In the early 2000s, life seemed to have its own unhurried rhythm. It was 2002, and I had found myself in Horse's villa perched on the hills of Parlatuvier, Tobago. The villa’s panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea felt like something out of a dream, and Englishman’s Bay; an untouched paradise of turquoise waters and golden sands was just a short walk away.

What I remember most about those two weeks was not the breathtaking scenery but the solitude of seeing no human for an entire 14 days. My companions were the colorful tropical birds, an occasional iguana, and a curious agouti meandering across the yard. I lived simple, sustaining myself with plantains, avocados picked from a tree just down the valley, and the ever-reliable comfort of black "Hong Wing" coffee.

Evenings became my sacred time. With a cup of coffee in hand and a book on gardening and the world of palms on my lap, I would settle into the stillness. One late evening, around 9;30 or so, as a Grenadian radio station crackled faintly from my portable radio, my mind wandered back to the time I had learned in school years ago that Tobago and Grenada were once part of the same administrative colony.

Curiosity brewed within me; what did that connection mean for the islands? What was Grenada like? Its people, culture, coffee, and history? Fueled by the aroma of coffee and the spark of curiosity, I decided that once my short meditative time alone had ended, I would explore the “Spice Isle.”

During the colonial era, Tobago and Grenada shared a brief but fascinating history. In 1763, following the Treaty of Paris, France ceded both Grenada and Tobago to Britain. For administrative convenience, the British grouped Grenada, Tobago, and other Windward Islands into a single colony under British rule. However, this union was as challenging as it was short-lived.

Grenada remained part of the Windward Islands Colony for much of its colonial history. Tobago, meanwhile, became a pawn in the tug-of-war between European powers, shifting between Dutch, French, and British control before ultimately becoming a British Crown Colony. In 1889, Tobago was administratively joined with Trinidad, forming the colony of Trinidad and Tobago, a union that continues today.

Though separate nations now, Grenada and Tobago’s shared colonial past highlights the interconnectedness of Caribbean history. This bond remains, even as both islands have embraced their own distinct identities.

A few weeks after my tranquil stay in Tobago, I boarded a dry goods boat from Port of Spain, Trinidad, bound for Grenada. Fourteen hours later after having the most uncomfortable sleep on a row of diesel drums, I arrived early in the morning, eager to explore this new land; but with no plan in place; no hotel, no contacts, and no idea where I would spend the night.

As evening descended, I found myself on a stunning beach, its shore bathed in the fiery hues of a Grenadian sunset. I decided to rest there for the night, invoking my understanding of the “Three Chains Act,” which guaranteed public access to the shoreline.

Around 9 PM, however, two large security guards appeared, their flashlights beaming and voices booming. “You can’t sleep here; this is private property,” they said, their tone firm but not unkind.  I stood up! strapped my backpack on, tightened my jaws and did not say a word.  "We must take you to the Police Station" one of them continued in that firm voice. After verifying my documents and asking a few questions, they escorted me to the local police station.

The station’s officers greeted me with warmth and humor, despite the late hour. After clarifying that I wasn’t in trouble or out to cause any, one officer gestured toward a bunk bed and said, “It’s late. Go on; rest.”

That night, I slept soundly; not in a jail cell, as many have jokingly assumed, but in the care of kind and generous people. The officers even brewed me a strong cup of coffee the following morning. As we shared stories over our coffee, we laughed about the quirks of island life, talked about Grenada and Tobago’s shared history and about Trinidad. We marveled at how similar and connected Caribbean cultures truly are.

That night in Grenada reinforced a lesson I’ve encountered time and time again: the world is full of kind people if you’re willing to trust the journey. Whether it’s the generosity of a man named Horse allowing me to stay free for 2 weeks at his villa in Tobago or the hospitality of Grenadian police offering a safe place to rest, these moments remind us that connection is what truly enriches our lives.

And coffee? It’s the flavorful thread that ties these memories together. On the porch overlooking Parlatuvier or within the warm walls of a Grenadian police station, coffee has always been a symbol of comfort, kindness, and community for me.

Grenada and Tobago’s shared colonial past is a reminder that, despite physical separation, the bonds of history endure. This is the beauty of the Caribbean; woven together by culture, shared struggles, and a deep sense of resilience.

As I reflect on my adventures, I’m reminded of how much there is to savor in life: the beauty of a quiet sunset, the warmth of human connection, and the simple joy of a cup of coffee.

At Tamana Coffee, we celebrate these very things. Each cup we brew is a nod to the rich history, enduring connections, and meaningful experiences that make life worthwhile.

So, take a sip, embrace curiosity, and trust your journey; because life, like good coffee, is best enjoyed slowly, with an open heart and a sense of adventure.