When you imagine the Caribbean, what comes to mind?
Crystal blue waters and white sand beneath your feet? Sipping frozen drinks by the pool? All-Inclusive resorts on the beach?
Many people imagine a holiday destination like T & T boasts cosmopolitan cuisine, ethnic diversity, and world class music. Still not sold?
Trinidad is also world renowned for the most famous Carnival outside Rio. Its carnival has influenced communities as far flung as New York, Toronto, and London. Just before Lent, the streets of Port of Spain become one enormous party. Steeped in African tradition, Trinis celebrate Now, for the question you’re probably dying to know: why haven’t I mentioned the beaches? Trinidad has beaches, but Tobago is where you go for blue water. We didn’t have enough time this trip to visit but that’s definitely on the bucket list! What the larger island lacks in clear turquoise water it makes up for in isolated, unspoiled wilderness. The day after we arrived, our first stop was Macqueripe Beach. Armed with a bathing suit, camera, and the kindness of Stef’s aunt and uncle for driving us, we rode down the beautiful Tucker Valley Road, a former military base. The morning was drizzly and misty, creating a cloud-like effect. If you looked in the trees, you could see– and hear! – howler monkeys jumping through the branches, a sight I didn’t expect to see in the Caribbean. While Macqueripe doesn’t have that blue water, it’s situated in a bay that protects it from hard waves, giving it a calmness ideal for swimming. Filled with families and teens, this is a locals beach. I should mention, Macqueripe is also the site of Another lovely feature is the abundant fauna and flora-rich hiking trails, some of which lead to waterfalls. We visited the Bamboo Cathedral, a jungle pathway covered by the plant, that creates an arched, flying buttress-like effect. We spotted a large vulture descending on what appeared to be the remains of a snake. After a detour, we were on our way walking along the main road into Chaguaramas, where we caught a maxi taxi. For an evening out, what to do? I must admit, I was surprised by how few traditional bars I found in and around Port of Spain. If you’re relatively young and looking for more of an American-style bar atmosphere, head to Speaking of limin’, after a night of drinking, the perfect plan is to head to Maracas Beach in the morning. If you haven’t visited Maracas at least once on your trip, you haven’t really experienced Trinidad. People don’t simply come here to swim– and the current is strong! I’m afraid to tell you that it knocked me over, stripping me of my bikini top in the process. Maracas is not the place to practice your laps. We were off to a Sunday afternoon visit, again, courtesy of Stef’s Uncle and Aunt. This is a place where you can pull up a plastic chair, strike up a conversation with a stranger, and end up sharing a shot of rum. True story. On any given weekend, you’ll likely encounter a fete or the aftermath of one — large, vibrant party. The music is pumping — Soca, of course. Unlike in the United States, a party ain’t a party without music and dancing. It’s here that you’ll also observe or partake in another favorite Trini pastime: wining. This is a dance that gets up close and personal with your partner. It’s all in the hips! I love a strong rum punch and you’ll definitely find one at the stalls lined up along the road. One experience you cannot afford to forgo while at Maracas is sampling its famous Let’s talk about food
On a night out, you’re looking for something fast and easy to nosh on. If you’re from New York, that’s a pizza slice, kebabs in Turkey and parts of Europe, and arepas when in Colombia or Venezuela. In T & T, the Roti is also of East Indian origin, though not the same as its continental equivalent. It reminded me more of Malaysian roti canai or other Southeast Asian variation. In Trinidad, Guyana, and other Indian-influenced Caribbean nations, you’ll find two varieties of roti: Taking It All In
Trinidad is hot. As much as a marathon walker as I am, an afternoon of humid, 85 degree heat depletes even me. You’ll need to sit down and rest. There’s the Queen’s Savannah, which isn’t very shaded except at its periphery. However, I prefer to pot a squat at What About The Beaches?
Eating and Drinking on the Town
It’s All in the Hips