Trinidad & Tobago

Just a five and a half hour flight from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston is the enchanting island of Trinidad. Located on the very southern portion of the Caribbean island chain, and just north of Venezuela, this island has majestic mountain landscapes, beautiful beaches, delicious foods, and wonderful people. Here are a few key take always from my experience traveling to the Island of Trinidad this past February.

First Impressions: Warmth and Welcoming Vibes

Arriving late into Port of Spain, the first night in Trinidad was spent getting our bearings and hailing a taxi from the airport to the hotel, which was about $15.00USD. The warmth of the island and the smiles from the locals was enough to set my mind to island time. Unlike some places around the globe, the people of Trinidad are happy to make eye contact on the street and flash a genuine smile. Between that, and the perfect 85 degree weather, I knew Trinidad was going to be a treat. Even the Customs Agents greeted us with a smile and warm hospitality.

Cultural Immersion: Music, Celebrations, Art

One of the most captivating aspects of the trip was the massive preparation for the anual Carnival Celebration which occurs Feb 26-March 6th. This celebrated festival combines vibrant costumes, music, and parades to create an wondful sense of community and an electricity in the air. I was truly floored when my local guide and friend, Marcus, took me to see the local steel drum bands practicing for a competition that can only be described as “the battle of the bands meets parade.” We ducked into a fenced in, open plaza on the streets of Port of Spain where there were over 100 people playing steel drums in harmony, and without any sheet music. It’s quite an uplifting and inspiring experience to see so many humans working in such synchronization.

Interesting fact: The first Steel Pan or Steel Drum was invented in Trinidad and Tobago in the 1930’s, and is the only instrument to be invented in the 20th century.

Carnival features “Panorama,” the annual steel drum competition, and over 250 vendors who sell hand made art, textiles, furniture, soap, food, honey, and more. There is a nightly line up of different musicians who play while you shop and immerse in the Carnival celebrations.

Island Bites:

Upon first ariving in Trinidad my partner was told to try the famous “Bacon Shock.” To our very pleasant surprise, we found out that it was a fried shark sandwich, “Bake and Shark”. This particular sandwich had a salad bar of sauces that could be graciously applied, if you are daring enough to try. The green sauce was the spicy, but tangy and mildly citrusy. Definitely made me wonder if there was this much shark being served on land how many sharks were in the water?!?

Another delicious treat was served to us right on the street outside the hotel. Called, “Doubles,” we had zero idea about what this might be, but this was another local food the lovely Customs Agents in Trinidad said that we must try. Was it meat, chicken, corn, sandwich, seafood, what were Doubles? Our friend Marcus helped us order, and my partner Tranquilo Trin asked for whatever the locals have. Thank goodness she did, Doubles are a warm curried chickpea purée, covered in the sauce of your choice, all poured out onto two thinly fried flatbreads called “skins.” This culinary delight is a sloppy hand held comfort food, absolutely wonderful. The Doubles were handed to me on a square of parchment paper, and had to be the messiest, most delicious monstrosity I’ve every attempted to eat. I made it through with only spilling a little on my white linen shirt. Meanwhile, Tranquilo Trin was being cheered on by the locals for her ability to eat “Doubles” with the proper technique and without spilling a drop, a true accomplishment.

Natural Wonders: Hidden Gems

The northern part of the island is entirely rugged, steep mountains covered in thick jungle, whereas the southern part is much flatter with some rolling hills. Maracas Beach nesseled in the northern mountains was a major highlight of the trip. Getting there involved a 45 minute drive on some very well maintained, but narrow roads up and over the steep mountains. The trek over there is worth it. At Maracas Beach you will find turquoise water that almost matches the surrounding green jungle. It is the perfect temperature to cool you off from the 85 degree heat, and there are plenty of beach chairs and cold beer, what more could you ask for? There are some waterfall hikes in the mountains near this beach that sound enchanting as well. You can hire a private taxi from Port of Spain to Maracas for around $45.00USD, or take the local multi person “Maxi-Taxi” $15.00 USD, and make some friends! Hello to Andre and Family!

Tips For Your Trip To Trinidad

• Asking around for a shared taxi is the cheapest way to get across the island. While you can get individual taxis it is the local custom to save money by picking up as many people going to the same location as possible and splitting the cost.

• It’s good to have some cash on you as some places and taxis wont take credit cards. You can expect to pay around $5.00-$15.00 USD for food and $2.00USD for beers.

• Beer drinkers please note: It is custom for men to drink the lager, Stag, and the ladies drink Carib.

• Hire a Guide. Wheather its being shown the best spots to eat, or the best beaches and hikes, or the local entertainment, or having someone keep an eye out for your wellbeing; hiring a guide is the best way to get the most your of your vacation. If you are planning a trip to the island of Trinidad, feel free to contact me at Tranquilotours142@gmail.com for more information and to be set up with an extraordinary local guide who I have personally met, and who you can trust.