Blogs from Trinidad & Tobago, Central America Caribbean

“No one moves, nobody gets hurt” No, this isn’t a robbery; it is what we hear on the VHF (radio) every time a storm is upon us while in our current location. We aren’t sure who in the area is saying it, but it gives us something to smile about. What does the message mean? Well, those of you that have been at anchor in a busy anchorage will understand. When the wind picks up just before a rainstorm, everyone first battens down the hatches (literally we close the hatches) but we also keep an eye out to be sure that we don’t drag anchor or get too close to any other boats located in the anchorage. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief when the storm has passed and “no one moved and therefore no one ... read more

Just a quick note to clarify an earlier blog. We talked about our trip to learn about Angostura Bitters, but due to a very astute blog follower we realized that we never told what it was!! This is what happens when you become familiar with something - you forget that others may not know. In learning the history about this product we found that it was first developed by a German doctor as a medication for stomach troubles. Soon after its development some people found that they actually enjoyed the taste of bitters. It then started to be marketed for use as a flavoring for many dishes. The most commonly known use is by bartenders in adding it to punches and other alcoholic drinks. It is also known to be used as a flavoring in cakes, ... read more

According to the great Hindu epic ‘Ramayana’, Denali is believed to be the time when Lord Rama defeated and killed the evil King Ravana and after passing a period of fourteen years in exile returned to his capital Ayodhya on a new moon day of the Kartik season with wife Sita and brother Lakshman. This homecoming of Lord Rama is celebrated with lights, fireworks, and merriment. The tradition continues to this day where huge effigies of Ravana are burned symbolizing Lord Rama's vanquishing of the demon king. The idols of Goddess Lakshmi, the symbol of wealth and prosperity and Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, are worshipped in most Hindu homes on this day. “Denali or 'Deepawali',as it is known is the Festival of Lights. The people light up the ... read more

Magnificent, lush, green, wet, alive, elegant, relaxing, serene, and vivid are all words that could be used to describe our trip to Asa Wright Nature Reserve in Trinidad. We signed up for an overnight trip to stay at the Asa Wright Nature Reserve. The trip began on Saturday, October 15th at 9:30 AM when we climbed into a van driven by Jesse James, Trinidad tour guide supreme. We heard Jesse’s name from other cruisers hundreds of miles before we even got to Trinidad. For the cruising community he is Trinidad’s number 1 ambassador. His business, Members Only, caters predominantly to cruisers. His primary business is providing transportation to shops but he also is a source of information and assistance - everything from where can I get this part for my boat to emergency medical assistance. The ... read more

A rainy day at home. The sound of rain on the deck, the gentle rocking of the boat, time to read. A time to relax. then at quickly as it started, it ends. Now it is time to continue putting away those things we brought from the US, get re-acquinted with our home and try to scratch off some of those items on the "to do list". The rainy season has its benefits!... read more