Potential Destinations
Failed LIP Planning: Location #1
I thought it might be useful to post about some of the places we’ve considered on our trip that have just not worked our for one reason or another - but which have of course, taken up hours of our time in research, emailing and planning.
First of these places is Munich, Germany.
Why did we consider [...]
I thought it might be useful to post about some of the places we’ve considered on our trip that have just not worked our for one reason or another - but which have of course, taken up hours of our time in research, emailing and planning.
First of these places is Munich, Germany.
Why did we consider Munich?
Because I love it! I spent some time working there and speak German (I did German & Business at university) and it’s a really, really fun city. It’s in a beautiful part of the country, surrounded by mountains, lakes & nature (and fairytale-style castles that many non-Europeans believe are scattered throughout Europe & the UK and are very disappointed when they find they’re not!).
The food is great - love bratwurst, love the food market, love the dumplings, love the puddings, love the Kaffe & Kuchen (coffee & cake). And the beer is even better!!!
It’s a modern, cosmopolitan city and is full of culture (although I’m a cultural philistine), including the world-famous Oktoberfest (although whether you’d call that cultural, I’m not entirely sure) and it is far South enough to usually have a great summer.
Why didn’t we end up going?
The main reason we didn’t was because we decided to stay in the Americas having paid for the flights to get over there already. We knew we still had a lot of exploring to do and felt it was a waste to go back to somewhere we’ve both been and not explore new far-flung places whilst we were there.
The other reason was more practical. I did, as always, some quite extensive searching for suitable accommodation. I came across the following sites (there were lots of others but these seemed the most useful)…
The lack of high speed internet connection at many apartments was a concern, as was the relatively high prices & somewhat dodgy-looking furniture (a bit student-y for our tastes) in many.
Of the two mentioned above, Liz Frey proved to be the most efficient by responding promptly to our emails and being very helpful when we must have come across as very indecisive. Had we gone to Munich, we would probably have booked through them.
I think one day we may still check out Munich as a L.I.P location for a month or two…I still have a soft spot for the place - but not this year.
Grenada Beaches
Dr. Groome’s Beach (part of Pink Gin Beach):
La Sagesse Beach:
Grand Anse Beach:
Dr. Groome’s Beach (part of Pink Gin Beach):
La Sagesse Beach:
Grand Anse Beach:
Unexpected Benefits of LIP Living in Grenada
1) My feet are as soft as a baby’s bottom.
All the jogging/walking on the beach and jumping around on a sandy ocean floor means that I no longer have put up with being called ‘rhino feet’ by J.
It’s better than a pedicure - cheaper, more pleasurable and my feet have never, ever been so [...]
1) My feet are as soft as a baby’s bottom.
All the jogging/walking on the beach and jumping around on a sandy ocean floor means that I no longer have put up with being called ‘rhino feet’ by J.
It’s better than a pedicure - cheaper, more pleasurable and my feet have never, ever been so soft & smooth.
2) Losing our winter ‘padding’ without even trying.
When we left the UK, we were both carrying a few extra pounds which we started to lose naturally in Panama simply by cycling along the Amador Causeway every day (despite the steak sandwiches & garlic fries!!!).
Unfortunately we put it all on again and more in Buenos Aires when we confined ourselves to our apartment to avoid the mossies and dog poo - only really venturing out for a herbal tea and huge piece of dulce de leche-filled chocolate cake to cheer ourselves up.
Here in Grenada, we’ve fortunately shed it all again without even noticing - simply by splashing around in the ocean twice a day, getting a good night’s sleep and eating the fresh, locally grown food. I am also convinced that my coconut addiction has helped.
3) Picking up some business
We picked up a bit of business whilst on the island doing a whole online suite of marketing tools (two websites and a blog) for Grenada Wedding.
Whilst this could all have been done ‘virtually’, it’s been an interesting change to actually sit down & meet our clients face-to-face and has meant that we’ve covered some of the monthly costs of living in Grenada.
4) Our own dog without the hassle
We’ve both always quite fancied the idea of a dog but not been keen on the bind of being tied to one place, the digusting-ness of picking up dog poo nor any of the other responsibilities that come with owning a pet.
Where we’ve been staying however, they have their own cute little dog - Peaches - who has made herself very much at home with us and quite merrily trots in and out of our apartment when she feels like it.
Local Grenadian Foods
Here are some of our favourite, locally grown (organic) foods in Grenada…
1) Fresh coconut water & jelly every morning - may look revolting but it’s delicious and very, very good for you!
2) ‘Skin ups’ or ‘Chinuts’ - no idea what these are called really but this is what they’re called here. I think they’re from [...]
Here are some of our favourite, locally grown (organic) foods in Grenada…
1) Fresh coconut water & jelly every morning - may look revolting but it’s delicious and very, very good for you!
2) ‘Skin ups’ or ‘Chinuts’ - no idea what these are called really but this is what they’re called here. I think they’re from the lychee family and they’re a bit like nature’s sweets - you suck them, because the flesh doesn’t really come off very easily and so you suck the sweet, delicious stone.
