Gasparee Caves

Gasper Grande Island also called Gasparee island is situated off the North Coast of Trinidad and it is one of seven small islands in that location.  The island is a short distance from Chaguaramas and is accessible by boat.  Gasparee Island is the home of the Gasparee Caves, which is situated approximately ten minutes walk up a slight incline on the northern side of the island and then about 100 feet down to the caves.

The Gasparee caves is made of natural natural limestone and has a beautiful turquoise coloured pool at the bottom. There are sinkholes and the cave is filled with stalactites and stalagmites. You can book a tour to visit this natural wonder through the Chaguaramas Development Authority. 

Eid ul Fitr

Trinidad and Tobago is a twin island state with a rich cultural diversity.  Muslims make up approximately 6 percent of the country's population and Eid ul Fitr is one of the many public holidays that the country celebrates.  

Eid, as it is commonly called, marks the end of fasting or the month of Ramadan. The word 'Fitr' means to break and this holiday recognizes the breaking of the fasting period .  During Ramadan, Muslims exercise self discipline and self restraint as this is a very religious and significant period for them.  

On the day of Eid, Muslims attend mosque where special prayers are held.  The common greeting for this day to Muslims is 'Eid Mubarak' which means 'Happy Eid.'  Eid is a day of great celebration for the Muslim community and following their morning prayers, they share money and food to those in need as well as to persons in their community.

In Trinidad and Tobago, it is the norm to be invited to the homes of Muslim friends or family to celebrate this joyous occasion with them.  Sweets and other delicacies are offered as well as food. The menu on this day is usually roti, curried goat, curried chicken, pumpkin, bhagi and channa and potato.  One of the dishes that is anticipated and enjoyed on Eid is sawine.  

This is made of vermicelli, milk, spices and nuts and it is absolutely delicious. Sawine is my favourite delicacy during the Eid holiday, what is your favourite Eid delicacy?

Chicken Pelau

Pelau is a popular one pot dish in Trinidad and Tobago. It comprises rice, meat, peas and other vegetables and coconut milk.  It is a easy to prepare and store especially when heading to the beach or making a river lime.  Pelau is usually served with fresh salad such as cucumber and lettuce, coleslaw and slices of avacado or as we call it, zaboca.

The type of meat that is cooked in this dish can be chicken, beef, pork or a combination of meats.  It really depends on the chef to use whatever type of meat they prefer.  The peas used in making pelau is usually pigeon peas, it can be fresh or in the tin.  I personally prefer to use fresh pigeon peas in making pelau.  Here is a recipe to make this yummy dish -

1 chicken cleaned, cut into small pieces and seasoned with chive, celery, shadon beni, ginger, garlic, and thyme and salt

1 Onion

2 tbsp sugar

2 cloves garlic

1 sprig chive

2 cups water
1 cup coconut milk

1 cup fresh pigeon peas or 1 tin processed pigeon peas

1 whole hot green pepper 

1 ½ cups rice                  

1 cup chopped pumpkin

1 medium carrot, peeled and diced

4 pimento peppers, chopped

1 sml piece of ginger, grated

2 tbsp oil

salt to taste

In a deep iron pot heat 2 tablespoon of sugar until slightly brown. Add the seasoned chicken.  Stir in a little water and 2 tbsp oil and cook until evenly browned. Prepare the peas, carrots, pumpkin, vegetables, garlic and ginger for the pot. Add it all to the boiling liquid. Stir. Add the rice and coconut milk Add water and hot pepper.  Cover the pot.  Uncover and stir occasionally so the rice doesn’t stick.  Ensure you remove the hot pepper before stirring. Cover, reduce to a simmer, and cook until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice has been cooked. Remove hot pepper and serve.

Colonial Forts in Trinidad and Tobago

Both Trinidad and Tobago have several Colonial Forts that allows visitors to enjoy a spectacular view of the islands.  In Trinidad, one of the most popular fort is Fort George, which overlooks Port of Spain.  It was built in 1804 and provided protection for Port of Spain in the event of an invasion.

Fort Abercromby is a hidden fort but well worth the journey as the picturesque view is breath taking.  The path down the steps and then through a dirt track to get to the Fort which is situated in Las Cuevas is beautiful and tranquil.  Fort Abercromby was named after Sir Ralph Abercromby who was the head of the British Forces.   

Fort King George is one of the most popular forts in Tobago.  It was built in the 1780s and has a spectacular view of  Scarborough and the Atlantic Ocean.  Visitors can also visit the Tobago Museum which is situated at the same location of this fort.  This area is great for a picnic as the ground is always well kept and the ambiance is most relaxing.

Fort Bennett is situated at Black Rock, Tobago and was built between 1628 and 1636.  This fort overlooks Grafton Beach Resort and a quaint gazebo could be found at the end of the path leading to an amazing view.

Carib Great Race

Carib Great Race is an annual event which takes place in the month of August.   The race, which has a history of over forty-five years starts in Trinidad and ends in Tobago.  Different categories of powerboats compete in this exciting open sea race and boats are categorized in accordance with the speed of the respective boat. The starting point of the race has changed over the years, however, the race starts mainly in the western area of Trinidad and ends at Storebay, Tobago.

The race draws thousands of spectators to the shoreline along both Trinidad and Tobago to witness the race which has a course of approximately 115 miles and takes approximately two hours to complete, depending on the respective boat's speed category.  As part of the planning and promotion of the Great Race,  a parade of the boats is held where the boats are driven through the streets of Port of Spain prior to the commencement of the race.  

Whilst the race takes place in the morning, spectators normally spend the entire day on the beach and are entertained with activities such as dancing and beer drinking competition.  The award giving ceremony follows the race and this too is a highly anticipated event as there are several awards being distributed to the participants.  

This year, I would like to witness the race at Storebay, where will you be viewing the race?

Corn Soup and other street foods

Corn soup is a popular street food in Trinidad and Tobago.  It is a tasty dish consisting of corn, pumpkin, carrots, dumplings and coconut milk and is sold in a styrotex cup in sizes of small, medium and large.

Souse is another street food and is mainly sold on Friday evenings and on weekends. It is a pickled meat, particularly chicken foot and pig foot that is well seasoned and sold with slices of cucumber. 

Gyros has gain popularity in Trinidad and Tobago and was introduced by our Syrian community.  It consists of pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and meat, mainly lamb but you can get shrimp gyros as well.  You would certainly want to try a lamb gyro with lots of garlic sauce.  

Mt. St. Bendict

Mount Saint Benedict is a Monastery situated at St. John Street Tunapuna.  It is the home to Monks that follow the Order of Saint Benedict and was constructed over 100 years ago.

The Abbey consists of a church, a monastery, a yogurt factory, an abbey shop and a guest house.  It sits on over 240 acres of land that appears to be nestled in the northern range.  This abbey is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and is titled 'Our Lady of Exile.'  

People frequently visit the the Abbey to pray, get counsel or enjoy the panoramic view of the East-West corridor and central Trinidad.  It is a peaceful place and gives one a sense of tranquility.  The church and the abbey shop are open to the public everyday.