.

Life in Grenada jogs my memory to how people dealt with each other in small Dutch villages many years ago, People always greet the other and when they ask how you are that they really mean it. When I revisit from a trip abroad people see how it was and welcome you back wholeheartedly. When I organise tours to get visitors I always include showing just how people live; it is an eye opener for most that have been living in a cold, impersonal environment for too long. Grenadians are very keen to talk to visitors. It is no surprise of which several of our hotel's visitors started thinking of retiring here and/or creating a second home in Grenada. Inside Grenada there is absolutely no discrimination: all backgrounds live together in perfect equilibrium.

Caribbean people are laid back which is a elegance on one hand but if you have to work with them it can be less charming. When people promise to come to work on a particular day or perhaps time you should not be surprised should they don't show up: they may had anything more important to do and would even say that afterwards. When it rains they would be present later at best. They will rarely contact: "my phone giving me trouble". The average work speed is at minimum half of Western standards. Sometimes staff try to "speed up the work" getting into their job different -and a lesser amount of good- than ordered; especially construction workers have this habit which can result in big problems.

Theft is an matter here -like elsewhere in the Caribbean-: offer the occasion and thieves should grab it. Violence however is very rare in Grenada; I have do not ever heard of armed robberies of gas stations or shops. Violence towards tourists is also unheard of. With violent criminal offense on the increase in many Western international locations it comes as no surprise that people are on the lookout for a safe haven. Grenada is definitely a great, save place to live.

Hard drugs are very rare in this article, but marijuana is rather common; many people on the countryside simply grow that in their backyard. Although formally banned, smoking marijuana is generally not seen as an crime and consequently there is also no similar violence. In my observation, problems due to alcohol are more severe than cigarettes marijuana.

The Caribbean has the image of being a beach destination. Not surprisingly since the beaches belong to the most attractive in the world. Some islands have indeed bit more to offer than the beaches, sailing in addition to snorkeling. For most visitors, this is sufficient. But there are islands like Grenada that have a fascinating hinterland to offer. Jungle hikes are an experience that number of ever had in their lives. I have been executing many hikes in Grenada and most visitors saw these as their most interesting experience.

Our resort is located amongst thousands acres of gorgeous mother nature and I warmly recommend visitors to walk either North or South through beach to beach; up the slope - down the hill and every quarter-hour a new beach and different nature: Via gently sloping hills -that help remind to Ireland- via cactuses in order to mangroves. These not too physically demanding walks can be done by most people. More strenuous are the rainforest walks in addition to hikes, although there is one exception: some sort of walk that starts at a water reservoir high in the mountains which leads to a virgin forest in less than 10 easy minutes. Grenada has many water falls to choose from, some very easily accessible, some requiring a walk or hike. (For my content, Google: hiking in Grenada)

And next, there are the beaches. On the leeward West Coast the water is peaceful and confirms what people have in mind like a Caribbean Beach. The two mile lengthy Grand Anse white sand beach is known one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. On the Atlantic side the ocean is more rough, yet quite FINE to swim in. The surroundings of the water playing with the dirt is fascinating. And as Grenada is simply not overrun by tourist the beach locations offer much space.

The Caribbean is a known snorkelling and scuba diving paradise and Grenada is growing quickly to become a major diving destination, verified by the fast growing hotels within house dive shops. Sister tropical island Carriacou is also great for snorkelling plus scuba diving; many take day outings to go there. There is no history of male being killed by fish so it can be considered a safe activity. Most ski shops also offer dive classes.

A little north of Carriacou are the Tobago Cays, best reachable by going, which is a top ten snorkelling and diving destination. There are weekly 2-day marining trips to the Grenadines from Carriacou.

Sailing in this area is immensely well-known; many hotels offer boats to rent. Grenada's West Coast, Carriacou and the Grenadines are the most tranquil waters. The Grenadines consist of countless small islands, most of them inhabited and are also considered by many as the ultimate Carribbean sailing experience, let alone barbecuing on one of these Robinson Crusoe islands. This is where Pirates of the Caribbean was shot.

Whale watching is offered year round together with best chances during the migration season (December through April) from regarding 8 miles outside Grenada's Western Coast. But, you need to be lucky; I possess had times when we did not perhaps see a dolphin and also when there was so many whales that we lost count number at 38, with one following the other jumping. Dolphins are playful and often swim with and jump in front of the boat.

Sport sportfishing is also a big thing in the Caribbean and Grenada is one of the better places as it has deep water close to banks; fishing starts after 15 minutes. Quite a few small charter boats operate out of Grenada. Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna and Dorado are normal game fish, in addition to the widespread Sphyrne and other smaller species. Carriacou also offers sport fishing with typically smaller fish caught.

On a small island one cannot expect the same alternatives as in a metropole. But, there are a few nice cultural activities. Steel groups which usually play in groups of many dozens -some of them surprisingly youthful children- are not to be missed. A good place to see them is the every week festival Fish Friday in Gouyave at the North West Coast, where fishermen sell anything from fish cakes to lobsters. But the social highlight of the year is definitely Brazillian carnival in the second week of August. While it may not compete with big carnivals such as in Rio de Janeiro it has an environment that many prefer. When you want to come and see the Grenada Carnival, make sure that you help to make flight reservations early as many expat's come home then.

