Grenada and Barbados from 10 April 2007

Grenada
South Africa vs West Indies
Had an awesome day at the cricket, the South Africans were fired up and we had a fun time giving them grief. They were quite upset that all the Australians were supporting the West Indies and not them. We had to explain to them that if they weren’t so arrogant and if they were playing against the English then we would consider supporting them. It was a great match up until the last couple of hours, very entertaining. We didn’t get much of a chance to see Grenada but it is slightly more 2nd world than 3rd and the ground is nestled in between the sea and the mountains, spectacular. Steve enjoyed the Red Stripe beer apparently it’s slightly better than the Carib he had in Antigua.









Barbados
England vs Bangladesh
Another fantastic day, of course we were supporting Bangladesh, unfortunately their batting collapsed and the English were sure to win, although it did take them longer than expected. The Barmy Army were out in force and together with the West Indies steel drums it made for a brilliant atmosphere, shame that the ground wasn’t full but I’m sure it will as the finals series starts. Most people are quite vocal about their disgust at the high ticket prices for the locals. Barbados is 2nd world, they even have street guttering and traffic lights. Again the people are wonderful and they love to see that the Aussies are supporting them. We have a day at sea today then back to Barbados for some more cricket, who, I have no idea. The Banks beer was not so good but of course did not stop anyone (Steve) from drinking it.



Day at Sea
What can I say, it was relaxing

Barbados
Australia vs Ireland
We won, it was a shame Ireland weren’t able to make more runs, the match didn’t even make it to lunch. We jumped in a taxi after the game and took a tour of the island. We drove up the West Coast where most of the holiday apartments and hotels are. None of the buildings are very big and anyone can still access the beach, it is beautiful. We then drove to the top part of the island, went inland to the mountains which had a spectacular view. We then drove down the East Coast, it’s mainly for the locals with little villages by the sea, our driver took us to the one he has been holidaying at since he was a child, he has family there and he takes his children there now to get together. In the more suburban areas there are small canteens on most street corners selling rum and BBQ, the adults congregate there and the kids play cricket or soccer in the street or vacant block. There is obviously more money here but the locals still live a basic lifestyle with small houses and the same wonderful temperament, love and friendliness.








Grenada
New Zealand vs South Africa
We were in a real quandary about who to support in this game, as were many other Aussies onboard. We arrived at the ground and found our seat behind a large group of New Zealanders so that kind of made up our minds for us. Really we were relieved, what with the ANZAC tradition and all. Sth Africa tanked early and never recovered enough to make a decent score. NZ bowlers are excellent, the Aussies are going to have a battle on their hands here. Poor Steve has caught my cold I got in Paris, sorry darl. His motto is “He’ll have to drink more beer and rum to burn it out of his system”. Who am I to argue with that logic.