We’re in the Grenadian airport walking through customs, the nerves are kicking in, what is to come is beginning to feel real. My heart is beating fast, thoughts running through my mind, but no words come out. My body is shaking, my legs feel like jelly, but somehow I’ve managed to keep walking. I’m walking out the sliding doors, outside the airport. Quickly I’m scanning the crowd for a familiar face. I take a few steps, and I see him. Before I know, I’m running, running towards him. Tears streaming, the biggest smile on my face. I wrap my arms around him and nothing else seems to matter, I’m fairly certain I blacked out momentarily, I can’t quite tell you how I was feeling. But then I hear his voice, and it brings me back to reality. I have just been reunited with my Dad after 8 long years. All the hard work and tears that Elle and I have been through this past year has all been worth it for this one moment. I don’t want to let go, but I know I have to.
Rewind… back to the start. On Friday, the night before we fly we packed our suitcases ready to be picked up midday on Saturday. Somehow our suitcases are considerably heavier than they were when we arrived and they were over the weight limit. We had to leave a few items behind, but nothing that couldn’t be replaced. After we finished packing, we went down to the restaurant for our “last supper”. The staff were sad to see us go, as we had gotten along with them so well throughout the week. They even asked if we would get out camera to take a few pictures with them, which melted my heart.
We were supposed to be going to the Friday night street party in Gros Islet, but we decided against it and thought that a chilled night was much needed as we knew tomorrow would be… eventful to say the least.
Waking up bright and early on Saturday morning, we headed down for breakfast. Time to say goodbye to the beautiful views and the rest of the staff. Heading back up to the room, it was now time to play the waiting game. Every minute seemed to pass like an hour, time was dragging painfully slow. Elle thought it would be a good time to talk about the fact we were meeting my Dad in a few hours. But, no words came out. Instead, tears, and plenty of them, streaming down my face. I think the nerves had kicked in and I had realised exactly what was happening. I don’t know if they were happy tears or what, but I did feel relieved afterwards.
11.50am, time to check out and Kevin was already waiting for us. Kevin was the guy dropping us at the airport, what a splendid guy he was. He took our minds off the fact we were meeting my Dad, we played a few games during the journey, to see how much we had learnt about Saint Lucia during our stay. We got into the topic of moving to St Lucia, and the ways in which you could make a living there. At the end of the journey, he gave us his business card and told us he would be in touch if he had any suggestions for work etc.
Checking in was hassle and stress free, a small simple airport that you just flow through. After grabbing a bite to eat, the waiting game begins again… Only this time, the waiting game exceeded the time frame we had set as our flight was delayed. However, before long, our flight number was being called out and it was time to board the aircraft. 28 minutes in the air, and we had already landed in Grenada. We both agreed that was the shortest flight we had embarked to date, I didn’t even have time to get nervous or let it settle that it was under an hour until I see my Dad. As silly as it sounds, Elle and I got off the plane last, so we went through customs last.. anything to postpone the inevitable. The airport staff were so friendly and welcoming to us, proud Grenadians showing off their country. You know what happens next…
A 10 minute drive, and we were already pulling into our the car park for the hotel, we had a friendly welcome to Siesta Hotel, and were given the keys. After dropping off our bags, we headed back out into the car so that my Dad could show us around the city. Although it was dark, it was great to see our surroundings and to see where my Dad grew up and now lives. During our drive, we made a few pit stops to get out and look around, we got to see both of my Dad’s business establishments. Which are hair and beauty spa’s called Spice Isle Retreat. Absolutely beautiful!
The great thing about my Dad living here, was that he provided us with advice about where to buy food, where the beach is and the best places to go whilst in the city. We were driving for a good few hours, but it was getting late. Time to get back to the hotel and catch up on some much needed Z’s after a long and overwhelming day.
Our next post includes what it was like to wake up and see the beauty of Grenada in daylight, and exploring the city through the eyes of a local.
Stay tuned!
Elbitravels x
elbitravels.wordpress.com 