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. 

Emancipation Day

Emancipation day is a national holiday and is celebrated on the 1st August.  This holiday commemorates the abolition of African slaves. The day is celebrated with street parades and an African village which highlights African arts and craft as well as African clothing.

Historical perspective of Emancipation Day -

• In 1780s, French immigrants who lived in the Caribbean came to Trinidad and Tobago with their slaves. They started planting cotton, cocoa and coffee
• In 1790s the British conquered Trinidad and Tobago and sugarcane became the most important crop.  With the expansion of the sugar economy, slaves were imported directly from Africa via the Slave Trade, raising the slave population in the country to over 10,000.  They lived in horrible conditions with hard labour, little food and cruel masters.
• On August 1st 1838, full freedom was granted to slaves who thereafter left the plantations.
• On 1st August 1985, Trinidad and Tobago became the first country in the world to declare a national holiday to commemorate the abolition of slavery.

Today, a week of activities are held leading to Emancipation day.  Activities highlighting African's music, song, dance, artifacts, clothing and art can be found at the Emancipation village.
                                

Emancipation Day Street Parade

Pastelle, Sorrel and other Christmas Delights

Trinbagonians love the Christmas season.  It is a festive season with lots of food, drinks and music.  Months preceding Christmas, sweet parang music fills the air and home owners make their ginger beer and ponche de creme and store it in glass bottles to be served during the Christmas season.

Pastelle, which is made of cornmeal and minced meat and wrapped in banana leaf is made and stored in the freezer to be steamed when ready to be eaten.  This dish was brought to Trinidad by the Venezuelans and is on every menu at Christmas time.   

A Christmas meal in Trinidad and Tobago is not complete without a glass of sorrel juice. This beverage is made from the flower of the sorrel plant.  The seed is removed, the flower is seeped in hot water or boiled with spices, then cooled and sugar is added to taste.

Fruit cake also known as black cake is another favourite at Christmas time.  Months before Christmas, preparation of the fruits such as prunes, raisins and mixed peel are soaked in rum. This concoction is added to the cake mixture together with browning or brown sugar that has been caramelized.  This dense cake is then soaked in cherry brandy to keep it moist. It is time consuming to prepare but totally worth it. So, what is your favourite Christmas dish?  

Wild Fowl Trust

The Pointe-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust is situated in the centre of the Petrotrin oil refinery in South Trinidad.  It is an independent non-profit environmental organization sitting on 30 hectares of land which encompasses two lakes.  This organization is the home to several endangered birds and waterfowl.  Additionally, the Trust breeds endangered birds and reintroduce them into wildlife.  

There is a forest trail near the lake with a broad walk.  The trust promotes ecotourism and awareness of preserving the environment and its natural resources.  They also offer environmental education and tan Environmental Learning Centre is situated on the grounds of the Trust which houses a library, a museum and a souvenir shop.  A Guest House - Petrea place is part of the trust and is an ideal place for visitors who wish to spend some quiet time at the location. The guest house is named after the petrea trees that grow at the location.

This facility attracts nature lovers, birdwatchers and persons interested in environmental preservation. It offers perfect viewing of tropical birds in their natural habitat.  

To visit the Pointe-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust, visit their website at www.papwildfowltrust.org/

Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat festival is an annual sporting event which occurs in both Trinidad and Tobago.  Traditional Chinese cultural performances are also showcased at the festival. Dragon boating is a fairly new sport to Trinidad and Tobago. The festival was first officially recognized in 2006 and there have been annual events since. 

A dragon Boat is approximately 12 meters long and is a human powered boat.  For the event, the boat is decorated with a dragon head and tail and the crew are required to carry a large drum on board as the drummer's rhythm guides the paddlers strokes.  Generally, the crew consists of 20 paddlers, a drummer and someone sitting at the rear of the boat to steer the boat.  Tobago's dragon boat festival was in June this year, i'm looking forward to attending next year.

Bake and Shark

Having a bake and shark at Maracas is mandatory when you visit Maracas beach.  With the endless options of toppings such as tamarind sauce, garlic sauce, chadon beni, pineapple, tomatoes, lettuce, pepper sauce makes this sandwich a very enjoyable one.

If you don't fancy shark, most vendors have bake and king fish on their menu.  The best way to enjoy this sandwich, whether you are having the bake and shark or bake and king fish is after your sea bath at Maracas beach and ready for a big meal and a cold drink.

