SpiceMas – A Cultural Spectacle
ghostwritten by Candi Licence
November 2019 for Truly Grenada, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique (Annual Visitor’s Guide)
Are you going to be in Grenada, the second week of August? Lucky you! SpiceMas, Grenada’s week-long Carnival extravaganza, showcases the best of Grenadian culture and traditions. Plan to be enticed, enthralled, and engaged in non-stop fun.
This annual celebration, filled with many unforgettable events, is designed to make you want to be part of the action. Dance along with masqueraders costumed in feathers and sequins as they parade through the streets. Cheer for your favorite artistes as they compete in fierce Soca, Calypso, and Steel Pan competitions to capture their Monarch crowns and bragging rights for the next year. Participate in the enthralling and nail-biting beauty pageant to crown the National Carnival Queen. If you dare, step out of your comfort zone and join J’Ouvert, an over-the-top, raucous pre-dawn street parade.
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| Thursday, 21 November, 2019
Dear Reader, “I’ve won a trip to the Caribbean and can’t use it; do you want to go?” When Candi’s boss asked her that question, she didn’t hesitate in her reply… “Give me two hours to pack my bag.” That was how she first traveled to the Caribbean back in 1986. In the years since, it became a much-loved vacation spot and today, for Candi and her husband Michael, it’s home. Their story, below… Victoria Harmer * * * * * * * * Searching for our Dream Caribbean Haven Stepping off the plane, I was struck by the Caribbean warmth. You can be warm in winter. My husband Michael and I had experienced the long, cold Connecticut winters, and my first thought was; we need to figure out how to do this every year. So, we began taking regular trips to different spots in the Caribbean. On vacation in Antigua, we met a dive instructor, originally from the U.S. He had arrived on the island a few years earlier…and never left. After meeting him, we began to start seriously considering how we could make our own full-time move to the Caribbean. I pored over International Living articles to understand the key issues and processes for making an international move. Michael and I spent the next six years crisscrossing the Caribbean, visiting 13 more islands, looking for the perfect fit. We arrived in Grenada for the first time in 1990. We stayed at an expat-run resort—the owner was a retired stockbroker from New York. It didn’t take long for us to fall in love with the people and the island. We continued to visit new islands but kept coming back to Grenada. Every time the plane landed, we felt at home.
Grenada met all our criteria. It is mountainous and lush, English-speaking, and below the hurricane belt. Land prices were much lower than the more well-known islands. Most important, the people are lovely and extremely friendly. In 2013, I’d had enough of U.S. corporate life, and I proposed to Michael that we quit our jobs and travel full-time. We sold most of our possessions, stored art and heirlooms, and set off in May 2014. We planned to rent a house, stay in each location for three months, and then move to a new location. We began our journey focused on the U.S. because we were traveling with our dog. We spent the first year in Key West, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Sarasota, Florida, and then on to Grenada. Even though we traveled to Grenada many times, we had never stayed longer than two weeks, so this would be a test of living like a local. U.S. citizens can stay in Grenada for three months before needing to get a visa. We purchased plane tickets for a 90-day stay. Michael, a professional photographer, immediately established a business shooting beauty and fashion images. He worked at least five days a week and loved it. I had started a blog when we first began traveling, and I continued to write about our travels and life in Grenada. Three months felt too short, and we were confident that Grenada would be the place we would eventually settle. We were committed to renting for flexibility, but we knew we would come back the next year for another three-month stay. I was having trouble finding a rental that included enough space for Michael’s studio and one that would welcome our Irish Setter. Five days before we left Grenada, as I expressed my frustration and concerns about finding a great rental, Michael suggested we buy a house. We knew we’d eventually live in Grenada, so, why not? The house we ended up buying wasn’t available to view until 4 p.m. the night before we left the island. After a 45-minute tour, as we were driving away, Michael asked how much we were going to offer. I gulped. I’m not a quick decision-maker, I like to research extensively and thoughtfully. Then I thought, we knew what we wanted after staying in so many places, and this house checked so many boxes. We made an offer, and the next morning, we flew off the island. We continued traveling while negotiating a deal to buy the house, which closed in 2015. The building inspection uncovered some things that needed to be addressed, and we hired a reputable contractor to begin work before we moved in. After the closing, we returned to Grenada to remind ourselves about the details of the house we bought. We were pleasantly surprised that it was even more beautiful than we remembered.
