Cherry Hill

Yesterday was yet another interesting Caribbean excursion! Dave decided to take a break from all his studying and head out to the best surf spot here in Grenada, Cherry Hill, to catch some waves. I decided to go with him to watch. We got there and the waves were just perfect...consistent chest-high waves with overhead sets (according to Dave). We carefully walked out onto this make-shift pier where I could get a decent view of the surf. It was the only place to watch that we could figure. Dave grabbed his board and paddled out...heading out to what he says are some of the best waves he's ever surfed.

A few minutes later, Dave's friend Bru arrived to join the group of surfers. He noticed that I didn't have the best view for pictures, and he yelled over for me to walk up the road to get a better view. He said, "There are some real nice locals up there who can show you where to sit and you can get some great pics." I thought to myself for a few moments. Normally, I would have hopped right up and headed over, but remember...TIG (this is Grenada), so you never know what you're getting yourself into. Against perhaps my better judgement, I decided to give it a try.

I walked up the hill along the highway to what looked like a typical Grenadian bar, resembling a small, one-room shack. I hesitated for a moment, then walked up, and peered in. I ask if there was any way to get down the hill to see the surfers.  It appeared that they had a hard time understanding my question, but after only a moment, a very nice local woman walked ahead of me and signaled me to follow. I followed closely and was led to yet another shack (this one was even smaller and appeared to be a home for a family). I again peered in and asked if there was a way to get down the hill to watch the surfers. A young man, probably around 18 or so years old seemed to understand, and he led me down a steep dirt hill to a hideaway with a perfect view of the surfing session.

This is what I saw looking out through the trees, but to help you picture it completely...this is what I saw looking to my left.

I said, "Thank you" to him and he smiled and replied, "He'll keep you company." I looked over and saw a young boy standing barefoot, smiling ear to ear, wearing dirty jeans and no shirt, with braids in his hair. He immediately sat down right next to me to talk.  

It took a few minutes, but I was able to learn that his name was "Deon" and that he was five-years old. He spoke English, but with his Caribbean accent, it was very difficult to understand him. Deon sat with me for about an hour and watched the surfers. He loved seeing them ride the waves, and he would stand up and imitate them as they weaved through the water. 

His energy and excitement for life (while living in a one-room shack) was inspiring. We talked all about school and what he was learning (he told me praying and singing). We sang the ABC's, counted the surfers, sang songs together (some version of "Old McDonald"), and talked about our favorite foods (his being macaroni and cheese). 

Dave caught some amazing waves that day, and I had a lot of fun with Deon. I can't help but think about whether he'll remember that experience...I definitely will. Just another interesting day here in Grenada. What an adventure!