Trinidad,
the island of my birth is the larger of the two islands that make
up the country of Trinidad and Tobago. It got its name from Christopher
Columbus who 'discovered' it on his third voyage in 1498, He so
named the island, after sighting the 'Three Sisters, the three
hills that form the southern mountain range on the island. The
island boasts of warm, humid weather, fanned constantly by the
North-East Trade Winds, throughout the year. Some of the most
exotic flora and fauna in the Western Hemisphere abound here.
There are beautiful sandy beaches on both Trinidad and Tobago,
however because of having fewer rivers, Tobago's waters are clearer
and underwater visibility is better.
Trinidad
and Tobago is recognised world wide for its oil resources but
the country's true wealth is its peoples, who represent a multicultural
mix, second to no place on Earth. The people are as warm (hearted)
as the tropic sun that daily brightens their spirit. The blend
of ethnic food, religions and cultural customs is reflected in
the island's music and spirituality.
The degree of discipline and tolerance exercised amongst the various
ethnic groups cannot be exaggerated.As individuals, Trinbagonians,
have excelled in almost every field of human endeavour, including
sports, athletics, education, politics, entertainment, and beauty
competitions. To name a few famous Trinbagonians:- Ato Boldon-
sprinter; Brian Lara- cricketer; Dwight Yorke- soccer player;
Peter Minshall- designer extraordinaire; Vidia Naipaul- writer;
Derek Walcott- poet/ playwright; Wendy Fitzwilliam- Miss Universe
1998; Billy Ocean- singer; David Rudder- calypsonian/music writer;
Eric Williams- West Indian historian /politician; the list goes
on and on.......
Trinidad
and Tobago has become synonymous with Carnival, the steeldrum,
calypso and beautiful women. The country literally goes wild on
Carnival days with dancing in the streets to the calypso beat
on the steeldrum, which incidentally is the only musical instrument
invented in this century. It is virtually impossible to describe
the merriment and the colourful costumes displayed at Carnival.
To this, add beautiful women frolicking in the Sun in gay abandonment.....Heaven!
Seeing is believing!
Dining
in Trinidad is a gastronomical experience. The variety of ethnic
food to be had, would make a United Nations buffet, green with
envy.......From exotic local dishes, like Crab an' Callaloo, Oil
Down, Pelau, Moi Moi....... East Indian Curries, Chinese Foo Youngs,
Arabic Falafils, Indonesian Rijstaffels, American Steaks ,,,,to
French haute cuisine.......they
are all to be had! And if you want to end your days in Trinidad?
Be sure you eat some cascadoo, a local fish. The fable goes that
those who eat the cascadoo, end their days there!