Living The 'Trinbago' Life

An Excellent Guesthouse in Trinidad

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My Room at the Guesthouse Photo - Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean

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Since Trinidad is not anywhere close to being on the backpacker trail of the world, accommodations are either hotels or a random Bed and Breakfast which may or may not be in a great location. If you're visiting for a week or less, you may be able to snag a reasonable deal with one of the more budget oriented hotels in the country, but anything longer than this would be unreasonably costly.A better idea would be to find a guesthouse or apartment which rents to visitors for longer terms for a reasonable price. These types of accommodations vary greatly in regards to the number of rooms and amenities which are included. Basic rooms can be had for approximately $11 USD per day, while the sky i...Read More

Since Trinidad is not anywhere close to being on the backpacker trail of the world, accommodations are either hotels or a random Bed and Breakfast which may or may not be in a great location. If you're visiting for a week or less, you may be able to snag a reasonable deal with one of the more budget oriented hotels in the country, but anything longer than this would be unreasonably costly.

A better idea would be to find a guesthouse or apartment which rents to visitors for longer terms for a reasonable price. These types of accommodations vary greatly in regards to the number of rooms and amenities which are included. Basic rooms can be had for approximately $11 USD per day, while the sky is the limit for luxury.

The guesthouse which became my home for over six months belonged to a local called Mr. Maraj. It was located in a really nice neighbourhood in the suburbs of D'abadie, and because of the Priority bus route only being only a short walk away, I was well connected to everywhere. The guesthouse was a bargain, at $15 a night including all the bills and household amenities.

My apartment consisted of a livingroom, two bedrooms, a kitchen, a large laundry room and a bathroom. The rooms were fully furnished, and decorated with simple touches such as pictures on the walls and various trinkets which helped the atmosphere to feel more homely. The kitchen was fully stocked with all the different pots and pans, silverware and gadgets such as microwaves and a toaster oven. The laundry room was equipped with a washer and a dryer as well as large sinks for hand washing purposes.

In the living room, a large television was set up, with many different channels available from the included Cable package. A large old school radio was also available, but for the several months of my stay, I never found the time to try it out. Wifi and airconditioning were also part of the deal, and they both ran smoothly and efficiently during my time there. Everything that could ever be needed in order to have a comfortable life in Trinidad was included in the $15 per day price tag.

The building itself housed three different apartments. The main apartment upstairs belonged to the owners, and two smaller apartments including my own were situated on the ground floor. There was a tiled driveway immediately outside of my door where I could have parked a vehicle if I had rented one. The entire property was fenced, and a large electronic gate enhanced our security.

The landowners were very pleasant, and Mr. Maraj and his wife went out of their way sometimes to make sure that my roommate and I were always comfortable. He willingly replaced the gas for the stove whenever it ran out and any other issues which came up. An example of his unwavering hospitality was when there was an unprecedented power outtage in our community. He knocked at our door to apologize and explain that this was not the norm, and brought us oil lamps in case we needed to do any reading or cooking.

This guesthouse made my stay in Trinidad a very enjoyable one. It was great being able to have a place that I could call my own, cook comfortably in and to hang up my clothes in a closet rather than living out of a suitcase. If anyone is visiting the country for longer than a week, I highly recommend they give this place a try. It's good for your budget and even better for your peace of mind! Read Less

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Bargain Shopping in Trinidad

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Shopping Downtown Photo - Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean

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Most Caribbean islands except for Puerto Rico and St. Maarten (St. Maarten is duty free) are very expensive places to go shopping. Almost everything is heavily taxed and the variety is usually limited, making for a somewhat frustrating experience for visitors. Simple items such as sunscreen may only be found in pharmacies for a price that isn't cringe worthy, as 'regular' stores almost double the cost. Trinidad however, is quite an exception and for a rather original reason in comparison to the other islands. Due to the fact that the nation is very industrial as opposed to tourism oriented, many products are exported instead of imported, so shopping in general is very affordable. I took ad...Read More

Most Caribbean islands except for Puerto Rico and St. Maarten (St. Maarten is duty free) are very expensive places to go shopping. Almost everything is heavily taxed and the variety is usually limited, making for a somewhat frustrating experience for visitors. Simple items such as sunscreen may only be found in pharmacies for a price that isn't cringe worthy, as 'regular' stores almost double the cost.