The Pitch Lake

The Pitch Lake is situated on the southwestern area of Trinidad in the town of La Brea.  The pitch lake spans almost 100 acres and approximately 76 meters deep.  It is the largest natural deposit of asphalt in the world.  Whilst the pitch lake can be walked on, there are certain areas that are so soft that one can slowly sink if they stand in that area too long.

This pitch or asphalt was formed when rising oil combined with clay and water.  The lake is said to replenish itself whenever pitch is dug out from a specific area of the lake.

Tobago Heritage Festival

The Tobago Heritage festival is an annual event which takes place in July to August in Tobago.  The event highlights several different shows, some of which are the Ole Time Wedding, Goat and Crab races, the Ole Time Carnival, Folk Fiesta as well as the Festival of Dance.

Most of the Villages in Tobago partake in this festival by portraying different cultural activities on different dates in their respective villages.  This is a very exciting time in Tobago as guests to this festival will experience the Tobagonian way of life, traditions, music and food. 

Doubles

Doubles is a street food and is made of two baras and channa (chick peas) sold with toppings and wrapped in paper.  If you are eating it on the spot, the vendor gives it to you unwrapped and a napkin is placed under the paper.  The toppings varies from one doubles vendor to the other.  The variety of toppings ranges from cucumber, mango sauce, tamarind, coconut chutney, pepper sauce and chadon beni sauce. Vendors usually ask customers how much pepper, I recommend that you say 'slight', however, if you like very spicy food then you can request 'heavy pepper.'  The bara is relatively standard in that it could be described as a fried flat bread, the size ranges with each vendor, some offer very large baras and some vendors sell a smaller size.  I know of one doubles vendor who sells regular as well as wholewheat baras.  One can also request a triple and receive three baras as opposed to two.

Doubles are inexpensive and in the past, doubles was sold mainly in the morning time.  However, now doubles are sold throughout the day and at night time as well.  Some doubles vendors sell in a van and prepare the doubles on the spot and those doubles are most enjoyable as it is piping hot and fresh.  One usually eats doubles by picking up one of the baras and use it as a vessel to pick up some of the topping, i.e. channa and sauce, and eat the other bara and remainder of the toppings after.  The best doubles can be bought in Debe, South Trinidad and this area is known as the Capital of doubles.  When you take a trip to Debe, there are several vendors offering doubles, aloo pie, baiganee, saheena and pholourie.  You can normally find a coconut vendor next to a doubles vendor, ready to offer you a cold coconut water to quench your thirst after enjoying your doubles.  

Englishman's Bay,Tobago

Englishman's bay is one of the hidden gems of Tobago.  It is situated between Castara and Parlatuvier and is approximately forty minutes drive from the island's capital, Scarborough.  It is a  quiet and secluded beach that is surrounded mainly by forested area, making for a calm beach that is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.  

Whist this beach is not adorned with large beach umbrellas, there is a restaurant close to the beach as well as craft stalls and vendors.  The journey to the beach takes you through a rugged dirt road but it is well worth the drive.  There are several coconut and almond trees on the beach.  The water is of a greenish blue colour and the sand is off white.  This accompanied by the forested surroundings makes for a perfect ambiance for beach goers.  In fact, Englishman's Bay was named as one the the best beaches in the Caribbean by Travel Channel.   

Divali

Divali is a Hindu festival celebrated annually on the fifteenth night of the dark fortnight of the month of Kaartik, which is usually in October or November. In Trinidad and Tobago, Divali is a public holiday as over 40 percent of the population are ethnic Indians.  The day is marked by the lighting of deyas which are made from clay and filled with oil or ghee. Hindus also clean their homes and surroundings, wear new clothing and give charity to the needy on this day.

The week preceding Divali, villages throughout the islands relate the story of Lord Rama and his wife Sita at a Savannah or Ramleela ground in the respective village. This depiction is acted out by members of the village and is normally told in the evening time.  Spectators flock the area to witness the dramatic event.  The highlight of this show is the burning of the evil king Ravana. Most villages build a tall statute out of wood to represent Ravana and when he is lit on fire, this can be seen from miles away. The significance of Divali is the triumph of good over evil and it is dubbed the Festival of lights to represent light overcoming darkness. 

