This is a celebrity guest blog post from my BFF, Dinger, on her vacay in Grenada last weekend. I hope you enjoy! :) ~Eryn
Let’s just get one thing straight: as I write this from the beautiful St. George’s University, i’m seriously contemplating missing my flight. Not only am I in paradise but my best friend lives here too--so why on earth would I want to go back to snowy, frigid Colorado? Maybe you’ll read a post from me next Sunday--after I chose to not leave.
I’ve been so incredibly excited to come see and experience what I have only been able to read about through the screen of my phone, via Eryn’s words and photos. So here we go: Dinger’s Diary: “The pictures don’t do it justice.doc”
I told Eryn when she left the states that I would ultimately win the title of being the first person to visit her. Naturally, I bought my ticket less than a week after she bravely moved her life over 5,000 miles away from home. Since, there has been a literal countdown, and massive buildup of anticipation and sheer excitement.
I learned about 5 days before my departure that I was going to be a literal pack mule. There were packages for roommates delivered to Colorado days before I was going to leave, requests for school supplies, and miscellaneous American luxuries. So, like a good donkey I packed a few bags.
Finally it was time to wake up at 3:00 am, and leave a now winterized Colorado to fly to a beautiful secluded island in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. The flight to Denver to Miami was monotonous. Everyone was miserable at that certain hour in the airport, which I clearly couldn’t conform to--did they not realize where I was going? A short layover in Miami led to a slightly more interesting flight. Unknowingly, the same time I arrived in Miami there was a tropical storm in the vicinity. The flight from Miami to GRENADA (!!) consisted of the plane dipping and diving through air pockets at a rapid speed. The woman next to me, happened to be a Russian mail-order bride en route to meet her new sailor husband in a Grenadian port. Needless to say, she hadn’t been on many flights so the next three hours consisted of my stomach dropping and telling Annika, my new foreign friend, that everything would be fine.
Customs seemed to drag on for an eternity. Finally I was pushed through line and opened the doors to beautiful Grenada! I was informed before I got there that I needed to be ready to get off the plane and immediately attend a party, so I was prepared. Immediately greeted by my best friend, epic hug to follow, and her adorable side-kick Ophelia who was grinning and sporting two rum punches to celebrate my arrival, and for those doubting: Yes. I did drink both.
We dropped our bags off at the dorm hall, which conveniently overlooks the ocean; a crappy view to say the least. I had a chance to meet Ms. Emma, Eryn’s wonderful roommate, and some of her suite mates. We scurried over to the bus stop to meet a Emily (YOU THROW GREAT PARTIES) Kuhn so that we could go to her father’s beautiful restaurant, Aquarium, for a party simply called “Candy Land”. After getting the formal view of Emily’s beautiful cliffside house that overlooks the perfectly blue Caribbean sea, and libations with some beautiful people we headed down to the party.
 |
| Top left: Sporting a traditional Carnival hat. Bottom left: New fraaaannndddss! Right: Rum punches and a Reggae Bus home from the airport. |
 |
| Candyland @ Aquarium with all the gyaaallllssss! |
Aquarium was in the prime location, a beautiful open bar and floor plan with a few small steps down to the beach where you could hear the waves roll in and out. It was adorably decorated with different candy themed items, and a full blown candy bar. Immediately upon entering we were given a jello shot, and waited for the show to start. Kes, a big celebrity out here was headlining that night. I met what seemed like the entire island, was introduced to names that I quickly forgot due to sheer volume.
The night was a bit of a blur, but we can highlight words like “Grenadian Dancing (or my closest interpretation of), music, drinks, and ocean” to sum it up. Here i’m attempting Grenadian Dancing with a local, Sabrina (I LOVE YOU TOO MUCH) Costantini.
 |
| Jello shots and whinin' with Sabrina! |
I’m too elderly to be out drinking and dancing until 4 a.m but since this is a special occasion we are going to let it slide. Overall it was a great night, spent with amazing people. The next morning however, hurt. A lot. As Marissa DeMercurio might say, “Sanka, you dead mon?” Well yes, I might have been.
