Thursday, 14 August 2014
Best Hiking Trail
Tuesday, 5 August 2014
Trini Legends
Superstition is very much a part of Trinidad. Some believe these tales are true, others say they are just...tales. here are a few of the ones that scared me the most when I was a child
1. Soucouyant.
The soucouyant is a woman who peels her skin off and transforms into a ball of fire. At night, she roams villages seeking blood ( much like a vampire). To prevent her from entering your house, you must throw a bag of rice at your door, as it is said she will spend the night picking the rice up from the floor, grain by grain, as if compelled to do so.
2.La Diablesse
French for female devil, La Diablesse is born a human but her dealings witht he devil has made her a malicious shape shifting spirit.
To others, her poise, figure and dress make her seem beautiful, but her hideous face is hidden by a large brimmed hat and her long dress hides the fact that on one leg ends a cow hoof. She can cast spells on unsuspecting male victims whom she leads into the forest with the promise of sexual favours. When in the forest she disappears and the man, confused and lost, runs around in the forest until he falls into a river or ravine and dies.
3. Papa Bois.
In reality, Papa Bois isnt scary or malicious- but I was scared of him for some odd reason.
He is the protector of the forest and all the animals that live there
His appearance is thought tot be that of a short old man of African descent with cloven hooves and a beard of leaves. Despite his age, he sports strong muscles and can run faster than a deer. His body is completely covered in hair and small horns sprout from his body. He carries a hollowed out bull horn, which he uses to warn animals of a hunter's approach. He is also known to have the power of metamorphosis and commonly thought to transform himself into a deer, luring hunters into the forest and getting them lost.
1. Soucouyant.
The soucouyant is a woman who peels her skin off and transforms into a ball of fire. At night, she roams villages seeking blood ( much like a vampire). To prevent her from entering your house, you must throw a bag of rice at your door, as it is said she will spend the night picking the rice up from the floor, grain by grain, as if compelled to do so.
French for female devil, La Diablesse is born a human but her dealings witht he devil has made her a malicious shape shifting spirit.
To others, her poise, figure and dress make her seem beautiful, but her hideous face is hidden by a large brimmed hat and her long dress hides the fact that on one leg ends a cow hoof. She can cast spells on unsuspecting male victims whom she leads into the forest with the promise of sexual favours. When in the forest she disappears and the man, confused and lost, runs around in the forest until he falls into a river or ravine and dies.
In reality, Papa Bois isnt scary or malicious- but I was scared of him for some odd reason.
He is the protector of the forest and all the animals that live there
His appearance is thought tot be that of a short old man of African descent with cloven hooves and a beard of leaves. Despite his age, he sports strong muscles and can run faster than a deer. His body is completely covered in hair and small horns sprout from his body. He carries a hollowed out bull horn, which he uses to warn animals of a hunter's approach. He is also known to have the power of metamorphosis and commonly thought to transform himself into a deer, luring hunters into the forest and getting them lost.
Best Beach House - Tobago
For visitors to Tobago- both domestic and foreign alike, a hotel can be quite expensive. As such, a more affordable mode of accommodation while visiting Tobago would be a beach house. Here are some of the beach houses that i will consider to be the "best"
1. Birdsong Lodge
This is an all wood lodge, perched 20 feet above ground. It offers stunning views of the beach and headland looking up the coast and the rocky cliffs and bays looking down to the west to the spectacular sunsets. Birdsong sits gently on the land and relies on the natural forces the wind to generate a cooling breeze through wooden louvers of windows that channels the air and vents the heat through the roof.
2. Half Moon Blue
Eight suites and a spectacular penthouse loft overlook the horizon, the half moon shaped Bacolet Bay and the infinity swimming pool where midnight swims are a must! The decor of the spacious rooms sets the mood for serene and lazy days and romanitc exotic nights. These colonial styled suites with jalousied windows and doors open onto verandas with rattan chaise-lounges, creating the perfect spot for whatever your heart desires
Directly above one of Tobago's most spectacular beaches, the Mahi Mahi Suite is one of eight luxury 3- bedroom apartments in an elegant and upscale new seaside development, described as the most beautiful building on the island.
The beach is literally on your doorstep.
Simply step outside of your building and step onto one of the most beautiful beaches the island has to offer- Grafton Beach, which is wonderful for snorkelling, swimming, surfing, fishing, and turtle watching.