We moved in permanently in December of that year. The contractor had done quality work, so we then contracted with him for major renovations that took another year. We’ve lived in Grenada happily for four years now and have dual citizenship. The process of becoming a citizen was easy, but lengthy. First, we needed to either own property or to have lived in Grenada for two years before applying for permanent resident status. Grenada requires a lot of information, including medical, bank, and police records. After permanent residency was granted, we applied to be citizens. During this process, parliamentary elections were held, and a different political party came into power. Our paperwork was delayed while the new government got established. The wait time between receiving residency and getting citizenship is faster now. We’ve comfortably become part of the Grenadian community. We practice yoga, go to the gym, have learned how to cook many local dishes, and have started growing orchids. I’m blessed to have a wonderful Grenadian best friend who I’ve known since she was 11 (she’ now 32). I’m a Godmother to her 13-year-old daughter, and we have dozens of Grenadian friends. We’re tapping into the expat community. Every morning, we wake up and marvel at our life. We love this place. Michael expanded his photography business and was the official photographer for Grenada’s Carnival for three years. I write for print and online publications about Grenada and our travels, and make custom jewelry. I’ve also joyfully become an unofficial island ambassador, providing insider information and insight to others who want to visit or call Grenada home. |
How to Get Travel Perks and What to do Once You Have Them
All travel writers get excited about the possibility of free perks. Perks cover a wide range of experiences. A delicious meal at a new or trendy restaurant, a complimentary stay at a hip boutique hotel or luxurious resort are standard perks. A perk can also be an insider pass for front row seats or behind the scenes access to an exclusive event. Who doesn’t like getting pampered with something free and special?
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Finding the Essential Greek Food Experience in Santorini’s Tavernas
By Candi Licence
July 18, 2019, by Epicurian Traveler website,
https://epicurean-traveler.com/finding-the-essential-greek-food-experience-in-santorinis-tavernas/?refferer=mailnotify&uid=2164
Walking into a traditional Greek Taverna is like being welcomed into a close friend’s home for a lovingly prepared homestyle meal. Plan to linger, savor local wine, inhale the enticing scents wafting from the kitchen, and eat delicious, wholesome food. The taverna is where friends and families gather to eat, drink, listen to music, and catch up on the local gossip and news while soaking up the atmosphere.
Tavernas tend to be small, intimate eateries with excellent, inexpensive local food.
What Characterizes a Traditional Taverna?
Tavernas are usually small, intimate, family run restaurants that offer locally sourced foods at reasonable prices. Greeks like to eat out often and their tavernas offer inexpensive places to dine. Tavernas are an integral part of Greek daily life and act as the town’s gathering place, much like English pubs. The service is relaxed, and patrons will often stay for an entire evening of food and music.
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An Insider’s Guide to SpiceMas
By Candi Licence
July 1, 2019, by Liat’s inflight magazine, Zing Caribbean
This is a photo reproduction of Liat’s Zing Caribbean article, An Insider’s Guide to Carnival.
To see the actual article, please visit: http://www.ta-emags.com/V1/Zing/Z50/ and go to page 66
Travel Tips for Exploring Portland, Maine
By Candi Licence
Published June 11, 2019, by My Itchy Travel Feet website,
https://myitchytravelfeet.com/travel-tips-for-exploring-portland-maine/
The iconic Portland Headlight, possibly the most photographed lighthouse in the world.
Portland Maine’s combination of natural coastal beauty, funky personality, excellent dining choices, and artsy vibe makes it an attractive destination. Yet, it also retains its strong working roots as the largest tonnage port in New England and closest ice-free port to Europe.
Located on southern Maine’s rugged, rocky coast and less than 2 hours from Boston, Portland can be explored over a long weekend. It includes big city attractions like museums, opera, and ballet. While parks, hiking trails, and nearby islands make it an attractive destination for nature lovers as well.
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Hot Fashion – Batik Beauty
By Candi Licence
Published May 1, 2019, by Liat’s inflight magazine, Zing Caribbean
This is a photo reproduction of Liat’s Zing Caribbean article, Batik Beauty
To see the actual article, visit: http://www.ta-emags.com/V1/Zing/Z49/ and go to page 18
(See the article in the magazine by clicking here and going to page 18)
Santorini Serenade Brings Ancient Greek Music and Myths to Life
By Candi Licence
Published by Travel Sign Posts,
https://www.travelsignposts.com/Greece/sightseeing/santorini-ancient-greek-music-myths
YANNIS PANTAZIS’S PASSION RECREATES CLASSICAL GREEK MUSIC AND MYTHOLOGY IN THE PRESENT
As you stroll through the traditional Greek village of Megalochori, on Santorini Island, you’ll hear the ethereal wail of a bagpipe or the reedy melody of a panpipe echoing through the streets. The sounds draw you into the Courtyard of Symposion by La Ponta, Yannis Pantazis’s Greek Bagpipe Exhibition and Workshop. These enchanting melodies are created with traditional Greek instruments handmade by Yannis himself.
How Moving to Grenada Can Add Spice to Your Life
https://www.transitionsabroad.com/living-abroad/living-moving-grenada-caribbean-guide.shtml
Moving to the Caribbean is the dream of many people, but essential questions need to be answered to make the dream a reality. How do you choose the perfect island? How easy (or hard) is it to make the move? What adjustments will you need to make to adapt to a new culture? Is what you gain worth what you will give up? These were the questions we had to answer before we happily settled in Grenada, West Indies, The Spice of the Caribbean.
This guide covers what attracted us to move to Grenada over other Caribbean islands, key issues we considered, helpful hints, how we moved our possessions, recommendations on buying versus renting, and how we make money to supplement our retirement income. In addition, useful links to more information are provided about the lovely island we call home.