The next morning it was absolutely necessary that we head to the ocean. Although first, we had to stop at the local campus restaurant for a quick meal. Eryn proceeded to brag about the crepes, so I naturally thought she had eaten them, or at least knew what it is. False. She was floored at the size of these gargantuan beasts and despite our best efforts we were unable to finish the mountain of food in front of us.
After gorging ourselves with sweet pastries, we plodded down to the bus stop, which is the primary form of transportation on for students.
I was pleased to see that even during the most mundane activities the Grenadian's are staying protected. Keep it safe kids.
 |
| Someone felt the need to educate fellow classmates on the public transit system about safe sex and contraception. Seems Legit. |
Hopped on the first bus headed to “Grand Anse Beach” which I loving nicknamed Grand Arse Beach, (only because I would be in a bikini on it after eating a huge breakfast) and started our day. The island is scattered with different shops, clubs, and businesses, all of which were seen on our bus ride to the beach. Apparently it is also normal to see your typical Potcake, (a stray island dog), goat or you know--giant brown cow just meandering along side of the road. After a very quick trip the bus dropped us off at the beach. Never have I seen bluer water.
We picked a good spot, bought some beach cocktails, (obviously required) at the oceanside bar and plopped down for what was a needed break for us both.
I laughed at Eryn when she said the water cleanses your soul, but then I was quickly silenced when I got in. The water is what I have to call the PERFECT temperature. It’s just something that words cannot describe appropriately. It was like Jesus himself was cradling my body. Oh yes, I went there.
 |
| First beach day/sunburn of vacaaaayyy! |
We spent the rest of the day tending to our sunburns. Before we headed out to our hotel we both agreed it necessary to watch a Grenadian sunset. Now, although every place I have been to on the island is unnecessarily gorgeous this spot just really overdid it. When we started walking I figured we were going to some casual bench, you know overlooking the water, etc. No, we literally go through this foliage populated cliff that juts out into the ocean, with only a small foot-beaten path to guide us. Emerging on the other side of the cliff, we are literally on a rock in the middle of the sea. Nice Grenada. Well played. The sunset was hands down a life altering experience. Although there are pictures they don’t do it justice.
 |
| Sunset on the campus cliff. |
After seeing heaven, we decide to head over to our weekend getaway at True Blue Resorts. This place was really ridiculously cute. It was decorated in what I like to called, Brenda-esque items. Meaning decorations my mother, Brenda, would absolutely drool over. There are little handmade statues every, caribbean paint jobs and naturally lizards running rampart.
Here is a picture of me sitting amidst a trio of piglets at True Blue.
 |
| (Brenda, Adele, this picture is for you both. Adele: I learned about a mild obsession with pigs you have; and it’s clear representation of Brenda-esque...so this picture was necessary for both mothers.) |
Side note: I’m slightly obsessed with the lizards here, they are adorable and naturally they hate me.
Friday was spend perusing around campus, I got to see this “school” that Eryn attends. I say school in quotations because it’s better described a tropical getaway that just happens to be a location of study. We went to a marine biology class, and although I should have been offended that I was sitting in class, I just really can’t say I was considering it is located right on the beach. Literally. Right. On. The. Beach.
I went to a a few hour long study groups and took this incognito picture of my best friend just casually kicking ass.
 |
| Just kickin' arse. NBD. |
I must say, I’ve known this girl for more years than I care to count. I’ve seen her in school and out of school, and i’ve never been more proud. She writes these blogs but it doesn’t do justice to how busy she is, how involved she is and how much she is doing on a day to day basis. I’ve never seen her more on her game, more confident or more involved. (NOTE: PARENTS BE PROUD!) When I snapped this picture she was casually explaining to a classmate a difficult problem, as if she was the teacher. I’m done proudly boasting like a mom, but let it be known to everyone who reads this blog that this girl is kicking some serious keister out here. Ok, i’m done with my “i’m super proud of my best friend” rant.
