New Things

Ofcourse what I love so much about travelling is the new things. The history of T&T is really quite different to Australia, although both places were colonised by the British at one point. However the British took control of T&T from Spain, and brought over many Africans as slaves, unlike Australia which was founded on the labour of British convicts. Also the climate of the two places differs greatly, which also accounts for differences. For example Australia's greatest produce in the early years of colonisation was wool and wheat, now its minerals (at least in WA). Here it was sugar and cocoa, although now oil is responsible for alot of the money coming into the country. Ha I find this history so interesting. Also its a new experence to be so in the minority- whites make up roughly 10% of the pop'n here. Yes, new experiences everyday.

I've been introduced to many new foods, alot of it quite heavy but tasty. Influences from all over the world which reflects the mixed cultures in a different way to Australia. These groups of people- Indian, Chinese, Africans, Spanish etc have been here for generations upon generations. Its old news and the food variety is not caused by recent migrations, infact it seems people here aren't too keen on travel. I spend my time musing on the differences and ofcourse, not only the people but the landscape is so incredibly different. It took me a while to get my head around the fact that people who look like me are native to a place that looks like this. Um not being rude in the slightest but Australia is very clean and neat and tidy.. well at least the parts I'm familiar with are. It is a new, baby country in some ways. Here is mountainous and there are dipilitated houses (in the old colonial British style- huge, with pillars and turrets and all sorts), crumbling walls and street vendors, barbed wire everywhere and bars on most windows and doors. Hmm interesting contrast I found there, anyway. Its much greener and lush than what I'm accustomed too ofcourse, as I come from a dry state where it doesn't rain so much.

Went on a huge boat yesterday with lost of people, some I've met some I hadn't. Was really fun, we went 'Down The Islands', anchored up, swam around, drank a bit, snorkwlled and ate some delicous fish. Not cooked but soaked in lemon juice in a type of salad.. din't think I'd be the type for raw fish but was good. People love their sauces and condiments here, and pepper which I'm not so keen on. Day before went to the museum- v. interesting. History and paitnings, photos and some stuffed native animals, insects and fish. Going to a duck farm tomorrow.

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