I find myself jumping from the highest rocks into turquoise crystal waters, eating fruits I’ve never seen before, teaching my body how to dance to unfamiliar rhythms and occasionally running from beautiful but large foreign insects when I day dream. The truth is, my opportunities to travel have been quite rare. Now that I’ve decided to take to the globe, I’m left with too many options, literally the entire planet is mine to explore. As exciting as that sounds, I couldn’t shake the fear that comes with leaving my safe and familiar country, Canada, and walking into the unknown. So I decided a good start would be going somewhere similar to my birthplace Jamaica, but completely different culturally. WHAT I EXPECTED... During my flight to Grenada I wondered what I would find. Choosing a place to stay wasn’t very hard once I decided that I wanted to stay off resort. Airbnb provided me with a ton of affordable options ranging from shared spaces to private mansions. Luckily, I stumbled upon a cozy eco-friendly apartment in the midst of an elaborate floral paradise in Morne Jaloux Ridge, Grenada. To make the most of my experience, I chose to commute around the island using their public transit system. I wanted to submerge myself in the culture as much as I could on an island that I assumed would be swarming with tourists much like any Caribbean island. I figured it would be quite like Jamaica, so I expected to get lost a lot, but I knew I would feel safe in its familiarity. Having a plant based diet usually presents some difficulty anywhere so naturally I packed a lot of snacks and spices so that I can make my own meals. If Grenada is anything like Jamaica, I would expect to find a lot of meat centered meals. My google searches assured me that I absolutely MUST step foot on Grand Anse beach, so I put it on the list, but how different could this beach be from the others. WHAT I FOUND… ‘Floral Paradise’ was an understatement. The moment I stepped foot into Morne Jaloux I was submerged, almost literally swallowed by a lush tropical and floral oasis. I could not have pictured a place so densely green but bursting with color. Sweet! In the midst of the beauty I didn’t expect to find Edwin. He was a seasoned but fit, mild mannered Grenadian native. Edwin gave me a tour of all the flowers in his Garden, calling them by name and beaming with pride as he made the most of his opportunity to share his marvelous work. Everyday throughout the week he spoiled me with fresh herbs and coconut water picked just outside. We often sat sharing a drink together as he told me about his life on the Island. He told me how to get around, “walk to the top of the street and take the 3 to the 1 and that will take you to Grand Anse.” The hilly landscape, layered with steep slopes and sharp turns ensured a new and breathtaking view around every corner. With the overwhelming beauty of the island I still didn’t expect the stark whiteness of the warm sand even when I watched it rise between my toes as I sank with every step. I did not expect water as clear as glass with an oceanscape that literally brought tears to my eyes. Yes. I’m a crier. Grand Anse Beach, became the perfect grounds for me to meet people both from the island and visiting. Although most of the resorts sat on this beach, I met mostly Grenadians. A few restaurants sat right on the sand but eating a plant based diet usually presents a challenge, but that's nothing a stop at the local nursery/grocery couldn’t fix. After a few days of making friends and doing a little bar hopping, I decided to book a tour. This tour brought me all around and deep into the island. I visited lakes sitting in the mouth of a once active volcano. I learned how to make chocolate. I played, like a child, under roaring water waterfalls. I visited spice shops and nutmeg factories because after all it is called the ‘isle of spice’. I learned how to make chocolate and enjoyed glowing sunsets by the port. I visited historically significant sites and learned about the strength of the rebellious slaves that once stood in the same place my feet were now planted. I didn't expect to find a history as rich as mine and a people as strong as my own. I didn't expect to find a connection so strong to a place I barely knew existed. I didn’t expect to find such a strong sense of unity and the spirit of my ancestors in the faces of everyone I met. All of my fear and assumptions vanished in this moment as I realized that I was really just finding another piece of myself. After spending a week on this beautiful island, it came to an emotional end. I packed my suitcases with spices, cocoa butter and chocolate and left Grenada with a new friend (Edwin), new memories and experiences. My love for the Caribbean has strengthened immensely. The most important discovery made on this beautiful island was a calling that I didn’t know was mine. I’m motivated now more than ever to continue to travel the Caribbean islands to discover more of who I am.