Friday night we went to what was hands down the most unique party I have ever been to. In typical Grenadian fashion, we went to a disney/halloween costume party, located at oh, you know, an abandoned insane asylum. We take a bus up to a this place with Valerie (LOVE YOUR FACE) Lamoureux , and Ophelia (THIS GIRL IS THE BOMB) Tran. We get there, and quickly equip ourselves with Pina Coladas and a syringe full of some red booze, dance for a bit and take off exploring. The Fort is a intricate maze of tunnels, and crevices with only select parts actually lit. We bravely decide to follow a small group of people into the tunnels on a slightly inebriated whim.
 |
| Pretty sure I love these two ladies. Also, jello shots in syringes upon arrival. YES. |
 |
| The part when Eryn took off shrieking and left Val and I behind. |
It was all fun and games until we started to realize our surroundings. Looking up at the ceiling, it was literally moving. Lights? No. Special Effects? Nah. Giant black centipede-on-steriods, and spiders. Everywhere.
The costume party was great, lots of inebriated “smart people,” aka veterinarians and doctors blowing off steam.
 |
| Fire dancer! So awesome. |
Before leaving to go home, we took a visit to the restroom, which was conveniently located IN a jail cell. No big deal.
 |
| Creepiest venue for a Halloween party... ever. |
We woke up early on Saturday and immediately high tailed it to the beach, but this time not to lounge, but instead do our weekly community service deed. Grenada has an amazing program that helps the unfortunate problem of orphans. Eryn was ecstatic to take me to the Orphanage Students Organization’s weekly event. We got to the beach, which was unnaturally rough for the area. There must have been at least 20 little orphans running around in their floaties, bravely battling the rough water without any fear. There were already a mess of volunteers there, so I picked a little girl who wasn’t holding anyone’s hand. She was shy at first, and reluctant to let me take her into the ocean, she told me she was scared of the waves. Finally, I must have gained her trust since she let me give her a piggy back ride out into the water.
We spent the next two hours in the beautiful blue sea, riding the waves. Melissa was tickled pink when I told her I would find her a beautiful shell. This game quickly turned into holding her hand, while she wore my oversized sunglass, and diving underneath the water more than 500 times to find her a hefty stack of shells and coral. We would pick as many as we could hold, Melissa would yell “MISS!” in Eryn’s general direction, and bring her the stash on shore. She would immediately grab my hand and drag me back into the water. I went from trying to make friends with a shy little girl to seeing a bright, vibrant confident Melissa holding my hand. I loved it and plan on doing it every time I come back to visit (which at this point should be mandated to be monthly, FYI.)
 |
| Little Melissa and the other volunteers keeping the kids safe from the crashing waves. |
We worked up a voracious appetite and settled on a place called La Boulangerie (nickname: LaBou) and picked the Greca pizza. I’ve eaten a lot of pizza in my life. Maybe it’s because we were starving, maybe it’s because we were on an island--I really don’t know the reason, but that pizza was AMAZING.
 |
| Greca Pizza @ La Bou. BOMB. |
The next day was solely meant for strict vacation and spending some quality time with my most favorite person in this world. I took an early morning walk on a beach I wasn’t supposed to be on (this is typical Dinger), and found literally the biggest conch shell I had ever seen.
Look at this BEAUTIFUL BEAST!
 |
| 10 pound conch. Success. |
Eryn slept in late, we both had some coffee and headed to Grand Anse for a predetermined snorkel trip. I haven’t snorkeled since I was 6, so I naturally harassing Eryn, telling her how excited I was. We swam out to the boat, gear in tow, and hopped on. Naturally, I was publicly embarrassed in a variety of fashions. Including but not limited to: getting scolded multiple times for not holding on to the safety pole, trying to take a picture and the captain stopping the entire boat (filled with ten people) so I could take it, and almost losing my swim bottoms before getting on. Pretty typical for not even beginning the actual snorkeling portion.