Trinidad however, is quite an exception and for a rather original reason in comparison to the other islands. Due to the fact that the nation is very industrial as opposed to tourism oriented, many products are exported instead of imported, so shopping in general is very affordable. I took advantage of the opportunity and went on several shopping sprees. However, better bargains can be had if you know where to go. Some places are more expensive than others, and an item may cost $12 in one location, and $7 in another.

The reason for this fluctuation in price is simple. Visitors who don't know how to find better deals will resort to paying the higher price, thinking that they're still getting a good deal based on prices elsewhere in the region. Here are a few tips in order to help future visitors get the best bang for their buck and to avoid spending unneccessary funds.

1. The Falls At West Mall the most visually appealing shopping plazas on the island. Cascading waterfalls dominate the environs, both outside and indoors, and the sounds of which is seemingly echoed throughout the building. The atmosphere is quiet, there's glitz and glam and the prices match the experience. If you're a premium shopper who's looking for boutique styles and high fashion, this is your paradise, but bargain shoppers beware. It's a great place for a day out on the town, but it will definitely obliterate your budget if you're visiting to shop.

2. If you prefer to shop at malls rather than downtown, I recommend either Trincity Mall or Gulf City Mall. Trincity Mall is within a ten minute drive from the main airport, it's the largest shopping area on the island, and the prices aren't too high for good quality products. It's actually the largest shopping mall in the entire Caribbean and the local currency makes for good bargains. Gulf City Mall is in the South of the country, which is over an hours' drive from the airport, but prices are even lower there, and the shopping experience is really decent.

3. Regardless of any good deals which can be found at malls, in the Caribbean the best prices on anything can only be found on the streets of the main capital city. Port of Spain is not the most visually appealing city in the Caribbean, and some visitors may be hesitant to venture there given the reputation of crime in the area. I, however, have shopped countless times in Port of Spain and I've not had a single incident. Everything can be found here for ridiculously low prices, from clothing, to electronics and toiletries.

4. The Market sells a large variety of fruits and vegetables, and there are numerous small shacks along the main roads selling fresh local juices and coconut water. If you are more interested in shopping for local delicacies, I only recommend Port of Spain. Roti, Pholourie and some of the best Doubles in the island are only found along the streets of the capital. Simply follow the locals and eat where they eat. Local foods bought at the malls and plazas aren't anywhere as delicious, and are twice as expensive for the mediocre dish.

5. Finally, many things are genuinely cheap in Trinidad, such as car parts and mechanical items. Given the large number of factories on the island, it's not suprising that the island produces some of it's very own brands of several American and European commodities, but for a far lower cost. Shopping in Trinidad can be done for a really good deal, and I hope that these five tips will help! Read Less

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A Dinner Date For Diwali

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Fireworks during Diwali Photo - Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean

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Due to the large Indian population in the nation of Trinidad and Tobago, many of the Hindu celebrations are recognized there, and Diwali is not an exception. The Festival of Lights is one of the largest holidays of the Indian society, and I was lucky enough to be invited to participate in the festivities with a local family.In the days leading up to Diwali, there was a hustle and bustle in my neighbourhood, as locals did various chores around their homes in preparation for the event. Many different structures were skillfully created using dried halves of bamboo shoots on which lots of candles would be placed. Many of my Indian friends stopped eating meats of any kind, as this is part of th...Read More

Due to the large Indian population in the nation of Trinidad and Tobago, many of the Hindu celebrations are recognized there, and Diwali is not an exception. The Festival of Lights is one of the largest holidays of the Indian society, and I was lucky enough to be invited to participate in the festivities with a local family.

In the days leading up to Diwali, there was a hustle and bustle in my neighbourhood, as locals did various chores around their homes in preparation for the event. Many different structures were skillfully created using dried halves of bamboo shoots on which lots of candles would be placed. Many of my Indian friends stopped eating meats of any kind, as this is part of their religious proceedings for Diwali.

My close friend, Ameer invited me and a few of my friends over to his home to have dinner with his family to celebrate the event. The drive to his house was fascinating, as all of the Indians in the different villages and communities had seemingly hundreds of lights dotting their front lawns and porches. Everything from driveways to even the wall fences were bathed in a golden glow, and it was a spectacular sight to behold.