1. Birdsong Lodge
This is an all wood lodge, perched 20 feet above ground. It offers stunning views of the beach and headland looking up the coast and the rocky cliffs and bays looking down to the west to the spectacular sunsets. Birdsong sits gently on the land and relies on the natural forces the wind to generate a cooling breeze through wooden louvers of windows that channels the air and vents the heat through the roof.
Eight suites and a spectacular penthouse loft overlook the horizon, the half moon shaped Bacolet Bay and the infinity swimming pool where midnight swims are a must! The decor of the spacious rooms sets the mood for serene and lazy days and romanitc exotic nights. These colonial styled suites with jalousied windows and doors open onto verandas with rattan chaise-lounges, creating the perfect spot for whatever your heart desires
Directly above one of Tobago's most spectacular beaches, the Mahi Mahi Suite is one of eight luxury 3- bedroom apartments in an elegant and upscale new seaside development, described as the most beautiful building on the island.
The beach is literally on your doorstep.
Simply step outside of your building and step onto one of the most beautiful beaches the island has to offer- Grafton Beach, which is wonderful for snorkelling, swimming, surfing, fishing, and turtle watching.
Monday, 21 July 2014
Best Roti Shop
Well this one isn't even a competition. In my opinion, the best roti can be found at Mona's Roti Shop in Marabella. Everything about them is PERFECT. The roti melts in your mouth...I cant even complete this entry because I am on my way to buy one right now. If you disagree with my opinion, feel free to leave a comment.
Sunday, 20 July 2014
Best Beach (Tobago)
Tobago is famous for its breathtakingly beautiful beaches. There are so many to choose from that I cannot declare a clear winner. Instead I will simply highlight three of my favourites. Here goes
1. Pirate's Bay
One of Tobago's less crowded beaches, it is excellent for snorkeling. The film, "Robinson Crusoe ( 1952) was filmed here
2. Pigeon Point
Perhaps the most popular beach in Tobago, Pigeon Point is located to the south west of the island. The sand at Pigeon Point is one of Tobago's finest with with a seashell tint and the water's colour, a mixture of bright turquoise and teal. This beach is well known for the constant hub of activities partly due to its proximity to the airport and hotels surrounding it
3. Englishman's Bay
A secluded beach on the leeward side of the island, it is located between Castara and Parlatuvier. Though its not as popular as Pigeon Point, it remains of the the gems of Tobago
1. Pirate's Bay
2. Pigeon Point
3. Englishman's Bay
Saturday, 19 July 2014
Best Road March of the last Decade
So what's a Road March?
The Road March is an essential part of the revelry for Trinibagonians on carnival Monday and Tuesday. It is the most demanded song by masqueraders as they cross the judging points. In other words, its the song that the masqueraders want to hear as they cross the "stage" At the end of the two day period, the song that was played the most at all judging points, is declared the "Road March"
While my personal favourite is Superblue's "Fantastic Friday", its difficult to declare an outright winner. So- you be the judge :)
2014. Ministry of Road- Machel Montano
2013. Fantastic Friday- Superblue
2012. Machel Montano- Pump Yuh Flag
2011. Machel Montano- Advantage
2010 J.W and Blaze- Palance
2009. Fay-Ann Lyons- Meet Superblue
2008. Fay- Ann Lyons- Get On
2007. Machel Montano- Jumbie
2006. Machel Montano and Patrice Roberts- Band of d Year
2005. Shurwayne Winchester - Dead or Alive
2004. Look De Band Coming
The Road March is an essential part of the revelry for Trinibagonians on carnival Monday and Tuesday. It is the most demanded song by masqueraders as they cross the judging points. In other words, its the song that the masqueraders want to hear as they cross the "stage" At the end of the two day period, the song that was played the most at all judging points, is declared the "Road March"
While my personal favourite is Superblue's "Fantastic Friday", its difficult to declare an outright winner. So- you be the judge :)
2014. Ministry of Road- Machel Montano
2013. Fantastic Friday- Superblue
2012. Machel Montano- Pump Yuh Flag
Best Doubles
Doubles is a common street food in Trinidad and Tobago. While the average trini, may not call it a sandwhich, that's the easiest way to explain it. It comprises of two bara ( flat fried bread) filled with curried channa and topped with various condiments such as pepper sauce, tamarind sauce, chadon beni, cucumber, coconut chutney and the like. Many Trinis have it for breakfast, but it can be eaten at anytime.
Since Trinis take doubles VERY SERIOUSLY, I will not dare to bestow a title. Instead I will leave it up to you the readers to thrash it out in the comment section
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)