I recently returned to Panama from my Christmas vacation trip back home in Trinidad. I wanted to share some of the cool photos that I took and also use this opportunity to tell you a little more about my beautiful country.
Maracas Bay, Trinidad
Some of you may have never heard about this place especially if you have never travelled to this side of the world. Trinidad and Tobago is a twin-island country with a population of just over 1.3 million. It is located in the Caribbean, off the northern edge of the South American mainland. Trinidad and Tobago was under the British Colony until it gained Independence in 1962 and became a Republic in 1976.
Although it comprises of two islands, they both make up one country which is governed by one Government body headed by a Head of State or President followed by a Prime Minister.
I took this picture at the Maracas Lookout which is on the way to Maracas beach. It is the perfect place to stop to captivate the beautiful view of the ocean and mountainous area which makes an ideal scenery for taking photographs. It is usual to stop off there, not only to take pictures but also to catch a break from the long journey. You can indulge in the many sweets on sale from the Vendors.
Sweets Vendor, Maracas Lookout
Trinidad and Tobago is known for its Carnival and is the birthplace of steelpan, limbo, and the music styles of calypso, soca, parang, chutney, chutney soca, soca parang, rapso etc. Source: wikipedia
Typically, the best time to visit is for carnival which is either late February or early March every year. It is the busiest time of the year when foreigners trek in to get a taste of our culture. Trinidad and Tobago is a popular tourist destination (ranking #6 in the top 10 travel destinations in 2017 according to Vogue). Read article here.
Trinidad and Tobago boast of one of the best Carnival in the world. If you have not experienced it yet I promise you a time of your life!
Maracas, Beach
COPA Airlines offer direct flights if you are travelling from Panama City. I also believe there are connecting flights from some US destinations including Miami. You're welcome!
Bake & Shark Vendors at Maracas Bay
Bake & Shark
Trinidad is also known for its popular foods like Bake & Shark, Doubles, Roti, Callaloo, Souse, KFC jus to name a few. As you can see from the picture above, the Bake & Shark sandwich can be dressed in lettuce, cucumber, shadon beni (eryngium) sauce, mustard, ketchup, cabbage, tomatoes, pepper sauce or whatever your heart desires. There are at least 10 different condiments to choose from.
Doubles Vendor in Curepe
Doubles
Doubles is also another popular food (mentioned above). It is normal to see persons standing near the Vendors and eating them on the spot. Others may choose to buy to take away. For me, it tastes best when eaten hot! I personally do not like doubles after it has gotten cold and has to be reheated. It takes away from the taste! For others who really enjoy and cannot do without it, and this has become a common trend amongst especially Trinidadians also called "Trinis" living abroad, to have them frozen to take back when they travel.
Trincity Mall, Trincity
Fishing Boats at Pigeon Point Bay, Tobago
Pigeon Point Bay, Tobago
KFC Restaurant, Trincity Mall, Trincity
Having a coconut water
There are a lot of places of interest in Trinidad & Tobago that I can brag about but in this post, I particularly wanted to share some of my vacation pictures with you and to give you some travelling tips if you ever decide to go to Trinidad and Tobago. If in fact you do and are visiting for a short time, you can still have fun if you follow my post.
Coco Reef, Tobago
Glass bottom boat at Nyloon Pool, Tobago
Photo source: google.com
5 THINGS TO DO WHILE IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO:
1. Go to Maracas Bay which is situated on the north coast of Trinidad.
2. Take part in Carnival. The ideal thing to do is register upfront and pay to play mas on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. A recognized Band such as Tribe is a good option and they also offer bookings online. If you are unable to sign up with a Band you can head to downtown Port of Spain to witness the display of costumes at the Tuesday Parade. Go early, look for a comfortable spot where the bands will be parading (there is usually a route they follow) or you can head up to the Queens Park Savannah. At any direction you should be able to see masqueraders passing by. Take your friends with you, sunblock and umbrellas if necessary; sufficient water, food items and your cooler packed with drinks of your choice. This fits the description of what we call "a lime" or "liming" in Trinidad and Tobago. The costumes may appear to be the same from a distance, but each Band is different and are divided into Sections so that you can differentiate the costumes by the various colour schemes and styles. While having fun, you can dance and "chip" to the sweet sound of Soca music blaring on the passing music trucks.
3. Visit the sister isleTobago. You need at least 1 night stay there. Catch an early flight, spend the day at the beach. Be sure to taste a meal of Curry Crab and Dumplings! A favourite dish from Tobago. Go to Club Shade, the most popular Club in Tobago. The best time to go is on a Friday or Saturday night.
You may also take a Ferry from Port of Spain to get to Tobago which is more economical but this takes roughly about 3.5 hours one-way unlike a plane ride which only takes about 35 minutes. Hotel accommodation would also have to be made prior to your arrival. Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort is a popular one amongst locals and foreigners. Before leaving the airport be sure to purchase sweets such as Bene Ball, Fudge and Preserved Mango and Plum.
4. While in Tobago take a boat ride to Buccoo Reef - Coral Reefs. You can catch a glass bottom boat at Pigeon Point Bay then arrange with one of the boat operators there to be taken to the Reef. They will let you know what times are available, cost and the time you should be returning to shore. There is usually a tour guide on each boat who would inform you of things along the journey. There is a shallow area in the middle of the ocean called Nylon Pool where you would have the opportunity to come off the boat to snorkel or take a swim.
5. Sample some of our popular foods: Bake & Shark, Doubles, Callaloo, Roti, Souse and KFC. (In a separate post I will link the recipes for some of these foods). Hope you enjoyed this post.
Have you ever been to Trinidad and Tobago? If you are planning to visit and have questions, comment below and I shall be glad to assist.