We soon arrived to Ameer's home, and his house was even more lit than most of those we had passed on our journey there. On closer inspection, I discovered that the candes were actually small wicks floating around in oil contained within small clay jars. His driveway was tiled, so at each of the four edges of a tile, a small jar was placed, creating a lovely uniform design. All around his house, from the window sills to the garage was covered with the brightly lit clay jars.

His extended family was there too, and the small children ran around the yard, taking care to avoid the jars of flames which were apparently everywhere. I was nervous about this, but they did look adorable in their traditional wear. Brightly coloured garments covered them from head to toe and the Bindi mark on their foreheads significantly stood out in a bold declaration of their religion.

Dinner was then held in the common room, and we were seated around a very long table. Several bowls of food were alligned in front of us containing all sorts of Indian dishes including Dahlpouri, Callaloo, roti skins, white rice, curried Channa and Aloo. We were then given freshly washed fig leaves on which we were to eat from using only our hands. It was quite the experience, and I treasure the memory. Everyone passed bowls of food around, and we were shown the easiest way to eat rice with our fingers. The 'togetherness' of this type of dinner is vastly apparent.

Everything that I ate tasted incredible, and I even tried a few delicacies that I was unable to identify. I was so pleased about everything, that I totally forgot that there wasn't any meat involved! All too soon, the meal was over and we washed our hands and went out to the front lawn. Ameer and his brother set off a large amount of fireworks, and after a while other homes in the community did the same. The sky was constantly painted with colours, and loud booms echoed into the night. The little ones ran around with sparklers in their hand, as their parents and grandparents watched on.

I am really grateful to my friend for his generosity, as I celebrated Diwali with him and his loved ones. It was my first experience with the Indian lifestyle, and it was an enlightening cultural adventure.
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R & Sea Diver's Company

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Attraction | "Fantastic Diving in Tobago"

After My First Dive! Photo - R & Sea Diver's Company, Crown Point, Trinidad and Tobago

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The small twin otter aircraft belonging to Caribbean Airlines lined up for the final descent into Tobago. The approach was nothing short of amazing, as we were flying only a few feet below the azure sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea. The sea in which I hoped to explore via means of Scuba Diving. I was here in order to see what wonders lay underwater in the unspoilt tiny island, and the term excited didn't begin to express the emotion which was coursing through me.After collecting my luggage, I took a small cab to Fish Tobago, my hostel for my weekend trip. I needed a good night's rest since the staff of R&Sea Divers were picking me up bright and early the following day. This was to...Read More

The small twin otter aircraft belonging to Caribbean Airlines lined up for the final descent into Tobago. The approach was nothing short of amazing, as we were flying only a few feet below the azure sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea. The sea in which I hoped to explore via means of Scuba Diving. I was here in order to see what wonders lay underwater in the unspoilt tiny island, and the term excited didn't begin to express the emotion which was coursing through me.

After collecting my luggage, I took a small cab to Fish Tobago, my hostel for my weekend trip. I needed a good night's rest since the staff of R&Sea Divers were picking me up bright and early the following day. This was to be my first experience diving, but I knew I would love it, since I grew up being an avid snorkeller. I've long been fascinated with the wonders of the deep, and I considered Tobago a good place to delve into diving.

As promised, I was picked up at 7am and driven to the diving office. I had a Discover Scuba lesson reserved, and I found the company to be the best deal o the island at $70 USD. This involved a pool session, as well as a beach dive. The morning began with the signing of a number of documents, mostly health related, and a waiver form releasing the company of responsibility for any injuries incurred. This waiver form is the norm when engaging in all risky activities.

It turned out that three of us in total would be participating in the Discovery dive, and we were instructed to watch a film which illustrated everything we needed to know before heading into the water. It was greatly informative, and only served to spark my interest even further. After what felt like forever, the film ended and we were brought outside to the warehouse to be outfitted for our wetsuits and gear.

After we've gotten dressed for the occasion, we entered the private pool of the company and received one-on-one training for the basic skills we would need for our beach dive. I learned how to clear my mask of water, regulator recovery underwater using the arm swing technique and how to share oxygen using the buddy system.

