Blogs from Trinidad & Tobago, Central America Caribbean - page 9

Today was the island of Tobago, back to the tiny island feel with only 55,000 inhabitants. The island seemed to be pretty wealthy, I guess they have oil there so that's probably why. There was a great culture on the island, we got to hear some vodu stories, I know how to make a love pie now, and I also know the 2 antidotes. One you can swalow some silver, or 2 you can poor a guiness into your left shoe and drink it. We took another tour this mourning and went to the Argyle Waterfall. It is a beautiful three-tier waterfall that has a pool at the bottom I actually got to take a refreshing dip in! :-) I was the only one in the group to brave the muddy colored water but once I ... read more

On the road once more visiting the Caribbean islands and enjoying everything possible. Already visited Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada and Trinidad. Right now I am in Tobago for a few restful days.... read more

A visit to Trinidad today would reveal a multicultural melting pot stirred by the descendants of settlers from Europe, Africa, Asia, South America and the Middle East. But in 1498, when explorer Christopher Columbus set foot on Trinidad, things were very different. Arawak and Carib Indians prospered here on the island the Amerindians called Ieri, land of the Humming Bird, until Columbus spotted the island he named for the Holy Trinity. When the Spaniards discovered no precious metals on Trinidad, the Amerindians were enslaved and shipped off to work on other Caribbean settlements. Nearly a century would pass before Spain established Trinidad's first European community, San Jose de Oruna (St Joseph), which was sacked and burnt by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1595. Sir Walter Raleigh was also said to have discovered the Pitch Lake, from which ... 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