In Trinidad and Tobago, Hindu's would start the day early by saying prayers in the temple or at home.  They would distribute delicacies to family, friends and neighbours as well as invite them to their homes to celebrate the day's festivities.  The traditional sweets that are prepared are laddu, bafi, goolaab jamoon, parsad and khurma.  Trinidad and Tobago is a multi-cultural and multi-religious country and this holiday, like all others is embraced by the population as most households feast on Indian delicacies and roti on this day.  In the night time, villages come to life as the streets are lit with deyas which are placed on bamboo stalks and people walk through the streets to admire the lights and decorations.

Curry Crab and Dumpling

A visit to Tobago, particularly Store bay is not complete without enjoying a meal of curry crab and dumpling.  This is considered the signature dish of Tobago and can be bought at the food court at Store bay which is situated after the car park and before the beach. There is an outdoor seating area which is covered with large umbrella shaped covering.  The dumplings are delicious (I prefer cassava dumplings) and the crab is time consuming to eat but well worth the effort.  Here is a recipe for curry crab and dumpling, hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

For Cassava Dumpling
3 cups grated cassava
3 cups all purpose flour
1 cup water
2 tbsp salt for boiling

For Crab (seasoning)
8 crab
4 tbsp. curry,
2 tbsp green seasoning
14 leaves Chadon Beni
6 cloves garlic
3 pimento peppers
1 dash pepper sauce

For Crab (currying)
1 medium tomato, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
2 tbsp oil
1 tsp amchar masala
1 tsp geera (cumin)
1/2 tsp saffron powder (tumeric)
1/3 cup water

2 cups coconut milk

1/2 cup water

Mix cassava, water and flour in a bowl and kneed until the dough is firm.  Divide the dough in two and make two long rolls.  Slice the rolls and flatten to shape dumpling.  Boil a pot of water and add the salt to water.  When the water starts to boil, add the dumplings and when the dumplings float to the top it is ready to be strained from the water and set aside.

Wash and clean the crab and scald in hot water with lime or lemon juice.  Season with green seasoning and 2 tbsp curry. Add garlic, chadon beni, pimento and pepper sauce.  Cover and let crab marinate for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator. In an iron pot, heat oil and add onion and garlic.  In a cup, mix saffron powder in a 1/3 cup of water, add garlic, curry, pimentos chadon beni, cumin and masala.  Add this mixture to pot and let it cook until most of the water evaporates.  Add crab in pot and turn frequently until crab is completely coated in curry.  Add tomatoes and coconut milk.  Add a cup of water and cook until crab turns red.  The crab is now ready to be eaten.  Serve over the cassava dumpling and enjoy!

Queens Park Savannah

The Queens Park Savannah is situated in Port of Spain and sits on approximately 260 acres of land.  It is said to be one of the world's largest traffic roundabout.  On the Southern side, the National Academy of Performing Arts can be found as well as the National Museum.

Seven colonial mansions are situated on the north-western side of the savannah and are referred to as the magnificent seven.  The seven buildings are -

• Archbishop's house
• Mille Fleurs
• Hayes Court
• Queens Royal College
• Whitehall
• Kallarney and
• Roomor

The Emperor Valley Zoo and the Botanical gardens can also be found around the savannah.  The savannah is considered to be the heart of the city and is used as a venue for concerts, sporting events and kite flying. Joggers frequent the savannah as well as coconut vendors.  There are tall trees offering shade to persons desirous of having a picnic and benches can also be found for spectators.  It is the ideal place to exercise and enjoy some sight seeing as well.

Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival

Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival is celebrated annually on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. This festival showcases calypso and soca music, costumes and various competitions which culminates with several bands competing for the band of the year title on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.  On these two days, thousands of masquerades parade through the streets  displaying their colourful and exuberant costumes. 

The build up to Carnival Monday and Tuesday showcases several competitions such as Junior Soca Monarch and Extempo Monarch which are awarded to the best singer of that respective competition.  The International Soca Monarch competition is not one to miss as the contestants compete for the title in the Groovy or Power category.  The most popular songs introduced for that year can be heard at this competition.  

The King and Queen of the bands are selected at the Dimanche Gras show which takes place the Sunday night before Carnival Monday.  At this show, judges select the winner of  the band that portrays the most artistic and exuberant costume.   The winner of the calypso competition is also selected at this show.  This person receives the title of Calypso Monarch.
The countries national instrument, the Steel Pan is also showcased during the Carnival season with the Panorama Competition.

The parade of the bands is a celebration you will not want to miss.  Have you decided which band you will be playing with next year?