My second foray into Europe was in 2008, landing at London Gatwick to work during World Travel Market, an uber-global tourism event where almost the whole world boasts its cultures and offers its best destinations.
That trip, seeking out pavilions from across the continents, sampling food and beverages, and taking in multiple cultural performances, ignited my desire to travel.
Sixteen years later, I have travelled to absorb what I can of culture, of food, of ways of living, always to learn more about a new place, and how what I observe can be applied back home, but mostly I travel to use a cliché, to find myself. I’ve visited art museums, galleries, libraries and markets in several major European cities, either walked or negotiated their public transport systems, enjoyed the parks and green spaces their publics hold dear, and been amused and amazed at the differences and similarities as I moved from Helsinki, Finland to Venice, Italy to Prague, Czechia to London, England for example, and similarities to things often seen in old-time Caribbean.
Enamel cups and metal plates, Helsinki Hotel and Restaurant Museum. Photo: SLCT
A recent interview in Grenada talked about my travels, art and health. In retrospect, it may appear that I have won the travel lotto, but no. There is a much simpler answer. I travel on a backpacker, shoestring, tight-to-squeaking budget. Most of my travel is self-funded, the amount depends on art sales, which in a good year may be 3 paintings; and by savings from habits I do not cater to: fetes, carnival, smoking, and spontaneous purchases outside of art supplies. After food, medicines and utilities, and bus money, what’s left goes towards the next trip. Travel is my only vice.
I travel for art, for culture (including food) and for personal edification. I am happiest when I travel, and happier still, if I come across a historical connection to Grenada, proof we are not just tiny unconnected dots in the ocean. In my mind, Big Ocean States (BOSS) works better for me than large ocean states or small island states. I can see the T-shirt: I am a BOSS citizen. Much better for the regional psyche than an acronym similar to plural unexplained baby deaths: who gave us that juju?
While I was waiting inside Prague airport, it rained. Photo: SLCT
If not staying with friends, I tend to sleep in female dorms in hostels, with breakfast included. Hostels are microcosms, and sleeping in a room with 4 to 8 strangers, makes for interesting conversations—I met a Harry Potter diehard once, and 2 doctors studying for German qualifications another time—and insight into life from female travellers’ points of view. Mind you, when the budget is almost to bust, a cheap overnight bus trip gets me a place to sleep and free wifi, saving on a flight. I’ve had to sleep in an airport or 2 as well, with varying degrees of comfort and amusement—all part of the adventure.
I eat well enough in Grenada; we grow good pumpkins, greens, and ground provisions, and my backyard seems to replicate bananas. So when I travel, I tend to eat from the fresh markets: whatever is local and in season. I scrounge in the supermarkets and groceries, too—amazing food finds are usually what I bring home as souvenirs. European cafes are great for people watching, good coffee and snacks.
Cafe breakfast, Venice. Photo: SLCT
My first foray into Europe was on an award from UNESCO Andorra (June 2008) to attend an international art camp. Prior to this, I had no reason to go to Europe and certainly could not afford the cost of flight, visas, and accommodation with unfavourable exchange rates. I have been fortunate to have received a handful of awards that included travel to Europe, the last from the Eccles Centre Fellowship to research Grenada maps at the British Library in 2022. Europe aside, I’ve had travel awards to Buenos Aires, Argentina (Carib-Export, 2008); a UNESCO award in 2011 to Melbourne, Australia; College English Association-Caribbean Chapter (Puerto Rico 2012) and in 2023, to Beijing, China, courtesy of the Chinese Government. These awards reflect my pursuits and interests in handmade paper packaging, visual art, the Grenada ShortKnee, and journalism, respectively.
Unfortunately, I’ve not been to as many regional countries. My freedom of movement is shackled largely by the cost of flights and accommodation. The last time I travelled around the region was when LIAT had their explorer fare. Those days are long gone.
To paraphrase Chef Anthony Bourdain: If you’re physically fit, travel as far and as widely as possible. “Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them—wherever you go.” In short, be part of the landscape; it’s cathartic, inspirational, and spiritual. This is how I find myself.