We got to see the Underwater Sculpture Garden (which is disturbingly creepy) and the marine life that populates this heavenly place.
Eryn told me before we went that she had some anxiety about going, as she had gotten stung last time. Shrugged it off, told her not to worry. Well, whoops. Eryn got stung multiple times again. What does this mean for me you ask? Oh you know, the usual swimming in front of her to take the brunt of whatever malicious creature was attacking her. The problem? I didn’t get stung at all, and she kept getting annihilated by the invisible invaders. We asked a variety of sources what it could be that was stinging her. Answers included: Jellyfish, “insects”, plankton. It’s still unknown and Eryn is still scared.
After snorkeling we quickly ran to the hotel and changed and ran back to campus to meet up with Carrie (Yes I know where New Hope, PA is) Kozar to go volunteer at a program called Potcakes against Pregnancy (PAP), but not before first giving me the grand tour of the anatomy building.
 |
Here is a picture of some future vets, casually discussing radiographs. No big deal, not exciting at all.
|
Anyway, after taking pictures of some really neat and crazy anatomy specimens (which i’m strictly banned from posting pictures of, for those of you who are squeamish) we headed off to the dog kennel. I’m on a secluded island in the middle of the Caribbean so naturally I had to get involved at a dog shelter. (Note: For those of you who don’t know, I run an dog rescue and no matter what, find myself gravitating to a dog shelter on vacation.) PAP is a really neat organization to try to cut down on the numbers of strays on the island. Basically, dogs are rounded up from different sectors, spayed and neutered by the soon to be vet students, and returned back to their original location. Carrie gave us the breakdown and we took these little guys out for their potty breaks. Some of them were so timid and frightened, but we got to play with these adorable mutts for an hour and give them some TLC.
We had to get one more sunset in, so Val and O joined us at the infinity pool and we all let the scenery soak in.
 |
| Last sunset on the island. |
We both agreed that since it was our last night we should celebrate with a fancy dinner. We got dressed up and took our new favorite taxi service, Bernard’s taxi company to a beautiful restaurant called Laluna at the Laluna Villas. The restaurants here have a beautiful ambiance, and have obviously the perfect setting with the clear blue sea in the background. We were seated overlooking the ocean, which was abnormally visible due to the full moon that night. Started our meal with a nice bottle of wine, ordered some delicious food and had a wonderful, “I’M SO DAMN PROUD OF YOU” dinner. We had to squeeze every last second out of our vacation so after dinner we took to some midnight swimming the pool at the hotel for a few hours, talking and discussing how exciting it is that Eryn is going to be a VET!
 |
| Chess then dinner at LaLuna! |
Woke up early for my flight, which I had to be dragged to. Gave Eryn a huge hug and left her with a “birthday suitcase” for her birthday that I am sadly missing next week and plodded into the airport. What is a birthday suitcase you ask? An entire suitcase filled with various presents underneath a rainbow crumpled mess of tissue paper. Everyone deserves to open a present on their day of birth, except Lindsey Weber and Molly O’Connor.
Anyway, I’m finishing writing this from the plane i’m currently sitting on. I’m flying over a vast endless supply of blue water, wishing I could go back and continue on a never ending vacation. I’m going back in February (That’s right Ophelia, Valerie, Sabrina, Carrie: FEBRUARY) but it already seems too far away. If you successfully read this through, well i’m extremely impressed, and thank you. This is my first and likely last blog. Unlike my best friend, who is a professional blogger I have not a clue what i’m doing. I hope this celebrity guest blog entertained you slightly, but odds are it bored you to death. Anyway, I highly recommend anyone who can get out here to visit Dr. Del Monte do so, you won’t regret it in the slightest. I’ll end this monstrosity on a simple note: I couldn’t be more impressed, proud, and excited for my BFF (that’s you Eryn). You’re doing an amazing job, and impressing everyone daily. <3
Kudos from the Caribbean sea!