I often take guests to local bars what gives them a good idea on how people today live and think. One bar is located in a welding shop where they also bake bread and show films to their clientele from time to time. Another enjoyable thing is going to a "Bloggo", a not so formal party that can be organised by everybody at a shop or on the street because of this recipe: loud Soca and Calypso music, rum, beer and barbecued chicken. Simple, but nice.

Prior to the economic depression, Grenada seemed to be in good shape. Income were rising and almost everybody can have the funds for to have a TV. Construction was growing with new hotels and minute home resort communities under development. Grenada was mentioned in the 2008 Annual Wealth Report by top notch property consultant Knight Frank as well as Citibank, listed Grenada as one of the top second home markets being excellent suspects for future growth. The understandings can be found in this article... moreover the real estate price ranges are far lower than on other destinations that have far less to offer than Grenada.

As all other tourism destinations Grenada also suffers from the decline during the number of tourists and the average investment property. The construction also faces a slow down due to halted projects. As travel related and construction are the two essential motors of the economy the sadness is clearly felt here just by most people. This may however be a chance to revitalize agriculture as currently much of the produce and most chicken and foods are imported. Obtaining financing to be able to such projects will be a decisive matter.

Being a small tourism destination it is an option to focus on niche markets. In example, we recently bought a small sailing yacht and now offer All inclusive breaks guests not only walks, hikes and excursions, but also a mini cruise to the Grenadines, without extra cost. One more market with opportunities is the vacation to europre market, where Grenada is setting more and more focus on. Grenada is also a great place for destination weddings where the very own attention a big resort (a. t. a. wedding factory) cannot feature is a big plus.

The government's main income comes from duties on imported items. Income tax starts around 2, 000 US$ per month as well as being levied at 30% over the excess. Only few people pay income taxes; the majority of income is about 850 US$ per thirty days. The prices of imported products are accordingly rather high. Cars and energy are about double the US cost. Local produce, fish and meat are quite affordable. Most people have no difficulty making ends meet because their expectations are usually not as high as their Western counterparts, who definitely are generally, less happy.

Grenada has a modern airport in the South West area of the island and a cruise terminal that may handle 3 ships at the same time. The root roads are good for Caribbean criteria and are fairly well maintained. In this article you will find almost no road signs so along with fuzzy explanations by locals choosing a car -although widely available- is simply not always the best option; taking tours is way better and can be less expensive.

Thanks to the presence from the university (primarily medical) with more than 3, 000 primarily American students and then a growing expat population, yacht- in addition to second home owners, the availability of Western goods is much better than most other Carribbean islands.

When you decide to come and live permanently in Grenada the most cost-effective option is to buy or rent a house in a very residential area unless you wish to be in the a great deal better -very expensive- neighbourhoods. If you thought i would live here part of the year it's a better option to take a villa and / or apartment in a resort (community) as you may then have no concerns about stability (theft) and maintenance (leaking water traces can be very expensive) in addition of getting rent for the time they do not occupy their property. Search villas Paradise Bay Grenada on YouTube to see a video.

If you think to create a house here, think again and initially read my article on this (Google: stop the construction carnival). When you still want to build a house after reading your content, read it again...

Good medical facilities is available from licensed doctors; additionally there is a good private clinic.

Living in Grenada is relaxed and once you understand Herman Wouk's statement: "The West American native is not exactly hostile to change, still it's not much inclined to believe in it" and do not try to change individuals you will be relaxed too. Most expatriates regularly spend time abroad for procuring, family &amp; friends, theatre not to mention being reminded why they want to return to Grenada. Airlines regularly have packages.

Like most places, when you want to do get the job done that can also be performed by local shop, you will not be allowed to work here. For the people professions not competing with neighbors or in case of a shortage always be able to get a work permit. If you think of to move here and wish h have an opinion feel free to contact me. In case you are be a good, broad-oriented maintenance guy and want to change life, I am searching...

Income over here is generally drastically lower than in Western hemispheres, completely depending on the occupation. If you intend to start your very own business and need local staff to perform you must have a lot of patience and be willing to take over work from absent staff on a regular basis unless you "over"hire.

Air Discovery bay, jamaica operates direct flights from Ny and flights from major American cities via Montego Bay. Usa Airlines flies 3 times a week through Miami with additional flights by San Juan. Air Canada keeps going a winter flight from Toronto. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic plus Monarch Airways fly direct via London Gatwick with connections to help you Europe. Condor flies direct right from Frankfurt with connections to Belgium and Austria. Airlines additionally own indirect flights, mainly via Barbados with connections via local air travel LIAT, who operates inter-island aircraft within the Eastern Caribbean. There are temporary charter flights. Generally, flights happen to be cheap in the low season (May : July, September - November), while it is recommended to book early intended for Christmas and August as many Grenadians living abroad come to visit.