Monday, November 13, 2006

Mi Hacienda - Grenada


Well people I am back and I am soooo depressed. I rarely want to return to a country as I would like to travel everywhere, but I could go back again and again and again.

The people are so generous and friendly. The night life is not rocking, but I am quite happy to chill out with a book and enjoy an evening out for a meal and a drink.

My travel companion, Kim, is different. She likes to rave until the wee hours, so in that respect she was a little bored.

One day, we were at the beach and we got talking to these two older Grenadian women, Pat and Brenda. Kim was moaning about the fact that there didn't seem much to do, so they offered to come and collect us the next day and take us to brunch at a place called Mi Hacienda.

Brenda's husband used to be a great trade unionist and politician and she had class, she had been friends since childhood with a lady called Merle who had retired back from the U.K. It was her restaurant/hotel/spa that Pat and Brenda took us to. The place was truely beautiful, all chrystal glasses white linen and silver cutlery and as Kim and I walked in, there was a steel band playing. The view, as you can see, from the veranda was spectacular.

I am an East London girl and in all my life I have never been to such a lovely restaurant. We were wined and dined, the steel band played and we were treated like royalty. Kim and I were a little worried, but I had brought my credit card as a precaution. Once the meal was over, we offered Brenda and Pat some money towards the cost and were told, no, it was their treat. In fact, Brenda had got Merle to open the place for us. I have never received such hospitality and friendship in a Caribbean country and we could not thank them enough. They were all true real ladies and I especially thank the English couple who ran the restaurant for Merle, as they worked very hard to make us feel welcome.

I called Pat yesterday, and she was so happy to hear from me, she told me, that as long as she was alive, I would always be welcome to stay at her house if I ever visit the island again. That is something I will definitely do.

Pat and Brenda, if you ever read this. Thankyou, Thankyou Thankyou, you gave Kim and I the most memorable day. For as long as I live I will not forget the great company and the generosity you showed us. As the Grenadians say. 'See you in a while'

6 comments:

Caroline said...

You sound so very happy.
This is a wonderful post.
Cx

The Divine Mr. M said...

YOu must miss the view very much. I agree with Caorline this is a wonderful post.

I miss the views on Japan. I miss living 3 minutes walk to the pacific ocean and surrounded by mountains. The hospitality of certain people.

You look out of the window here at the grey sy and wonder why you were born in such a dreary place. I do love ENgland though it's just well you know. Everywhere else i've ever been seems so much better.

Pete said...

There are some very wonderful people out there Carol

Anonymous said...

It sounds absolutely wonderful - just the sort of place I'd enjoy. I really can't be doing with raving and what have you anymore so chilling out with a book and a cocktail would suit me just fine.

I'm trying to imagine Kim in a classy restaurant, though. Unfortunately, the picture I'm getting isn't working too well ;-)

The world's full of lovely people, but it takes lovely people to find them. Know what I mean?

Unknown said...

Sharon
Surprisingly, Kim was on her best behaviour.
Guys, Kim is a blog all by herself. I cannot describe the way Kim behaves but manages to get away with. LOL

Debi said...

Just popped over via Sharon. I lived in Grenada on and off between 1982-6. It's wonderful to know that spirit still endures!