You say Grenayda and I say Grenahda

January 8, St George’s, Grenada — This is the largest in the Grenadine island chain, in the collection known as the Windward Islands. Nearly 40% of the world’s nutmegs come from here — it the second largest producer — and the spice market is redolent with wonderful spicy smells. Some 20% of the world’s chocolate comes from here, and rum is a major export. Not a bad combination!

The French arrived in the 1600s. Here’s the view from atop the fort, built by the French in 1710 and called Fort Royal, until taken by the British in 1763 and renamed Fort George for George III. Grenada got its independence from the U.K. in 1974 and very proudly flies — and wears — its red-yellow-green flag (see hats below). A volcanic island, it is all ups and downs... good for the legs.

Inside and outside what’s left of the fort. Some parts of it are still used for Police Headquarters.

A visit to the House of Chocolate produced some encouraging nutritional info.

Policewoman directing traffic on the very hilly, very narrow roads that are shared by cars, vans, locals and files of tourists. Wearing camouflage clothing or accessories is strictly forbidden; violators are subject to a $5,000 fine or a year in jail.

Under Reagan the U.S. invaded in 1983 to squash a Marxist-leaning government and protect the many American students at the well-known med school here (founded in 1972). The Grenadians — according to our excellent guide, Terence — were very grateful for the American intervention and celebrate it on their Thanksgiving day. Speaking of education, it is compulsory here, up to age 16, and health care is free.

The marketplace was a bit sotto voce since this is neither Friday nor Saturday, when the stalls are crammed with topical fruits and vegetables. But this shoemaker was open for business.