Blogs from Trinidad, Trinidad & Tobago, Central America Caribbean - page 6

TRINIDAD IS HOT! We happened to come right before it rained, so it was wicked humid. Probably only 75 or so, but it was like the middle of July. Our flight came in right on time, the UW Trinny kids were there to meet us. A fantastic surprise. They treated us to some local fried chicken, like KFC with out the gross factor. They use this hot pepper sauce…looks like mashed up pickle relish…which is amazing, on everything. I think its garlic, cilantro some kind of pepper and a special blend of curry. Pretty awesome. The next morning, we had Subway. Yeah, I know…what the hell is up with this American cuisine. Don worry, ‘m breakin’ away a ready! After a short introduction to campus life by the Ag director, Richard (funny guy, crazy black santa…I ... read more

We have been in Trinidad for three months now and recently had to have our immigration status extended. It certainly doesn't feel like three months though- oh how time flies! For the most part we have been liming (for those who don't know, liming is a Trini term for just hanging out). We have been swimming in the pool, watching movies and cable tv, eating local foods like doubles and rotis, and making new friends with truly great people from all over the world. Although we have kept ourselves busy with boat projects too (we fixed everything that broke along the way as well as some new improvements to the Rum Runner- like the awnings and cockpit sun shades- very nice!). Jay learned to scuba dive thanks to our friends Brian and Stephanie on s/v Sublime ... read more

Angostura aromatic bitters was developed in 1824 by Dr. Siegert, who was living in the town of Angostura on the northern coast of Venezuela at the time. Originally it was used medicinally as a digestion aid, however over time it has gained popularity in soft drinks, cocktails, and other alcoholic drinks as well as a staple in Caribbean cooking. It has now gained world-wide notoriety and can be found in just about any bar or pub, actually I wouldn't be surprised to find out that many of you have a bottle of bitters laying about as well. But what I find most fascinating about Angostura bitters is that the recipe has been kept a secret for over 150 years. Only 5 people on the world know how to make Angostura bitters and the special combination of ... read more

Bake N' Shark is a local dish in Trinidad, and if you ask any Trini where to go to get the best bake n' shark on the island- they all tell you to go to Maracas Beach. Maracas Beach is not only one of the prettiest beaches on the island but is also the place where bake n' shark originated. So in our quest to experience the local culture and food, we decided to organize a trip to Maracas. Now there is nothing baked in a bake n' shark, it is all fried- so the name is a little confusing. The young shark is marinated overnight and fried up fresh to order and served in a doughy bake, which is fried bread. It is then served with lots of yummy condiments- like shadon beni and pepper ... read more

So far we have really loved our time here in Trinidad; the people are friendly, the culture rich in history, and the wildlife is amazing. Last night we went on a tour to see the giant leatherback turtles nest on the beach, one of the many great wildlife tours available here in Trinidad. And it was such an awesome night! We got picked up by a van at 4:30 pm and drove across the island to the Matura Bay Turtle Sanctuary. Matura Bay is one of the many beaches in Trinidad where the giant leatherback turtles come to lay eggs during the nesting season, which is June lst thru August lst. The beach here is a protected area and many hotel developments have been stopped because the bright lights confuse the baby turtles and are detrimental ... read more