Eventually, the three of us sufficiently passed the tests and we hopped into the company's pickup amd drove to the Mt Irvine Bay and set up for the dive. The first few minutes underwater was rather ackward as I tried to learn how to use my breathing patterns to rise and descend, but I soon got the hang of it and it was awesome afterwards!

At last, I was happily swimming under the waves, seeing the colourful reefs up close and personal. The diving instructors were exceptionally attentive, and constantly checked our guages to ensure that we weren't running low on air. The experience was utterly surreal as we breathed underwater, swam with the fishes and hovered over corals. I fell in love with the sport and decided immediately that this would not be my last dive.

All too soon, it was time to leave the cerulean depths and we stuggled back to shore with the heavy tanks on our backs. It was funny in itself, as we fought to keep our balance on the ever shifting sands. After removing all the gear, I snapped a photo in my wetsuit to keep as a reminder of the fantastic time I had.

Diving in Tobago is wonderful, and the staff at R&Sea Diving is nothing short of the same. I highly recommend to any interested individuals who are planning a trip to Tobago in the future. It's an otherworldly experience that you're not likely to ever forget!
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R & Sea Diver's Company
Store Bay Road
Crown Point, Tobago
868 639-8521

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Queen's Park Savannah

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Attraction | "Greenery In A Concrete Jungle"

Pathways for taking a stroll in the Park Photo - Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

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The Queen's Park Savannah in central Port of Spain is a popular attraction for both locals and visitors alike. It's the world's largest traffic Round-A-Bout, and was aptly named after the Queen of England, seeing that Trinidad was once a British Colony. This area, fondly known as simply The Savannah, is the most substantial region of greenery in the city, and subsequently serves as the 'lungs' of the city.The park has a large number of trees strategically placed all around its circumference. Several of them are of different types, with the most famous being the Scarlet Flambouyant whose brilliant red flowers literally douses the park with colour during the Summer months. The shade which is...Read More

The Queen's Park Savannah in central Port of Spain is a popular attraction for both locals and visitors alike. It's the world's largest traffic Round-A-Bout, and was aptly named after the Queen of England, seeing that Trinidad was once a British Colony. This area, fondly known as simply The Savannah, is the most substantial region of greenery in the city, and subsequently serves as the 'lungs' of the city.

The park has a large number of trees strategically placed all around its circumference. Several of them are of different types, with the most famous being the Scarlet Flambouyant whose brilliant red flowers literally douses the park with colour during the Summer months. The shade which is provided attracts families and couples all year round, and many people either take up residence under the actual trees with blankets, or if they're lucky they'll find an empty park bench to relax on.

Apart from the trees, the park is very well groomed and obviously cared for with love. The lawn is always a vivid shade of green and the many different flower banks all around the park are perfectly manicured. The park is definitely a large area (260 acres) of natural beauty in the middle of a concrete jungle.

The Queen's Park Savannah, however, is not simply just a place to enjoy a picnic or to admire the flora. On weekends, the park is the venue for several different sporting activities including cricket and soccer. Crowds of spectators gather to support their favourite team, and others such as myself simply attend to soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Simpler activities such as jogging take place everyday at the park, as individuals span the entire circumference at seemingly all hours of the day and even into the evening.

Many different events are also commonly held in The Savannah. From music festivals featuring both local and international artists to major occasions such as Independence celebrations, all manner of gatherings occur in this large public space. I was around for Trinidad's Independence, and the firework display at the park was nothing short of phenomenal!

On a hot day, walking around the park can become draining, and seeing that the area is so large, one may wonder where to find a cooling drink for a parched throat. This is where the many coconut vendors come in to play. These small scale entrepreneurs set up shop at various points around the park and offer clients cold coconut water straight from the nut. The coconuts are kept in coolers of ice until a prospective buyer approaches, then they take a machete and cut the nut open. I've had quite a few, and found them to be a lovely treat for a bargain price of $1!

All in all, the Queen's Park Savannah is a really interesting attraction in the heart of Port of Spain. It's location is very ideal for visitors, as it's a short walk to other places of interest such as the Emperor Valley Zoo and the intricate architecture of the National Academy for the Performing Arts. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 14, 2013

Queen's Park Savannah
Port of S
Port of Spain, Trinidad

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