Blogs from Trinidad & Tobago, Central America Caribbean - page 17

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It's been a whirlwind couple of days since I've gotten to Trinidad, but isn't that always how the first couple of days seem? So first things first...Where in the world am I and why? I'm in Trinidad and Tobago (whip out those globes...or look at the little map on the bottom, it's an island off the coast of Venezuela) for the next 7 weeks doing an independent study of sorts studying the marriage and wedding traditions of the area. Translation: I'm crashing Hindu, Muslim, and various types of Christian weddings for the summer. Everytime someone asks what I'm doing here I get less and less sure why I'm here, but every person has enthusiastically told me I'm in the right place for weddings, so here's hoping. I thought coming to an English speaking country would be ... read more
She's a biggun


Silver waves washed the sandy shore in the pinkish hue of evening light. The sun sailed red into the ocean where the silhouettes of small fishing craft swayed in the gentle breeze. Above, coconut palms arched over the beach to form a natural vaulted roof. The bride and groom stood bare foot on the warm sand as the pastor read from the Songs of Solomon. The perfect setting for a romantic wedding. When Henry and Louise decided to marry in Tobago it was their favourite holiday destination and held many happy memories. Arranging a wedding 5000 miles away from home though can be a daunting prospect. So it is not surprising that couples hoping to marry in the Caribbean tend to opt for the ‘all in package’ offered by hotels, often in expensive tourist resorts. ... read more


Three of us traveled down to San Fernando to be at the Supreme Court building by 9 a.m. and during the morning went for a snack at the Treehouse Restaurant. As we traveled back north, not far from San Fernando, we had lunch at Cara Suites, originally known as Farrell House but which recently had undergone a change of ownership, change of name and was completely renovated. These photos were taken that day.... read more
City Hall -San Fernando
Rotunda
Treehouse Restaurant


On January 1, some West Indian friends picked me up to take me to a dinner at a relative's home high up in the hills where there is no water and no electricity. The nearby cold and clear mountain spring is their source for water, as well as a full rain barrel outside the small 2 room concrete house that was built by the resident. It was a lovely West Indian meal, all you could eat served buffet style, and many relatives and friends were arriving, eating and leaving all afternoon. The friendliness and gracious hospitality of the host and hostess could not be matched by the finest hotel. The pictures I snapped en route do not adequately show the very steep incline of the mountainous rain forest. The incline down to their house is so ... read more
homes along the roadside
Homes on the hillside
Foliage along the roadside


Our annual trek to West Mall in Trinidad was great fun and also eye-opening to see the modernization that had been accomplished over the past year. Here are some scenes from The Falls, as it is now called. The white tiles on the floor look like marble! Because renovation is still going on, some stores have yet to move in. When they do, there will be almost nothing that you cannot get here.... read more
Angel
Large Wreath
Escalator


Everyone heads to Chaguanas for bargains for Christmas, and this busy city is well known for its fabric stores, street vendors and crazy traffic. This day I captured a few typical scenes as we made our way through the crowds.... read more
Curtain rod for sale
Mats for sale
Indian Store


Today was a red letter day for the family of Pat and Ray LeBarrie of Arima, Trinidad, since this was the day they emigrated to the United States after many years of planning and waiting. They and their two children, Paul and Becky, plan to live in Homestead, Florida, near Ray's mom and brother to be able to better further their children's education and be near relatives. A large group of us went to the airport to share last minute coffee with them and to bid them a fond farewell. It was a happy and exciting time for them, but mixed emotions for those dear friends they have to leave behind. The day dawned beautifully, with no rain in sight, in stark contrast to recent days of heavy storms, overcast skies and much flooding. Some pictures ... read more
Piarco ceiling
Pat & Becky
Airport greenery


Some Background: In 1992, I moved to Trinidad, West Indies, from Scarborough, Maine. Trinidad is such a beautiful country that I would like to share some photos from time to time with my friends and relatives who are scattered abroad. And probably I will tag along with some thoughts as well. Perhaps those in the colder climates will feel a little warmth on their faces when they look at the lush greenery and see the glimmering sunshine on the leaves of the trees. You can almost feel the heat in some of these pictures and, for some people, that would be just fine! Especially when it is sleeting, snowing, hailing, or raining during the long Winter months. Here is a photo of a view overlooking the village of Tunapuna, Trinidad, taken from the balcony of ... read more




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