(Read the entire article by clicking here)
SpiceMas 2018 Carnival Souvenir Magazine
Candi Licence, Principal Writer and Editor
70+ page glossy magazine published August, 2018
(The following article is one of 14 articles written for the SpiceMas 2018 Carnival Souvenir Magazine)
Message from the Editor, August 2018
SpiceMas – Celebrating Grenada’s Zest for Life, Culture, and Traditions
By Candi Licence
Carnival, the word itself invites images of pageantry, parades, fierce competitions and, of course, J’Ouvert, Calypso, Soca, Groovy, Pan, as well as celebration, laughter, and enjoyment.
SpiceMas is Grenada’s premier opportunity to showcase our culture, traditions, and friendliness to the world and we do it well with a reputation for friendliness and safety. Visitors from near and far join proud Grenadians to witness and participate in this spectacular event. It’s a kaleidoscope of color, sound, and movement that is expressed in costumes, tradition, talent, and pageantry.
SpiceMas has made two significant contributions to the broader Caribbean Carnival culture – Jab Jab and Soca. Other Carnivals have versions of Jab Jab, but Grenada has perfected it as an art form, and we are known internationally for our Jab Jab. Soca may have originated in Trinidad, but again Grenada has been instrumental in shaping the sounds we hear today.
Starting in April, The SpiceMas launch kicked off a jam-packed calendar of both official Carnival activities and an extensive series of privately-run parties and events. Parish Carnival Queens appeared for the first time. The Traditional Mas bands and Pan orchestras performed and got everyone in the mood for Carnival.
Parishes began preparing for the final competitions by choosing themes and designing costumes for their Fancy Mas bands. Artists wrote music and lyrics. They started broadcasting their songs and creating videos so the tunes would be familiar to everyone by August. Semi-Finals were held for Calypso, Soca and Groovy to narrow the field to the best performers to compete at the final competitions.
Each parish hosted a series of local activities including their own parish launch so that everyone can participate in the fun without traveling to town. The most significant events and final competitions happen in and around St George, but Grenville, Sauteurs, St, David’s and others also host major events like J’Ouvert and these events are jam-packed. Some people go back and forth so they can experience all the variety that Carnival has to offer and still stay connected to their parish activities.
The Miss Caribbean United contest, which originated in Grenada, celebrated its second anniversary. More countries participated, and the contestants were talented and intelligent as well as beautiful and poised. Panorama demonstrated Grenada’s love for steel drum orchestras.
When the second week in August arrived, there were non-stop events. Between the final competitions, the Queen show, J’Ouvert, Pageant, parades, and private events like White, there was little time to sleep.
It’s hard to believe that another successful Carnival is over. For Spicemas Corporation, this is the culmination of a year of hard work that started as soon as last year’s Carnival ended. For the Mas players and attendees, it is the end of a fun-filled season and a final week teeming with extraordinary events. Over the next few days, everyone will be recovering and is already starting to dream about next year. For Spicemas Corporation, after a few days of well-deserved rest, planning will begin once again to create an even bigger and better event for next year!
Grenada’s J’Ouvert: Oil, Paint or Chocolate?
As the dawn struggles to overcome night, shadowy visions emerge–men covered in pitch black oil and pulling heavy chains, technicolor bodies covered from head-to-toe in brilliant paints, revelers of all ages, shapes, and costumes–bumping and maneuvering down the shadowy streets, energized by pounding Soca music and rum. This is Grenada’s J’Ouvert, possibly the favorite part of Grenada’s Carnival. J’Ouvert is a wild and fun street party filled with music and color. It’s s a huge, raucous event that begins in the early morning twilight and parades until noon.
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To Hoard, Or Not To Hoard, That Is The Question
Published February 25, 2016, by Women Who Live on Rocks
https://womenwholiveonrocks.com/to-hoard-or-not-to-hoard-that-is-the-question/
This is one of the newest ethical questions of my rock life. Hoard for self-preservation? Or not hoard for the greater good?
You see, though island life is wonderful, you quickly begin to live within limitations – particularly with if (and when) you can buy something you want or need. You often need to balance your desires with the noble action of restraining yourself for the whole (everyone else).
Here is a simple example: Dawn dishwashing soap. You non-rock readers are probably shaking your head, Dawn? Really? Yes, Dawn. REALLY! Local dishwashing soaps, like Squeezy, look a lot like Dawn but are thinner and not as effective. This means you use 3 times as much soap and still don’t get quite the desired effect: squeaky clean dishes.
In the absence of Dawn, I started trying all the brands. One day, I saw Ajax. It sounded like the great soap I remember from the States, so I triumphantly marched from the store to try it out, only to find that it is a heavily watered down version of what I know and no better than the local brand.
And then, one day, right there on the shelf, there were five (!) beautiful, big bottles of Dawn. Since I’m a newbie at island life, I only bought one bottle. And boy, was it SWEET! Clean dishes, a bottle that lasted, etc. You get the idea. Then, disaster struck.