Am I turning into a Grenadian?

I found a U.S. one dollar bill on my desk today, most likely from when Bianca was here last week. I thought to myself when I looked at it... what a strange-looking currency... I found myself staring at it for a few minutes. I was fascinated by this currency that I had not seen in so long. It looked so much different from the $EC that I have grown accustom to. Then I starting thinking about the differences in the US and Grenada. I am growing very fond of this place. It is so beautiful and the people here are so genuine and hospitable. When I elbow-up to a restaurant bar and ask for something to eat, it makes me feel good that I will inevitably be greeted with a kind, "Whacha be haaaaaaaaavin'?" from a local Grenadian. I am starting to feel really at home in what used to be a very strange environment.

Bianca and I even rented a car and circumnavigated the entire island. It was fascinating. EVERYONE we ran into was so genuinely helpful and kind. We even got lost a few times, and the locals helped us to find our way back to the main-roads. What I find so interesting about Grenada is the sense of community that the island seems to have.

In the US, it is a common site to see someone standing on the side of the road, next to their broke-down car, all by themselves, waiting for AAA to come and give them some help. In Grenada, however, it's different. I have never once seen someone standing next to their broke-down car all by themselves. EVERY TIME there is a stranded driver on the road, there are ALWAYS a few people next to him, helping him or trying to work on the car. You see, in Grenada, there is no AAA to save your butt if your car breaks down. Your neighbor is the only one that can help you.... and they do.... willingly. And when THEIR car breaks down... you help them.

Oh oh, and one more thing: Don't even get me started on the public bus system in this country!!!!!! It is soooooo good. I'm not kidding. I am a huge fan. The public transport in this country is some of the best I have ever seen. It is fascinating how effective the system is. Every time I ride the buses in Grenada, I think to myself, would this system work in the states? Has this been tried in the states? The public transportation is privately run, in a way... Here's how it works: I am a Grenadian citizen who needs to make a living. I decide on "bus driver," even though it is a little more like reggae driver (I'll post videos of the buses. they're AWESOME). I buy myself a van, go to the state department and register my van / pay a monthly fee. and get a large sticker for the front that say's "A route, or B route, or C route, etc." That's it. I'm ready to roll. Start driving the route and let the $$$ flow. At least, I think that's how it works. In any case, there are as many public buses in Grenada as there are cabs in NYC. It is awesome... and CHEAP.

That's it

Bianca and Beer

Ahhh yes, the two best things in the world. So it is super-late Saturday night and our Physiology test is Monday morning. I'm doing pretty good. I'm pretty much done with physiology. Just going to do a butt-load of practice questions tomorrow and I'll be set.

But that is not the point of this blog. The point is: Bianca and Beer. Bianca is coming Friday and I cannot wait! We are definitely going out on Friday night (It will be my first time going out in 2011!!!) and I am really excited. And the best part, Bianca might try to import some Seasonal Blue Moon (which I haven't tried) or Shock Top into Grenada! Lol! Is that legal? I don't know. Bianca was reading the laws earlier, so hopefully she can decipher through them and bring in some Beer. yeah!

I'm telling you: you're Beer options in Grenada are really limited. Basically, anywhere you go, you can get Heineken, Stag, or.... wait for it: Carib, the local beer of the islands. Here's how I'll explain what Carib tastes like: think of the worst frat party that you've ever been to that was serving up the cheapest, no-name, only-buy-in-bulk, keg beer you can think of: It's a step down from that. And I'm only a fan on Heineken after I've finished a few beers to begin with, if you know what I mean.

Every time I think about going out on Friday, I get really excited, then I get really sad because I think of how bad the beer selection will be. So, if Bianca can figure out a legal way to bring in some beer (how hard can it be? After all, she WAS an immigration lawyer. Doesn't she know the beer immigration laws too?) Friday will be AMAZING!!!!